Page 32 - FLIP BOOK TOPICS (A)

He searches out everything even the deep things of God!

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE?

The Oxford Dictionary has two definitions of a disciple:-
1. A person who believes in and follows the teachings of a religious or political leader.
2. One of the people who followed Jesus Christ and his teachings when he was living on earth,
especially one of the twelve apostles.

The Oxford Thesaurus defines a disciple as:-
1. An apprentice, pupil, student, proselyte, learner, scholar.
2. A follower, adherent, devotee, admirer, votary; partisan, fan.

To be a disciple of Christ that is, to be a member of his disciplines, one must embody certain
characteristics that would qualify him to be a disciple.

1. Self denial:
Luke 9:23 tells us that if one want to be a disciple, he must deny himself, pick up his cross daily
and follow Christ. The cross is a symbol of suffering for the cause of Christ.

Scripture tells us that we must let the dead bury the dead that is, one must renounce his
earthly relationships and pick up one with Christ. One must leave his family and be united with
Jesus. Christ must come first, not family or possessions.

2. Selfish desires must be put away:
Luke 9:24 tells us that those who wish to save themselves will in the end lose their own lives.
However, those who lose their lives for the cause of Christ will in the end save it.

What better life assurance that this, one that comes with zilch premium coz Christ already paid
it. We need then to put Christ ahead of our selfish ambitions, our families and all we own.

Vs 25 says that those who want to gain the whole earth, the ice, the chains, the liquor, the
rims, the brauds and them MTV Cribs, risk the loss of their own life.

Vs. 26 tell us not to be ashamed of Christ in this sinful world and if we don't, he will not be
ashamed of us but confess us before the Holy Father.

3. Discipline:
The Oxford Dictionary has four definitions of the word discipline:-
1. The practice of training people to obey rules and orders and punishing them if they do not. The
controlled behaviour or situation that results from this training.

2. A method of training your mind or body or of controlling your behaviour in the area where this
sort of activity in deemed necessary.

3. The ability to control your behaviour or the way you live, work etc.

4. An area of knowledge in a subject that people study or are taught in schools like the university.