Every month I receive a new issue of Table Talk Magazine. It is a devotional magazine without the fluff. The articles and daily devotions not only have theological depth and clear teaching on Scripture, but they are also relevant, challenging, and informative. I would encourage you to get a subscription (and no, I am not getting paid to say that.)

This morning, while reading the Church and Discipleship in the September issue, I came across these challenging thoughts.

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20). All power on heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, who gives power and a call to us. Making disciples means that we embrace this call by accompanying people along their way. Some churches call this “doing life together.”

But true discipleship is not just about hanging out. True discipleship is about embracing gospel truths in the context of a biblical community that results in life change. It’s about visibly seeing sanctification in the life of a new believer. It’s about progressively becoming more aware of our sinfulness and of God’s holiness. It’s about the cross looming larger and larger in our lives as we embrace gospel truths. Gospel-centered churches understand this. The true measure of a church’s success is not its size but whether it is making disciples.

We have a vast problem in our churches, not only in American churches but in churches around the world. We have many “conversions” but few disciples. We have many “conversions” but few who embrace the Lordship of Christ…

…True disciple-makers are not just interested in developing leaders…they are interested in seeing the cross loom large in the life of a new believer. They are passionate about sanctification. They are passionate about teaching gospel truths. And the result of this kind of biblical discipleship is amazing – people and churches whose testimony truly reflects God’s character, bringing much glory to Jesus.

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you a true disciple-maker?
2. Does your desire match that mentioned in the article?

Resources

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Table Talk Magazine, The Church and Discipleship, 23.