Go therefore, and make disciples

 

Sixty-six years ago, in a Quaker church in Springfield Ohio, I asked Jesus to be my savior. Soon after that I was baptized, by immersion (I was not Quaker). I attended church and youth group regularly, and after high school I went to Bible college to become a minister. Apparently, I was not suited for Bible college, and I flunked out. Then I was drafted and ended up in Viet Nam. Since that time, I struggled at being a “Christian”.

In 2001 circumstances were arranged to change my life completely.

Yesterday (Sunday, August 24, 2025) I was at a rally where there were people sharing about “making disciples”, and the fire was rekindled in my heart and mind. The introduction that I saw seemed to emphasize the urgency of assuring people that they are “saved.” Which was proven with scripture verses ripped out of context, “Proof Texts.”

This is not what I read in Jesus’ words when he gives the command to his disciples. This is what it says in Matthew 28:18-20.

And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Shortly after the events of 2001, I was challenged to discover what this commandment meant, and how to accomplish it. This resulted in the creation of a beginning discipleship course, which I have offered to share in the past. The response has been unspectacular. I did this by faith, believing that I was led by God to do it. I am again motivated by that same faith to work harder at promoting what I see as discipleship according to what Jesus said.

I intend to do this from now on, hopefully daily in FB and blog posts, until I see that this is not what God desires me to be doing.

 

As always, Be Faithful

Rick