Discipleship Tools
Over the last few years I have taken on the hobby of making wooden bowls and ornaments. It has required me to learn how to use new tools. The most important is the lathe. It does all the work. The other tools allow me to shape the wood to a desired out come. A bowl gouge, scraper, flute, sandpaper and wax are all needed to complete the project.
Making disciples requires us to use certain tools. God does all the work. The Holy Spirit is the One who transforms our hearts. We participate by 1) Sharing the gospel of Jesus toward salvation and baptism; 2) Sharing our knowledge of God’s will to help others keep His commandments.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
Baptism is a public confession of trust in salvation. We share the message that all have sinned, the wages of sin is death, and the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. Point others to place their trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation from their sins.
Teaching others to observe God’s commands is the simple fact of telling others what He likes. We are compelled out of gratitude and obedience to return the love of God back to Him. He has blessed you with forgiveness. Bless Him with faithfulness to His Word.
Use these tools this week and watch God change the hearts of those you know and love.
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
Making disciples requires us to use certain tools. God does all the work. The Holy Spirit is the One who transforms our hearts. We participate by 1) Sharing the gospel of Jesus toward salvation and baptism; 2) Sharing our knowledge of God’s will to help others keep His commandments.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
Baptism is a public confession of trust in salvation. We share the message that all have sinned, the wages of sin is death, and the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. Point others to place their trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation from their sins.
Teaching others to observe God’s commands is the simple fact of telling others what He likes. We are compelled out of gratitude and obedience to return the love of God back to Him. He has blessed you with forgiveness. Bless Him with faithfulness to His Word.
Use these tools this week and watch God change the hearts of those you know and love.
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden