Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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DISCIPLESHIP - CALL TO WITNESS
Mathew 16: 13-20
v16  Simon Peter  replied,”You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”.
                      How  often  we  fail  to realize that we are called to be Christ's witness to the world?  Martin Luther said, “ A  religion that gives nothing - costs nothing, suffer nothing  is worth  nothing.” A christian disciple is one who is a dedicated follower of Jesus, who  is adherent  to the teachings ,  lifestyle and commandments of the Lord Jesus. Disciple is to become Christ like in all respects, before  making someone, or leads one to Christ  - which is Discipleship.  Late Abraham  Mar Thoma  Metropolitan  said,  Every Marthomite is an evangelist". Probably one might feel  it is very  easy to  be  a disciple.   Being a true disciple is not a bed of roses. It is not a way of success or prosperity.  Paradoxically, the modern disciples use the term  to misuse the ministry and to  use it for their  gain.  It is worth  remembering  that  all disciples  are  believers, but NOT all believers are disciples.  Cost of discipleship  is  crucial, because our life style  should become a challenge, and glorifying the  living God, for another  follower to see, and may he be  won to the Lord's side. 
                       Jesus said to the people who followed him, that one cannot be a disciple who cannot take up his cross.  Jesus talked about relationships that tie up people, and prevent them to be  fruitful  servants.  Though  family relationships are divine, but  it  should not be more than your intimacy with Jesus.  Through the baptism we became  witness  to the gospel. If we truly believe in the gospel, we must take Christ  seriously and follow his commandment  he gave to the apostles and every believer, before ascension  that  “ Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them  in the name of Triune God, and teaching them to obey all I commanded  “. May the Good Lord help us  to be  faithful and devoted servants in his vineyard.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,  we admit that though we are believers, we  are not yet worthy enough  to be your disciples.  Strengthen us by the  holy spirit  to   be  a fruitful  and useful servant  for your  ministry.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Cost  of discipleship  may be your life itself for  Him.
Dr.John K.Thomas  Tabor MTC  Staten Island, New York
                      Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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