John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
The term Born Again is no longer en vogue (actually en vogue is no longer en vogue). However, when I first entered the ministry in the Baptist faith Born Again was common vernacular. The idea is simple…when you surrender your life to Jesus, God gives you new life through the regenerative nature of the Holy Spirit. He makes you new…white as snow…pure in Christ.
This idea can seem difficult when dealing with people. They come to church, sing the song, listen to the preacher, get convicted, pray the prayer at the end, sign the card and then go home having been “Born Again”. However, the struggle is still there. The pain of life is still there. The life seems…well the same.
That is where it is important to understand the idea of Discipleship. Not leading Bible Studies…Discipleship. Making disciples (followers) of Christ. Think about it…you were Born. Again. How much do you remember about your birth? Do you remember your first bottle? Your first diaper change? Your first bath? No. Why? You were an infant.
There are pastors that I adore and respect that feel that the idea of discipleship or growing closer to Jesus is old fashioned and gone the way of flannel graph. However, I think Jesus gives this analogy for a reason. We are as Christians like babies or sheep we need guidance. We need someone in our lives to gently nudge us closer to Jesus. We need someone to answer the phone when a new Christian has a question. Discipleship is more than just a study…it is a lifestyle.
I don’t do it enough. Why? I don’t know. Maybe cause I am lazy? Maybe cause I don’t care enough? Maybe cause I am too busy?
Whatever the reason I (we) need to step it up! The Church is full of malnourished babies out there. They are encouraged. They are inspired but they are not discipled.
God help me to help others.
Sean Rheaume 