Introduction: Matthew 28:18-20
- What does Jesus want everybody to become?
- Which is the more popular term — "Disciple" or "Christian?" The word "Christian" only appears three times in the New Testament. It is the name those in the world gave the disciples, seven years after the church began. (Acts 11:19-26). The word "Disciple" occurs over 270 times in the New Testament.
- SAVED = CHRISTIAN = DISCIPLE
- Jesus came to make disciples. Only baptized disciples will be saved.
Let's have Jesus define disciple, thus defining who is a true Christian.
- Mark 1:14-18
- Calling of the first disciples
- Come follow me (Christ)
- Fishers of men — Jesus gave these first disciples the real purpose for living
- Immediately
- Luke 9:23-26
- If any man...
- Deny self. Notice Christ in the garden (Matthew 26:36-39, "Not my will, but your will"). Do not give in to moods.
- Carry the cross — daily
- Gain the world ... forfeit soul. Lose your life for Jesus ... save it
- Luke 14:25-33
- If any man...
- Count the cost (v. 28-30)
- Consider the alternatives (v. 31-32)
- Love Christ more than any person (v. 26)
- Persecutions (v. 27)
- Everything, not just anything (v. 33)
- Luke 11:1-4
- Must learn to pray — disciples saw the strength Jesus received from the Father
- Daily personal relationship with God (v. 3); daily prayer.
- John 13:34-35
- Love one another
- Be an active part of the fellowship
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Command — make disciples (given to all)
- Who is a candidate for baptism? A person who makes the decision to be a disciple
- You need someone to disciple you to maturity in Christ
- This is the only way to save the world!
Year |
Preacher |
Disciple |
1 |
365 |
2 |
2 |
730 |
4 |
3 |
1,095 |
8 |
13 |
4,745 |
8,192 |
33 |
12,045 |
the world, 10 billion plus |
Conclusion Question: Am I a disciple? Am I a Christian? Am I saved? What do I need to do to become a disciple?