At Catalyst Conference 2012, Francis Chan discussed making disciples.
We can’t put an awesome worship band in the same category as how awesome Jesus is. We cannot let Jesus’ name be common. Hallowed by Thy name.
God revealed to me at one point that I was worshiping revival more than I was worshiping Jesus. Jesus doesn’t promise revival. In fact, he promises the opposite – that people will be lovers of self.
Does it break our heart that there isn’t revival? Of course it does. But it is not about the numbers.
Are you walking closely with Jesus? I think we are going to be surprised when we see Jesus. We will be surprised what counts as wood, hay, and stubble.
We probably don’t want everyone in this room making disciples because some of you don’t really act like Jesus. When people look at your life, are they reminded of Jesus? If not, then why would they want more of you.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Why make a convert if he will just become twice the son of hell that you are?
Test yourself. Are you becoming more and more like Jesus? Jesus is our Savior. And He is meant to be our role model.
Christ spent His life making disciples. So when we follow Christ’s example, we create disciples. This is what we are supposed to be doing.
Why be disciple makers? Well, it’s commanded.
But I know that in the busyness of life that I forget what a shock it will be when I see Christ’s face. We would never neglect a command from our boss, but we neglect Christ’s command to make disciples.
I think Satan is actually quite pleased with what we do in church. We say we heard a tough message and act like we did something because we walk away sad. That is what the rich young ruler did. Zacchaeus heard and gave away all he had with joy.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Don’t try to be a people pleaser so that you are loved. Be a people please so that they may be saved.
Don’t change the whole system of the Bible because it is too difficult or takes too much effort. Go and make disciples!
But so often we just make excuses. The congregation tells the preacher, “That’s not really our job. You should do that.” And the preacher tells the congregation, “It is not my job. I’m supposed to equip you.”
Reality is people don’t trust the religious leader. They trust the person working next to them that is living like Christ.
I don’t know how many people we win win for Christ, but I do know we experience Christ all the time. And when someone says they aren’t experiencing Jesus, I ask them, “Are you making disciples?” Jesus said that He would be with us, but it is within the context of us making disciples.
We’ve all heard the stats about how many kids walk away from the Lord when they turn 18. Some say 80%. Some say 60%. So in my life if I play the odds, that means 3 of my 5 kids won’t stay with God. Are those good odds? Or are things not working the way we are doing it?
We must get better at making disciples so that our kids follow our example. Because when we make disciples, we experience Jesus.
Special thanks to Skylark Audio Video for covering my travel expenses so that I can live blog the conference for you.
