“Therefore go and make disciples” Jesus Christ Matthew 28:19

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:13-16

The Gates of Hell at Caesarea Philippi

Shrine to Pan next to Gates of Hell at Caesarea Philippi

The Greek God Pan Usually depicted with the head, chest and arms of a man and with the legs, horns and ears of a goat, Pan prances through the fertile countryside playing his seven-reed pipe in wild abandon. When he's angered, his bellow and howl can be heard for miles. For his terrifying war cry, his name is still associated with PANic fear. It is likely that the demonized images, the horns and cloven hooves of Satan as depicted in much Christian literature and art, were taken from the images of the highly sexual Pan. Pan worship was characterized by nudity and sexual acts.

Matthew 16:17-20 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Matthew 16:21-23 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

What does it take to be a good Christian? Believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God. Believe in God and try to be a good person? Do more good things than bad? Pray to God when I’m in trouble? Go to church, read my Bible, tithe and teach? Grew up Christian and haven’t changed religions? Be a narrow minded, judgemental, hypocritical, holier-than-thou, do-gooder! Be an American and a Republican? Be really somber and pious, avoid anything fun?

What is the Biblical description of discipleship? DVD clip

What is the Biblical description of discipleship? To be His follower, His disciple is to be deliberately pursuing Him: to know Him, to know what He knows and to become like Him. Current misconception: I ‘believe’ in Jesus so I’ll go to Heaven when I die, plus, so God will make my life better.

Disciple stage 1. 4Sunday church only 4crowd Want to go to heaven and have a better life. Learning about Jesus, God and the Bible. D 2. 4Bible study 4group L2. 4lead discussion 4teach D 4. 4in training 4mentor L3. 4 relational 4 give grace 4 coach 4 give vision Battle for my heart. His will or mine? Whole hearted for Jesus. Life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Begin to win heart battle, renovation begins. D 3.4accountability 4one-on-one, a few others

Are you a disciple of Jesus? "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Jesus in Matthew 16:24-27

Are you a disciple of Jesus? “I desire to come after You, I will deny myself I will take up my cross I will follow you. For I want to save my life, so I will lose it, I will lose my life for You so I will find it. I will not seek to gain a piece of the world at the cost of my soul? There’s nothing in this world worth exchanging for my soul. When I follow You, my soul is protected, energized and fulfilled. _________________ February 4, 2006

Relate with Jesus on His terms! To believe in Him as the Son of God. Desire to come after Him, denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Him. To be fertile soil for the seed of His Words and produce a bountiful crop. To become like a little child. To abide in Him like a branch in a vine and produce fruit. To hear His words and put them into practice. To seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.