What else CAN'T I do?

Did the sermon teaser seem a little off? I hope you thought so!
Sometimes it seems like Christians are known more for what they stand against than what they stand for. We are in the midst of a new series entitled, "The Disciple Making Church." This week we will be taking a look at God's checklist for Christians- John 15:1-8. Please prayerfully read that passage of God's Word and come ready to share the love of Jesus with those in our faith community. I would love to know what your definition of a disciple is. Please blog.

Pastor Noel

someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

In Christianity, the disciples were the students of Jesus during his ministry. Though often restricted to the Twelve Apostles, the gospels refer to varying numbers of disciples. In the Book of Acts, the Apostles themselves have disciples. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disciple (Christianity)

A person who learns from another, especially one who then teaches others; An active follower or adherent of someone, or some philosophy etc
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/disciple

One who has received initiation from a spiritual master and then follows the path shown by the master.
www.siddhayoga.org.in/glossary.html

some result from google query: 'define: disciple'

When one looks at the original word Jesus used for disciple, "mathetes", one will discover its meaning is a learner, that is, pupil.

To be a student of Jesus and learn from Him, His truth must be ever-present, continuously dwelling in our soul and mind. We must remain in His presence, tarry with His Spirit and abide in Jesus, the True Vine.

When we stop learning, we stop being a pupil, a student, a disciple.

Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples." John 8:31.
The idea is that there is strict adherence not only to a belief in His teachings, but radical obedience to His commands as well.
Many would say that they "believe" in Jesus and are studying His Word, but there is no obedience to His Word. This lack in the so called "follower" would negate the idea that one is truly His disciple; no strict adherence/obedience to His Word.
What do you think?

Pastor Noel