Discipleship Series – Start Walking

 As a special announcement commemorating this series, beginning today May 25th- 2 copies of this book is listed for Giveaway on Goodreads – join the fun and try to win a copy. Link at bottom of this page.

So far in this Discipleship series I've share some very fundamental information about a disciple/student; Definition of disciple, Choosing leadership, Deciding on a field of study; Seeking education, Following the leader, Listening to instructions to begin laying the groundwork for becoming a successful disciple/student.

This last article in this series will focus on using what you have learned. I hope you have enjoyed this series on discipleship and gained a new prospective on the life of a disciple.

There is little doubt that our generation is the most godly educated generation in the last several centuries. We not only have our weekly fellowships, Bible study groups, Devotional and prayer meetings, but we have more access to more information via the internet, radio and television programs. What a great time for the body of Christ!

The Kingdom of God has continued to advance, yet with all this access and teaching why does there seem to be less and less impact in the world? There are varying reasons why I believe this to be true, but what I see most in the body of Christ is lack of wisdom and courage. Courage is knowing who you are in Christ and Wisdom is the use of knowledge.

“Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding” Proverbs 9:10

Excerpt from Footsteps of Jesus – Becoming a Disciple

Chapter 20 – Forsake Former Ways of Life

You never know when you set out on a journey where the road will lead. What things you may encounter, triumphs and tragedies; friends and foes; or how it will all play out. I think we step out on the road hoping for the best, but are willing to accept the worst. That is not the life that Jesus died to give us.

After the resurrection and the birth of the church. Peter took his boldness to a Holy level, standing up to proclaim Christ to the crowds who gathered outside his house. Peter held a leadership position in the new church in Jerusalem, and continued boldly serving Christ with the rest of his life; sharing the Good News with everyone, even those who would eventually take his life.

Peter wrote letters to the growing family declaring what he had seen and knew to be the truth of the One who he had lived with, saw die and raised to life again. He was not ashamed of the ignorance of his former behavior, but walked in the forgiveness that Jesus gave him. Peter, as well as the other apostles, encouraged others to realize their tremendous potential in Christ.

There was a time in the middle of my studies when I forgot why I was there. I had focused so much attention on studying, preparing for exams, writing papers and doing research that I didn't see any result of the hard work and effort I had put forth.

Sometimes it seemed all too much, I wanted to quit, throw my hands in the air and go play with my friends, but something inside me would not let me quit. Something kept giving me strength to move forward. I had to keep my eye on the goal, being closer to graduation than I was when I first began.

What I began to discover along my journey to becoming a disciple of Christ. It was not me who is living, but Jesus living in me (1 John 4:15, Romans 8:9).

No longer was my life about my goals and aspirations. Jesus showed me I had a purpose and my life has meaning. I had forsaken my former way of life and set my sights on a much higher calling, a Holy calling.

These are the very things the first Christians experienced during the early days of the church. Those who had placed their trust in Christ alone experienced real life, joy, peace and a reason they were here on earth. They walked away from their former way of life and grew in the new life in Christ.

To be Christ’s disciples we all must make that choice. Paul wrote, “If you were a thief, stop stealing. Set your hand to honest work” (Ephesians 4:28)

This is the attitude that a disciple must have, forsake your former way of thinking about life and focus on the kingdom. Being totally committed to Christ will cost something, but the benefits outweigh the investment.

This Holy calling is more than we can imagine. Sometimes we want the short route to the promises of God, but He is with us continually leading us on, showing us the way, encouraging our trust and building our endurance for His purposes. That’s how we are called to live. There is not one person alive who can claim perfect allegiance or obedience to Christ.

Through His forgiveness and our continued purpose in renewing of our minds, by reading and meditating on His Word, we can break free of that old life and walk in freedom, serving God and growing in His love.

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In my book I contrasted the joint responsibility between the teacher and student. Once the teacher has completed their work of instruction, the student must use the instruction in order for it to be of benefit. If the student just sits on the knowledge and never puts it into action, the whole course was not only a waste of the teacher's time, but also the student's.

We've gathered enough knowledge about God and His ways, now it's time to use it. Step out in faith, believe what the Lord has instructed you to do – It's time! Pray for courage if you need it, but trust the instructions you have received. The truth is you have all the courage you'll ever need once you believe.

“My child never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart for they will give you a long and satisfying life” Proverbs 3:1

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