Making Disciples

We are compelled to Go make disciples as the Scripture teaches. However, we must be mindful that we cannot, by human effort, add anyone to the Lord’s church. That is the work of God alone.

Acts 2:46–47 states:

“[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

The indication given to us in Mark 16:16 is that we must do our part in the process of making disciples. The Apostle Paul further explains this process in 1 Corinthians 3:5–7 (ESV):

“[5] What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. [6] I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. [7] So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Here, Paul explains that Apollos watered and he planted, but it was God who gave the increase. This teaches us that in the process of making disciples, the workers are secondary to God. We may preach and teach, but it is God who adds to the body of Christ.

Therefore, for people to be added to the church, the body of Christ we, as workers, must faithfully preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Acts 8:5, 12, the Bible states:

“[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them.

[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

Again, we see Philip teaching the Ethiopian eunuch. He comes alongside the eunuch in his chariot and finds him reading Isaiah 53. The text indicates that Philip began at that very passage to preach Jesus Christ. Acts 8:34–38 states: “[34] And the eunuch answered Philip and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”

We are not called to produce converts by our own power, but to proclaim Christ with faithfulness. When we:

• Obey God.  

• Go. 

• Teach, and preach.

Then heaven responds. God gives the increase, adds to the church, and transforms lives. Our responsibility is obedience and God’s responsibility is the outcome. He through His divine authority adds souls to the Church.