As a child of God, we are commanded in Matt. 28 to "MAKE DISCIPLES!" That's not a suggestion, that is a commandment. It's not up for discussion. No one asked for our opinion. It's a package deal. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, become a disciple, be a disciple maker. In the Old Testament God commanded Adam to be fruitful and multiply. This was prior to the Fall of man.
Adam was created in the image of God and if he had multiplied prior to the Fall, he would have produced offspring in the likeness of God. But that was not the case. The reproduction was POST FALL. Adam produced off spring after his kind; babies full of sin and wickedness. If you don't agree, just give it time and these babies will reveal their true nature.
The second Adam, JESUS, came and produced disciples in HIS LIKENESS, and commands us to do the same. A disciple is a Life-Long hearer, and Adherer to the word and ways of God. A disciple becomes like his Teacher. These are individuals who CHOOSE to put themselves in a position to HEAR from God and OBEY HIS voice. Jesus said of himself, "I can do NOTHING except that which I HEAR from my Father."
If you want a detailed perspective of discipleship, read Herb Hodges books entitled, "Tally Ho the Fox" and "Fox Fever." In one of these books he gives four practical ways of to disciple others. I will list them here and then give a brief explanation.
Person - Face to Face
Proxy - Send a trusted friend and disciple to invest in someone else
Prayer - Praying specifically for the salvation or spiritual growth of others.
Pen - Writing a note, email, text, or other correspondence to stimulate spiritual growth and encouragement.
I have begun a quest to disciple at least "ONE" individual every day of my life through one of the 4 methods listed above. As a follower of Christ... I CHALLENGE you to join the race... and do the same.
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