Learning from Trains

Learning from Trains: Discipling the Next Generation

Trains are a normal thing that teaches us a powerful lesson. Trains are made up of train cars that are all connected together, going the same direction, and have the same source of power. When it comes to trains, they teach us a lot about discipleship. Followers of Jesus are all disciples (learners) who are connected together because of Jesus. Disciples are all going the same direction, where Jesus leads them. Disciples all lean on the same source of power, the Holy Spirit.

How does a train grow in size? It adds more cars to the train. Discipleship always involves making more disciples. How do we do this? Paul describes this beautifully to Timothy.

“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

There are multiple “generations” disciples stated here. What Paul received from the Lord Jesus as an apostle he committed to Timothy. Now he’s asking Timothy to commit to faithful (trustworthy) people who will teach others. The train is to be adding cars!

After this Sunday, we witnessed how God worked in and through Hunter, Campbell, Hadden, Emily, and Annaleigh as they shared what God did at IMPACT. One of the things that encourages me so much about our students is that I truly do believe that train cars have been added, and far more than those students who spoke this past Sunday. Why do I believe this? As Emily said, I believe that there are students who just “get it.” 

They “get” that Jesus who saved them is their Lord, and has the final say about their lives. They “get” that they have the responsibility to live for His mission. They “get” that they have an opportunity to be used by God. They “get” that if more disciples are going to be made, if more train cars are going to be added, it is going to be God working through them!

What’s our role in this? We are to equip, encourage, and empower one another. In what ways? 

…in remaining connected together under our leader, Jesus Christ. 

…in submitting to God’s Word to ensure that we are directed towards His mission. 

…in depending on the engine that makes us go, the Holy Spirit.

 Love you, Church!

Pastor John