Various sources tell me that the Greek word for, "disciple," means "literally, 'a learner.' The verb means "to train (develop) in the truths of Scripture and the lifestyle required." And here we have the key to, "the Faith of Jesus," as opposed to churchianity----- "the lifestyle required." So I ask, To teach them what? to train them in----------- what?
Bruce Shelly, in his book, Church History in Plain Language, writes, "On 4 July 1776, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed as a committee to prepare a Seal of the United States of America. Various suggestions were offered. Franklin wanted a design featuring Moses. In the background, the troops of Pharaoh would be seen drowning in the Red Sea and the message would read: 'Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.' Jefferson suggested that the Seal show that the children of Israel in the wilderness were 'led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.' Shelly later gives a "rough translation" of the "Seal--found today on United States currency: 'one out of many--(God) has smiled on our undertakings--1776--a new order of (or for) the ages.'" These men, though one may question their religious beliefs and whether they knew it or not, were discipling a nation.
There was a debate in pre Revolution New England between the Puritans and others concerning the involvement of Christians in the political arena, a debate which has raged especially since the Reformation, which incidentally will celebrate its 500th anniversary in just six years. But how can one read the Bible and come to a "separation of church and state" conclusion?!? You cannot separate the Blessed Trinity from any aspect of human life. The moment you do, all you have is an isolated, irrelevant, feel good, "promise box" religion isolated to church buildings, the purpose of which is to keep God somewhere in the universe, anywhere, just not involved in a self-centered, personal-agenda-pursing life, out of the corporate, education, entertainment, and political arenas of men and nations. This smacks in the face of, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them...."
The dominant mission of the Church of Jesus Christ is in the world, not in church buildings; it is in government, education, in entertainment, in the business community. Why? Because those are arenas in which most people live. The reality is that much of church-going America has relinquished those arenas to the perverted of society. History reveals that the Puritans desire was to establish "the holy commonwealth, the true Bible society, in England and America." If I am committed to the reality that the Bible is the, "God-Breathed," Word, that we are called to, "disciple (teach, train) all the nations," what other course can I take?
Father, in Jesus' Name, deliver me from any trace of provincialism. Amen.
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Two New Articles on the dangers facing Israel in the next few days:
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
