DISCIPLESHIP POINT 3: DON'T GO RIDIN' ON THAT LONG BLACK TRAIN!

 

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19.

Hello Friends:

     Welcome to the Soulwinnersr.us website. Last week was my second Discipleship series post entitled “Discipleship Point 2: Do You Have the Heart?” It was about the fact that discipleship is a very important, needed task, but it takes a great heart for people and doesn’t come easily or naturally to us in the church as a point of emphasis. It is something that takes our great willingness and a calling from God for the task. 

     Last week was about the “who” of being called to do the discipling. This week we are going to address the “why” of discipleship. This post is going to be short and focused. The title of my post this week is “Discipleship Point 3: Don’t Go Ridin’ on That Long Black Train!” It’s based on the popular Josh Turner song.

“Long Black Train”  by Josh Turner

There's a long black train comin' down the line

Feedin' off the souls that are lost and cryin'

Rails of sin, only evil remains

Watch out, brother, for that long black train

[Verse 2]

Look to the heavens, you can look to the skies

You can find redemption starin’ back into your eyes

There is protection and there’s peace the same

Burnin’ your ticket for that long black train

[Chorus]

'Cause there's victory in the Lord, I say

Victory in the Lord

Cling to the Father and His Holy name

And don't go ridin' on that long black train

[Verse 3]

There’s an engineer on that long black train

Makin’ you wonder if the ride is worth the pain

He’s just a-waitin’ on your heart to say

“Let me ride on that long black train”

[Chorus]

But you know there's victory in the Lord, I say

Victory in the Lord

Cling to the Father and His Holy name

And don't go ridin' on that long black train

[Bridge]

Well, I can hear the whistle from a mile away

It sounds so good but I must stay away

That train is a beauty, makin' everybody stare

But its only destination is the middle of nowhere

[Chorus]

But you know there's victory in the Lord, I say

Victory in the Lord

Cling to the Father and His Holy name

And don't go ridin' on that long black train

[Outro]

I said cling to the Father and His Holy name

And don't go ridin' on that long black train

Yeah, watch out brother for that long black train

That devil's a-drivin' that long black train

      So, in a nutshell, what’s the best way for people to avoid “Ridin’ the Long Black Train” to hell?

1. They hear the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
2. They are touched by the gospel message.
3. They allow the gospel message and God’s Holy Spirit to change their lives.
4. You and I help lead them, with repeated encouragement and standing beside them, away from hell, and toward Jesus and heaven.

     So, discipleship itself of people isn’t the end goal. We don’t disciple others just because we are called by God to do it, although being called is a prerequisite of discipling others.

     The goal of discipleship is to help people avoid “The Long Black Train” to hell . . . and lead them toward the light of the Son of God, Jesus, and ultimately to a wonderful eternal life with Him in heaven!

Until I see you next time, keep sharing the wonderful love of Jesus,

Arlen