The Challenge from Andrew

The Challenge from Andrew 

Text:    Matt.4. 17-22, John.1.35-42

Andrew was among the first disciples to be called by Christ. He was initially a disciple of John the Baptist but when he saw Jesus and heard Johns comment of Him, He left his master John and followed the Saviour. However, having come to Christ, he went after his own brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus. This act gave the church Peter, who eventually became a pillar of the Christian faith until today. The life of Apostle Andrew is full of many challenges. Everywhere he was mentioned in scriptures was about bringing someone to Jesus. He was passionate about soul winning, fervently, faithfully and fruitfully winning souls for the Lord. Believers today must emulate these good qualities in Andrew and bring many more people to the retreat so they could be saved.

The Challenge from Fervent Disciples. Jn. 1. 35-42, John 4. 28-30,

Andrew was a fervent disciple of Christ and was in the forefront of leading others to the Lord. He was never satisfied with his personal salvation and knowledge of the Savior but always seek to bring others to Christ. Fervency in service demands that we utilize every opportunity at our disposal to speak for Christ everywhere. It also requires our boldness to penetrate and break every obstacles so as to make the gospel of Christ known to all. This same zeal was seen in the woman of Samaria at the well who left her water pot to bring others to Christ (John 4. 28-30). Knowing Andrew for this cause, Phillip had to consult him to bring the Greek worshippers to Christ as well. He wasn’t a shy and timid fellow who sits down idle, but was bold and courageous always ready to make Christ known. However, He also knew the invitees and new converts so much that he knew the possession of the lad with five loaves and two fishes. We must identify with our invitees and get very close to them so as to discover their potentials and encourage them to use same for the kingdom service. Following up our converts after the retreat will bring intimate fellowship with them and make us dependable representatives of Christ and of the church to them.  

The Characteristics of Faithful Disciples Matt.28.18-20, Matt. 4.19, John 15. 1-3, John 8. 31-32, Acts. 4.13,

True Disciples of Christ are easy to identify. They strive to be like their master and always do His will. The following are some of the characteristics of a faithful disciple.  (i)  Commitment to the work of God (John 4: 34), (ii)  willingness to do the will of God (John 5:30), (iii) Always follow the Lord and abide in His teaching (John 8:31), (iv)  patterns his life after the master (Matthew 10:24; 1 Peter 2:21), (v) always do things that please God (John 8:29), (vi) A disciple believes the sound teaching of the word and allows it to control his life and (vii) A true disciple continues in the word of God and a (John 8:31), (iv) We also need to mentor them by showing them examples of Christian discipleship by our lifestyle. This could be achieved through teaching and practice through our familiarity with them. Christ taught his disciples how to live as Christians and also showed them how to exercise Christian faith. Paul the Apostle also discipled the Thessalonians believers in this same manner. (1 Thess 1. 7-10). We must charge these new disciples to continue in faith, taking up their cross daily and following Christ. We must also teach and demonstrate to them total trust in God for daily provisions and to set their affections on things above and not on things of the earth and not conforming to the worldly pursuits (Col. 3. 1-3, Rom. 12-1-2). We can only achieve this by fully identifying with them individually and being friendly with them. We must encourage them to study God’s word personally and teach them to meditate on it and to grow in the grace of God and in Christian experiences through constant personal prayer. Finally, it is our responsibility to empower them by enlisting them and giving them opportunities to preach to others and to give generously for the evangelization of others (within and beyond), beginning from the House caring Fellowship.

Considerations of Fruitful Disciples John. 4. 34-37, Isa. 6.1-8, Luke 24.46-48, Luke 11.23, John 4.36, Mark 16.20,

Faithful and fruitful disciples (both new and old) always consecrate their lifetime to the fulfillment of the purpose of Christ. Their daily consideration is to work the work of Christ and to gather with Christ to receive bountiful harvest.

The Lepers of old realized and lamented “We do not well..”(2Kings 7.9), Isaiah caught the vision and exclaimed “Here am I, send me”(Isa 6.8), Paul the Apostle caught it and proclaimed, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel”,(1Cor 9.16) Jesus declared the servant that knows his masters will and do it not shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12.47). What will you declare to your Lord who died for the salvation of the world? Nevertheless, those who obeyed and do the will of the Master will always receive the reward of their obedience (John 4.36), His abiding presence is certain upon all reliable disciples who go forth and preaching the gospel. Their prayers shall be answered, they shall shine like the brightness and stars forever, and whatsoever they do shall prosper. Signs and wonders shall equally follow them and they shall reign with God eternally