From Bishop Jemmott’s Monthly “Shepherd to Shepherd” Publication for March 2017 entitled “Go and Make Disciples”:
I remember the early days when I first said yes to Jesus; it was a totally different experience I was not looking for. I was in church because I had to be there, it was my grandmother who made us go to church. She said if we lived in her house we needed to attend church on Sunday and on special service nights. I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior during a summer night service. I remember the preacher and his message, as a matter of fact, he was not a good preacher, and his sermon was a bit simplistic. He preached Amos and the plum line, I don’t remember much of what he preached, but I heard very clearly when he said, “If Jesus came tonight would you measure up?” At the time, I didn’t know who pushed me to the altar, what I do know is that it was not human hands that pushed me that night, yet I was there standing, repenting and crying before the Lord.
That night was the start of this journey I have been walking for over 45 years. I am grateful! The Lord has kept me from turning back to a life without Him. He has kept me through the military years, the years on Wall Street and He is still keeping me while I shepherd His people. I am not perfect; God knows that I am not perfect, but I press! I believe that my life in Christ remains strong today because mature saints took the time to disciple me in Christ during my early years as a believer.
Before His return to heaven, Jesus gave this command to His disciples. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
He did not say make bishops, apostles, pastors, and elders; Jesus said to make disciples. Perhaps if we start by making disciples, then we will have better bishops, apostles, pastors and elders. A disciple is one who follows Jesus and His teachings. A disciple is willing to give up all to follow Jesus.
“Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self —can’t be my disciple.” Luke 14:26 (MSG)
“Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.” Luke 14:27 (MSG)
As pastors and leaders, we need to refocus; we need to be about the business of making disciples. What the world needs are Disciples of Christ who are willing to lose it all for the sake of Christ! Pastors and leaders pray this prayer with me:
Father as a leader of your church I repent and beg your forgiveness for not making disciples! I will refocus the ministry so that we can make disciples of the people as you commanded us with your last words. Amen!
Be Blessed!
Bishop Jemmott
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Good strong corrections for all saints and leaders. Yes let’s make disciples following God’s word.
Amen! Thank you for reading.