Discipleship Challenge - Accountability & Transparency

I've been talking with a Christian brother from our church about starting a personal discipleship group (3 guys - myself included). That idea has sparked another one that includes my interest in blogging. Rather than and in addition to, posting random thoughts and analogies, I want to include a few lines about my daily devotions and prayer. In discipleship, accountability is important, it helps us spur each other on in our growth in Christ.

OK. Here is where you, the reader, come in. Beginning October 1st, if I don't post about my devotions and prayer life at least twice a week, you have my permission to call me on it.

Hmmm, If this post has made you think, you can always join in the challenge. How cool would it be, if many of our blogging brothers and sisters joined in. Blogging discipleship group anyone?

The Importance of Discipleship - Dividing The Word of Truth

Matt 28:19-20 NIVTherefore 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.

I have been quite reserved in the expression of any opinion in regard to the Lakeland revival - first, out of a lack of interest and then, out of the fear of offending anyone.In recent months, I have spoke with a couple of individuals who went to Florida and attended the services. It was apparent that they had indeed experienced something incredible. However, when viewing footage of the services, I had some questions.

In light of the recent announcements from Florida, my questions have multiplied. I am not to say by what power the Lakeland revival has been operating. I haven't been there. God will, in fact, use who and what He wills to work through. However, when I hear words and phrases like, "new revelation", I get a little squeamish.

Today, more than ever, we need to know God's Word and use it to "test the spirits". I fear that we are part of a generation that can, increasingly, be deceived. Discipleship Classes are starting in September for our entire church. Young and old, new believers and life-long Christians alike will sit side by side as we go through the 16 Fundamental Truths of The Assemblies of God. I believe Bible doctrine needs to be revisited on a regular basis. What are you doing to "rightly divide the Word of Truth and teach sound doctrine?

GO - OOPS

Matt 28:18 - 20 NIV
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

We see the word GO on sanctuary posters depicting missions themes. A Christian band used this word to title their latest CD. Entire sermon series are preached from this word. But what does this word in Matthews Gospel really mean?

I was recently studying this passage (again) for a hermeneutics II (interpreting the Bible) class and was excited to find that the imperative verb is modified in these verses and is not "Go" but the verb form of the noun, "make disciples," or simply, "disciple". So where does that leave the word go in our understanding?

According to Dr. Leroy Bartel, in my opinion one of the greatest Bible scholars in our fellowship, the word go takes on a more relational meaning. Therefore the mandate or commission takes a more personal approach to winning souls for Christ and discipling the new believers. It speaks of "as we go about our life" we should be reaching, discipling and teaching people all the things that Christ teaches us through his Word.

It is no secret that the church has a discipleship crisis. Perhaps that is because we have been lulled into believing that if we are not called to be a missionary or pastor and we are able to say a quick prayer and write a check of support, we are excused from the great commission.

All of those things are great and necessary, but none of those things gets any of us off the hook. OOPS- I think we've been missing it.