First Word for October 2025

Making Disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19

The Great Commission isn’t just for a select few—it’s the call of every believer. Jesus didn’t tell us to build crowds or run programs, but to make disciples: people who know Him, love Him, and live to make Him known.

1. Discipleship Begins with Knowing Jesus

Every disciple begins with an encounter with Jesus.
 When Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), Jesus said this was revealed by the Father. Discipleship starts with grace, not effort—with revelation, not religion.

As Paul said, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). We make disciples not by giving people rules, but by helping them truly know Jesus.

2. Discipleship Happens Among Friends.

Jesus made disciples through friendship. He invited people into His life—sharing meals, walking together, laughing, weeping, praying.

He said, “I no longer call you servants… but friends” (John 15:15). 
This is what discipleship looks like—ordinary people helping one another follow Jesus.

In Acts 2, believers devoted themselves to “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” They learned together and loved one another deeply.

At Lifehouse, we believe discipleship flourishes among friends who walk together in honesty, encouragement, and shared purpose.

3. Discipleship Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8).

Making disciples isn’t about relying on our own abilities—it’s about working in partnership with the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can change hearts and form Christ’s likeness within us.
That’s why we value Spirit-filled discipleship—learning to hear His voice, use His gifts, and depend on His power in everyday life.

4. Discipleship fuels Multiplication

Every disciple is called to make disciples. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).

Paul told Timothy, “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Discipleship is always reproductive—one friend helping another follow Jesus, who then helps someone else.
 At Lifehouse, we are a family of believers who live on mission—whether across the street or across the world.

5. Discipleship Keeps Christ at the Center

At its core, discipleship is about Jesus Himself. 
Paul wrote, “We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

Discipleship isn’t about following leaders or methods—it’s about becoming more like Christ and helping others do the same. 

To summarize—Making disciples means:

Knowing Jesus personally.

Walking with friends who follow Him together.

Living by the power of the Spirit.

Multiplying ourselves.

Keeping Christ at the center.

This is our calling and our joy. Let’s be a people who know God, glorify Him, and make Him known—until the earth is filled with the knowledge of His glory.

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36

Let’s Go!

John Privett