Do you remember how many days Jesus stayed on earth after His resurrection? The answer is in Acts chapter one. Luke records that He presented himself alive to the apostles “…after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God”(Acts 1:3).
Some of the things He spoke about in that forty day period has forever been called “The Great Commission.” Matthew records it thusly: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). Mark says it in these words: “…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15, 16). You make disciples by preaching the gospel. A disciple is a follower Jesus. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts11:26). A Christian is a disciple. Whatever a disciple does is what a Christian is to do. Let’s remember two things we have already seen and then add a third to this list:
Number 1: Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine”(John8:31).
Number 2: Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”(John 13:35).
Number 3: Jesus said, “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8).
Remember, a Christian is a disciple. What a disciple does a Christian also does. It is always good to check one’s priorities in life. What is the most important in your life? If you were rating yourself, would these three items be in a tie for first place? Think about it! We will discuss number 3 in greater detail, Lord willing, next week. Blessings to all!
— Les Ferguson Sr., S. Huntington Church of Christ
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