I have begun reading a book, "Real-life Discipleship", building churches that make disciples, by Jim Putman. It is a book which my sister Jill's church studies together frequently.

So who are disciples? Here is a definition:  "New Testament, disciples are those who follow Jesus, trust Him for salvation, imitate his life, obey his teachings, and love him wholeheartedly."

I am not that far into the book, but Putman says who are 'disciples'? All of us!!

He says a disciple is one who is:

* "Following Christ (head). A disciple has surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord of his or her life. A disciple is one who says, 'I know He is Lord and Savior and I accept Him as my authority.'

* "Being changed by Jesus (heart). Jesus said we would know a tre by its fruit (Matthew 7:17 - 20). He did not mean perfect fruit; He meant growing fruit. As we spend time following Jesus, He changse us internally --- He changes who we are.

* "Committed to Jesus' mission to save people from their sin (hands). Jesus saved us for a purpose. Some believe we are given a 'get out of jail free' card and are free to do what we want with our lives---not true. God's mission is now our mission, and we recognize that we are responsible for our own slice of history. Our hands are for His service."

***.