Being a Disciple is Not Enough
Jan 7, 2019 4168
It’s interesting that there are some churches who appoint apostles. In Africa I’ve also met many self-appointed apostles. In the New Testament, being an apostle was a big deal. In the Bible it is a title that only those who had been with Jesus in the flesh were allowed to use. The fact that Paul called himself an apostle because he had met Jesus on the road to Damascus, was a sore point with the other twelve apostles in Jerusalem.
But there is a sense in which Jesus wants every single believer to be an apostle. You see, in the kingdom of God, being a disciple is not enough. Discipleship is just entry level. Jesus wants his disciples to all become apostles. He said,
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18, NIV).
In obedience to this commandment, the disciples became apostles. The word “apostle” means “one who is sent.”
The word “disciple” means a learner: specifically, one who leans by following the master. In a real sense, we are all learners, and we will always be learners. However, our learning has a purpose: it is so that we will reach the point where we will be able to be useful to God. While we are to continue learning, we must all graduate to from being just a “disciple,” to being an “apostle”: someone whom God can sent to bless others.
The only one of the twelve who didn’t graduate from being a disciple to an apostle was Judas.
In a sense, it’s easy to be a disciple. You just turn up with other disciples and sit in the meetings and listen, and sing along. Then you go home, happy with what you’ve heard, and then go on with your life.
But an apostle can’t do that. An apostle is someone who “gets it.” An apostle is someone who realises that God only ever calls people in order to send them. An apostle is someone who accepts that they have been sent into the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
There’s another difference between disciples and apostles is found in the words of Jesus. When he sends out his apostles to make disciples of all nations, he sends them out in all the authority that he has been given in heaven and on earth. You see, learners can’t be trusted with all the power yet, but apostles can.
Do you need more power in your life? Are you experiencing spiritual weakness in your life? Perhaps you’ve been just a disciple for far too long. Perhaps it’s time to graduate to becoming an apostle for Jesus.
The only one of the twelve who didn’t graduate from being a disciple to an apostle was Judas, and look how he ended up!
Being a disciple is not enough. Jesus wants to send you. Will you go?
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Nicholas Bundi
Jan 19, 2019
Good read. Thanks for the good news. Am now a disciple of jesus. To graduate and be an apostle of jesus, should i go for a Bible training programme Am ready for any mission jesus wants me to go for. Thanks Dr. Eliezer G. Am Nicholas from Isiolo county, Kenya.
Shema Alphonse
Jan 14, 2019
Hey my brothren, I like this message you give us so I have any mother who stay three week in urgence at the height hospital in Rwanda . don't forget pray for her in your daily prayer. God bless you.
Eliezer Gonzalez
Jan 14, 2019
Thank you brother Javed. We will remember you. Grace and peace. Eliezer
javed
Jan 14, 2019
Hi. vey nice message . plz remember me in ur daily pray for my job . ur brother in Christ . J J from Pakistan
Eliezer Gonzalez
Jan 14, 2019
Thank you for your testimony, brother!
Eliezer Gonzalez
Jan 14, 2019
You're welcome, dear brother.
lombekanyanya
Jan 13, 2019
this is truly good people need to understand what it takes to be an apostle and how to go about it dear pastor thanks for ur words it is really teaching me alot
Chioma
Jan 13, 2019
Thank you do much for this bread of life
Pastor Joseph Usala
Jan 13, 2019
Dear loving Pastor,thanks to you for writing wonderful message to know about Apostle work and call.,
Rev.Daniel Nkoyooyo
Jan 13, 2019
God is good all the times!Thank you for your teachings,it has impacted me a lot.I studied theology and ordained as a pastor in a certain protestant church in Uganda.Was pastoring in one of the church parish.But one night when I was walking on foot from the church prayers I met a bright golden light crossing infront of me had a voice,Daniel don't stop cross the line and did so,all the grasses were shaking and the ground,went home afraid and asking what was this?I asked God what?when I slept,I saw Jesus near the river,He told me be my witness:Acts 1:8,Leave the comfort zones and begin work,so in 2013 I became a church planter,and time being am in Uganda.Am working with:World mission organization Uganda.
NIMBONA DONATIEN
Jan 13, 2019
it's very clear people are confusing and rename themselves as apostles without knowing the process,that's why many are deceived nowdays
myra
Feb 20, 2020
thanks for reminding to all of us also to me, I missed as a disciple. And to deserve of God without asking and do even if fullfil of your heart deserve to Him.