Real Disciple-Making

By Dan Vis
October 12, 2020
Comments: 60

For this week's memo, I've pulled out a bit of my own personal story, of how I got started with memorization, and the impact it has had on my life. It's the perfect article given that this month's featured class is our popular Crash Course, and that we'll be opening enrollment in our Breakout Memory Challenge in just a few more days. Get ready!



Making disciples involves more than just doing evangelism. Real disciple-making is connecting people to the real disciple-maker: Jesus Christ. At least, that's how I've come to view it after nearly 30 years of full-time ministry.

Jesus made this point exactly in his parting instructions to the church: "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" by 1) "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" and then 2) "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (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., NKJV). It is both calling people to follow Christ, and then helping them grow in their walk with Him, together, that makes up the Great Commission.



I became a Christian as a young college student, just a couple months into my twenties, after reading a copy of the Desire of Ages that I had stumbled on to in a used book store. Through a series of additional providential steps, the Lord soon brought me into his endtime church, and I was baptized. That was part one of the Great Commission.

Fortunately, I had some friends around able to help me with part two. A handful of guys from the university I attended, took me under their wing and began to teach me the basics of the Christian walk: how to pray, study the Bible, deal with temptation, manage my time, share my testimony, and more.

Perhaps most important--they taught me the one thing Jesus said we should teach every new believer: how to "observe" the things Christ commanded. By introducing me to the basic nuts and bolts of Bible memorization, they gave me a skill that completely transformed my life.



You see, the word "observe" in the Great Commission comes from a Greek word meaning to guard or keep. It's used in Matthew 27:54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. to describe how the centurion was assigned to "watch" Jesus on the cross. And in Acts 16:23And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:, it's used to describe how the jailor was charged with "keeping" Paul and Silas locked up in prison. And in Jude 1:6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day., it's used to describe how the fallen angels are being "reserved" in chains until their judgment.

Together, these verses suggest "observing" means to lock up God's Word so securely, it can never be taken from you. To me, that sounds like memorization!

Through memorization, I could fix my eyes on Jesus anywhere--by simply meditating on verses I knew. Through memorization I was able to lock up the Bible in my mind, and prevent it from slipping away. Through memorization, I was able to reserve the Scriptures, so they would be available for any trial I faced. Basically, memorizing connected me to the One who gave us the Word.

It wasn't easy, at first. I didn't have a great memory, and I had little exposure to the Bible growing up--so it was all brand new to me. But I was determined, and persevered in investing whatever time it took to get my verses learned each week. I learned to memorize word-perfect, the secret to long term retention, how to remember references, and more. Little by little, my store of verses began to grow.

At one point, something clicked. I had probably accumulated 50 or 60 verses, when I started noticing them popping up in sermons. Or I'd be studying a passage in my devotions, and some verse I had memorized would come to mind, shedding light on what I was reading. Or I'd be praying about something, and I'd suddenly think of a promise directly related to that request. And old temptations began losing their hold in my life, as I discovered how powerful quoting Scripture can be. When asked a question, it seemed I always happened to have just the verse I needed to explain my faith. It was as if Jesus were right there at my side, day by day.

In fact, the more it happened, the more exciting it got. At the time, I had a job that enabled me to memorize while at work--and I took advantage of it. Soon I had moved from 2-3 verses a week to 2-3 verses a day. Memorization was getting easier, and I couldn't seem to get enough. The Bible became "the joy and rejoicing of my heart" (Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.).

And it soon began to open doors. Though young, and quite new to the church, I was soon asked to teach the lesson study in my church. And then to do prayer meeting. Soon I was preaching sermons.

Looking back now, I'm amazed at the doors God opened. With no formal training, I was soon invited to teach Bible at a local academy. Then a second academy. Then a small college. I went on to serve as an administrator in two evangelistic training centers. And ultimately, was asked to pastor a church in the Chicago suburbs--where I was ordained to the Gospel ministry. I've preached in hundreds of churches in more than a dozen countries. The last two decades have just been a blur of amazing adventures.

