WEDNESDAY’S WORD – DISCIPLESHIP- Sadell Bradley- 11/09/16- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him,”You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32 NLT)

As a pastor, few things are more gratifying than when your student says your teaching has positively impacted their choices or outlook in a crucial situation. That happened last night in the throes of the presidential election. They said, “I’m not allowing fear to shape my mindset, but I’m choosing joy, hope and gratitude instead. Thank you, Healing is a choice!!” I immediately felt peace not only about what I would write; but about our continual teaching on the Sovereignty of God, the priority of His Kingdom, the Christian’s call to service, faith, rejoicing, inner healing and the cross life, forgiveness and the ministry reconciliation to Christ and to one another. When tests come, we find out if we are really Jesus’ disciples or if we’re following other ideologies. Sadly, it seems many have succumbed to dogma that excludes the two greatest commands: to love God with our hearts, minds, souls and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt. 22:36-40)

A DISCIPLE is a personal follower of Jesus; a disciplined student or learner of His philosophies.  DISCIPLESHIP describes the mission of making disciples. Discipline in Christianity is the practice of training people to live and love within the code of conduct that Jesus Christ prescribes-despite external circumstances and internal feelings. True disciples of Christ are commanded: to love, bless and pray for enemies and persecutors; (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27) to pray for kings and those in authority; (1 Tim 2:2) to be armed with a disposition to suffer; (1 Peter 3:14) and to make Jesus and His Kingdom priority over family, possessions, power, position, and yes, country no matter the cost.

Jesus said, “If you want to

be My disciple, you must hate (or love less) everyone by comparison – your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.“ (Luke 14:26-27) He admonishes us to count the cost to see if we are really ready to take on that mantle…and if we’ll train others to do the same.

The breach that has been created within the Christian community in this season will be difficult to repair, but sincere followers of Jesus Christ are called to demonstrate the identifying mark of discipleship, “By THIS all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have LOVE for one another.” (John 13:35) It is better to be reconciled than to be right.