On journey with Jesus
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| Jesus' disciplemaking pathway |
When viewed through the lens of an incarnational Trinitarian theology, Scripture shows us that, by God's grace, all humanity is on journey with Jesus. Those who follow the Spirit as disciples of Jesus journey from non-believer, to believer, to worker (and some to leader) who actively participate with Jesus in what he is doing to fulfill the Father's mission to the world.
This journey with Jesus, which originated in the Father's heart before creation, was acted out in Israel's experience under the Old Covenant. It then came to fullness under the New Covenant in the union forged between God and humanity through Jesus' life, death, resurrection and ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
As a result of who Jesus is (the union of God and humanity), and what he accomplished as our representative, all humanity has been included in God's love and life---God, in Christ, has reconciled himself to all people. Individuals then become aware of and embrace this inclusion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts and minds to believe the stunning good news that the Father loves them, forgives them and has included them in his life forever (Eph. 1:4-6). The journey continues as they then follow the Spirit into deeper union and communion with the Father, sharing in Jesus' own faith, love and hope (1Thessalonians 5:8).
This spiritual union (communion) then deepens as the person walks with Jesus (1John 2:6) participating in his disciplemaking ministry in and through his church (Matt. 28:18-20): seeking the lost (unbelievers) - nurturing believers - equipping workers - and multiplying leaders, ministries and churches. This is Jesus' disciplemaking pathway (illustrated above)---and he invites his followers to to participate in this ministry with him---making disciples who make disciples.
For more about disciplemaking with Jesus, click here. For a related message, watch this video: