The Characteristics of a Disciple Prt 1

Intro

Good morning Life church -

What is a Disciple of Jesus to look like today?

There are all kinds of books written on the topic and each book has their own model.

Most of these books are very helpful on the topic but, often reflect theory or practices rather than character.

Today, I want us to ask a very simple question, “Am I becoming a Disciple of Jesus, or am I a consumer of religious services?”

Could my faith survive and even thrive during sever persecution?

Would I lead people to Jesus or would I hide and keep my faith to myself?

Can my character and actions really be described as a Disciple of Jesus?

These are tough questions and we will spend the next three weeks on this very question.

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Today we are tackling a very large section of Scripture. So, lets jump right into it.

Acts:

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Luke the author of the book of Acts, is using story to paint a picture for Theopholis and the local church he belongs to. We must remember Theopholis and the church is living at a time of persecution by the Roman government.

Questions they must have been asking were likely centered on how to be a faithful follower of Jesus in times of persecution.

Luke in skillful precision paints the image of the prototypical disciple during the first few years after Jesus had assended to be with the Father.

Luke is not showing Stephen to be a hero but, rather he is showing him as the norm and expected when it comes to disciples of Jesus.

Luke is Describing for Thgeopholis and for us, the prototype disciple of Jesus after the outpouring of the HS in the story of a young, Greek speaking, follower of Jesus.