The Debate Concerning The Characteristics Of Discipleship

The Debate Concerning The Characteristics Of Discipleship
The debate concerning the characteristics of discipleship still fulminates. However the centrality of Christ with respect to discipleship remains a
bulwark of the Christianity. Faith and obedience intertwine with the object of that faith being Jesus Christ which reflects his centrality. Moreover,
obedience requires knowledge of that which the Christian is obedient to. The early Church maintained a rigorous method of instructing the
catechumens before they were bestowed the title, a member of the faithful. Christ taught his disciples to be teachers which means that they at one time
had to be students. Moreover, God proffers knowledge of himself to the believer. Dave Early and Rod Dempsey attempt to delineate the steps the
non–believer follows on the journey to becoming a believer then to disciple of Christ. This, this paper will show how the attainment of the knowledge
of God relates to disciple's call to obedience. Moreover, how God bestows knowledge to the believer through obedience.
Both faith and obedience require an object and that object is Jesus Christ. Faith and obedience go hand in hand, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states, "both of
which are equally true: only the believers obey, and only the obedient believe." Thus, the object of this belief and obedience is Jesus Christ. However,
belief and obedience implies that you have knowledge of the object that you impugn it to. Furthermore, the Great Commission states,
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee,
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Writing Assignment 1
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
Writing Assignment 1
A paper submitted to Dr. Rick Garner
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course
Discipleship Ministries
DSMN 500
By
Hershel L. Kreis, Jr.
November 4, 2012
Toano, Virginia
INTRODUCTION
While there are those who may be uncomfortable with the idea that worship is a goal in making disciples, the goal of Christian education according to
Mitchell is to make a disciple who worships Jesus. Mitchell points out that worship is more than just showing up at church on Sunday morning for an
hour of corporate worship. He points out that worship according to John 4:19 –24 goes much deeper than just that time of corporate worship that we
often think of as ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A second way is when someone starts the process of becoming a disciple or being a disciple, such as in Matthew 27:57 or Luke 14:26–27. Lastly, there
are those who are referred to as disciples that only occasionally followed Jesus, such as those in Matthew 8:21. Samra summarizes discipleship
succinctly by saying that it is the "process of becoming like Christ."
A one on one discipling relationship allows for the greatest accountability and requires the greatest amount of trust on the part of both individuals.
This type of discipleship often is the strongest and most effective to achieve true spiritual growth. While it is quite easy to evade issues that may be
struggles in your life while listening to expository preaching or in a Sunday school setting, it is almost impossible when in a one–on–one relationship
with another Christian. As a result of the trust that has been developed in the course of the relationship and the permission given by both parties to ask

the tough questions of each other, there is no escaping the immense amount of learning that can produce a great deal of spiritual maturity in a new
Christian.
While the goal of Christian education and discipleship is spiritual formation of the new believer into a true disciple who makes other true disciples,
this concept has been watered down in the American church today by emphasis on programs instead of progressive spiritual growth in every member's
life. There are many

Discipleship Ministries Proect
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Liberty University
DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES PROJECT
Submitted to Dr. Morris L. Baker In partial fulfillment of course requirements for DSMN 500 – Discipleship Ministries
Arlen Pfenninger Dover, Delaware July 7, 2012
Table of Contents Cover Page––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1
Introduction of Spiritual Development of First Baptist Church–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––3 Needs Within Adult
Ministry––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––5 Objectives of Honor Bound
Ministries–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––6 Goal ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
While the women in the church have an organized discipleship effort happening, there is not a concerted effort to grow men into faithful followers of
Jesus Christ. The men of the church need a program where discipleship happens intentionally. The scripture that First Baptist Church uses for it's
vision is Matthew 5:13. The City on a Hill theme comes for this verse. The idea is that we should be salt and light to the world so that others will
know Him through us. People are not committed followers of Christ just because they study the Bible. That is only part of the process. The Great
Commission tells us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey (Matthew 28:16). The Great Commandment tells us to love God and
others. (Matthew 22). The New Commandment in John tells us to love one another (John 13:34–35). The church needs to be able to forge relationship
so that they in turn can reproduce more Christians. The commitment level in the Sunday School ministries is strong at First Baptist. About 60 percent
of the Sunday morning worship is also in Sunday School. Sunday School tends to be strictly educational in nature. The groups do take care of each
other in most cases. However, mentoring and further discipleship is not happening. The participation in other discipleship programs is much smaller.
As stated earlier, the groups that are meeting outside of Sunday School are

