You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! You have heard the saying "learn something new everyday." Well I did this past Sunday! It may have been something I did know...but if that is the case I had completely forgotten it!
The difference between disciple and apostle!
Disciple:
A disciple would literally follow someone in hopes of eventually becoming what they are. A Christian disciple is a believer who follows Christ and then offers his own imitation of Christ as model for others to follow (1 Corinthians 11:1). A disciple is first a believer who has exercised faith (Acts 2:38) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)
Jesus called His disciples to come follow Him
📖 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20
He told them He would change them and their purpose.
They were to follow literally and figuratively. They left their homes, professions, and even families and went with Jesus. Traveled where He went. But they also learned to follow His teachings, His actions, to become more like Him.
📖 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
📖 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
Then, they became apostles
one sent on a mission: such as: one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostle#:~:text=1,12%20original%20disciples%20and%20Paul)
📖 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Luke 6:13
They were not meant to be disciples only...it was training for their actual purpose!
They were given a mission.
📖 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
It is important that we become disciples of Christ. To follow His ways and learn who He is and how we are to be. But we have a mission as well, we are also called to go and tell.
To remain disciples only we are missing an important part of being a Christian.
📖 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. James 2:17-18
📖 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8
Being both is what make us a Christian.
You can't be an apostle (or shouldn't) with out first learning and knowing what your mission is about.
It is important to know who Jesus is and what He teaches before we can go out and tell others how life changing following Him can be.
We need to constantly be in step with Him so we have the resources to take His message to others.
📖 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25
🙏I pray today Lord, help us to listen and learn from You, to be committed to following Your ways so that we can tell and show others who You are at every opportunity. Amen❤️
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