Make Disciples

Jesus used his precious last minutes on this Earth with his disciples to give final instructions: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you, always, to the end of the age." Mt 28:19-20
It's interesting that Jesus did not tell the disciples to go evangelize the nations, rather "make disciples of all nations."  He was not merely interested in people hearing the gospel; Jesus wanted disciples, not converts.  Disciples learn Jesus' commands; disciples are committed for the long haul; disciples do not fall away at the first sign of difficulty, which Jesus assured them would come.
The American church today seems more interested in growing churches with "converts" than with "disciples."  This may help to explain why people leave out the back door as quickly as they come in the front.
We may need to ask ourselves some hard questions.  Is there any substance to our teaching, or is it feel-goodism?  Do we present people with the truth as Jesus did in the case of the rich young ruler and others?  Do we believe that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age accomplishing his work?
This will cause some discomfort in our lives.  After all, we are sheep amongst wolves.  If they killed Jesus, why should we expect better treatment?
So Christian, Go...make disciples!

Paul's Cultural Mandate

In 1 Cor. 9: 19-23 Paul lays out his cultural mandate for reaching the nations.  He claims that he has become all things to all people that by all means he might save some.  Does this apply to us today? If so, how?
Yes! We are commissioned to go out to all the nations!  We go because because God commands it, but we don't rely on our on strength.  God (through the Holy Spirit) does the work of regeneration.  We are the "feet on the ground."  We are to make disciple-making disciples that will plant church-planting churches.  This is the work of God's army.  All other things we do are means to this end.
We become all things to all people by learning their language, learning their culture, and genuinely loving them as Christ loves the church.  God delights in the diversity he created and so should we.

I'll Give It A Go

Hello World,
Now that I am back in school for the first time in seven years I have more time to read, write, and think (or meditate) about God and His word.  The idea for this blog is to share some of the thoughts of one of God's most insignificant servants (me) with those who would be so inclined to read them.  Maybe you've had similar thoughts?  Maybe we should sit down for coffee to discuss them?  One of my concerns for creating a blog is that it will further this movement towards communicating through electronic means rather than face to face interaction.  My prayer is that this blog will lead to interest in common concerns about our world and God's plan for it.  I would love to hear your thoughts on issues that are important to you as well. So, let's get started...