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Topic: Discipleship (02/23/04)
TITLE: discipleship By thea english 02/26/04 |
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Some people have complained that our churches are becoming entertainment centers and that they’ve gotten away from the teachings of God’s Word. I even heard about a church that has an ATM machine! Instead of discipleship in the church, we now talk mainly about financial gain and the ministers are turning into motivational speakers. Whatever happened to the basic teachings of the faith such as salvation, the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer, growing in grace and letting our lights shine in the world? This is missing in some churches.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t discuss secondary issues such as money, dating, friendships, church doctrines or different views on the end times. But when discipleship is replaced with minor topics, we lose sight of what our mission should be; to disciple the body of Christ and exhort them to grow more like Christ each day. Ministers should focus on the essentials and then the other issues just may be solved. I also feel that we should leave secularism out the church. I recently saw a book that appeared to be a legitimate book for Christians but it was just another New Age self-help book. Yet some churches are adhering to the positive thinking ideal instead of promoting God-centeredness. When churches have true discipleship, they will stress the importance of God’s strength and wisdom, not our own.
Another thing the churches have forgotten is that the unbelievers should come to Christ just as they are and then He will change them. Too often we think they should act right before answering the altar call but that’s why they need Christ, so they can have His life. And over time, through discipleship and God’s work in their lives, we will see a change in their lives. We also tend to be a bit judgmental of fellow believers when they’re not as spiritual as we are. But each of us grow in our own time and we should show more compassion in the church.
Discipleship is not just in the church, however. Believers can assist each other in their faith at home, at a restaurant, at work, at a park or while traveling. When a group of believers meet for a Bible study in the neighborhood, it’s discipleship. When a minister counsels individuals who are caught in some sin, it’s discipleship. When Christian parents chastise their children for doing wrong, it’s discipleship.
Last but not least, God also disciplines us. At times adversity is a form of discipline because it teaches us to trust Him in all circumstances and it also prepares us for what God called us to do. If we’ve struggled with self-worth for a period of time, maybe He’s grooming us to be compassionate and helpful to those in the same situation. If we lost a loved one, it causes us to run to Him as our Comforter. Discipline is important because it develops our character and it makes us the persons He wants us to be.