Are You a Disciple or Convert?

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters

Have you downloaded our 2015 Bible Reading Plan? Join us this year as we focus of the theme: Live Courageously

Are you Disciple or Convert?

You are probably asking is there a difference, or where I’m going with this concept. For me this comes from a personal experience in that when I first was introduced to Christ I attended church, bible study, and a host of other church functions. From which, most of my needs were being met.

In addition, I sat under ministries who encouraged the members to go and share the Gospel of salvation, and called it the Great Commission. It was a very noble and an effective way to get people in gear and teach them to reach the lost. But, is that what Jesus was calling ‘The Great Commission’ (Sidebar: The term is not biblical but an added biblical caption from man’s perspective)

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(Matthew 28:18-20)

This is more than a simple conversion message or sitting in the pews when the church doors are open. This is about discipling and being discipled. So, what is a disciple? Some define it as a person who learns from, or follows, another; one who believes and helps to spread the good news. Others might consider it as a position of authority similar to the Jesus’ disciples. At Colony of Mercy, the disciples are league of gentlemen who a have graduated the colony and decided to stay for various reasons.

Let’s consider that in Luke the fourteenth chapter, Jesus challenges the builder that should he not count the cost before he begins his foundation? Or as with a king, will he approach war without considering the situation and taking a census of the men on each side? As believers, we must question ourselves: are we ready to give up some the luxuries of life and follow Christ as true disciples? However, we must be careful as it my cost some things so consider well.

Here are a few other things to consider of a true disciple. As a true disciple you MUST:

Stand firm for God’s principles even when family and friends are in contradiction to God’s command.

Love your neighbors and enemies alike.

Be a light in the world, even when you don’t feel like it.

Honor God in management of your resources.

Give your all for the One who gave His all.

Hold yourself accountable to the leadership God has placed over you.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14). Chaplain Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves full-time at America’s Keswick. You can write to Juan at jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 18-19; Romans 7

Think About This: If God sees that my spiritual life will be furthered by giving the things for which I ask, then He will give them, but that is not the end of prayer. The end of prayer is that I come to know God Himself. Oswald Chambers
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. Joshua 1:7