responds for db 1 need refrence on both papers 200 to 300 words
arnita
respondsforweek1.docxCharles Reid
The Meaning of Discipleship
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The Meaning of Discipleship
To understand the meaning of discipleship, it is imperative to understand that it is an ongoing process of learning, applying, and leading. Discipleship is a conscious, committed decision to hear the truth of God’s Word, acknowledge via conviction that one’s current life will be changed in Jesus, and make a choice to follow Christ. It is total surrender, as our lives are no longer self-ruled, but Christ-ruled. [1]
From here, discipleship is continued by the continual acts of learning the attributes and character of Christ, while constant seeking to know Him by reading and applying the Word of God to everyday living, allowing it to change our character and behavior to become like Jesus. By letting go of the life of sin, he develops a pattern of obedience to the Holy Spirit. [2] In obeying the Word, we become less susceptible to the cunning schemes of the devil and more capable of overcoming them. [3]
In learning the Christ Nature, a disciple daily grows and develops into one who exemplifies a desire to relate and respond to the world around him, and offers the opportunity of salvation in Christ to anyone who will receive. They are willing to share, support and cover others in their walk with Christ. [4] It is a mission of self-denial, sacrifice, and joy in not only loving others, but showing them how they can experience the joy of following Christ.
Bibliography
Earley, Dave and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is…: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013.
Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013.
[1] Jim Putman and Bobby Harrington, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 47.
[2] Putman and Harrington, DiscipleShift, 49.
[3] Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is…: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013), 24.
[4] Putman and Harrington, DiscipleShift, 50.
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Brian Burris
DB 1 Burris
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A follower of Christ, especially through the textbooks, represents the true disciple following the Great Commission. Just like in leadership, the best leaders serve. Between all the books, the three best characteristics in a follower of Christ rests around discipleship. The first; we must understand what being a disciple means. Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey state, “ (we) teach Christian students who are vitally interested in the question, ‘What is God’s will for my life?’ The answer to this question is twofold: ‘Be a Disciple and Make Disciples! Orient your life around the Great Commission.’ These are the last words of Jesus. This is His definitive command to all of His followers.” [1] The second, is obedience. As per the great commission, we also obey to God’s commands throughout the gospel as well as His plans for us. Finally, the third being personable. As we spread the gospel in hopes to making new disciples, it is imperative we enhance our relationships with believers and non-believers to create disciples.
A good definition of a follower of Christ is knowing how to follow. We as the individual, let alone individual Christian, strive to find good mentors. Christ is that perfect mentor. The best follower of Christ, is understanding and mimicking the love and servitude that Christ portrayed, while humbly knowing we serve to spread Christ’s gospel. Christ in His gospel, had washed the disciples feet showing not a leaders position, but a servant to servant; “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have wased your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:13-15. As any leader would know, understanding how to follow will help leadership grow. John C. Maxwell talks about leadership in what can also help us as Christians down the road. He states, “Becoming a leader, (as well as a follower of Christ), is a lot like investing successfully in the stock market. If your hope is to make a fortune in a day, you’re not going to be successful. What matters most is what you do day by day over the long haul.” [2] Same goes with the perfect follower of Christ, we will not be a great follower of Christ overnight. Day by day, we must live like Christ to understand what it means a true follower of Christ can be.
[1] Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making Is…: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence, (Nashville, B&H Publishing Group, 2013), Xii.
[2] John C. Maxwell, Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know, (Nashville, Thomas Nelson Inc., 2002), 12.
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