I'm fully convinced these doors opened, because years earlier, a handful of college friends took some interest in me, and taught me how to memorize Scripture. How to "observe" the teachings of the Bible.

These doors opened for me, because those friends were true disciple-makers, connecting me to the real disciple-maker. Jesus Christ. And following Him is never anything less than an amazing adventure!


Comments

How important is it to combine evangelism with follow-up and training? How important is it to make sure our training connects people to Jesus, the real disciple-maker? How important is memorization in the life of a believer? Share a thought or two in the comments below...

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Posted by Dan Vis on 11/23/20  
You are very welcome Carlos. I remember that day very fondly. Thanks for going on to become the first Project CALL leader in our church the following year. You started a sequence that continued for 7 generations and is still going today...

Your friendship has been a huge blessing to me!
Posted by Carlos Vera on 11/21/20  
It was ten years ago in October 2010 that I heard a new Pastor had just started at North Aurora SDA church. I visited and was sold on the vision of transforming the church into a training center. The flyer for Project CALL starting in January 2011 was exactly what I felt I needed and the first day of Survival Kit confirmed it was definitely for me.

Thank you for sharing your ministry with us and for continuing to make this incredible content available. I know I am blessed by what I study and learn here.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/18/20  
That's awesome Tina, that people could be drawn to you through your quiet and peaceable life. And yes, every little effort adds up, doesn't it?

That's the exact progression Richard we should all seek: spiritual babe, mature disciple, and finally worker. That's going from seedling to mature plant to multiplying fruit in the parable of the sower. Let's all aim to be good soil for the seed!
Posted by Richard on 10/16/20  
That is an amazing experience, that is a practicle summary of the process of a through desciple. Being a baby Christian, to a Desciple, to a Worker. We all need to experience similar growth in our spiritual journey with God   
Posted by Tina Deetua Glentworth on 10/15/20  
I do agree that real disciple is about living a faithful Faith life around people we are connected, the Holy spirit worked in those souls around us to open their eyes to see the presence of God in us. I did have experience where people around me noticed that my life is full of life and peace and they wanted that life for themselves the life that Christ is made Lord in all aspect. And when i saw this happened it gave e joy to see that a quiet walk with God can also see God's mighty work of saving souls. let's not weary in doing small little thing in every day walk with God. Holy Spirit God can do great things!!   
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/13/20  
Petrona Spaulding , yes definitely! Not only will it help us stay on the right path, but also those we work with. Good post!

Lupita, actually they reached out to me. It's a good point worth mentioning, that new believers rarely know what they need. Which is why we should take the initiative in reaching out to them. :)

Jeannie, I've moved your question to a dedicated forum post as I think it is a super important topic and deserves some dedicated attention and discussion...
Posted by Jeannie Marcoux on 10/12/20  
Dan So, if the discipleship training ends with Revival Keys vs. Team Tactics, how does one move a group in an in-person setting to the evangelistic component?   Already, the discipleship course with Team Tactics, and excluding Revival Keys took 8–9 months. Just trying to understand how to do it better next time around.   
Posted by Lupita on 10/12/20  
How did you find these friends? How were you drawn to them?
Posted by Petrona Spaulding on 10/12/20  
I think it’s important to combine evangelism with follow-up and training to ensure that we are staying on the right path, and being consistent in the Word of God. Connecting people to Jesus through training will also empower them to help others get connected to Jesus. Memorizing scriptures will keep us walking close to Christ and living by His every word.
Posted by Dan Vis on 08/21/20  
That's great Dicky! I just saw your post there--and made this exact recommendation. :)

In our new discipleship track, we're recommending Revival Keys instead of Team Tactics for our level three course. Team Tactics is now part of our Evangelism track, along side several other ministry components. Revival Keys is more a refresher on basic principles of discipleship, combined with an emphasis on preparation for ministry by seeking the power of the Holy Spirit for ministry. If you haven't taken it yet, that's our current promotional class.
Posted by Dicky on 08/20/20  
I decided to take up the Lost Art course, instead of TT. Yes, I have 2 persons in mind I am praying before meeting them. They had completed SK, BT, and TT some time back, as my church signed up with FAST in 2012-2013. Pray that God's Spirit will move their hearts.
Posted by Dan Vis on 08/14/20  
God is good Dicky! I pray the Lord gives you someone (or a group) you can help invest in and disciple. It will be a wonderful experience!

