There is a big difference between living as a disciple and just being called a Christian. I should know because I lived the first four years of my life as a Christian before making the decision to become a follower.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9  ESV

It was an important, eternity changing decision – to turn from my old way of living and welcoming Jesus into every part of my life.  There is something powerful in the confessing, believing and proclaiming.

Believing is the first step to growing as a disciple of Jesus. Believing Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. Believing the cross was the instrument used to provide payment for my sin. Believing in the resurrection of Jesus as my living Lord. Belief is trust.

Now, as a disciple, I am filled by the Holy Spirit and am sent for a purpose – to tell this good news.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?^[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:14-17  ESV

This good news was offered to me and now I have the honour of offering it to everyone. Making disciples comes from my own faith. It is about continuing the cycle of redemption – passing on the faith that was passed to me.