A few weeks ago in our opening Sabbath
worship we read the following paragraphs:
'...Have you ever noticed what followers of
Jesus were called in the book of Acts? In our time we typically call ourselves
Christians or believers. But something has changed dramatically since Jesus'
time. Followers of Jesus were referred to as Christians only twice and as
believers once in the entire book of Acts. But they are referred to as
disciples many times. In fact the word disciple is used thirty-one times
in Acts.
I believe this change is significant. Today
we want to know if a person is a believer or a Christian. Our emphasis is on
belief. In the early church the word was disciple, and their emphasis was on
following. They patterned their lives after Jesus. They wanted to imitate His
life, to walk in His steps, to live as He lived. We have a tendency to reduce
Christianity to a system of beliefs. We stress theology and correct doctrine.
The early disciples talked about suffering with Him and dying for His name.
Theology is important, and what you believe about God is foundational to your
Christian walk. But God never intended for theology to be an end in itself.' Charting a Course in Your Youth by Gary
Miller, page 73
'The pagan and religious cultures
surrounding the early church were looking for answers. They had listened to
endless debate and philosophy. There were arguments explaining the superiority
of one religion or philosophy over another. But why did Christianity alarm
religious and government leaders and sweep across the Roman Empire so rapidly?
“These people are turning the world
upside down!” protested the authorities of the day. What was so different about
Christianity?
I think the first answer to this question is
simply the resurrection. Christianity had life! But there is something else
about those early disciples we would be wise to take note of. They were men and
women of action. They were willing to follow Jesus, regardless! Many of them
lost their families, their friends, and their finances. They were willing to
live radically different lives, and the world sat up and took notice.
Today we wonder why we have no power. We
don't understand why our attempts at evangelism yield so few sincere converts.
But I believe we, like the early disciples, live in a world that is waiting –
looking for men and women who are so dedicated and consecrated to the teachings
of Jesus that they are willing to live them out. The world is looking for
disciples, not just believers.' Ibid, page 76
This prompted us to study about disciples
deeper. What were the characteristics of the early disciples, those that turned
the world upside down?
Firstly, what is the definition of a
disciple? The dictionary says a disciple is 'a follower, learner, student,
pupil, of a teacher, leader of philosophy; taught and instructed.' Disciples
are people who believe in a certain person or thing, and then act upon it –
live out their faith. They are those that talk the talk and walk the
walk.
We went through every reference in the Bible
concerning disciples, and wrote down some of the points they showed us about
the early disciples – mostly those mentioned in Acts.
The disciples...
...knew the Bible
...had the law and testimony
...heard and were obedient
...were not legalistic
...asked when they didn't understand, and
persisted in knowing the truth
...were not afraid to obey even when it
meant going against the flow and being criticized
...followed Jesus and went with Him everywhere
...were devoted and loyal to their Master,
and concerned for His welfare
...willingly helped their Master, not even
stopping with the dirty work
...were not above, but as, their Master
...were rebuked and instructed
...went to Jesus in times of trouble; He was
their 'go to'
...were still human and not perfect
...didn't know everything, and they doubted
and forgot
...had access to God's power, and marveled and were amazed at His doings
...were noticeably different from everyone
else
...were joyful, and compassionate
...were persecuted, but multiplied
...were called to the marriage feast
So are we disciples, or just believers? Do
we know and obey the Bible? Do we follow Jesus to the uttermost,
not stopping at anything? Do we go to our Master in times of trouble,
when we need help? We have access to God's power too – do we use it? Do we
rejoice? Are we happy? Can others see that we are different? Are we
multiplying?
We are called to the marriage feast, too.
'And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.' (John 2:2)
Will we answer the call?
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