Becoming a Disciple is more than an Oath, a Teaching or an Affiliation

There is lots of vapid talk in the Church of Jesus about becoming and making disciples.  Most of it is hot air.

We do not understand discipleship.

I recall a video Pastor Phil Ressler showed where the speaker talked about how a disciple becomes like the discipler.  The goal of one who makes disciples is to make people just like them.

Paul the Apostle talked of this.  "you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Pretty strong stuff.  Pretty aggressive.  Yet... there it is.  That's the mandate.  Ask people to become just like YOU.. if you have the stuff.

That puts a great deal of pressure on the one doing the discipling.  He or she must exemplify what the person he is developing is to become.   

It also puts pressure on the one to become discipled.

• That person must be willing to change and adapt the model the one helping them grow exhibits.
• That person must be hungry to become more than they are.
• That person must be finding MORE light, not less because of the influence of the one doing the discipling. 

There's the rub.  A lot of people are willing to offer to shape you into their mold.. yet it's a mold smaller than were you are right now.  It's a mold of the world.  A mold of religion.  A mold of powerlessness.  

The discipler I am prepared to follow has to look like, act like, imitate Jesus.  Yes I know they are not Jesus, but they can find a way to demonstrate where they are.

That will include all the gifts, manifestations, miracles, faith, healing, provision, protection, confidence, perseverance, boldness, wisdom and knowledge that Jesus exhibited.  If you pull punches, I'm pulling out.  Religion pulls punches.

You can't impart what you don't possess and darkness cannot impart light unless it has light.

The reason much of the world is undiscipled is because who wants to become like what you see in the western church.  Powerless insipid religion. 

Meanwhile an evil demonic religion is attracting thousands every day by the exhibition of evil power..  is our GOD not able to defeat them? Yes, but it will take people who look JUST LIKE HIM!!

Do you look just like JESUS... yet?   If not you are still in process.