Discipleship

• Christians are to make disciples (Matthew 28: 19-20)-"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. "  This is the Great Commission of Christianity.  This is the primary goal of all believers and followers of Jesus.  We are to lead by example, and teach them the ways of Jesus.  This is the will of God for all humanity.  That they be saved, and in turn, aid in the salvation of others.
  
• Jesus' followers are known by their love (John 13: 35)-"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."  When we love the way the LORD loves us, it is evident that the Holy Spirit dwells within our hearts.  It proves that we are Jesus' followers/disciples.  When people can see the love we have for others, that love will spread among them as well, and they too can begin to love others.  This is how we know who Jesus' followers truly are.  We can see it in their love.
• Christians should help other Christians grow (Acts 14: 21-22)-After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers.  They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.  We know that it is very important that Christians help one another to grow spiritually.  The way that we help one another is based on our own experience in our walk of faith.  Our experience enables us to help our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  All Christians will be tried.  There are many disappointments in the walk of faith.  Because of the good nature and perfection of Christ, we know that man falls short of God's glory and grace.  We will often find that we are disappointed or discouraged with the way things can turn out in this imperfect world.  But we must encourage one another when we see our fellow Brother or Sister in a slump, feeling discouraged, or growing weary.  We must remember the reward that we have as Heirs of God's Kingdom, and that Jesus too had to go through many tribulations until His death on the cross.  Like Jesus, we too will go through similar trials and tribulations.  Like this, we fulfill God's plan and call on our lives.  Victory cannot be obtained without adversity.  Through the adversity, we must remain faithful.  This is good discipleship.

This brief study serves as a reminder to all believers.  He calls us to be disciples.  To have love for one another.  To encourage one another.  To lift one another up.  To teach one another.  To lead by example.  Lets live in that way, even during the worst of times.  Be a blessing to your fellow Christian Brother or Sister, just as the LORD is a blessing to you.  Until the next study, may the LORD be with you and be filled with the Holy Spirit.