Bible Discussion Thread

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

A disciple is a follower of Christ. An apostle is someone who was sent out on a commission. All true believers who are following Christ are called disciples. There are no more apostles today because the qualification of an apostle was that he had to be there from the time of John's baptism and had to be an eyewitness to the resurrection of Christ. Therefore, we still have disciples today, but no apostles.

A disciple is anyone who has believed on Jesus's Word and has followed Him; from time then to now.

Apostles actually saw Jesus in his ministry.

To add: Jesus' apostles also were filled with the Holy Ghost so that with their lives and ministry it was said, "that they turned the world (sic) upside down" ( Acts 17:6). Whereas His disciples were empowered at special times (when they were to told to go out and heal the sick, raise the dead, etc. ( Mt 10:8). Today, there are no apostles in the strictest sense of the word (some would disagree, of course), since we have not seen the Lord, but we are His disciples as we learn from His Spirit and do what He asks of us.

I totally agree with the scripture you sent. I used to wonder what apostolic ministries were about, but I have enough problems with the Jehovah witnesses that drop by. I tried to share Jesus with them but their eyes kind of glaze over. I pray for them instead now. He's not willing that any should perish; but that all would come to repentance. Amen.

It's worse than that. In their Bibles the name of God is replaced with Jehovah.

Jesus is not Gods son, and more.

The Scientologist will chase you down the street if they can. Public street. All you have to do is carry a KJ Bible. I used to think they'd get tired of a dead religion but not so. I'm 68 now and mostly I visit people in nursing homes. My mom was in one briefly and a real burden came on me for them.

The first time I went evangelizing I was outside of a bar I used to go to. A group came out laughing, making fun. I said y'all are going to fall into hell, let me show you how to ascend into heaven. They said we know we're going to hell and ducked around the corner. I went home so discouraged. Head on the table apologizing to the Lord. He replied almost audibly and tender. He said are you through doing it your way I said yes!!! He showed me how to spend time praying to the Lord of the Harvest and I would pray for Divine appointments. In Tulsa, we'd go in groups of 2. If people would just step over their fears of man and the unknown, they would step into a partnership with Jesus and joy!

Mishael, I'm generally happy if someone prefers to use Yahweh instead of God, only if they remain true to using the other Names attributed to God in Scripture. We only use God & LORD, which misses out on the real usage of His Name. Interesting to note that you did street evangelism. I was part of the Open Air Campaigners in my younger days when I used to take a group from our Fellowship for street singing, preaching & tract distribution. Invariably, we were despised & spat upon, but of course the Spirit moves in the hearts He has prepared to receive the Word & come to salvation. The nursing home ministry would be so vital, but even here so many remain hard-hearted & resistant to His pleas.

I think many people really want to get out of the pews and reach out to the lost, but they're bashful and not sure how to start. We need teachers. Have to study to show thyself approved. Pray for the harvest. Have some uncomplicated tracts. I like non-combative chick tracts. Most everybody likes a gospel comic book. I put my churches location on them. I take Gospel of John Bibles in a backpack and McDonald food coupons. I leave tracts on bus benches. God will surely bless us for expenses. Almost everyone will let us pray for them. I just know Christians are starving for following Jesus in a very public way. The pleasure of sharing Jesus is worth defeating fear of mankind. I think of Paul :)

Thanks for those insights into your ministry, Mishael: you are indeed a mighty servant of the Lord and doubtless, much fruit will abound to your account from your labours. Whether in Oklahoma or where I am here in Western Australia, the Word of God will surely be like healing ointment in our dry & thirsty lands. We pray for America - you all are doing it tough; but God is Sovereign and He will empower His people to be "a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish...and to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering & a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. ( 2 Cor 2:15, Eph 5:2). Every blessing in your endeavours.

I prayed every day, last year, for the fires in Australia. Wow. That's when the Lord said it isn't global warming. All of creation is groaning for the return. It feels like birthpains: you just want it to end. You see all the faces who have yet to receive Jesus. We need global evangelizing.

Thank you for your thoughts & prayers for Australia. Sadly, it takes crises like these for some to be alerted to the brevity of life & to eternity. Of those, a few will make earnest enquiry to heavenly things, but as the Scripture has warned that in the final days, others will have hearts grow even harder & will further blaspheme His Holy Name ( Rev 16:9). Yes indeed, evangelising must go on until the appointed number of souls are ushered in, & yet, how difficult it has become in the West, with hardened hearts & anti-Christian govts. against righteousness. More are responding to the Gospel in Asia & Africa PTL. My short ministry in S.Asia ('80s) demonstrated good reception to the Gospel.

Mishael...we usually have problems with cults because most of us know very little about their beliefs. It's not difficult to do some research on them so you might be more prepared when you meet. They too appreciate that a 'Christian' will give them time since they get mostly negative receptions. The important subject that JWs bring forward is on God's Kingdom on Earth & we should all share in it. Sounds nice but they don't believe in Hell, so if we refuse to accept their teaching, then we just die & remain in the grave & not rise to live again. My advice to them is that Jesus' death was to give us opportunity to not be in eternal Hell rather than not be left in the grave. No comfort in this.

Chris...I agree about the JW. I've never met one who had doubts about their beliefs. I was a street evangelist and it's hard to turn away wipe the dust off my shoes and travel on. I do because the next person may listen. I can't go to the nursing homes at this time; but maybe soon. Thanks for your comment.