Our study guide courses are a whole different experience when they are done in a group, face to face. Or even by skype/zoom. Something about the interaction that's really powerful and life-changing...
Posted by Dicky on 08/13/20  
Reading your testimony excites me, inducing a desire for similar experience. I guess, I have experienced partially some of what you shared. Praise the Lord for His goodness, and FAST mission ministry.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/29/19  
Stay encouraged friend!
Posted by Chrstian Emenike on 10/29/19  
Thanks and I really appreciate the effort. Stay bless
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/29/19  
We sometimes get sponsorships for our Study Center Chrstian, but I don't have any available at the moment. We'll see what happens. But do feel free to take advantage of our free tools and classes. We try to open up a different class every month!
Posted by Chrstian Emenike on 10/28/19  
One of the challenges I am facing is the ability to meet certain financials. I am determine to succeed in life only through the power of Jesus Christ. I was to join if there is a kind of scholarship to assist me in my learning.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/10/19  
That's wonderful Bert! We're thrilled to have you here. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help. And thanks so much for sharing about us in your sermon!!! :)
Posted by Bert Hopkins on 10/10/19  
I am very happy to have found the Fast Missions Ministry and I thank God for the opportunity it gives me to memorise Scripture. I am trying to get my Church involved and included in my last Sermon. I want to start at least a team and God willing the Church.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/10/19  
Happy to share my experience Nan. God is good, and His Word is powerful! It's a blessing to share it. :)
Posted by Nan on 10/09/19  
Thank you brother Vis for your powerful testimony. I was greatly blessed! It reminded me of Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.. Knowing and sharing the Word is the life of evangelism and Abba's opportunity to bless his children as He did with you!
May Abba continue to bless you as you do unto others as it has been done unto you!😊
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/09/19  
Amen Carol. Anything we can do to help others get going strong in their walk with God is a blessing to the cause of Christ!
Posted by Carol Lathen on 10/09/19  
Dan, what a beautiful testimony how God connected you with some Christian friends that took you under their wings and taught you the basic of the Christian walk how to pray, study the bible, and share your testimony and etc. God wants us to do the same after they are brought in through evangelism we are to follow up with training. Thank God for the ones that took it serious with you and follow up with training. As a result we have FAST MISSION. Praise GOD!!!
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/08/19  
That's a great testimony Carole! Hoping you'll be able to find a way to help get someone else started memorizing too. Exciting times. :)
Posted by Carole Bliss on 10/07/19  
Today I visited a lady in the nursing home, as I talked, scripture came to mind, I started repeating it to her, and she looked at me in agreement. This example tells us the importance of knowing scripture.
BLESSINGS
Carole
Posted by Laurie Wissink on 03/02/19  
I never heard that cliche before Dan, but it is so true!
Posted by Dan Vis on 03/02/19  
Glad I could share something that was helpful Laurie. God truly is good, and there is power in the Word.

