Firm Foundations (Pt. 14) What is a Disciple? – Paul M. Williams

Part 14 – What Is a Disciple of Jesus Christ? There exists a terrible misconception amongst many professing believers in Christ about what constitutes a true Christian.  Some when asked, point to a time and date when they said a sinners prayer; others refer to a Church membership roll with their name upon it!  Some still would direct you to their baptismal certificate signed by the pastor.  As human beings, I tend to find that we always want a formula that will produce the desired result and on face-value, there's nothing wrong with that.  On the day of Pentecost, many Jews who came under the sound of Peter's preaching were deeply convicted of their sin; the KJV says that "…they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).  The Philippian jailor while still trembling said to Paul and Silas "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30).  In each case, the question is not dodged and a firm answer is given; Paul and Silas respond conclusively "…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).  In one moment a man's sins may be forgiven and his moral account which was previously bankrupt is credited with righteousness as he himself passes from death into eternal life!  What good news indeed!!!  Yet, this only marks the start of his Christian journey and not the end.  It is this crucial distinction that I'm wanting to bring into clear view in this fourteenth teaching part.  Many are content to leave things at the conversion stage and never really progress onto any meaningful spiritual growth.  This my friends will never do!!  Jesus did not call His disciples to go into the world to make converts but rather to go into all the world and make disciples!! Download teaching notes (pdf) http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/14_What_is_a_Disciple_of_Jesus_Christ.pdf