A disciple imitates his master. Jesus tells us “A disciple is not superior to his teacher, but whoever is well trained will be like his teacher” [Luke 6:40]

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The imitator of Christ imitates Him in every respect. We often focus only on spiritual disciplines and forget that Jesus mingled with people and blessed them. We can read the Bible every day, and pray every day, but this is not enough for us to become like Jesus. To be like Him, we also need the other practices of Jesus. When we talk about the practices of Jesus (communion with the Father, social inclusion, and service/blessing) the disciple does not select one of these but practices them all. Jesus teaches us that we are sent in the same way the Father sent Him, so friendships must be formed with all kinds of people through social inclusion practices, and we must bless people as Jesus did to everyone who came to Him. He showed people he was genuine - that is to say, we don't make friends to win people into the church membership, but to love as Jesus loved. Helping others live this reality of imitators of Christ, in a close way, and dedicating time to them, completes the cycle - new disciples are formed. Imitating Jesus in every way really is what makes someone a real disciple, not just a member of the church. The true disciple is friends with many non-Adventists, eats with them regularly; ministers to the needs of these friends; earns their trust through daily contact; and shares the Hope that is Jesus Christ.

 

Only the true disciple will succeed in reaching people for Christ.

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A theologian named Michael Frost charted Jesus’ recurring actions in his ministry and observed that Jesus acted on four distinct practices: 
Bless – He met people’s needs = Have compassion. Be generous. 
Eat – He mingled with people by eating with them = Establish a connection. Be hospitable.

Listen – He showed sympathy and listened to people = Empathetically listen to people
Learn – He learned from the Father = Learn Jesus by becoming students of His life, work, and teaching
Sent – He sent His disciples to send others – Discipleship = Be Intentional in bringing people to God 

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These actions form the BELLS acrostic, so they are essential in your 1x1 discipleship. (End with a period)

 

Explore these practices with no more than three guests. (If you don’t stick to groups of three or less, it will be more difficult to thoroughly unpack these ideas.)