Fwd: FW: Phase II week 8 Chapter 8

[Augustine Douglas]

In the first paragraph of Chapter 8 the question was posed "Isn't it
enough just to make discipleship one of the many endeavors of the
church?" Now he did not say making it the only, so I would say that
he is suggesting that the emphasis should be on discipleship as it
coincide with the command given to us by Jesus to "make disciples of
all nations."

The definition of discipleship is a learner a pupil of some teacher.
The word implies the acceptance in mind and life of the views and
practices of the teacher. Usually however, it refers to the loyalty
of Jesus. Sometimes it refers to the twelve [12] apostle [Matthew
10:1; 11:1], and then in [Acts 6:1, 2, 7: 9:36] Zondervans, Compact
Bible Dictionary. With that being said, its evident that to make
disciples of men is a continuous motion, that's where it all begins.
If Jesus Public Ministry top priority was to recruit and train
disciples then that's what we should be doing.

There are other components that are important, but we must begin with
the command as modeled by Jesus. All the other functions will most
certainly be integrated and become effortless into "a seamless blend
of faith driven activity." George Barna is absolutely correct true
discipleship must be a priority within the church. Without a heavy
emphasis on discipleship, there is no church. If we can conquer the
obstacles to discipleship, which
is, the human heart we would have a clearer understanding of
transformation and indeed seek to show others the path through our
words, thoughts and deed. When our hearts are changed, all else
changes. We must seek character over knowledge, as knowledge is what
we display for everyone to see how smart we are, character is who we
are, when no one else is looking.

Today I must check my heart under the microscope of God's grace and
mercy, consciously strive to develop appropriate character and the
rest will certainly follow.

In conclusion, discipleship is not number related, but people related;
not just knowledge but dissemination of knowledge; the knowing aspect
which is the vehicle of change to the glory of God.



-------- Begin forwarded message --------
Subject: Phase II week 8 Chapter 8
Date: 6/6/11 9:51:22 PM
From: "New York Youth Leaders Association"
<youthlea...@gmail.com>
To: "New York Youth Leaders Association Level II" <new-york-youth-
leaders-associ...@googlegroups.com>


Comment On the statement: “if we can read between the lines of Jesus’
ministry, it appears that His underlying philosophy was to make
disciples now, make them continually, and use whatever resources and
opportunities that were presently available for that purpose—but
never, never, stop molding people into Christ likeness.”

[Idiris Campbell]

Fellow Colleague,

Greetings!

Augustine you have opened up so much room for discussion! However the charge is to keep the responses short. When we look at our personal positions in Christ, aside from being the selected leaders in our local church communities, it boils down to the stand point of followers/ learners in Christ. By accepting Jesus, we have accepted Christ's person, His character (1Cor. 5:20), hopefully. It is our knowledge of Him which helps to shape our character; thus enabling us, influencing us as Youth Leaders to be there to "Go (stay) where we are and be the effective leaders in Christ as we ought. By learning - Based on your statement - we will be better equipped to equip those learners who we teach to handle the numerous situations they face out there, including, living victoriously for the King, as well as that equipped to be able to influence/ encourage peers and others to make the right, ideal decisions based on the thoughts, no, facts, that true disciples cause *"People's lives (to) change * Societal change, 

*Despite the repercussion, undaunted faith persists. In a not too long an era ago, the question - re solving /settling some open ended concern was, WW JD (What would Jesus Do)? Today' one can either be influenced by intimidation, or nonchalance. 

   To model Jesus suggests to me, knowing/ having an awareness what is likely to be expected, at least. Knowledge is not necessarily how smart we are, but how committed are we to know, to be able to influence effectively? In terms of the response to a question posed regarding what the Bible said should not, someone responded, "To each his own."  How does this look in terms of Jam.4:17 and Ps. 119:9-11, when compared with Jesus' accountability statement in Jn. 8:29?   
   Sorry I had missed communicating for so long. Somehow I was not gaining access. I look forward gleaning from your posts.
 Idris.