Ripples: DISCIPLE

When Jesus issued the great commission He called us to, Go and make DISCIPLES of all nations. There is a decline in church attendance and membership in this nation. A nation founded on Biblical principles by our forefathers. We have to ask ourselves, Why is the church in decline?

I believe the church has taken issue with saving the lost and has lost focus on the task of making disciples. A disciple is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. Jesus as we all know had 12 disciples throughout His ministry. He called the twelve that they might be trained to go forth and complete the great commission.

The disciples walked with Jesus learning first hand how He Himself ministered to the needs of the people. They took the model He taught and the church multiplied rapidly. They learned then repeated what He taught. They did not simply preach the gospel expecting people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and move on to the next town. They became leaders who discipled others just as they were discipled.

We wonder why our churches are in decline and we have failed to disciple those that we bring to the knowledge that Jesus loves them. As Christians we have a responsibility to take people under our wing as Jesus took the disciples under His wing and teach them. This is not optional. The scripture does not say, If you feel like it, or if it is convenient Go and make DISCIPLES of all nations. It says simply, GO!

We as Christians have been sitting at the buffet tables of our churches for too long growing spiritually fat. There is no room for the spiritually fat in the church. Jesus is looking for people who are willing to take action. For us to be missional; taking the church to the people rather than waiting for the people to come to the church.

Look outside your stain glassed windows, there are lost hurting people waiting for the good Samaritan to come along, bound their wounds, and bring them to a safe place. Will you be the Pharisee or the Samaritan? Jesus disciples gave up everything to follow Him. What are you willing to give up to follow Him?

We as Christians need to throw down denominational and doctrinal issues beginning to work together that none should perish. Will you be able to stand before Christ and say that you have done everything possible to see that people have been added to His Kingdom? Or will you say, My church did not believe in that, we did not want to offend anyone. I believe allowing people to continue on a path that leads to hell is the most offensive thing we can do as Christians. BE A DISCIPLER!