Last week we discussed how few converts to Christ have gone on to become disciples. So what does it mean to be a disciple? A true disciple will seek to know how the Master Himself defines a disciple. Therefore, we will look at a few verses where the Lord gives us a definition.

    Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 

   "For whoever desires to save his life...

    In the New Testament, there are several progressions toward maturity in Christ. Though it is not stated specifically as such, the most basic would be:

1)   Converts

2)   Disciples

3)   Servants

4)   Friends

5)   Sons

    The Great Commission is to make disciples, not merely converts. With the evangelists’ emphasis on making converts, which is their job, many, and possibly most, converts have stayed at this level because of a lack of follow up. New Testament ministry is a team as seen in Ephesians 4. In the Book of Acts, when an evangelist like Philip ignited the...

     We continue this week with just a few more Scriptures where the Lord gave a definition of what His disciples would be and do.

          “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8 NKJV).

     Not only do disciples bear fruit, but they bear “much fruit.” Jesus is Life, so if we are abiding in Him, life will be multiplying through us.

          "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40...

        Jesus was crucified between two thieves—yesterday and tomorrow. One of these was in bondage to his past—things he had done. The other was in bondage to the future—asking Jesus to remember Him when He came into His kingdom. While on the cross, Jesus honored the second thief’s amazing faith but corrected his understanding. He said, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Many can only see Jesus in the past, the biblical, historical Jesus. Others focus almost entirely on His coming again. Yet to see Him as He is, we must see Him TODAY. His...

         I am still processing all that came out in our recent Harvest Summit.  At the same time, I have been shown things about our upcoming New Year's Convocation, which I don’t think has ever happened this early before. 2015 may well be the most remarkable year in our history, and we must be prepared for what is unfolding. I am getting a lot about what is going to happen, but even more about how to be prepared.

         Even though I am vision-oriented, I don’t think I have ever had this much excitement...