When Jesus gave His marching orders to His Church He told us to do one thing—“go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). From the very first day of it’s existence the group of people who put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior were told to not keep their faith to themselves, but while they lived life, whether traveling or in daily encounters, they were to pass on The Faith to others who would also believe. And in case anyone wasn’t sure what it meant to make someone a disciple, Jesus explained it saying, “[baptize] them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and [teach] them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). One task; two steps.

      So here’s my question for everyone of us here at GCC. Are you a disciple of Jesus? Are you obeying this mandate from our Lord? There are some really easy ways to know for sure.

      First, a disciple of Jesus has been baptized into the Three-fold Name of God. That is, a disciple is one who accepts the claims of and pledges obedience to God by believing that Jesus is Lord and being filled with His Spirit. This begins with hearing the claims of scripture, but requires a step of commitment. Jesus said this commitment is demonstrated by being immersed as a complete identification with Him, being buried (dying to our old life) and being raised (to new life) just as He was. Thus in our baptism (immersion) we actively participate in that event (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus) that brought about our salvation. However, one is not saved by being dunked, but by being obedient to Jesus as Lord (who commanded baptism). Salvation is an act God does for us; baptism is the act we do to accept His gift. (See Romans 6:1-7.)

     Second, a disciple of Jesus is one who becomes a student of the teachings of Jesus. After all, a disciple is a learner (like an apprentice), who actively seeks to grow and mature in all things pertaining to Jesus. This means reading His Word, both privately and being involved in study groups. This means being consistent in worship to hear the Word in praise and preaching. This means having the Word transform your life, not being just hearers, but ones who do what it says (see James 1:22). One cannot claim to be a disciple of Jesus if their life is not transformed into the likeness and character of Jesus.

     Finally, a disciple of Jesus is one who helps others to become disciples. Jesus sends His followers out into the world so that as they go through life they would look for opportunities to explain their faith when appropriate. Some who hear this message will want to follow Christ. Those are the ones we help become a disciple through baptism and being taught the way of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to know everything or have every answer, but it does mean we should be prepared to give an answer to the hope we have in Christ when asked (see 1 Peter 3:15). God doesn’t send His disciples to reach the whole world, just those who are in the part of the world where we happen to live or go.

     So back to the original question: are you a disciple of Jesus? Disciples haven’t completed the journey; but they have begun it, they keep growing in their faith, and they help others follow Jesus. May we all continue the journey as faithful disciples of our Lord and Savior.

    Your fellow-disciple,

Denis Whittet