Northfield Methodist Church

Dear Friends

In our journey through Romans so far, Paul has focused mainly on trying to understand what Jesus has done for us. Now in Chapter 12 he focuses on the practical. If this is what Christ has done, THEREFORE, this is what we should DO, what we should BE, how we should BEHAVE. Chapter 12 is well worth reading and studying because it is one of the best descriptions in the New Testament of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

A "disciple" is a learner of pupil of Jesus. Discipleship does not begin with intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or obedience to a list of rules. At its centre it is a living relationship with Jesus. All we have to do is respond to Jesus two commands, to "follow me", and to become "fishers of men & women". (Luke 1:17)

We do this by

• Giving our HEART to him. Putting him first in our lives
• Giving our MIND to him in meditation, prayer and study
• Giving our FEET to him in serving & caring for others

The disciples learned to share in Jesus' ministry. It was "on the job" training. His goal was that they should become like him. Discipleship is the process of becoming the whole person God calls us to be. Here are some key words of a disciple:

• Growing. Learning to live fully by faith in Christ.
• Community. Becoming part of a caring fellowship, relating to other Christians
• A servant heart. Learning to love & care about the needs of others.
• Holiness.  Living a morally upright, Christian life.
• Witnessing.  Sharing your faith with others.
•  Prayer & worship.  A life centred in God. Actively seeking God's face.

May God richly bless you as you seek to follow him.

The Ministry Team

Day by day, dear Lord,

Of thee three things I pray:

To see thee more clearly,

To love thee more dearly,

Day by Day

(Richard of Chichester) (c. 1197-c. 1253)