discipleship, which calls for the denial of self and the complete rejection of au- tonomy, is not a popular theme in much of today’s church. So why does all of this matter? Why is answering Jesus’ call to make disciples so vitally important? First, there is the matter of obedience. Obedience is the proper response to grace. Obedience to Jesus’ divine imperative is not optional; the only other alternative is unfaithfulness to Christ. Second, Jesus calls his fol- lowers to be salt and light to a fallen and darkened world (Matt. 5:13-14). How can a disciple of Jesus be salt and light in the midst of the world’s darkness if he lives and acts no differently from the world? How can a disciple be a light in the midst of a darkened world when he holds to the same values and pur- sues the same treasures as the world? How can a disciple be salt and light if he is not himself discipled? What we believe and how we live are inseparably linked. Faithful disciples will be different from the world because Christianity is counterculture. The ethics of the kingdom of God are radically different from the world’s ever-shifting ethics. It was the case in Jesus’ day, and nothing has changed in the 21st century. Nothing speaks more powerfully for the truth of the Gospel than a transformed life! And there is also the corporate effect of answering Jesus’ divine imperative to make disciples. A church consisting of Christians striving to make disciples and to be disciples will abound in unity and Christ-like character, which will certainly stand out in a pagan land which pursues self and exalts self. A church consisting of Christians seeking to make disciples and to be disciples will be fo- of true and faithful disciples will “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:6). It will strive to love God and love neighbor in a culture that has exalted self and autonomy to the supreme height. It will be a church that stands out in a culture where sexual ethics and morality are on a rapid downward spiral. It will be a church that stands out in a society where lawlessness is increasing and the love of many has grown cold (Matt. 24:12). The universal authority of Jesus is the basis for the Great Commission. The emphasis of Jesus’ commission is not solely on the proclamation of the Gospel, as necessary as that is. It focuses more on the arduous, time-consuming task of leading others into the life and pattern of discipleship. To be a disciple means to pursue righteousness as articulated and modeled by Jesus. God’s primary plan for the church is for disciples of Jesus to make other disciples. Jesus com- manded that disciples make disciples. Making disciples is not strictly the job of the pastor and the elders. It is a call that falls upon each individual Christian. Time investment in the lives of others is necessary and foundational in mak- ing disciples. Jesus expects disciples to invest time in the lives of others to help The heart of the Great Commission is the imperative to “make disciples.” The investment of time in the lives of others is an inescapable necessity for making disciples. Discipleship does not “just happen.” The church’s mission is to “go… make disciples” which requires an outward focus. True discipleship is the answer to this discipleship crisis that has greatly weakened the church, as well as the church’s impact on the world. Jesus’ disciples are called to deny self in order to serve the One who loved them and gave himself for them (Gal. 2:20). A servant of Jesus is called to give because Jesus gave. Christ is not only our example. He is our motivation. Until the church faithfully and obediently heeds
Rev. Gil Martin is the pastor of Sharon ARP Church in Sharon, SC. July/August 2024 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
