Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected]

NO TDA over the 4th of July Weekend… But I will see you on Monday the 7th.

When did it happen?

You thought you were good at something and then realized you had so much more growth ahead of you.

When you had more questions than answers.

When you realized this is the secret sauce to mastering something.

When you understood you should have done this a long time ago.

When I was taking guitar my teacher Jeff Schroedl was amazing. He still is. His band Altered 5 is a blues band that has won numerous awards.

Matthew 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

*Key point: Great leaders don’t create followers, they create leaders. Great Disciples don’t create followers of Christ, they create people who create followers of Christ.

In these few simple verses we tend to focus in on Power and Authority, the Making of Disciples and even baptizing new converts and we even highlight that this is a command… but what do we miss. Well by logical conclusion one can determine that the key to all of these is Obedience.

Five key reasons you need to learn discipleship:

1. Obedience to Jesus' Command: Jesus directly instructed his followers to "Go and make disciples of all nations...". Learning discipleship is an act of obedience to this fundamental command, demonstrating our willingness to follow his instructions. This obedience is a way of expressing our love for him…

Obedience is greater than sacrifice - thats what scripture says. Without obedience you are just like a non Christian except you will go to heaven… You will be judged for your disobedience and your lack of following through on his commands.

2. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Discipleship is crucial for ongoing spiritual development. It's not about reaching a point of "knowing enough" but about continuously growing in Christ. It fosters a deeper understanding of biblical truths, the application of faith in daily life, and the development of Christ-like character.

You ask anyone who moved from student into the role of a teacher and ask them which was more challenging, which taught them more… without a doubt it is being a teacher. When you disciple someone that is when you really start to grow and mature in Christ.

3. Building Stronger Relationships: Discipleship creates opportunities to build deep, authentic relationships with other believers. These relationships provide a supportive environment for mutual encouragement, accountability, and the sharing of life experiences. This strengthens the Christian community and fosters a sense of belonging.

People who go through war together have an unbreakable bond. Discipleship is many times war… spiritual warfare, but war none the less.

4. Equipping and Empowering Others: Discipleship is a process of intentional mentorship where experienced believers guide and nurture newer ones in their spiritual journey. This empowers individuals to live out their faith authentically and to make a positive impact in the world around them. It also plays a vital role in carrying the gospel to others, even in least-reached communities.
5. Living a Life Reflecting Christ: Discipleship involves imitating Jesus' example in our lives. This means not just hearing his teachings but also living them out through love, service, and sacrifice. It's a lifelong endeavor to become more like him in character and actions. This process includes cultivating a heart of love for God and others, actively serving those in need, and sharing the gospel with those who haven't heard.