Disciple Making, Fruit Of Being A Christian by Francis Chan And David Platt

Summary

The speaker in the video script discusses the importance of genuine commitment to Jesus within the church community. They express concern about the lack of discernible life change in many Sunday church attendees, questioning if they are truly followers of Christ. The speaker contrasts this with a smaller group that gathers in the morning, where they observe a marked difference in believers' lives, indicative of the Holy Spirit's work. They recount a story of a man who, despite being involved in church activities, only truly became a disciple after a profound encounter with Jesus, leading to a significant shift in his life and a focus on making disciples. The script raises questions about the depth of commitment required to be considered a disciple and the implications for the church's mission.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker expresses concern about the authenticity of faith among those who attend Sunday church gatherings, questioning if they have truly committed to following Jesus.
• 🙏 The speaker values morning gatherings with a smaller group, feeling more confident in the genuine faith of these individuals.
• 🔍 There is a noted difference between the lives of those filled with the Holy Spirit and those who attend church but do not exhibit significant life changes.
• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of being a true disciple, suggesting that many who attend church may not have truly surrendered to Jesus.
• 📖 The speaker reflects on the teachings of the Bible, particularly the accounts of Jesus calling people to follow him and the expectations that come with discipleship.
• 🚫 The speaker criticizes the idea of simply reciting a prayer to avoid hell, instead advocating for a deeper commitment to following Jesus.
• 🤔 There is a wrestling with the concept of being a Christian while not fully embracing the lifestyle and commitments that Jesus called his followers to.
• 🔄 The speaker shares a story of a church member who, despite being involved in church activities, only later truly committed to being a follower of Jesus.
• 💡 The speaker highlights the transformation that occurs when someone becomes a true disciple, using the example of a couple who are now actively making disciples.
• ❓ The speaker expresses a personal struggle with reconciling what they read in Scripture with the behaviors and commitments of those who identify as Christians.

Q & A

What is the significance of gathering in the morning as mentioned in the script?

Gathering in the morning is significant because it involves praying together and sharing the gospel, which fosters a sense of community and spiritual growth among believers.

Why does the speaker express concern about the traditional church gatherings?

The speaker is concerned because they feel that not everyone attending traditional church gatherings has made a genuine commitment to follow Jesus, which is essential for true discipleship.

What does the speaker believe should be the mark of a person filled with the Holy Spirit?

The speaker believes that a person filled with the Holy Spirit should exhibit a noticeable life change, demonstrating a clear difference between their pre-conversion and post-conversion life.

How does the speaker view the commitment to follow Jesus as portrayed in the book of Mark?

The speaker views the commitment to follow Jesus as a call to immediate and unconditional obedience, as illustrated by the disciples in the book of Mark who followed Jesus without hesitation.

What is the speaker's concern about people attending Sunday gatherings without a true commitment?

The speaker is concerned that many people attend Sunday gatherings without having truly surrendered to Jesus, which can lead to a disconnect between their professed faith and their lifestyle.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of making disciples?

The speaker emphasizes making disciples because it is a fundamental aspect of being a follower of Jesus, as seen in the early Christian movement, and it signifies a commitment to spreading the gospel.

What is the story of the man who grew up in the church but only later became a follower of Jesus?

The man, despite being involved in church activities and leadership, did not truly become a follower of Jesus until later in life. Once he did, he experienced a profound change and began actively making disciples, using his business to serve the gospel.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'walking in the spirit'?

The speaker refers to 'walking in the spirit' as living a life surrendered to Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit, and characterized by obedience and discipleship.

Why does the speaker feel a disconnect when people claim to be Christians without fully surrendering to Jesus?

The speaker feels a disconnect because they believe that being a Christian involves a complete surrender to Jesus, which should be evident in one's actions and commitment to following His teachings.

What is the speaker's view on the idea of growing into faith over time?

The speaker is concerned about the idea of growing into faith over time because they believe that true discipleship requires an immediate and complete commitment to Jesus, not a gradual process.

How does the speaker describe their own struggle with the concept of discipleship?

The speaker describes their struggle with discipleship as a wrestling with the scriptural expectations of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and the reality of people's commitment levels in their own life and the lives of others.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Morning Gatherings and Discipleship

The speaker discusses the importance of morning gatherings of believers who are committed to sharing the gospel and praying together. They express concern about the authenticity of faith among those who attend traditional church gatherings once a week, questioning whether they have truly experienced a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. The speaker contrasts this with the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as described in the scriptures, where followers of Jesus exhibit a marked difference in their lives. They also touch on the idea that many people attend church without a genuine commitment to following Jesus, and share a story of a man who, despite being involved in church activities, only truly became a disciple after a profound spiritual awakening.

05:00

🤔 The Challenge of Disciple Making

In this paragraph, the speaker grapples with the concept of making disciples and the challenge of identifying true followers of Jesus. They reflect on the biblical call to discipleship, where every follower is expected to become a 'fisher of men' or a disciple maker. The speaker expresses concern about the disconnect between claiming to be a Christian and the willingness to fully surrender to Jesus' call, as exemplified by the story of a staff member who struggled with sexual issues and initially resisted the call to discipleship. The speaker also shares their personal struggle with the inconsistency between their beliefs and actions, and the tension between their desire for spiritual growth and the reality of their commitment.

Keywords

💡Gospel

The term 'Gospel' refers to the good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent salvation offered through faith in him. In the script, the gathering of people to share the gospel indicates a central theme of spreading the message of salvation and the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. It is a core concept in Christian theology and practice, as seen when the speaker discusses the importance of believers truly embodying the change that should come with the Holy Spirit's presence.

💡Church

The 'Church' in this context refers to the community of believers who come together to worship and practice their faith. The script explores the idea of what it means to be the church, questioning the authenticity of commitment and the lifestyle changes that should accompany spiritual transformation. The term is used to discuss the role and expectations of a Christian community, especially in contrast to the more intimate and committed morning gatherings mentioned.

💡Holy Spirit

The 'Holy Spirit' is a person of the Holy Trinity in Christian theology, symbolizing the divine presence and power of God. The script emphasizes the expectation of significant life change when the Holy Spirit enters a person's life, suggesting a transformation that should be evident in one's actions and attitudes. It is used to critique the perceived lack of such change in many who attend church gatherings, highlighting the gap between profession and practice of faith.

💡Disciple

A 'Disciple' in the script refers to a follower of Jesus Christ who is committed to learning from and emulating his teachings. The term is central to the discussion on the nature of true Christianity, with the speaker expressing concern that many who attend church are not truly disciples in the sense of being committed followers. The script uses the example of a man who, despite being involved in church activities, only becomes a true disciple after a profound personal transformation.

💡Follow Jesus

The phrase 'Follow Jesus' encapsulates the idea of committing to the teachings and way of life exemplified by Jesus Christ. In the script, this concept is used to challenge the notion of mere church attendance without a deep, life-altering commitment. It is contrasted with the idea of lip service or superficial involvement, emphasizing the need for a radical surrender and lifestyle change as demonstrated by the man who, after becoming a true follower, begins to leverage his business for gospel purposes.

💡Life Change

The concept of 'Life Change' in the script refers to the profound transformation that should occur in a person's life after embracing the Christian faith. It is used to critique the superficiality of some church gatherings where attendees' lifestyles do not reflect the expected change. The term is integral to the discussion on the authenticity of faith, as the speaker seeks to distinguish between those who have truly been transformed by the Holy Spirit and those who have not.

💡Spiritual Transformation

Spiritual transformation refers to the process of inner change and growth that occurs as a result of one's spiritual journey and commitment to faith. In the script, this concept is central to the discussion on the expected outcomes of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker uses it to express the concern that many who attend church do not exhibit the marked difference in character and behavior that should accompany such transformation.

💡Sunday Gatherings

The term 'Sunday Gatherings' refers to the regular meetings held by Christian churches on Sundays for worship and fellowship. In the script, these gatherings are contrasted with the smaller, more intimate morning gatherings, suggesting a perceived lack of commitment or transformation among attendees. The term is used to highlight the speaker's concern about the depth of faith and discipleship among those who participate in such events.

💡Making Disciples

The phrase 'Making Disciples' refers to the process of training and equipping new believers to follow Jesus Christ and, in turn, to make more disciples. In the script, this concept is used to emphasize the importance of not just attracting people to the church but also ensuring they become committed followers of Jesus. The speaker uses the example of a couple who, after becoming true disciples themselves, actively engage in making disciples, illustrating the contrast between mere attendance and active discipleship.

💡Surrender

In the context of the script, 'Surrender' refers to the act of yielding oneself completely to God, often implying a willingness to forsake personal desires and ambitions for the sake of following Jesus. The term is used to describe the level of commitment expected of a true disciple, contrasting with the superficial commitment seen in some church attendees. The speaker reflects on the idea of surrender as a fundamental aspect of discipleship, questioning whether those who claim to be Christians have truly surrendered their lives to Christ.

💡Inconsistency

The term 'Inconsistency' is used in the script to describe the perceived discrepancy between the professed beliefs of some church attendees and their actual lifestyle or actions. It highlights the speaker's concern about the gap between what is said in the church and what is lived outside of it. The concept is integral to the discussion on the authenticity of faith, as the speaker grapples with the idea that some may claim to be Christians without demonstrating the expected changes in behavior or priorities.

Highlights

Importance of morning gatherings for prayer and sharing the gospel among believers.

Concerns about the authenticity of faith among those attending Sunday church gatherings.

The expectation of significant life change when the Holy Spirit enters a person.

The difference between a person dead in trespasses and one filled with the spirit of Christ.

The challenge of discerning true followers of Jesus in large church gatherings.

The commitment required to follow Jesus as seen in the book of Mark.

The disconnect between claiming to be a Christian and the willingness to follow Jesus' commands.

The concept of surrendering to Jesus and walking in the Spirit.

The idea that not everyone attending church is truly a disciple of Jesus.

The story of a man who, despite being involved in church, only later became a true follower of Jesus.

The transformation in a person's life after becoming a follower of Jesus.

