Becoming a Disciple for Christ

As September begins our church calendar year, I am reminded of Jesus’s Great Commission to his Disciples: Matthew 28:19 Jesus has gathered his disciples together and says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, of and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

Each of us have been called to be disciples, and to make disciples who are going to live into their relationship with Jesus Christ and will faithfully serve him. I attended a conference last week and we were told that the mark of a mature Christian is one who builds up others in the faith. We can share our faith and invite others into a relationship with Jesus Christ which is a growing process. As we build them up and send them out, we realize that our faith has matured and we are acting as the disciples that Jesus has invited us to be. As we grow in our faith, we are witness to Christ’s presence, so we need to take our faith further by building others up and sending them out. How is God present? How does he want me to share his success? Being a disciple for Christ today is a wonderful and enriching experience.

What does it mean to be Christ’s disciples in Brimfield, Illinois in 2018? How can we be disciples in our workplace? What about being a disciple in our neighborhood? Being a Disciple of Christ is a very big responsibility. We are called to live differently, and to love differently, and to always remember that Christ has marked us for himself. How are we doing?

This year we are going to focus on being a disciple of Jesus. This is one of the greatest callings and greatest blessings that we can ever receive. Jesus called only the best to be in his Inner Circle– His Disciples.
May each of us realize what a blessing we have and may we grow this gift by sharing it with others. What a wonderful year we have ahead of us. Thank you for your presence and your commitment to Union Church. I am inspired by your example of faithful living.
 
In Christ’s love,
Rev. Stephen W. Barch