Christ in Discipleship
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Writing Assignment 1– Christ in Discipleship Submitted to Dr. Gary Waller in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the completion of DSMN 500 – B03 Discipleship Ministries by David J. Miller May 29, 2016 Centrality of Christ in Christian
discipleship Christian discipleship is to follow Jesus, to be his disciple, doesn't mean community involvement and the veneer of tolerance. It means,
mainly, first and central, to worship him – with joy at the heart. Making disciples of Jesus means gathering his worshipers. Discipleship starts with the
heart, it is to have Christ at the center, to have His love, His Holy Spirit fill you, and guide you. To have Christ as the centrality... Show more content on
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They are to put childish things behind, they are to "die to self" and devote their lives to whole life worship/obedience. No better place in the Bible
describes this than in Romans 12:1–8, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every
one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God
has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in
Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of
us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to
encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it

Discipleship: Christianity and Jesus
Discipleship
Teachers around the time when Jesus lived thought that learning was such that the people who wanted to learn should come to them to be taught. But
Jesus felt differently and rather than waiting for people to come to him, he went out to find them and then chose them to be his followers. He called
them disciples and this word means one who learns. But Jesus chose his disciples carefully as we are told in Mark 1:16–20 and also in Mark 3:13–19.
In the first passage, Jesus appoints his first four disciples, Simon, Andrew, James and John. Jesus said to them "Come, follow me, and I will make
you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17) In Mark 2:13–17, Jesus calls up the fifth disciple, Levi who was a tax collector, and Jesus later renamed him ... Show
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It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Mark 10: 24–25. Jesus tells the disciples this
because they feel that they have given everything up to be with Jesus, but really, what they have given up is nothing in comparison to the harder
things that some people who want to in the kingdom of God have to give up. On many occasions the disciples misunderstand the path they are
supposed to follow and they misunderstand their role as disciples, and on many occasions, Jesus has had to correct them. In Mark 9:33–37, the
disciples are arguing about who is the greatest disciple and Jesus has to tell them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the
servant of all." Mark 9:35. It was here that Jesus taught his disciples the difference between greatness and humility, and that they were here on earth to
serve others. Another example of the disciples misunderstanding their role is when James and John ask that Jesus reserve a place for them in heaven,
at his left and right hand. Mark 10:40. Jesus then had to begin to teaching of discipleship to them again after they misunderstood their real role.
Peter was probably the disciple who Jesus felt most strongly for. Peter was the first disciple that Jesus chose and his name was changed from Simon
to Peter, a name meaning В‘rock'. Peter is not really an important character in Mark's gospel until we reach Mark 8:27–30. In this passage, Jesus takes
his

Jerry King'sLordship Without Obedience?
"That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart
a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9–10
Discipleship is much more than speaking that Jesus is Lord. Living out Lordship requires action that fulfill God's will and not our own. (Sanders,
Lordship of Jesus class teaching) We obey and fulfill his will because of our abundant love and our knowledge of nature reveals to us that he gave so
much that we should obey his every command. Jerry White says, "There can be no true lordship without obedience."
Romans 10:9–10 is a very good example that correlates with what Jerry White says about lordship. Romans 10 is telling believers that to be a disciple
of Jesus Christ you must confess with your tongue that Jesus is lord but also confess and believe with your heart because then you will be righteous.
You will also find salvation through confessing from your mouth.
Lordship or Discipleship comes along with trusting in God even when trials and tribulations hit. (Sanders, Lordship of Jesus class teaching) It seems to
be a struggle to believe that god will come through even when you don't know the outcome. In Daniel 3:17–18 it says
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if
He does not, let it be

Dietrich Bonhoeffer On The Role Of Nazism In Germany
Looking further into the history of World War II, it appears that the work of the Church of Germany seemed quite silent during the Nazi era. Clearly
it is shown, that the depths of confusion in the church during the Nazi era made quite an impact on how the people reacted to Nazism in Germany.
While the church stayed silent, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the few German Protestant theologians who courageously and eloquently stood up
for what he believed was true. His life truly reflects on what the role of a Christian should be in the secular world. On February 4, 1906, a baby boy
was born among two very educational parents. His father, Karl Bonhoeffer, was a respected psychiatry and neurology professor in the in the university
of Berlin. Additionally, his mother, Paula Bonhoeffer, was one of the few
... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Thus, young Dietrich was born into a very enlightening family who encouraged him to pursue a life of education. From 1923 to 1972, Dietrich strives
for knowledge in theology at the universities of Tubingen and Berlin. There he meets influencing theologians who assisted him to shape his beliefs.
Among the theologians he met includes Karl Barth, who was acknowledged as the greatest Protestant theologians of the twentieth century, and is later
acknowledged for his involvement in the "Confessing Church". Lastly, Dietrich spends 1928–1929 in Barcelona, as an assistant pastor for a German
speaking congregation. And in 1928, Bonhoeffer attends the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, there, he begins lifelong friendships that
eventually leads him to going to a church in Harlem. "Then Bonhoeffer went ao an African–American church in Harlem. Amid people

Exploring How a Teaching About Discipleship Might Affect...
Exploring How a Teaching About Discipleship Might Affect the Life of a Christian Today
The role of a disciple continues to inspire men and woman today. History is marked be people who committed their life to Jesus Christ
In the question, I will explore the lives of the following Christian disciples, Martin Luther King, Maximillian Kolbe and Sister Eleisha.
Martin Luther King might affect the life of a Christian today because he is a good example of a disciple. He is a good example of a disciple because
he is dedicated to God and he gave up his life for God, as he became a Baptist minister. Also in 1955 he led a boycott in Montgomery, Alabama.
Through out his career he pressed for equal ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The next disciple I have chosen to look at is Maximillian Kolbe as he was also a good disciple. Maximillian Kolbe was a good disciple because he
accepted the cost of discipleship. He became a priest and gave up his life of getting married and starting a family. He also gave up all his possessions
and money.
"He must forget self, carry his cross, and follow me". (MK 8:34–35)
This teaching is telling us that you must be ready to sacrifice your own life to save others and that's what Maximillian Kolbe did he sacrificed his life
for the man. He had a lot of faith in Jesus that he went on to build two monasteries, which meant the K.O.G is for anyone and it is everywhere. He
went to Japan and became a missionary by preaching the word of God, He was fulfilling Gods mission.
"For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it". (MK 8:35–36)
Maximillian Kolbe forgot his old life and he went on to follow Jesus by becoming a priest. He also was prepared to sacrifice his life for other people,
as he laid down his life for a man. The man was going to be killed and the man had a wife and 2 children. Maximillian Kolbe told the Nazi's that he
will take the mans place and to let the man live.
"Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to the whole human race".

Disciples And Rituals: Wk5 Devotional
Wk5 Devotional
After Jesus gives a parable concerning the seriousness of neglecting to accept the invitation of the Gospel, He then proceeds to teach on discipleship
and the seriousness of the call to discipleship and its demands. Nothing must come before one's devotion to Christ. Not even family, Father, Mother,
Sister, or Brother is to be placed in the reserved position of preeminence for the Lord.
Salvation cost Jesus His life, and He was not guilty of any crime that He should die a horrific death, but for the love of His Father and the love of an
ungrateful people, He died so that grace would abound. To be a disciple of Christ one must be prepared to die to self and live on purpose forGod's
purpose.
Take up your cross and bear the

Selecting a Disciple-Maker's Message Essay
Liberty Theological Seminary
Written Assignment 2:
Selecting a Disciple–Maker's Message
A Paper
Submitted to Dr. Bob XXXXX
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
DSMN500
By XXXXX
6 Sept 2012
Introduction There are many well–meaning, devout, knowledgeable Christians who well never intentionally build even one world–impacting, world
visionary, reproducing disciple. This is because they will never seriously pursue a systematic curriculum designed for the purpose of discipling
another to his ultimate destination (Hodges, p117). This need is not reserved for pastors, as evidenced by the writings of Luke. Luke was a layman, a
busy doctor with his hectic schedule. Yet, he made... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The first source is tradition. This is the living word or historical information that a community has chosen to perpetuate their culture. Peter refers to the
accuracy of what he was teaching by emphasizing the eyewitness reliability of scripture (Holy Bible, 2Pet 1:16). The importance here is to know the
Word, so one can systematically teach the Word (Mitchell, p281). Therefore, Scriptures must be correctly interpreted, then passed along to others by
tradition to establish perpetuation of correct knowledge in subsequent generations. The second source is observation, which is embedded in and
distilled from the educational activities of the student (Mitchell, p.281). Believers come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences, and many
are viewed as wise according to worldly standards, but God chooses what is foolish to shame the wise (Holy Bible, 1Cor 1:26–27). Disciplers need to
observe and listen to those they disciple. Then, with this background understanding of how they came to their current beliefs, the message can be
clarified to maximize the understanding by their students. Mitchell lists participation is the third source, and this relates to the life message of the

teacher (p 281). Christians are challenged to show that their faith is not simply a religious position, but rather it represents a basis for their lifestyle and

