06 Are You A Disciple of Jesus
06 Are You A Disciple of Jesus
In this brochure we shall consider what is A disciple bears much fruit - Again, consider
involved in being a disciple of Jesus Christ. If Jesus’ words to His disciples (Jn 15:8). A true
you are not one now, you will learn how to disciple bears much fruit. Not an occasional
become one today! Let’s start with... good deed, but a lifestyle which prompts people
to glorify God (Mt 5:16; 1Pe 2:12). Failure to
THE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLESHIP bear much fruit results in being severed from
Christ (Jn 15:1-2)!
The word disciple means a learner, and denotes
one who follows another’s teaching (Vine’s). A A disciple of Jesus means more than just a
casual church member. It involves commitment!
The commitment involved is seen further as we spirits out of depression (Jn 15:11). He offers When done according to the Word of God,
consider... those who follow Him the abiding love of God, baptism is an act of faith which results in a
which casts out fear (Jn 15:9; 1Jn 4:18). He wonderful working of God in our lives! Our
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP makes it possible for us to be members of the sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Ac
family of God (Mk 10:28-30). 22:16; Ep 5:25-27). We are regenerated and
Jesus must come first - To be a disciple, Jesus renewed by the Spirit of God so we can now
must come first, before self (Lk 9:23-25), even There are many blessings enjoyed by disciples live for God (Ti 3:5-6). It is truly a rebirth
before family (Lk 14:25-26; Mt 10:34-37). of Jesus; but these suffice to demonstrate that involving both water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5)!
though discipleship is costly, the rewards far
We must be willing to suffer for Jesus - He exceed the cost! It includes further teaching, obedience - Note
calls us to take up our cross to follow Him (Lk carefully what follows baptism (Mt 28:20).
14:27). Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly Now that we understand the nature of This brings us back to the very definition of
world, following Jesus sometimes involves discipleship, its cost and rewards, I hope that we discipleship, for Jesus states we are to be
ridicule and persecution (2Ti 3:12). Even if we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. How taught (learners) and to observe (adherents or
are blessed to escape such things, we must still does one begin? For the answer we return to doers). Thus we embark on a life devoted to
be willing to expend time and energy in our text (Mt 28:19-20)... learning and doing all that Jesus commanded!
promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways.
THE BEGINNING OF DISCIPLESHIP Only those scripturally baptized and displaying
Forsaking all to follow Him - We must count the marks of discipleship, despite the costs, can
the cost (Lk 14:28-33). Nothing can take It involves baptism (Mt 28:19) - Why truly be called disciples of Jesus! Only they can
precedent over Him and His will for us, for He baptism? Remember the goal of discipleship: to look forward to the rewards of discipleship, and
must be the King and Lord of our lives. be like Jesus. He was holy and sinless, yet we take comfort in Jesus’ promise: “and lo, I am
are to be like Him. Baptism is an act of faith with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This cost of discipleship required by Jesus which puts us in contact with the cleansing (Mt 28:20)
caused many to turn away from following Him. blood of Jesus so we can be forgiven (Ac 2:38;
But Jesus wasn't trying to attract large crowds, 22:16; Ro 6:3-4). It is also the means by which Have you taken the initial steps in becoming a
He wanted disciples! Is the cost worth it? I one “puts on Christ” (Ga 3:27). So baptism is disciple of Jesus (faith, repentance, baptism)?
believe so, for consider.. the logical starting place for true discipleship! Are you becoming more like Him by
demonstrating the marks of discipleship in your
THE REWARDS OF DISCIPLESHIP What is baptism? It is an act of submission life? Contact us if we can be of assistance!
preceded by faith in Jesus and repentance for
Future blessings - We shall be saved from the our sins (Ac 2:36-38; 8:36-37). This precludes Fortune Road Church of Christ
wrath of God which is to come (Ac 17:31; Ro infant baptism, since infants are incapable of 2431 Fortune Road
5:9). We can look forward with joyful believing and repenting. It involves a burial in Kissimmee, FL 34744
anticipation of spending eternity with God, free water, in which one then rises to walk in KissimmeeChurch.org
from sorrow, pain and death (Re 21:1-8). newness of life through the power of God (Ac
8:38; Ro 6:3-4; Co 2:12). This precludes
Present blessings - Jesus offers a peace the sprinkling or pouring as a mode of baptism, for
Mark A. Copeland
407-319-1725
world cannot give, to calm the troubled heart neither involve a burial nor an immersion (the
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(Jn 14:27). His words inspire joy to lift our meaning of the Greek word “baptidzo”).