Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Christian Discipleship
Mark 10:35-45
Vs.45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
A disciple or a follower is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of his teacher. Jesus prefers his disciples to be like Him. In Luke 14:26 Jesus explains the conditions of Christian discipleship as " If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes - even his own life he cannot be my disciple. A disciple of Jesus must love Him more than they love any other person, including immediate families or wealth. It is the kind of love that is passionate. This type of love is born from time spent together with him, a bond of intimacy.
 
In Luke 14:26, Jesus uses the word "Hate" to indicate a lesser degree of devotion or less love towards anything i.e. parents, self-ego, wealth, position etc. Christian discipleship is a process by which the disciples grow in Lord Jesus Christ and equipped by the Spirit. Our focus should be on our Lord and pleasing him in every day of our life, a simple obedience to Him. Discipleship is a process of becoming Christ-like.

Christian discipleship is an ongoing transformation of becoming like Jesus in character. It is progressive in nature, John 15:4 " Remain in me, as I also remain in you." this verse indicates a fruit bearing nature of Christians, or forward momentum. It is important to keep in mind that discipleship is not merely based on our own efforts, rather it is a work of grace. While God transforms the believer inwardly, the believers spiritual practice creates the transforming environment. Philippians 2: 13 " for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose".
PRAYER
God, we understand that only through the process of discipline, will we understand discipleship. Teach us to become good disciples of your kingdom. Amen
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life"
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Rev. Mathew B, St. James MTC, New York

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