Bonhoeffer's Discipleship: Hegel And Immanuel Kant,
Bonhoeffer's Discipleship During the postmodern time period of theology during which the religious landscape had developed into a multi–centered,
experience–oriented social imaginary as expressed by influential philosophers such as Friedrich Hegel and Immanuel Kant, Dietrich Bonhoeffer offered
a revolutionary theology that pushed back against these pluralistic notions of religion and Christianity. Unlike Hegel and Kant who saw reason as the
way to encounter the world and experience God, Bonhoeffer based his theology on faith and on God's revelation in Jesus Christ. Such a radical belief
allowed Bonhoeffer to interpret the meaning of Christianity as more than a highly intellectual state of a "divine Jesus" or some generic idea of God.
Stirred ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The inspiration for discipleship cannot stem from human morals and ideals. Instead, true discipleship is a way of life based upon God's revelation
in Jesus Christ. A way of life in which we willingly and wholeheartedly choose to enter into the suffering of our neighbors, not out of selfish
ambition for a positive public perception, but instead as an act of genuine and costly love for our neighbors inspired by God's genuine costly love
for us. In justification of his interpretation, Bonhoeffer points to and spends a large portion of this book discussing Jesus' message of the Sermon
on the Mount. For Bonhoeffer, it is in this message that Jesus outlines the exemplary life of a Christian based on the "law of love" which governs
how we should interact with those around us. Although Bonhoeffer believes that this exemplary life may be an impossible task for us as humans
to do on our own, he strongly believes that we have been given the perfect representation of what such a life of love should look like and have been
enable to live such a life through God's revelation in Jesus Christ. By striving to follow in the footsteps of Jesus' actions, we too may be able to live
and lead a life grounded by love and inspired by God's

Discipleship In Luke's Gospel Research Paper
Luke's story is not identical to Mark's, however, there are strong similarities in the content and dialogue used in both Gospel's. Discipleship is an
important message in both Mark's and Luke's Gospels. It seems to me that Luke edited Marks's version of events because Mark's story didn't
correspond to the message that Luke wanted to emanate about what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. Both Gospel's agree on the basics, and that
discipleship means following Jesus. But they differ on the details. In Mark disciples often make mistakes, and have much to learn. Mark doesn't
expect his followers to be perfect but expects them to closely follow Jesus in hopes that they will further grasp true discipleship. Luke's perspective of
discipleship ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The people express their anger that the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus's then tells the people of their
obligation to care for the poor and says that he will not always be with them. The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you
can do good to them, but you will not always have me (Mark 14:7). Jesus points out the importance of the anointing due to the limited amount of
time during which it is possible. Mark's story doesn't portray helping the poor as insignificant. It places, even more, significance on the anointing
because helping the poor is paramount. Luke's Gospel highlights a special concern for the poor. Due to Luke's concern for the poor, I believe he
feels as if Mark's account of when Jesus tells the people that the poor will always have you, but the people will not always have Jesus, could be
misunderstood as dismissing poverty. In Luke's perspective, Mark's story seems to take away from the message that he wanted to highlight about the
less fortunate. Mark's version did not correspond well with Luke's view on the importance of serving the

Discipleship : Luke 14 : 25-35
The Cost of Discipleship: Luke 14:25–35 Discipleship is one of the highest aspirations of many of the different followers and sections of Christianity,
but as Luke 14:25–35 shows, it is not something that is handed to each and every follower as it must be earned and truly worked towards in order to
be allowed to experience the full effect and ownership of being a disciple. The idea of discipleship is something that is not necessarily tangible as is
more of a state of belief rather than something that you can go and take or purchase. Discipleship is found best described as, "a 'follower', 'adherent'
or 'student' of a great master, religious leader or teacher." This definition shows the basic nature of a disciple during the time thatJesus walked the earth,
yet this barely scratches the surface of the true requirements needed to be a true follower of Christ and not a person that simply follows because
they are being led to do so. This section of verses found in chapter 14 of Luke show that there are stringent requirements needed to be a true
disciple of Christ and as he demonstrates in the text through example and shortened parables, there is no way to become a true follower if it is
being done halfheartedly and with a lax nature. The first verse in this section sets the nature of this following speech and teaching as one to a large
audience as opposed to an enclosed group of listeners. Jesus was on his way to a dinner with a leader of the Pharisees and gathering along him

