Preparing

I am reading a book on discipleship. It is a compilation of other writings by tried and true men of faith who have dedicated their lives to discipleship. One of the authors quoted a Barna statistic that I can not get out of my head: In any given year, only 5% of professing Christians - including pastors and clergy - will lead someone to Christ. That is a little alarming when we put it into the context of Matthew 9:37...

So consider this: If one person leads someone to Christ once each month and that person leads someone to Christ once each month, in just one year that person has been responsible for 2048 people knowing Jesus! That is 2048 names written in the book of life from just one individual in just one year.

It is on my heart to teach everyone I know to share their faith. Don't get confused...this is about discipleship and not evangelism. By teaching people to do what we have been commanded to do, their faith, knowledge and understanding of God and His precepts will deepen. I believe it is our job to disciple the nations. When we are actively engaged in discipleship, evangelism will just happen. Evangelism is a fruit of proper discipleship.

Look at Acts 3:1-10 and Acts 4:13-14 for a minute...In Acts 3, Peter heals the beggar and we see what happens when someone is "healed" and accepts Christ: The beggar "... jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."

The beggar followed Peter and John into the temple courts holding onto them and dancing and jumping...this is discipleship in action! Because the beggar was healed (saved) he could not contain his excitement and joy! He stayed with the men and his actions then became a testimony to those who knew him. The very fruits of our obedience to God is a testimony to His saving grace. If we diligently lead people to Christ and disciple them, none of us will be able to contain our excitement or our joy at the work God does in our lives.

The message this week will be from Matthew 9 and we will discuss the plentiful harvest and the few workers. As we prepare to join God in revival, we must examine our place in Kingdom work. It is such a privilege to know we do not toil in vain, but God's work is done through us. Each of us should be ready to share our faith and "...always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Find someone to disciple you and then find someone to disciple...think about it: 2,048 names in the book of life in just one year because you were faithful...could you stand still?

Have a blessed day,

Pastor Michael