Discipleship

Hello. I am Dr. Bruce A Fletcher, senior pastor of Bethel Christian Church, West Hartford, CT.

I am currently teaching a series on discipleship, so over the next few weeks I will share some thoughts and quotes from that series.

Characteristics of Disciples

Discipleship isn’t what you do. Being a disciple is who you are-it changes everything.

Wilson, Jim L. Fresh Start Devotionals. Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009. Print.

There are five key characteristics of disciples of Jesus Christ:

1. Love for One Another

John 13:34–35 (NLT)

(34) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

(35) Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Jesus’ love was manifested in his:

a. Coming to seek the lost. Lu 19:10.

b. Praying for his enemies. Lu 23:34.

c. Giving himself for us. Ga 2:20.

d. Dying for us. Joh 15:13; 1 Jo 3:16.

e. Interceding for us. Heb 7:25; 9:24.

2. Lovingly obeying him

John 14:15 (NKJV) — 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

3. Imitating him

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) — 1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV) — 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

4. Reflecting him

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) — 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

5. Self-denial

Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) — 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Be sure to keep checking in for more on Discipleship.