Make Disciples 5

1 Peter 4:8

There are times when living together as a family can have its strains and troubles. I may get aggravated over dirty dishes left behind for me to pick up. My family may get irritated with me for all the things I leave lying around. But ultimately we are forgiving and tolerant of each other because we love each other.

Peter has a simple comment about how we can all get along. What should we do? How should we love? What is the benefit of it?

While it may be obvious to us that we love our family members and we can put up with all the small things that make us upset because of love, it may not be quite as obvious that we should have that same attitude with everyone. We are all children of God. We are all loved by God. We are all saved through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. We are all heirs of God and therefore all part of the family of God.

If we can add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love we can become the great Christians we are called to be. As great Christians we can live out the Great Commandment – loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

But with these many attributes of faithful Christian living we will also be able to live out the Great Commission. We will be able to teach all those who do not already know of Jesus. We will be able to help them initiate their own growth in faith, showing them how to build on their faith. We will be able to help them be initiated in this life of holiness through baptism.

If we will live out the teachings of Jesus Christ and make disciples of other people, we must have brotherly kindness as part of who we are. We must care for the well-being and spiritual goodness of all people. We must love them. And through that love we will be able to put away the sin that divides us from others, the sin which keeps others from truly knowing Christ.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you have love to overcome sins?

Make Disciples 4

Acts 2:44-45

In recent meetings with church leaders we have discussed the future of our church, the changes needed, the ministries we hope to adopt, and so on. As we close each meeting we make certain that we are all of one mind – that we all agree on the direction and actions we would like to take. As we discuss our future each person is free to offer suggestions, to share their own vision and hope.

After the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and other followers, and Peter spoke to a large crowd to encourage their repentance, Acts 2 goes on to talk about this growing church. This band of believers devoted themselves to prayer, teaching and fellowship. What is said of how the believers lived?

The description presented about this emerging church creates an image of communal living. The people spent time together. They prayed and were either taught or united in supporting the teaching of others. They ate together.

Verse 44 says that they had everything in common. The understanding is that they shared all their possessions with each other. They sold what they owned to get money and then gave that money to those who were needy.

But I wonder if all these words could apply to their attitudes toward one another and to ministry as well. It is possible that all the things they held in common went beyond material possessions and included their faith. They may have shared the same attitude and devotion. They may have been sharing brotherly kindness to one another as well as love for each person.

And when they gave to those who had need, perhaps they also gave spiritually. It is possible that these believers gave a new outlook to those who needed hope.

We are called to make disciples. We are called to make brotherly kindness and love part of our faith life. When we can achieve that, then we will all have the same attitude of faith, a shared belief and energy for God, and we can give that belief and love to those who need to find it.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you give brotherly kindness and love to those who need it?

Make Disciples 3

Acts 2:38-41

Recent news stories have covered the phenomenon of shoppers at Target stores. Customers have swamped the stores to buy designer clothes and other items at a really low price. News of the bargains spread quickly as people shared this information with others.

It’s amazing to me how excited we can get about a bargain and how dull we can be about our faith. In Acts 2 Peter has stood up and is speaking to a crowd of people who have witnessed the working of the Holy Spirit. He tells them all about Jesus, about how he is the Lord. In response the crowd asks what they are to do.

What does Peter tell the people to do? What will they receive? What did he plead with them about? How did many respond?

Peter knew the importance of a life in Christ. He knew how important it is to repent of our sins and to begin the spiritual growth of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance and godliness. He was so excited about this important news that he was very emphatic when talking about Jesus and faith.

Peter urged those who heard him to turn their lives around and begin the journey of faith in Jesus. He urged them to be baptized, to make a public confession of this new life. The Bible even says that “he pleaded with them.” The words convey the urgency Peter felt.

We may not all be like Peter. We may not all have the gift of public persuasion that this disciple possessed. But we are called to make disciples. We are all called to invite others into a relationship of brotherly kindness and love.

If we can have our own faith grow into greatness, if we can add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance and godliness, then we can also add to our faith the practice of brotherly kindness and love. We can welcome others into the family of God. We can stand with them as they accept Jesus as Savior and as they are baptized to mark this new faith.

Perhaps then we will see an increase in numbers of believers in our churches.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you share your passion for God?

Make Disciples 2

Galatians 3:26-29

I remember as a child witnessing an initiation into a club. I was with my brother on an errand and we parked behind some buildings in the city, and there in the alley was a small group of men. They were dumping flour and eggs and something blue on top of one of the men. I asked what was going on and my brother pointed out that it was an initiation into a club – the Eagles or Elks or some other group, I wasn’t sure. If the candidate endured the process then that person was welcomed as a member of that organization.