Reminds me of the old cliche about how we're just one beggar telling another beggar where there's some bread!
Posted by Laurie Wissink on 03/01/19  
I agree with David where he said, "I want to affirm you by boldly saying, "Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen(well-not literally with mine own eyes, Pastor) in me(you, Pastor), DO(emphasis supplied): and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.)" I studied Philippians 4:9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. just a few weeks ago and I thought of Pastor Dan too! Thank you brother (Dan) for sharing what God has shown you about discipleship with us!!!
Posted by Dan Vis on 02/22/19  
There's definitely power in the Word Leslie! Making some room to let that power start getting and working within us, that's the challenge isn't it?
Posted by Leslie Caza on 02/22/19  
Powerful testimony to God's glory! This makes me think of Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.!
Posted by Dan Vis on 02/20/19  
A wonderful testimony Floride! I'm sure the Lord has a special reward in mind for those friends who helped you and your husband... :)
Posted by Floride Leonce on 02/19/19  
Hi Dan, my experience is similar to yours. When we got baltized, my husband (my fiancé then) and I, there was a couple in the church that were like mentors to us. They taught us everything: singing, praying, studying Scripture, etc. The husband was very much involved in lay activities; so, he took my husband with him to every visit. When we got married, they came to our house to pray every week, and they were the ones who introduced me to group prayer meetings. I can say that they’re the ones who really helped shape my Christian life and I will always be grateful that God had put them into our paths. All that is to say it is very important to take care of new believers and make sure they get all the help that they can to have and enjoy a great Christian experience.

Memorization is very important. Sometimes, as I go through stuff in my life, I feel encouraged and find comfort as certain verses pop up in my head. Or if I’m asked a question, the reference just comes to my head easily. And I believe if the verses come handy now, they will be handy even more when are faced with trials and tribulations, and the only treasure we will be able to draw from is what is in our heads.

So, thank you for this important lesson! My prayer is that God help me to apply it and make me be more consistent in my studies.
Posted by Dan Vis on 02/18/19  
That's wonderful Carole! It really is amazing how the internalized Word can change our life, isn't it?

David, I just love your post! So full of excitement, joy, and confidence. God is good, and His Word is powerful. We are all definitely on a journey, but it is exciting when things really click, and we begin to experience the power of Scripture in the heart. As you put it, let's keep pressing forward till Jesus comes!
Posted by David Jeffrey Grabe on 02/18/19  
Greetings, All FAST Friends, in the Abiding, Abounding, & Abundant Name of Jesus Christ our Lord & Saviour!

Thank you, Pastor Dan, for this MM on "Real Disciple-Making" I want to affirm you by boldly saying, "Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen(well-not literally with mine own eyes, Pastor) in me(you, Pastor), DO(emphasis supplied): and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.)
This is what has transpired in my life for the past 4 years(not a coincidence that I became a part of FAST Missions over 4-nearly 5 years ago!). What you said regarding "something clicking" has slowly-but steadily begun to take shape in my life!

I have a long, long way to go, but by His amazing grace, I will "grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." (Ephesians 4:15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:)

And as you said, "To me "observing" means to lock up God's Word so securely, it can never be taken from you. To me, that sounds like memorization! " Indeed! What a change has He wrought in my life just this decision & commitment to the rest of my lifetime to "lock His word in my heart!
The Lord does it all-with our cooperation, of course!
He writes it in my heart(Deuteronomy 6:6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:; Jeremiah 31:33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.; II Corinthians 3:3Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.; Hebrews 10:16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
He sends His Spirit to remind, recall, rehearse (John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.;16:7,8,13)
He gives me the "joy & rejoicing" in there! (Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.)
He hides it in there, so I won't choose to sin against Him; but would rather taste death instead(Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.; Revelation 12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.)

Blessings to ALL the FAST Community!

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;(for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;))
"Let us hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith & love, which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.)
And finally,
brethren, Our Saviour says,

"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.)


