Real Hope: Back to Basics - the Great CommissionSample

Discipling = Mentoring

Before Jesus’ ascension, He gave this powerful instruction to His disciples. In Matthew 28:19, it’s recorded that He added, ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.’

Jesus never meant for us to be saved to go to Heaven and then keep the good news to ourselves. He meant for us to share our wonderful relationship with Him with others wherever we are. Some will reject this opportunity of a relationship with Jesus. But many will say, ‘This is what I needed all my life,’ and will gladly embrace Jesus.

A disciple is different from a convert. Discipling is mentoring in the ways of God so that the disciple can grow spiritually. However, if the only opportunity you get to share Jesus with someone is through a chance meeting, then definitely try to lead them to Christ on the spot. Give them some literature or a follow-up booklet to give them the assurance of their salvation and how to become a true disciple of Jesus.

I have a booklet, ‘Following Jesus’, that I endeavour to give to everyone I lead to Christ. It assures them of their salvation through the Word of God, and not their feelings. It gives guidelines on how to read God’s Word, talk with the Lord in prayer, and the importance of fellowship at a Bible-believing church. It deals with the necessity to forgive others, because unforgiveness can be the biggest stumbling block in a Christian’s life. And it emphasises how important it is to share their faith with others and teaches them how to lead others to Christ as well, making new disciples of Jesus.

Written by DAVID SMETHURST