As Christian believers we are also welcomed into a group – the group of children of God. Our initiation rite does not involve disgusting things being dumped on our heads. It involves faith and baptism.

In his letter to the believers in Galatia Paul offers some encouragement. Who are we? How did we become these people? What does all that mean to us?

The moment we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are relieved of our sins. All that we have done in the past is wiped away and we are ready to begin a new journey of faith. We are ready to grow in holiness with God.

We remember our forgiveness and declare it publicly through the act of baptism. When we have water poured over our heads, or when we are immersed in water in baptism, we are being initiated into the family of God.

As Paul points out we become sons (and daughters) of God. We are heirs of Christ. That means we will inherit – receive – the eternal life in glory that God has promised.

Our differences are wiped away. We are no longer this person or that person. We are not Americans or Germans or French. We are not from this county or that town. We are simply children of God, wrapped in the joy and love of our heavenly Father.

The act of baptism clothes us in God’s grace. We become like one another in holiness.

Now we must share this baptism with others. We must tell others of the love of God and the salvation of Jesus. And then we can invite them into a baptism, a time of making themselves new in the power of Christ.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to remember that you are a child of God?

Make Disciples 1

Matthew 28:18-20

As I was helping to coach someone learning to preach, I challenged him to think about what he would say to the people in the church if he knew that he would never see them again. If you knew that you only had one opportunity to share some encouragement and guidance with someone you would likely choose your words very carefully. Whatever you said would be the most important thing you could think of.

The first Gospel ends with what has been called the Great Commission. It is the final instructions from Jesus, the commissioning – granting of authority – of the disciples. What are they to do? What assurance is given?

These words from Jesus are more than just a farewell to those people he knew who had been so loyal to him. It was one of the last opportunities Jesus had to give instruction to his followers, so we can assume these words carried some weight. We also see that what Jesus said granted the authority for the work to be done. God had given it to Jesus. Jesus was passing that authority on to the disciples.

What was it that the disciples were to do? They were to go out into the world and make disciples. They were to baptize them.

And it is important to know that a disciple is more than just a follower. A disciple is a learner, someone who gains knowledge from the one who makes the disciple. So it makes sense that Jesus would continue in his commissioning by saying that these disciples should be taught to obey everything Jesus had taught.

This commission goes beyond the disciples. We also are to do the work that Christ has commissioned. We should teach others to obey what Jesus has instructed. We should baptize new believers so that they will know they have been saved by Christ and brought into this journey of faith.

And like the disciples we can all take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us in all that we do. As we grow in our faith and as we help others learn about faith, the Spirit of Christ is with us to continue that guidance and surround us with love.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you disciple someone in the teachings of Jesus?

What Now? 5

John 21:12-13

A few weeks back I was part of a lecture series for church leaders. During the lunch break a needy person entered the church looking for financial assistance. I don’t know if the pastor gave the man money or not, but I do know the man was invited to join this gathering of leaders at lunch.

It did not matter who the man was. It did not matter what his reasons were for asking for money. He was invited in to be part of the kingdom of God.

Jesus has helped some of his disciples catch a large haul of fish, so many the net nearly broke as they brought it in. If that were not enough to show the disciples who was with them, he does more to show them who he was. What invitation does Jesus offer? What did Jesus do?

The disciples may not have realized at first that Jesus was the man on shore directing their fishing efforts. But once they caught so many fish they knew who it was. The Bible says that they dared not ask him who he was. They may have been embarrassed that hey had not recognized him right away. Or they may have been embarrassed that they were fishing and not out doing ministry.

Regardless of what was going on with the disciples, Jesus remained constant. He invited them to himself. He welcomed them at a meal he had prepared. He broke bread for them and shared some fish.

Even if we have strayed from our faith a little, if we have allowed ourselves to become lax in our efforts, still Jesus invites us to be with him. He desires that we find new strength and new energy in his presence.

Jesus will break the bread with us, a reminder that he was broken for our salvation. He will share his bread with us; he will share himself so that we might be equipped to be in ministry.

Jesus will share more than the bread. He offers us fish. We are also invited to be in communion not only with the Lord but with all those who have been brought into God’s kingdom.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be sure to respond to Christ’s invitation?

What Now? 4

John 21:4-6

My father loved to fish. He had a tackle box filled with lures and weights and spools of line and all other manner of fishing gear. He had a collection of rods and reels to choose from, and when I was young he owned his own outboard motor. To my recollection he never caught many fish. But that was okay; he just enjoyed fishing. It relaxed him.

