THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE DISCIPLES (2).
“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.” Acts 11:29
Christianity without fostering discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. Receive the grace to be a true soldier, witness, and disciple of Christ, in the name of Jesus.
In the previous text, we established the timeless truth that becoming true disciples of Christ and helping converts become disciples are two major goals we must strive to achieve. We also began to examine the characteristics of true disciples and how one can embody them. We will continue and conclude this discussion today.
The fifth characteristic of true disciples is that they lead a life full of good works. In Acts 9:36, the Bible says:
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.“
The Bible reports that this woman, a disciple of Jesus, fell ill and died. Having positively impacted many lives during her lifetime, her good works spoke for her. People sent for the apostle Peter, who prayed and brought her back to life. Sixth, true disciples of Jesus contribute according to their abilities. They prove their loyalty to Jesus by worshipping Him with their substance and giving to His work or cause. In Acts 11:29, the Bible states:
“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.“
The seventh characteristic of true disciples is that they willingly endure the offenses they must suffer because of Christ. In Acts 5, the Bible recounts that the anointing on the apostle Peter was so great that his shadow healed the sick and freed those oppressed by the devil. The exploits of the apostles enraged the high priest, who arrested and imprisoned them. God sent His angel to deliver His men from prison.
The apostles were not discouraged or disturbed. They continued to preach the word of God in the name of Jesus. The rulers beat the apostles and ordered them not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore. Despite the beatings, hostility, and persecution, the Bible says that the apostles left the presence of the council (the Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41).
Beloved, I encourage you to become a true disciple today.
I also urge you to commit daily to winning souls and making converts into disciples whom the Lord places in your path. Your reward will be great here on earth and in heaven, in the name of Jesus.
PRAYER POINTS
- Father, may my life be full of good works, in the name of Jesus.
- I receive the grace to endure trials and persecution for the sake of Christ, in the name of Jesus.
- Father, touch the hearts of sinners and draw them to You, in the name of Jesus.
- I command obstacles and strongholds against discipleship to catch fire and burn to ashes, in the name of Jesus.
- Intercessors, in the name of Jesus, expand Your harvest field for increased disciple production.
- Father, grant me boldness to share the Gospel and make others disciples for You, in the name of Jesus.
- Father, release a new anointing and power upon me and other disciple-makers, in the name of Jesus.
This text is an excerpt from the book “Living on top life of the mountain daily devotion 2024” written by Dr DANIEL OLUKOYA.
We invite you to read the following article “DELIVERY FROM THE HANDS 1“.
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