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Topic: Teacher (10/26/06)
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TITLE: YOU CAN'T MAKE WHAT YOU AIN'T | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rev. Toni Brown
10/28/06 -
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“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
When we read this scripture, we say, ‘This scripture is for the ‘believer.’ Well, not exactly. You see this scripture is saying ‘make disciples.’ (Even the King James Version which says, ‘teach all nations’; the word ‘teach’ here means to ‘make disciples.’) If Jesus is telling us to make disciples, then we must be disciples. An orange tree cannot produce an apple; two dogs cannot produce a cat. And if you are not a disciple you cannot ‘make a disciple.’ YOU CAN'T MAKE WHAT YOU AIN'T!
You say, “Well if I am a believer, I am a disciple.” Really?
“Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23
I suppose these were ‘believers.’ If they had not believed, then they would not have done ‘works’ in Jesus’ name. But Jesus said He never knew them…Do you think they were disciples? BECAUSE YOU CAN'T MAKE WHAT YOU AIN'T!
The Word says,
“You believe there is one God. You do well. Even demons believe – and tremble!” James 2:19
Also, there were people whom Jesus cast out demonic spirits; and the spirits said to Jesus, “…Thou art Christ the Son of God...” (Luke 4:41)
So these scriptures seem to suggest that we can believe that Jesus is the Son of God. We can believe that He is the Christ. We can believe that He died for the sins of the world and God raised Him from the dead; but we still may not be disciples.
Why? Because a disciple is a ‘disciplined learner.’ A disciple follows and serves his master faithfully, taking time and effort to learn carefully all the teaching and skills that his master wants to impart to him.
Discipleship is a way of life; it is a journey; it is ongoing; it is a commitment! You have to have a close relationship to the teacher; and you must be humbly submitted to Him.
A true disciple becomes like a reproduction of the Teacher. And then the disciple repeats the process of discipleship, taking on the task of reproducing the Master’s life in others.
YOU CAN'T MAKE WHAT YOU AIN'T!
Are you a ‘believer’ who shows up for church because it is the right thing to do? Do you walk around saying, “I’m born again! I’m saved.” But your actions show otherwise?
Jesus prayed all night; He prayed early in the morning before daybreak; He fasted; He loved; He forgave; When tempted of the devil, He spoke the Word; He was submitted to God’s will; He was committed unto death; Jesus was humble; When Jesus was being accused of many things by the chief priests, He said nothing! (He could have said much).
Are you forgiving, praying and fasting, studying, and humble? Are you surrendered and submitted; committed and devoted?
Are you a disciple? Are you like the Master? Are you ‘following and serving; learning and doing?’ Or did you stop at ‘believer’?
Is a Christian a ‘believer’? Yes! Is a believer a ‘disciple’? The answer should be yes!
Once we make a decision for Christ, our journey of discipleship should begin and it should continue. We should then ‘go and make disciples!” BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE WHAT YOU AIN'T!
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