Looking forward to the "Disciple-Making" Class!
Posted by Carole Bliss on 02/18/19  
I have been memorizing for a year or longer. I carry index cards when I walk, my desire is to knoe the scripture, live it and share it with others. What people need most of all, is to know Jesus. His love and to show Him to others.
Inspiring message. Blessings. Carole
Posted by Hazel Brereton on 11/01/18  
From my own experience when we memorize bible verses, the holy spirit brings back these verses to us just when we need it, sometimes to encourage us as we go through our own struggles, to encourage others along the way or when biblical discussions come up. God also uses it to communicate with us.combining evangelism with follow up training is important in helping people to grow in Jesus.When a baby is born we do not leave him to figure life out for himself, if we did he would die. We are responsible for the baby's needs until he can do so himself, it's the same in the spiritual world.
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/01/18  
Thank you Miriam for affirming these important points. And glad FAST could play some small part in shifting your thinking this direction a bit! Glad to have you a part of our community. :)
Posted by Miriam Andres on 11/01/18  
Combining evangelism with follow-up or nurture or discipleship and training is extremely important. The discipleship part of the great commission has been left out in many if not most of the Christian churches, including our own SDA church. Unknowingly or knowingly, we have been heavy on the doctrines, rather than "connecting people to the real disciple-maker Jesus Christ." I believe its time to shift our direction to prepare a people to meet the Lord.

Having had expanded my understanding through FAST about the power and the real reason for memorization, the more I agree that it will enliven our Christian experience as it will connect us to Him- our Lord and Savior the source and giver of life and all things.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/31/18  
Welcome to FAST Miriam, and you are soon going to discover how amazing our brain is at memorizing when we just follow a few simple principles. And thank you for your years of service to the children of our church!
Posted by Miriam Andres on 10/30/18  
I have always believed in the power of memorizing Bible verses. In fact, when I was still working for Children's Ministries at the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, one activity I enjoy the most was listening to children as they recite Bible verses. In one occasion, an 8 yr old boy recited more than 200 bible verses. And yet I thought I couldn't memorize anymore because I am retired.

Thanks to FAST for providing me hope that I can fulfill my desire of remaining in God's presence through memorizing Bible verses.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/28/18  
Amen Debra Searle, agree completely! So glad you will be joining us for our upcoming Breakout Memory Challenge! :)
Posted by Debra Searle on 10/27/18  
Bible memorisation is to me a strong faith encouragement. I fully believe there is power in God's Holy Word to grow stronger in my faith and overcoming sin by claiming His precious promises.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/21/18  
That's true Qing. The more we experience life transformation through the Word, the more confident we become in its power.

And welcome Nancy! So glad to have you here and joining with us in our shared quest for a deeper experience in the Word of God. I pray your time here at FAST will be a blessing for you!
Posted by Nancy on 10/21/18  
I am excited for the extra help and insight, i can gain from all of you. Scripture has helped me immensely, and the spirit has been calling me to continue to come up higher. Resighting a verse when i needed it most has given great peace and comfort. Ready to go deeper.
Posted by Qing Ling on 10/19/18  
great post to share with others - i can relate to many of your experiences in how the Word slowly became a powerful part of your life, Dan. victory over sin is a strong reason for people to want to take up the habit of scripture memorisation!
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/18/18  
Thanks for the affirmation Patricia! We do our best to provide valuable training for all our members, regardless. And God manages to take care of us. :)
Posted by Patricia Jones on 10/18/18  
I third the idea to take the Crash Course here at FAST Melody. It was one of the first classes I took here. In fact all I took was free classes for my first year or two here and was glad when things turned around enough to be able to become a partner and support the ministry.
Posted by Dan Vis on 10/18/18  
Hi Joyce! So great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Give my greetings to the good folks in your church for me. :)

And thanks Diana for your point about the importance of example. By applying Scripture, and helping others to do as well, we can indeed plant powerful seeds all around us, that God can then water and cause to germinate. Good post!
Posted by Diana David on 10/18/18  
Thanks. I like this article and couldn't agree more that discipleship is pointing others to Jesus and sharing how to apply Scripture to our lives. People may not be quick to embrace our faith but the seeds of truth can still be sown and in time there will surely be a harvest.
Posted by Joyce Ann Combes on 10/17/18  
It is a powerful way to live! It has changed my spiritual life and spills over into every other aspect! Soon we will be without our Bibles and oh how important to have the Word hidden in our hearts!! Thanks so much for this spirit-filled ministry!

Joyce Ann


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