This month we're refreshing a number of posts to review the core basics of our ministry here at FAST. And this week's memo definitely hits on those basics. It's from something I wrote up over 20 years ago--and I haven't really changed my thinking on it a bit...



Though the early believers were occasionally referred to as Christians--they are more often referred to as followers of "the way". See Acts 9:1-21 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem., Acts 16:17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation., Acts 18:25-2625 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly., Acts 19:9,23But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. . . . And the same time there arose no small stir about that way., Acts 22:4And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women., Acts 24:14,22But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: . . . And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.. The early church was known less for sharing the doctrinal positions of Jesus, and more for sharing the example He modeled. Christianity wasn't just a creed, but a way of life.



Our mission today should be the same: not just teaching truth, but also training men and women to live how Jesus commanded. See Matthew 28:19-2019 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.. That life transformation is at the core of discipleship.

The Essentials of Discipleship

What does that life look like? The paragraphs below review some of the essential principles we emphasize at FAST. As you read through each section, evaluate your own life. Are there weak spots? Areas where you are inconsistent, or struggling? If there are, look for ways to build up those areas. Determine you too will become a skilled follower of the way!

Strong Devotions
The foundation of a believer's life is a strong Morning Watch. We must know how to get fresh, personal instruction from the Master every morning, through meditation and the application of God’s Word to our life. This requires the ability to identify biblical principles and then to turn them into practical projects.

It has been said principles get sharper on the tip of a pencil--and that even the dullest pencil has a sharper memory than you or me. This suggests there is benefit in taking some time to write down what God teaches you each morning. We recommend the daily habit of writing out a brief paraphrase or summary of the passage you read, recording any principles you discover, and then jotting down the projects you are impressed to carry out.

It is also important that you check back periodically to make sure you have not left any projects undone. See Joshua 11:15As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.. Learning to get regular instructions, and then being faithful in carrying them out--is at the heart of what it really means to follow Christ.

Personal Prayer
Another important key is establishing an effective prayer life. Every believer must learn how to wrestle with God in prayer, over specific requests, claiming specific promises of the Word, day by day. Without prayer, there will be no power in our life to advance the cause of Christ.

A prayer journal, used consistently, can help. We recommend getting a special loose leaf notebook--or setting aside a section of your Morning Watch notebook specifically for prayer. Write out each request on a separate sheet of paper. Focus on praying over requests inspired by some verse of Scripture--and jot down those verses with the request. Finally, leave space on each sheet to record when you pray, impressions that come to your mind while praying, and indications God is moving in answer your request. This keeps your prayer journal alive and vibrant.

Pray faithfully over your journal, and in time you will begin to acquire a collection of answered requests. Keep these somewhere as a testament to God's goodness. Quiet trophies of persevering prayer.

Time Management
It is also vital to get a good handle on our time. We should have a clear sense of purpose, clear priorities, and a schedule that allows us to invest time in our walk with God. We also need some system to track all the tasks of our life--and overcome the distraction and pressures that come from the multitude of things we need to do.

A good time management system essentially boils down to a master list of all the tasks you will need to complete over the coming days, and a regular do-list of tasks to complete each day. It can be a simple 3x5 card or something more like a small weekly planner. Just make sure you use it daily. And preferably, make updating it an integral part of your morning devotions. Keep your short list with you through the day, and refer to it frequently--and it will help you stay on track as you mark off each item on the list.

There are many additional tools for effective time management, but the real key is aiming for a life of focus. Keep striving for greater efficiency. Read books. Experiment. Do what it takes--to get your time under control for Christ! Harnessing our time is the only way to live a life fully consecrated to God.

Personal Evangelism Skills
While personal evangelism includes a broad range of skills--there are some basic skills every disciple should cultivate. And if we are faithful to equip ourselves with these skills--we can be sure God will be faithful to bring people into our life.

First, every believer should be able to share their personal testimony, concisely, and potently. To do this, it helps to first write it out, and then practice it with a friend until you can share it spontaneously. Second, you should know how to present the Gospel clearly to an unbeliever. Having a solid gospel presentation fixed in our mind and ready to go not only equips us to lead another person to Christ, but also helps us grow in our own assurance of salvation.

Another important skill is being able to give simple Bible studies to those who want to know more about our faith. Every "servant of the Lord" should be "apt to teach" (II Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,), "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh" (I Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:). All around us, there are men and women looking wistfully to heaven, longing for someone to answer their questions. Learning to do this effectively, opens the door for one amazing adventure after another.



Perhaps more important than the specific skills listed above, is a mindset of evangelism. If you do not have at least a few non-Christians in your regular circle of contacts that you are praying for by name, ask God to give you a greater burden for souls. And then ask for ideas on how you can expand your circle of contacts.

Conclusion

While this list is not exhaustive, these skills, combined with a life of systematic Scripture memorization, are at the foundation of what it means to be a follower of the way.

The Bible is full of counsel covering every aspect of how we should live our life. And all of it is important! But these skills are what enable us to discover and implement all the rest of God's revealed will. The counsel of God is full and complete. We just need the tools to access it!

Don't you long to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A true follower of the way...

Comments

Why do you think Christians were first identified more by a "way" of life, than a set of beliefs? What does this suggest about what we should emphasize in our interactions with people? How does your life measure up against the skills of discipleship suggested here? What can you do to strengthen any weak areas?

Join the Discussion!

Want to read more articles, or leave a comment of your own? Please login. Not yet a member? Why not join our community...

JOIN LOGIN