Go, Make Disciples.

Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 3:6 Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you...

We are to make disciples...we cannot give what we do not have. How can you teach patience, when you deal with anger? How can you teach love, when you constantly fight with your spouse? How can you teach discipline, when you give in to worldly indulgences? 

What is the primary role of the Church with it's preaching, classes, programs, and lessons? Is it to teach about Jesus? Or is to help us to become like Jesus! 

Unless the people attending Church, in their daily lives, are being transformed into the image of Christ (the perfect example of how we are to live and love) then all of our efforts, time, study, and work in the Church, are a waste of time. 

Much of Today's Modern Evangelism say's "Go, make converts" Jesus never preached this philosophy. Jesus said, "Go...make disciples...teach them to obey, as I have commanded and taught you" The Holy Spirit came to convict men of sin. 

The difference is found in this...the former often times coerces people into saying a pray. The latter, by the Holy Spirit, leads people to feeling godly sorrow that leads to repentance, as they witness Christ in your life, and experience the love of Christ through you. 

True Discipleship leads people to ask for themselves "How must I be saved?" Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized...They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  .

Evangelism does not always include discipleship, but out of discipleship, always comes evangelism. Much of today's evangelism is trying to create a born again experience. But a born again experience is of God alone, and by His timing too. When we come along side of people however, and disciple them as commanded by preaching the Gospel AND being an example to them, then oftentimes God will touch them along the way and we witness true conversion. 

Two kinds of Discipleship: 

Pre-Conversion Discipleship: This mostly occurs in the community.

Post-Conversion Discipleship: This mostly occurs in the Church

Discipleship, is found between the incarnation of Christ, and the cross. Discipleship is in the life and teachings of Christ. We cannot simply preach and teach the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ (God loves you and died for you) We must preach the full Gospel which includes repentance and obedience along with demonstrating by example in our own lives.

Have you devoted yourself to doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. 

We cannot give what we do not have