Discipling Another to Love Jesus

written by Grant Edwards
originally published in 1997

The major lessons and concerns of my Christian walk through the past 25 years have combined to make the present vision of Fellowship Christian Church [www.fellowshipchristian.org]. It is discipling another to love Jesus. I still have the same passion that began during the early years: to see those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior grow into the fullness of Christ, but I have concluded that discipleship is the plan and loving God is the object.

Maturity is loving God and growing closer to Him through prayer, bible study, fellowship and evangelism with joy coming from discipling another person to grow in these areas. Nobody can disciple another to do something or be something that they aren't themselves. As Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

The vision of Fellowship Christian Church -- discipling another to love Jesus -- comes from combining the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, "...therefore go and make disciples." and the Great Commandment in Mark 12:28-31, "...love the Lord your God with all your heart..." Learning to love Christ and discipling another to love Jesus should be the goal of any Christian.

One evening in 1973, after several visitors had accepted Jesus during their first visit to the One Way House (One Way House changed to House Christian Fellowship changed to Fellowship Christian Church) and they had been baptized, I was sitting on the front porch of the House when a friend, who was older in the Lord, said to me, "Grant, you will experience many things as a Christian but you will never experience anything more fulfilling than seeing the Holy Spirit use you to bring someone else into the Kingdom of God."

When I reflect upon those words, though its been 24 years since they were spoken, I still say, "Amen!" After knowing Jesus as my Lord for 25 years, I conclude that my life as a non-Christian does not compare to my life as a follower of Jesus in spite of all that the world offers nothing can compete with the joy of seeing another confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Read more from Grant Edwards as he shares about his journey to learn how to reach and keep the harvest. Other related articles include Learning To Disciple, Four Simple Disciplines, and Integrity Relationships.