Disciple means learner/follower

• Along with discipleship we must also consider vocation – what God is calling us to become, corporately and individually

      There are some biblical examples we can look at:

1. Abraham – Genesis 12

2. Jacob (Israel – name means ‘one who wrestles with God’) – Genesis 32, 22 following

3. Moses – Exodus 3

4. Hannah – 1 Samuel 2

5. Samuel – 1 Samuel 3

6. Isaiah – Isaiah 6

7. Mary – Luke 1, 26- 38

8. Disciples of Jesus – Luke 5

9. Paul (Saul) – Acts 9

• All these act as examples of vocation – God calling us into his service/our response to being convinced of Jesus as our Lord

• Vocation and response have to be seen hand in hand

• It is when we respond that we can talk of ‘being discipled’ and we begin the process of being changed and transformed into the people (person) that God would have us become

• When we make a decision about baptism (Confirmation) we are making a decision to be entirely open to God shaping and transforming our lives according to the patterns laid down by the life of Jesus

• Firstly we must be penitent

• Secondly we must then let Christ be foremost in our lives

• Thirdly we than have to act on that ‘Christ-like’ shape and live out our faith

Q Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
A  I reject them
Q  Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil ?
A  I renounce them
Q  Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
A  I repent of them
Q  Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
A  I turn to Christ
Q  Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
A  I submit to Christ
Q  Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth, and the life?
A  I come to Christ.

• These are the challenges put before everyone at baptism/confirmation/renewal of vows

• What will the shape of your life be from now on – not just in terms of church attendance, but also

• Is God calling you to a specific ministry

• How much more important will church be in forming the shape of your week/weekend/relationships/life

• How will you seek to work for the things we would call ‘Kingdom’ ie justice, peace, reconciliation, money

• Will it change the way we purchase things – ie Fairtrade

• Will it change our view of history – eg slave trade and immigration issues

• Will it make us more open to the work of Mother’s Union, Mission agencies

• Will we now release more of our money and resources for issues in the rest of the world

• Baptism (confirmation) is about allowing God to claim you as his own ‘disciple’ so will you allow yourself to be more in the image of God (Christ-shaped) or will we continue to make God in our own image!