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Written by Ann Thiede, Volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
Jesus’s last words on this earth called His disciples to go and make more disciples (Mt 28:19). Doing that is a beautiful, high, and holy calling. It is a common thread in Acts. Peter and John exemplify the calling after being told in so many words not to teach or talk about the name of Jesus: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Ac 4:20 NIV).
Still wet from baptism in November 1972, I had to tell whoever would listen about my new life in Christ! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2Co 5:17 ESV).
Knowing so little in the Bible, I became the man blind from birth who when healed by Jesus said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (Jn 9:25b NIV).
Sharing Christ in those early years might be compared to bubbles from a soda bottle: they just had to come out! So, my first common thread, my rose, became effectively speaking about Jesus to draw others to Him. Four people during college influenced me to seek the truth. As they had done for me, so I wanted to do for others, following in the steps of Christ who said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Mt 10:8b)
I encountered a few thorns along the way that could interfere: selfishness, procrastination, and fear, causing me to hold back at times and not speak when the Spirit nudged, afraid of what others may think or too preoccupied with daily life to notice people desperate for Christ.
But greater than these thorns was the desire to become a wise woman, dependent on God, asking Him to lead me to open people and teach me what to say. So began the third common thread, digging deeper to intentionally speak of faith, desiring to make disciples. Paul spoke practical words in one of his letters:
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col 4:5-6)
I remember going through a scenario in my mind of talking to a woman I knew, asking what was getting in her way of coming to church. No doubt it was Spirit-prompted preparation because the conversation occurred a day later, becoming a great learning experience of asking questions to find out what was in someone’s heart, not assuming nor having to have just the right words, but discovering.
If we belong to Christ, faith should naturally season what we say. I kept asking God for spontaneous spiritual conversations with friends or strangers. Over time, He has helped me refine the approach, often beginning with salty, comfortable conversation and then moving on to a strategic question: “Are you a person of faith?”
The responses have varied. Some “yes!“ A few “no.” Many veering toward church. All opening a door. The Spirit has helped me steer toward Jesus — His words and His great love for them as well as His impact on my life. I found pocket-sized Gospels of John on Amazon, carrying a few in my purse or carry-on if flying. I still remember the response of a man who I gave one to after a very salty conversation about our lives, faith, and Jesus. “So you think I should begin here?” Glory! I’ve earnestly prayed for him and others Jesus has put in my path, that seeds planted are watered and God brings forth a harvest. Paul exhorts us to make the most of every opportunity, “because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). People desperately need Jesus!
We are all called to make disciples, and God has supplied us with His Word, love, courage, and the Holy Spirit. Will we love others as He has loved us (Jn 13:34)? Do you have a rose, thorn, or effective strategy for disciple making? I’d love to be encouraged or encourage you.
Written by Amanda Santos, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa, Brazil
“Leave everything you have and follow me” is a simple order to understand, but when we read Mark 10:21-22 we see how sad that young man was because he thought about what was included in his “everything” that he would have to leave behind.
Bringing this example to our lives, what is our “everything”? What do we have that is so valuable that sometimes keeps us from leaving it and following Christ? Well, maybe your “everything” is the concern with household chores, or perhaps the desire to acquire a material possession, or you need to handle just one more little thing before leaving everything in God’s hands. That young man really wanted to follow Christ, but his material possessions took up so much space in his heart that he was unable to leave everything and trust in Jesus.
In Luke 9:23 we read the following: “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’” (NIV).
When Jesus says, “deny yourself,” He is calling us to set aside our selfish desires and put God’s will first. Denying ourselves is an expression of humility and submission. It is recognizing that our own plans and desires are secondary to God’s plans. This call to self-denial is an invitation to live a life of sacrifice and obedience, where God’s will prevails over our personal inclinations.
The second part of the verse calls us to take up our cross daily. The cross, in Jesus’ day, was a symbol of death and suffering, but it has become a powerful symbol of redemption and sacrificial love. Taking up our cross means being willing to suffer and face hardships for the sake of Christ. Taking up our cross daily involves living a life of spiritual discipline, rejecting sin and pursuing holiness. It means accepting the challenges and adversities that arise in our Christian walk with the same willingness and courage that Jesus had in carrying His cross. It is a call to a life of dedication and unwavering commitment to Christ.
And finally, “follow Jesus” means imitating His example, living according to His teachings, and walking in the path He shows us. Following Jesus is a call to live in obedience and faithfulness. It is allowing Him to guide our lives and transform our hearts.
Imitating Jesus involves deeply knowing His teachings and applying these principles in our daily lives. This requires an ongoing commitment to studying the Bible, praying, and seeking fellowship with other believers. It is through this dedication that we can better understand God’s will and align our lives with His purposes.
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (KJV). This phrase from Jesus is calling men to be His disciples, and as disciples of Jesus, to spread His word. It is a call to evangelize and spread the good news of salvation throughout the world. And something I think is wonderful is that we can do this without even having to leave home. When you talk about Jesus to your family, you are evangelizing. And don’t worry — Jesus said, “I will make you.” The knowledge comes from Him, the words come from Him. We just need to be surrendered to His will and ready to do what we can.
Therefore, sisters, may we be willing to give up all control and our own desires to let Christ guide us on the best path. And may our lives be an example of faith, that through our relinquishment and surrender, Christ may be exalted.
