I was struck by the phrase “deep and secure foundation” from Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders as recorded in Luke 6:

Let me describe the one who truly follows me and does what I say. He is like a man who chooses the right place to build a house and then lays a deep and secure foundation. (Luke 6.47, 48, Passion Translation)

Here are some preliminary thoughts:

• When we’re making disciples, the objective is someone “who truly follows Jesus and does what he says.”
• The key is a “deep and secure foundation.”
• Jesus is that foundation! Paul writes that we are “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2.19, ESV)

So the key is to connect people to Jesus. That’s why I push daily time with God so hard. People need to be connected to Jesus – not to me, not to my church, not to some eloquent Bible teacher or writer, but to Jesus. 

And we’re not connected to Jesus for the purpose of learning facts about him but for the purpose of “doing what he says.” 

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. (John 14.21, NIV)

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge… I…delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness… For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2.2 – 10, NIV)