It was December 31, 1978 that I gave my life to Jesus. Up to this point, I had been attending
church gatherings for twelve years. Not
just gatherings, but bible classes, too.
Plus, I would go with my father to study the bible with others in our
community. I was exposed to a lot of
teaching as a youngster.
One of the basic teachings that I heard Sunday after Sunday
as part of the preacher’s sermon was the need to be baptized. I heard, “If you are not baptized and you die
today, you will go to hell.” Or, “being
baptized puts you into the Lord’s Church.”
So much emphasis was placed on baptism rather than discipleship. I also noticed that once one did the act of
baptism, you were no longer their target and they pretty much stopped talking
to you. It appeared that it was more of
a numbers game rather than a discipleship process of getting a person to truly
surrender his or her life to Jesus.
It is clear from Scripture that baptism is a result of
surrendering ones life to Jesus, but it is not the totality of God’s redemptive
“plan” for salvation. It is true that
those who are baptized into Christ are baptized into his death (Romans 6:3). It is true that those who
are baptized are buried with Christ (Romans
6:4a). And, it is true that just as
Christ was raised from the dead, we too, are raised to live in the new life (Romans 6:4b).
However, the journey through salvation doesn’t start or stop
at baptism. Baptism is sandwiched
between “go and make disciples” (Matthew
28:19) and “teaching them to obey….” (Matthew
28:20) If the journey starts and
stops at baptism, then we will set everyone up for failure. If we continue to piece-mill Scripture to fit
a neatly devised “plan of salvation” we do a dis-service to God’s redemptive
plan of salvation.
To disciple someone to Jesus is leading them on a journey
about him. It is sharing his legacy,
stories, behavior, life issues, overcoming temptations and teachings. It is to help someone see the value of
wanting to live the Jesus life. To
create a legacy that will point others to Jesus. To behave honorably and to overcome
temptations by using Scriptures to combat Satan’s attempt to destroy us
spiritually.
When a person has totally accepted the life of Jesus and the
willingness to live honorably, ethically, morally, and spiritually, then one is
ready to be buried with Christ and resurrected into the new life that Scripture
calls baptism.
Remember, we cannot be cookie-cutter churches with fancy
“steps” to salvation or just tell someone to accept Jesus in their heart and
they will be saved. We must be disciples
who share the story of Jesus, live out the story of Jesus and continue to teach
the story of Jesus in order for the newest disciple to become a discipler.
Continuing to teach the disciples is vital for the welfare
of the young disciple. There are
important life lessons that the new disciple must know in order to be effective. For example:
The Apostle Paul told the disciples in Ephesus to live like they are
connected to Jesus. He reminded them
that Jesus followers tell the truth (4:25)
He shared with them on the proper way of being angry (4:26). He tells them not to
give Satan any part of them (4:27)
He says stealing is not an option (4:28)
He says to keep your mouth in check and no cursing (4:29) He tells them that the Holy Spirit is a powerful resource, do
not shut him out (4:30). He declares that internal issues like,
bitterness and brawling are not acceptable behavior and to get rid of it (4:31) however, he encourages kindness,
compassion and forgiveness (4:32).
The journey through salvation isn’t based on the five steps
(hear, believe, repent, confess and baptized) or just a simple prayer or
acceptance of Jesus in your heart. The
journey is an all in desire to be just like Jesus.
The Journey through salvation is a relationship-based journey
with Jesus. It is loving-God with all
your heart, soul and mind, and to love others as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-40) Notice that
everything that the Apostle Paul said to the disciples in Ephesus were all relationship
based. It is extremely important that we
learn from our fellow Christians throughout the Scriptures.
The journey isn’t easy, but very rewarding. Never waiver. Don’t compromise your convictions. Keep Jesus as the Lord of your life. Love always.
Forgive endlessly. Be kind to
everyone. Be compassionate to
others. Show serious discipleship skills
by making disciples.
The signs on our buildings never make any of us disciples,
rather, it is the determination that Jesus is the one any only one we desire to
follow that makes each of us real disciples.
If you desire to know more about Jesus, please call me at
836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com
I would love to share the Jesus story with you.
Remember, Be God Controlled!
Brian
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