Sunday December 20th, 2020
Memorize: 1 Corinthians 3:8
« The person who plants and the person who waters have the same purpose. And each will be rewarded by God for their own work. »
Read: Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-28
One day, while the believers in Antioch were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set aside Barnabas and Saul for a special job I have for them.”
So the believers placed their hands on them and prayed for them. Then Barnabas and Saul (who became known as Paul) went on their way and took John Mark as their helper. The Holy Spirit guided them as they went from place to place. Paul, and his faithful companion Barnabas, preached the message of Jesus, and many were saved.
On their way back, they visited the new believers and encouraged them to stay true to Jesus. They also chose leaders in the new churches and prayed for them.
What is discipleship?
A seed that has not been planted is dead. But when it is buried in the ground and watered, suddenly, there is life! A person who doesn’t know Jesus is like a dead seed. But, when he allows Jesus to bury his old life of sin (Romans 6:4) and receives the life-giving water of the Holy Spirit (John 4:13), a new life appears—completely different from before.
Once a seed has sprung to life, it needs to be watered. In the same way, new believers need to be discipled. They need special care until their faith has taken root. As Paul preached the Word, many were born to a new life in Jesus. But, Paul didn’t just leave them to struggle on their own. On his way back, he visited the believers to encourage them and strengthen their faith.
– Evangelism is telling people the good news of the Gospel (Mark 16:15).
– Discipleship is teaching and caring for new believers (Matthew 28:19-20).
Do you have friends whose faith is not that strong yet? Pray for them, visit them, or phone them. Encourage them for Jesus.
Study questions
1 – In your own words, explain in detail today’s memory verse.
2 – What are you currently doing to help bring more people to the kingdom of God?
Author: Dave Strehler
Text edited by Naomie
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