Thoughts on Making Disciples 12

Here's what I know of making disciples: I have to have a compelling reason. Somehow, some way, I have to arrive at the conclusion that making disciples is something I'm going to do. Start with non-Christians, not at the exclusion of Christians, of course. Know that the work of disciple making is leading people to faith and helping them grow to maturity. Pray. Deepen relationships. Share Christ. When someone comes to faith, I teach that person to obey all that Jesus has commanded.

That last thing, how do you do that? Teach them everything?! Like I said, it's a miracle... literally. Remember the encouraging words of Mark 4:27, and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows - how, he himself does not know.

Can I add a piece of practical help? It's in the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words." With something as vast and as deep as the commands of God, a picture, an example can speed us forward in ways that words cannot. A great book on humility is not as valuable as knowing a genuinely humble grandmother.

Mark 4:13 reads, He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, ...Because we loved you so much, we were delighted, not only to share with you the gospel of God but our lives as well.

These and other passages are about showing, about teaching by example. I think it is one of the more grossly under appreciated values of community.

So, practically, this means that I am bringing a disciple into my life, building relationship and teaching them to obey; not only by interacting over the Bible, but by showing him how his commands have worked themselves out in my life. All in his grace... much, much grace.

And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:3