Many of the disciples of Jesus were fishermen when he called them into ministry. But to them, unsuccessful fishing was not okay. It was bad business.

After the crucifixion and resurrection Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two other disciples were all out fishing one night. Who is on the shore? What did he ask? What was his instruction? What was the result?

I am constantly amazed at these disciples. They have been with Jesus in his ministry. They saw the crucifixion and the resurrection. And after all these profound experiences they go out fishing. It seems they have forgotten what they were supposed to be doing.

But Jesus comes along and gives them some instruction. They have had a bad night of fishing – they caught nothing. But Jesus has them drop their net on the right side of the boat, and that results in a huge catch of fish.

The story has many lessons. It serves as a reminder that these disciples were called from a life of fishing for fish to a life of fishing for men. Jesus wanted them to preach and teach and gather believers into the kingdom of God.

It also shows that we need direction from our Lord so that we might be successful in our ministry. Jesus was able to direct these disciples and give them success. He told them to put their net on the right side – the correct side.

We can be like the disciples. We get excited about our faith from November to May, but then when the enthusiasm of Easter and Mother’s Day is over we often go off fishing. We forget that we are called into ministry.

We must remember what we have been called to do. And as we focus on our ministry we must ask the Lord for direction, so we know where to cast our religious nets to bring believers into the kingdom.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you keep your net on the right side of your boat?

What Now? 3

Matthew 4:18-20

Often times at church events we make certain that we don’t do all the work to prepare. It may seem the wrong thing to do, but it is actually a good thing to ask others to help. We might wait until people arrive before we begin setting up tables or setting out materials. It is important to make others feel included in what you are doing. It makes them know they are part of what is going on.

As Jesus began his ministry he gathered some followers to be part of what he was doing. Who did he see? What were they doing? What did Jesus say? How did Peter and Andrew respond?

Most are familiar with the calling of the first disciples. Jesus is walking along the Sea of Galilee and sees two fishermen. He is knowledgeable in fishing. It takes some effort. It takes patience. It requires certain knowledge and skill. And when you fish you are often working in the unknown – you can’t always see what lies beneath the surface.

Then Jesus makes a clever request. He asks them to be part of his ministry. Their lives will change. They will still be fishing – trying to gather together – but they will be after people and not fish.

To be in ministry requires the skills of fishing – effort, patience, skill, and the ability to deal with the unknown. It simply deals with much more important concepts. Fishing for men involves saving souls, leading people out of the depths of despair and hopeless into the joys and hopes of God’s kingdom.

We may not be fishermen. We may have other jobs. But we are called into ministry with the Lord. We are all called to help bring the lost into that profound relationship with God that brings peace and love and salvation.

The disciples were able to drop what they were doing and follow Jesus. The question is, are we able to stop what we are doing and turn our attention to the work of God?

DAILY CHALLENGE: What will it take for you to be a fisher of men?

He Seeks Us 4

John 15:16

When I work with couples planning a wedding I explain some of the requirements of the wedding service. There needs to be a part in the service where those getting married declare that they have come of their own free will (you may know it as the father giving away the bride). Weddings are not legal if both persons are not willing to take part in it.

This can also be a very meaningful time in the ceremony, however. By making any type of declaration of this sort you are stating that you have chosen the one you are marrying. This is the person you have selected to receive your love.

As Jesus was preparing for the crucifixion, especially preparing the disciples for what was about to happen, he explained some things to them. Who chose whom? What does Jesus want the disciples to do?

I can imagine that hearing this statement could really build the esteem of the disciples. Jesus had selected them. They were chosen by the Lord to be in a relationship with him.

And what he expected of them was that they were to bear fruit – that is, they were to do the good works of God’s kingdom. They were to express the love and compassion of God to a world in need, and Jesus would be with them as they did this work.

Now we must be aware that we are like the disciples. We have been chosen by Jesus. He is the one who has selected us. Jesus has desired that we be in a relationship with him.

And he calls us to do the work of the kingdom. But we will not be alone. Jesus will be present with us in all that we do if we will open ourselves up and welcome the Lord who seeks us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be reminded that Jesus has chosen you for this relationship?

He Seeks Us 2

Mark 1:16-18

Comedian Bill Cosby has observed in his routine that children need to be bombarded with requests from their parents so that the message will eventually sink in. He claims that if you want your child to come to you, you must go beyond saying “come here” and instead say “come here come here come here come here come here come here come here.”

There seems to be some truth to this, and it also applies to most adults. There are few people who will respond immediately to any request you might have. But Jesus seemed to have the ability to get others to respond to him.

Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ call to his disciples. Who did Jesus see? What did he request? What did he promise? What was their response?

Whether or not Jesus addressed total strangers or people he had known for some time we cannot be certain. Were Simon and Andrew simply two men at the seashore or were they two people he had met with on previous occasions? And was their response as immediate as what is presented, or has this been edited for impact?

We can easily imagine any of these scenarios. Jesus has the ability to turn a person’s heart with a single word, and his presence is enough to make people change their lives completely.

What is important here is that Jesus was the one who sought out his disciples. He did not wait for them to come to him. He went out and gathered them, summoning them from their mundane lives and giving them the promise of an incredible ministry fishing for men.

As we consider the many ways in which we can encounter Jesus and enter into a relationship with our God, we must know that we are being sought by God. Jesus is not only waiting for us to come to him, but he is also seeking us with his love. He calls us into a relationship with him that he might change our lives and make all things new for us.

We can seek Jesus. We can realize we need him. And we can be attentive to his call in our hearts, a call into a bright and energizing relationship with the Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be ready to hear the Master’s call in your life?

Who Do You Say I Am? 2

Matthew 16:13-17

The famous quote from Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” comes to mind as I think of today’s reading. What is meant by this familiar adage? It is not the name that determines who a person is, it is the qualities and behavior of that person which determines the true essence of a person.

Jesus is asking his disciples if anyone has determined the true essence of who he is. Why do you think John, Elijah, Jeremiah and other prophets come to the minds of those people? How does Jesus narrow the focus? How did Peter know what to say?

The issue of true qualities has arisen on several occasions in our household lately. There are people in the lives of our children who bear the title “teacher,” yet their skills and behavior seem to contradict that calling. There are others we know who bear the title “reverend,” yet their actions and attitudes seem to contradict that label. Some people have the title of “husband” or “wife,” but they do not seem to take that duty to heart.

Jesus could earn the title of “prophet” or “teacher” because of what he did. He brought social wrongs to the attention of the public. He offered instruction on how to live life properly. He confronted hypocrisy and offered solace to the needy.

But he was and is far greater than a mere prophet or teacher. We saw in John 14:6 that Jesus is the way to know God, the Father. And being this way to the Father, Jesus is also our Savior.

Peter was able to recognize that Jesus was “the Christ” – the chosen or anointed one – “the Son of the living God.” And how did he know this? Through the enlightenment of God, the Father. Peter’s soul sought the Lord. His spirit drew close to the Holy Spirit of God, and Peter spent time in the presence of Christ.

In so doing, he became aware of who Jesus really is. He could see beyond the superficial impressions that most people had – that Jesus was a prophet and teacher. He could see him as truly the Son of God.

We are called to seek the Holy Spirit, to draw near to God, the Father, and to spend time in the presence of Christ. In that way we can see the true qualities of the man we know as “Jesus.”

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who do you say Jesus is?

Called to Serve 3

Acts 6:2-7

Events, phone calls and meetings in the past several days have alerted me to the tremendous needs that exist in the world. There is absolutely no shortage of ministry opportunities around the world or even in our local communities. When we look at the need that exists it is easy to be overwhelmed by it all.

In this passage from Acts we see the early church encountering an overwhelming need. Specifically, some felt their widows were having their physical needs overlooked. What did the Twelve NOT want to abandon? What was the solution?

How was the proposal received? What did the apostles do with the seven who were chosen to serve? What three positive results were achieved?

Rather than be overwhelmed, the disciples came up with a solution. The responsibility for the work that needed to be done had to be spread among other believers. This meant that those who were skilled at preaching and teaching would continue to do so. Those who felt called to serve the physical needs of others – in this case, cooking and feeding – were commissioned to do that.

The end result was that many positive results were achieved. The disciples were able to spread the gospel news, continuing to preach and save souls. The number of people who were serving the Lord in ministry increased, and more and more followers were obedient to the faith.

I would venture to say that more and more people found the satisfaction of doing something they were comfortable with, and doing something that was rewarding to them. The seven chosen to care for the widows probably found a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that they were serving Jesus by preparing meals.

Rather than be overwhelmed by the mission fields that surround us today, and rather than throwing up our hands and saying there is nothing we can do, we should examine all of our gifts and all of the needs until we can find a satisfactory fit. Each of us can do something to help serve and glorify God. If you are not called or comfortable in one area, then seek out an area where you can find fulfillment. The smallest of gestures performed for the service of God and man is a great and wonderful thing.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How do you fit in the outreach efforts of your worship community?