The background from which I came from, coupled with the gradual growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ and the opportunity of learning from different teachers helped me to evaluate what I had been taught based on the Word of God that the discipleship life must of necessity be well considered for the present state of the Church and for her future especially from the region that I belonged to. I am aware of the state of the Church in other places.
Sometimes different denominations or groups are on defensive as to what really constitutes issues that ought to be passed down to new believers. A careful study of the Scriptures shows that a believer's life is a wholesome one.
In God's plan for a wholesome Church certain key people were to be present -apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers (Eph 4:11) and for some important tasks:
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" (Eph 4:11 -13).
Acts 2: 42-47 confirms that the early Church was instructed and their lifestyle was different. One of the church elders in my country lamented that there are many orphans in the Church today - no serious discipleship any longer or what we call discipleship today is pale compared with what was handed over to us.
No doubt the discipleship life calls for the basics, while also a build up on the essentials of the new life -but beyond these, we need to "come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
I spent many years finding out what the Christian life was all about - My desire today is to see people well instructed in what the believed in. And beyond this, to see also that the next generations, are adequately prepared for.
For friends that may likely read this I have been looking for some books and articles, I will be delighted if I can get these materials again.
1. Many years ago I read an article in one of Billy Graham's Magazine - Decision. It has to do with going back to the school in Plymouth. It was about the journey of the pilgrims fathers. I cant remember the title very well. It has to do with "An example for us to follow." I have searched the internet but unable to locate the article.
2. I read a book many years ago titled "Apprentice to the King " It was about the life history of the founder of Baraka Press, Nigeria. I will be very delighted to read this book again.
Jesus Christ is not about religion. It is about eternal life, the Church is His instrument and His disciples are His representatives to bring the knowledge of the only true God to mankind. His Word transforms lives as His spirit attends to hearts - but when poorly represented because of our failure to disciple - What do you expect?
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