The emphasis on making disciples as a core aspect of being a follower of Jesus.

The concern that many may not understand what it truly means to be a disciple.

The struggle with the inconsistency between professing faith and living a life that reflects it.

The wrestling with the scriptural expectations of discipleship versus the reality of many churchgoers.

The example of a staff member who, despite being involved in church, chose to walk away from certain behaviors.

The question of whether someone can be called a Christian if they are not willing to follow Jesus' commands.

The personal struggle with the concept of surrender and what it means to be a true follower of Jesus.

Transcripts

[Music]

now a community of guys folks who are

gathering together in the morning

praying together sharing the gospel and

not everybody I mean there's other folks

in me I know you guys gather together

once a week like when you talk about

relooking at what it means to be the

church or I don't know what the best

word is yeah like what are the things

that are really forefront on your heart

and in mind when you think about and

what the church should look like yeah

well you know why I love that gathering

in the mornings is I have a confidence

of these people that they really are

believers that they really are followers

and I think a lot of times when we

gather for what we call church

I don't know that I have that same

confidence because when I read scripture

I see gosh when the Holy Spirit enters

into a person there should be some

pretty serious life change like there

should be a difference between a person

who's dead in their trespasses and sins

and a person who now has the spirit of

him who raised Christ from the dead

dwelling in them like there should be a

mark different than I and I believe I

see that I mean we've seen it where you

know wow that's not normal that verse

has been turned around that person is

filled with the spirit but then there's

also such a big number of people that

come to these Sunday gatherings where

you wouldn't be able to tell the

difference by their lifestyle actions

even words and so now you're trying to

get everyone in this gathering to do

something together and I'm concerned

that a lot of them have not really made

a commitment to follow Jesus like when I

like the other day I just was reading

through the book of Mark and

Wow I mean Jesus just goes these people

follow me and that just means whatever

I'm asking you to do you just do it and

you know those who try to make excuse as

well let me just

they seem legitimate library let me say

clear item really good Amelie or yeah

you know yeah of course of course you

get about you haven't done by God and

Jesus like well if you can do that don't

even bother

like wow you know that what it means to

follow Jesus to surrender I mean that's

what we're saying

today of walking in the spirit is holy

spirit what would you like me to say

what would you like me to do I've

surrendered to you I've died to myself

and I want to follow you I mean is that

mindset are those you know the people

that show up on a Sunday morning is that

what they're thinking or is it something

else it's been created of you know

repeat after me pray this prayer you

know you're not going to hell anymore I

just don't see that in Scripture I see a

follow me and so for me gathering with

people where I go and I see it in their

life it's just a lot different so I mean

that hits something really important

like to call people to make disciples

who are not disciples that's that's

pretty much a dead end I mean that I

think about I think about one guy in the

church that I passed her who it came to

the church a few years ago he'd grown up

in the church and he'd done the deal

prayed the prayer been baptized and and

had been involved in church leadership

like the church that he came from called

us the pastor of that church called us

and said hey just want to know you're

getting a great guy like this guy is

going to serve your church well is gonna

be a great church member so he comes and

about a year later he gets saved like he

was not a follower of Jesus he emailed

every committee team he done all this

in the church but he'd never become a

follower of Jesus and and then as soon

as he did like this supernatural

compulsion was in and he started looking

around his life in his workplace he's

really successful businessman since how

can I use its business to leverage for

the gospel to make disciples him and his

wife started taking couples into their

home's to start intentionally making

disciples I mean his wife count the

other day and said faster making

disciples is better than having

grandkids like they are just going at it

and and the fundamental change was he

became a follower of Jesus now I don't

want to say that everybody who struggles

with making disciples is clearly not a

disciple but when you look at this book

from the very beginning of Christianity

like yeah follow me I'll make you a

Fisher of men yeah like every follower

Fisher in every disciple disciple maker

so if we're not making disciples

somewhere although we may have missed

what it means to be a disciple yeah yeah

my concern is okay wait for this way

like there was there's one time there

was you know the sky is struggling you

know sexually it he's actually even on

our staff and um you know just decide to

go the other direction and walk away

from things and um you know but still

was saying he's still a Christian he's

still a follower and and it was just

that whole thing of I know I don't want

to judge anyone I don't know but I at

the end day I said you know here's my

concern is if Jesus said to him hey drop

these relationships and follow me he

would say no I'll leave that and just do

whatever you ask me to do like he would

say no to that but yet we would still

call him a Christian and that's such a

weird disconnect to me and yet many

people would say and well yeah I'm not

ready to drop everything

I consider myself Christian I'm not

raided you know I'll grow in

I'll get there one day but I'm not there

like I just get concerned I mean I I

sometimes look at my own life and go in

this is inconsistent this is

inconsistent and and I'm not saying I

even have this figured out

I just really wrestle with that and and

there are times in my life when I feel

total peace like I was surrendered today

I really did and so on I don't know what

I'm saying right now I'm just saying I

wrestle with this with what I read in

Scripture and I wrestle with other

people that judges had a concern like I

love these people I want to believe that

we're going to spend eternity together

[Music]