4 in 1
John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love”.
John 17:21 “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me”.
Discipleship is much more than following Christ in a general sort of way, enthusiastically supporting the programs of the church, tithing generously, praying feverishly and long hours. When Jesus said “Follow Me” – He was not only inviting them to walk behind Him – He was offering them an opportunity to share in the life of the Trinity. John 15 / 17 describes this Trinity-life as a most intimate and loving relationship between Father, Son, Spirit …… and me! Offering disciples exactly the same intimacy and unconditional love that flows between the Beings of the Trinity.
Familiar with the story of the elephant and the ant crossing the bridge? The ant telling the elephant :”Look at how we make this bridge sway”
It’s not only me against my life’s challenges – it’s me from a position inside the Trinity – it’s 4 in 1 up against my challenges. And from this vantage point both me as well as my challenges look totally different. Much more than just my resources and skills, clever plans and endurance. Like the Trinity I existed long before I was born – and will live long after I have died – a heavenly being sent to have an earthly existence – afterwards returning to a heavenly existence for eternity – whilst on earth living from a position 4 in 1. This is who I really am!
Root of the roots of Disciplemaking : Kingfisher offers the Kingdom a fresh approach to disciplemaking. Seeing that discipleship is nothing less than sharing in the life of the Trinity – Disciplemaking then is allowing the Trinity to live their Life through me. Much more than programmes, evangelism or discovery groups. Every moment of my life becomes an opportunity for Jesus to repeat His life through me in every situation I am in. This is the purpose I am created for – for the Trinity. Kingfisher believes disciplemaking is a 24/7 lifestyle. Church meetings, disciplemaking groups, everyday jobs etc are important – but only as the container / space / conduit for Jesus to demonstrate His character – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Therefore success cannot be numbers, money and buildings – rather – does the world experience the character of Jesus in my presence? A hosepipe has only one job description – the same water that flows from the tap must flow out at the other end. The secret is connection to the tap – the intimacy and love that flows between the Trinity.
Beautifully demonstrated in Acts. Imagine a church reporting thousands of new believers per day… How come? Crusades? Evangelism drives? I once preached in a new church where they told me their first project to save money was to buy colourful lights for the atmosphere. Our brothers and sisters in Acts merely lived the Gospel – repeated the life of Jesus during times of persecution, famine and wars. And never again did the church grow like this….
I do not make disciples. The Trinity makes disciples through me. They are not my disciples (exactly this is the point where the problem starts) – they are Jesus’ disciples.
An invitation and a responsibility. Accepting the invitation to live in the Trinity. Taking up the responsibility to repeat this life.
And EVERY tongue shall confess…..
Johann Theron