As we begin this blog today let us first define the word DISCIPLE.
DISCIPLE – one who is convinced; one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrine of JESUS CHRIST.
THEREFORE, a true disciple is not just a student or learner but a follower: one who applies what he/she has learned. Before acting or responding a true disciple would quickly ponder in their mind, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO (WWJD)?
So in summary a DISCIPLE is an adherent, follower; one who gives full loyalty and support, one who signifies devoted allegiance to their teacher or master.
So it is safe to say that if you are a believer you are called to make disciples. As believers we are blessed to be a blessing to others. As a Christian the greatest blessing is to be saved by the grace of God and be empowered to share that blessing with others that have yet to accept JESUS CHRIST as LORD and personal SAVIOR.
KJV And it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have you received the HOLY GHOST since you believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any HOLY GHOST.
Here Paul is believed to be talking to a certain group of disciples from Ephesus. I’m talking about a group of blood washed, born again, pupils, believers of JESUS CHRIST. But, notice as you continue to read this chapter you will see that Paul discovered that they were simply just disciples of John the Baptist. Beware everything that glitters is not gold. Every one crying holy is not holy. Have you ever come in contact with a person that looks like they are saved, moves like they are saved, sound like they are saved, however, after you talk with them about the goodness of JESUS, YOU REALIZE THAT THEY ARE “Nothing but leaves, sounding brass and tinkling symbols, talking loud and saying nothing. Everything is not what it appears to be. Warning, the WORD OF GOD, instructs us to be aware of how we entertain strangers they just might be angels unbeknown to us. Back to Paul, after he discovered who they were not he decided to share the doctrine of JESUS CHRIST , pray and lay his hands upon them and the HOLY SPIRIT came on them; and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. I’m telling you; looking the part, they were set up for a blessing and got just WHO they needed. Paul was the perfect example of how we as believers should respond to such situations as MODERN DAY DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST. You shall receive power which enables you the (ability, efficiency, and might) the miraculous power of the HOLY SPIRIT to become effective witnesses first beginning in your house, your community, your city/state, and then to the nations. The manifestation of the HOLY GHOST is evidence that you are a DISCIPLE OF JESUS. How do I know? JESUS said that HE would not leave us comfortless.HE said that HE will send back another COMFORTER (COUNSELOR, HELPER, INTERCESSOR, ADVOCATE AND STRENGTHENER) that will not only remain with us forever but will live in us forever. THEREFORE, the HOLY SPIRIT enables us and breathes the vital principle mental disposition [the MIND OF CHRIST] in us.
