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Hello all,

After a few warm and windy days, it appears the lake ice will be leaving soon. Ice fishing has been very popular for several weeks, but a new season is coming quickly. We will transition to daylight saving time this weekend, so there will be a longer period of daylight at the end of the workday (unless you are an agriculture person, and nothing will really change).

I attended a session of Sandhills Christian Leadership Center on Saturday. It is a course of study for those who wish to be further involved in ministry in their local churches, and who may feel led into pastoral ministry. It is sponsored by our local Baptist Church association. This was the third of four class sessions that began last October.

One of the topics of the day was “Making Disciples”, from Pastor John Shields. I will share some of his thoughts.

Marks of a disciple, or follower of Jesus Christ:

1. Disciples develop a lifelong commitment to learn and live God’s Word. To those Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of mine…” (John 8:31).

They believe God’s Word is His clearest authority and revelation for life.

They believe God’s Word transforms those who respond in faith

2. Disciples increasingly live like servants, not owners. These are his words: “So, then, none of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33).

The cost of really following Jesus is everything you have. Wealth and worry keep many from following Jesus.

3. Disciples have a deepening love for Jesus. We are called to love Him more than parents or other family, even more than ourselves. Luke 14:26.

This will cause relational tension with those who don’t know Him. This tension may be with family, friends, or co-workers.

These tensions can distract some from following Jesus.

4. Disciples deepen their love for other Christians. “By this all men will know you are my disciples” (John 13:35).

5. Disciples embrace Jesus’ mission as their own, and His mission was to glorify God.

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

The bottom line? If you want to follow Jesus, you have to follow Jesus, and no one else.

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry