By now you’ve probably heard that the dreaded Ebola virus
has spread from West Africa to the United States with one confirmed case in the
Greater Dallas area. Upwards of one
hundred people who could have been potentially exposed are being checked,
rechecked, and checked again to determine if this is isolated or potentially endangering
the health and wellness of our nation.
Just two months ago Dr. Kent Brantly, arrived back in the
U.S. to be treated after contracting the virus in the mission field while
serving the outreach Samaritan's Purse in Liberia. All signs indicate that he
is going to be okay, and plans on possibly returning to the mission field in
the future. Sounds like a dude who is sold out for his beliefs…
The fear in people is growing. The media has their lead
story for the next week now. Ask anyone
what the Ebola virus is and they can tell you, it’s bad. It’s scary. It’s a killer!
This relatively new virus has everyone wanting to understand it, know how to
prevent it, and eradicate it so they can go about living their peaceful lives
in comfort.
This got me to wonder, why can’t the Gospel spread like
Ebola? Heck faster than Ebola…
This is the greatest love story of all time. Instead of a
probable outcome of death, you get a certain outcome of eternal life! And the
fact that the Ebola virus only has 7,178 disciples, tells me that they’re not
serious. I mean come on, it’s estimated that there are 2.18 Billion Christians
on this earth; roughly 31% of the entire planet!
{enter slang speak} Ebola ain’t got nuthin’ on Christians
right?
So why is the Gospel message not spreading, but Ebola is?
It’s simple… The church isn’t serious about discipleship.
Matthew 28 is clear when Jesus Christ Himself tells us
“Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very
end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Notice Jesus doesn’t tell the disciples to “go and get people saved.” He tells them
to “go and make disciples”.
Disciples make disciples, who make disciples, who make
disciples… It’s a principle of multiplication.
Some people believe that in order to be a disciple you have
to live a life like the Apostle Paul did. Be blinded, stoned, beaten, flogged,
shipwrecked, and imprisoned. They feel like they had to have read the entire
Bible, memorized hundreds of verses, and be able to answer any/all questions
that they could possibly be asked.
“When I get all of those things done, I’ll be ready to truly
be a disciple and I’ll start making disciples.“
If that’s your mindset, you’re making excuses, and you’ll
never be ready. The truth is none if us will ever reach that point. It’s not a
point to be reached.
When an athlete toes the line of an Ironman, he/she is never
ready. I don’t care how well prepared they think they are, they could always
have done a bit more; and that’s exactly the thought that goes through their
head before the race.
When a young couple finds out their family is about to get
bigger, they’re not ready. Doesn’t matter how long they’ve been trying or how
much baby stuff you have. You’re in for an awakening.
Yet, those athletes find a way to get the job done and
finish the race. Those parents find a way to raise up their children who
eventually have children, who eventually have children… Uh Oh, there’s that
principle of multiplication again. The
truth is we may never be ready but that’s why we trust that God will help us
through it.
Let’s look at this for one second. As previously stated
there are estimated to be 2.18 Billion Christians on this planet. Now let’s call it like it is, there are not
2.18 Billion followers of Jesus. There just isn’t or else this world would be
so amazingly different. Nobody would be hungry EVER (Matthew 25). The millions
of men, women and children, who die each year of unclean water or curable illnesses,
would be ZERO. There would be ZERO orphans instead of the millions of children
who have no parent to love them and raise them (James 1:27). I could go on and
on… But this planet would be vastly different. That 2.18 Billion is made up of
a tremendous amount of nametag Christians, not true Followers of Christ or
Disciple-makers.
But for the sake of this explanation, let me show you what
happens when 1 person is intentional about discipleship and making
disciples.
If 1 person made a commitment to be intentional about
spreading the Gospel to ONE, yes ONE, UNO, (not Dos), just 1, person a year;
and that person (along with the original disciple maker) became intentional
about making ONE more disciple the following year, and those people became
intentional about making a disciple the following year… This is what would
happen…
Ummm wait, so in 35 years the entire planet would be made up
of disciple-makers? You got it! More than 8.5 Billion people would have been
discipled. That’s more than the entire population of this planet today! Now for
the sake of being real, people will die, some will not be able to continue the
mission, but the vast majority could press on…
Hearts would be changed. People would truly love one
another, care for one another, serve one another. Nobody would have a need. Government welfare wouldn’t exist. The Body of Christ could take care of EVERYONE. We could call Uncle Sam and tell him to keep his check, mail back the Obama Phones, and wrap our arms around each other.Most Importantly, Billions would receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!!!
Okay, so I just saw you roll your eyes. And I know you’re thinking “sounds great, but that’s just not possible.” I’ll respectfully disagree and it starts with me. I will be intentional about making disciples. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain for His Glory. Since I’m only 35 years old, I’ll hopefully get to see the day when 8.5 Billion people love God and each other as much as I do.
It’s going to catch fire. It’s going to spread. The media
won’t be able to ignore it. You watch, Ebola doesn’t have anything on the
Gospel!
You
then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things
you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable
people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2
To quote the infamous Jerry Maguire… “Who’s coming with me?”
Nice dude. I love it and so true. Only 1 disciple... I can do that. I like the way you finished up with saying what you are going to do, and didn't just talk at the reader. It's true, let's go get to it. Don't lose your zeal for Him who created us and then saved us. Just to point out something... If your math is right (and I'm sure it is) then you don't even need to write this blog post. Because you don't need anyone to start with you... You just got to go out there and make guy #2!!
ReplyDeleteI hear you Justin, but just think how much faster we could get to 8.5 Billion if others would jump on board!!!!
Delete"Who's coming with me?"