Disciples Make Disciples

Jesus called the disciples to follow Him and then commissioned them to go and make other disciples. From Jesus’ first invitation to “come, follow me,” throughout the centuries and across the planet, there has been a continual succession of faithful disciples echoing Jesus’ invitation. Disciples make disciples. Join us for part five of The Disciple’s Journey where we discover how the first Church grew as the Disciples proclaimed the good news of Jesus throughout the city of Jerusalem.

Quoting Scripture

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:19

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. – Acts 5:12-14 (ESV) 

Then the high priest and all his associates of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy – Acts 5:17 (NIV)

"We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." – Acts 5:28 (ESV) 

 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." – Acts 5:29-32

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. – Acts 5:33-34

And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, – Acts 5:35-38

For if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" – Acts 5:38-39

So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. – Acts 5:39-40

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. – Acts 5:41-42

Five Habits of a Disciple

Habit 1: Disciples Wait on God.
Habit 2: Disciples Grow in Community
Habit 3: Disciples Pray with Boldness
Habit 4: Disciples Live Generously
Habit 5: Disciples MakeDisciples

Three truths about disciple making:

1. A call to follow Jesus is a call to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 5:29)
2. Disciples make disciples using personal experience (Acts 5:32; 2 Timothy 2:2)
3. Disciples make disciples at great personal expense (Acts 5:40-41)