Chosen: Exploring God's Elect and the Call to Discipleship
"According to some Christian beliefs, Jesus said many are called to the kingdom of God, but only a few are chosen to receive Christ and enter. This is because only the chosen ones truly hear God and respond sincerely.
Here are some other reasons why Jesus may have said that only a few are chosen:
* God's choice: God chose the chosen ones before the world was created to be holy and blameless in his sight.
* God's Decision is solely for his pleasure: God chooses to save some people because it pleases him.
In Judaism, "chosenness " refers to the belief that Jews, via descent from the ancient Israelites, are the chosen people, i.e., chosen to be in a covenant with God.
God referred to Israel as "His people" "Deuteronomy 7:6), His "treasured possession" "Psalm 135:4), and even the "apple of His eye" "Zechariah 2:8).
These are all whom the Father has chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Eph. 1:4).
So let me ask you: Are you part of the elect? Have you decided to follow Jesus? If so, then yes, you are included in the salutation of PePeter'setter. This letter is for you, too.
5 Qualities of Discipleship from a Biblical Perspective
DATE: 06/07/22
CATEGORY: DEVOTIONALGENERAL
TAGS: DISCIPLEMAKERSDISCIPLESHIPEVANGELISMGOOD NEWSPRAYER
In the Great Commission, Jesus told his closest friends to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). After ministering to others, it's beneficial to know whether we are fulfilling that instruction.
Have we, in fact, made disciples of the people we minister to? How can we be sure?
Are we living out Jesus's covenant to make disciples?
Fortunately, the Bible provides some guidelines for defining discipleship. The characteristics of righteous people are mentioned throughout the Bible, and they certainly agree with each other. We must learn to interpret Scripture through the lens of Scripture itself.
Looking At God's attributes is an ideal way for us to see the qualities we need to reach for.
We need to know who God is if we are to identify His followers.
A disciple is one who is a follower and learner of a person or group. The goal is to learn, live, and be like Jesus Christ.
The path of discipleship is a journey that includes studying the Bible, fellowshipping with others, receiving ministry, and doing ministry. The Bible gives us a variety of desirable characteristics in a disciple.
What are these qualities? The Bible clearly describes the qualities of discipleship.
Below are five characteristics of a disciple of God, as shown in Scripture, and, consequently, five qualities of God Himself.
1. A Disciple Is Patient, Kind, and Gentle
The Bible tells us that God is patient with us, slow to anger, and abounding in love (Psalm 86:15).
Consequently, the Bible also calls us to be patient, kind, and gentle. We do this by bearing HIS fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22). When we allow His fruit to grow, our actions naturally become more patient, kind, and gentle.
2. A Disciple Lives a Life that is Submitted to Gods will.
The Bible reflects God's clear plan for humanity and his commitment to it (Philippians 1:6). Christ's life and death fulfilled this plan. As He resonates through his disciples, they will begin to let Christ become ruler over every aspect. Wasteful living is rejected, and daily activities are carried out to serve God.
3. A Disciple Lives a Sacrificial Life on Behalf of Others
Christ gave up everything to be the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. The Bible calls us to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This means being willing to give up our own desires, dreams, and comforts to be a blessing to others instead. There have been many examples in history of disciples showing this sacrificial love to violent people whose lives completely changed. They saw their need to also have that kind of sacrificial love.
4. A Disciple Works Diligently
It is Biblically true that we are all saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:9). Our works also indicate our salvation (James 2:18). Good works do not save us. But, if we are saved, we will do good work. This is also true in our willingness to work. There is a big difference between resting in the Lord and laziness. Laziness can be defined as not being willing to work. Resting in God is finding His strength to work and work well. A disciple will still work to earn a living and be willing to work hard as a blessing to others.
5. A Disciple Embraces the Good in Others
In our human nature, we are often quick to judge. How frequently do we place labels & expectations on others?
Through Christ, we should be ready to believe the change in others. It's always helpful to remember the changes God has caused in us. The Bible calls us to always look for the good in others. Just as, in fact, God always saw the potential in us (Ephesians 4). Remember Jonah? He was described as having an attitude contrary to God's attitude toward the people of Nineveh.
Nevertheless, God worked powerfully IN him and THROUGH him! God saw Jonah's potential even when Jonah was not living up to it. We need God's grace to see the potential in others.
33. Make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:18–20)
Then Jesus came to them and said, "An authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you to the very end of the age."
"John 14:12 V Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he also do; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Jesus also said that people should keep certain commandments, including:
Good works are good actions, and God is the creator and definer of good. Some say that good works follow salvation and that although people cannot be saved by their good works, they will produce good works once they are saved
* "Y" u shall not murder" "* "Y" u shall not commit adultery" "* "Y" u shall not steal" "* "Y" u shall not bear false witness"