A Community Of Nobodies Of The Modern World
It is dangerous that "we lose our bearings as we struggle at and with margins and marginalized people," and they are often forgotten in our lives (EG
#54). They are addicts, victims of the –ism, the "throwaways of the modern world (refugees, migrants, and survivors of war)," handicapped, and
challenged disabilities. They form "a community of nobodies" and Jesus is among them. As authentic disciples, we should question ourselves that
where their places are in our ministry. What are locking our sight and our mind to see and reach them?
Being with, converting to, working from, and serving at the margins are what Jesus did to enter deeper into human world. From divine to human, from
human to stranger, and from stranger to obedient death, and from suffering to glory, Jesus became incarnate among us as both humanly divine and
divinely human. He shows us the possibility of conversion from ethnocentrism, a transformation from monocultural orientations to intercultural
orientation. In other words, such conversion is "the facility to move from one's own worldview to that of another." Certainly, we must agree that to be
marginal persons in ministry, we need the "qualities such as faithfulness, trust, respect, listening, openness, and acceptance." Although "ethnocentrism
is like a shadow," it does not become a stumbling block if we carefully enter the world of others. Then, we trust in the work of the Holy Spirit for our
conversion towards intercuturality.
We may know that the

Jesus : The True Cost Of Discipleship Essay
Jesus then goes from speaking to His disciples specifically, to calling out to the whole crowd, in which He goes from speaking plainly to once
again speaking in metaphors and riddles. Within this passage Mark uses the words of Jesus to reveal the true cost of discipleship. He tells the crowd
that if anyone chooses to come after Him then the condition of that decision is that they must take up their cross and follow Him. So one must ask:
What does it mean to deny yourself? What does it mean to take up your cross? And when you follow Him where are you going? So then one must put
this into context by looking at what has not yet happened in Mark. When Jesus denies Himself, He is essentially denying the human instinct to self
preserve through a fight or flight response. When Jesus picked up His cross, He was deciding to be rejected, tortured, mocked and falsely accused
on His way to Calvary where He died for the sins of all. Therefore, if you want to go after Jesus, you must be willing to commit to sharing the gospel
with others at all costs, you must be willing to tortured, mocked, and falsely accused and you must also be willing to die, not necessarily for anything
that you have done, but so that others can reach salvation. Historically, during this time period, the cross was a well known style of execution in
Rome, and so although one reading this might see this as simply a metaphor, it is actually a foreshadowing of reality, which can be seen in the fact that
all the

Teaching of Discipleship on a Christian of Today.
AO2: Explain how this teaching about discipleship might affect the life of a Christian today.
Christian discipleship involves faith and commitment to God, self sacrifice, service to others, using your time, money and energy, as God wants you to
not as the world tempts you to. It also involves belonging to God's own family, the church, and daily commitments with God. Modern day disciples like
Ghandi, (even though he was non–Christian) acted as true modern day disciple with his total commitment, self–sacrifice and energy he put into leading
India to independence by inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. We can see that they acted... Show more content on
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And example of this would be my 'Granda' who risked his life to save a mother and child from a house that was burning to the ground, an almost
certain death situation. He put his needs before his own and renounced–self.
To take up cross is probably one of the most challenging commands of Jesus. Mark was writing his gospel at a time when many Christians were dying
for their belief in Jesus. Crucifixion was a real possibility. There have been times since then, even to the present day, when Christians have been
persecuted for their beliefs like Nelson Mandela, who believed in the rights of different races, whatever their colour and was imprisoned for 27 years
in which he only saw his wife three times.
To follow him means accepting the Christian way of life and treading in the footsteps of Jesus, following his examples as closely as possible.
Obedience to the will of God and putting others first may lead to suffering as it did for Jesus. However, the invitation to "Follow me" also holds the
promise of sharing in Christ's resurrected life.
I believe that modern day influences can cast a certain cloud over Christianity. Yet there are still those people who fight back to the discrimination and
racial prejudice in our societies. Those are the true disciples of Jesus Christ. He who hears the message should carry out the message. People should
stop thinking about what they take out of the world, but instead what they put back into

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Teachings
Dietrich Bonhoeffer remained faithful to God throughout the Shoah and believed that his faith in God directed him to take part in a conspiracy with
the motive to remove Hitler from power and later assassinate him. He did not blame God for the Shoah and instead stated "He is weak and powerless
in the world, and that is precisely the way, the only way, in which he is with us and helps us. [TheBible] ... makes quite clear that Christ helps us, not
by virtue of his omnipotence, but by virtue of his weakness and suffering. ... The Bible directs man to God's powerlessness and suffering; only the
suffering of God can help." Bonhoeffer undertook the role of a double agent and assisted Jewish people in escaping Nazi persecution. It can be
assumed that ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
TrocmГ© utilised the influence of Jesus to command his leadership, as a result he had a complete obedience to God, with Jesus at the centre of the
church's life and practices. He believed that his cause for existence was for human need, likewise to Jesus he was ready to sacrifice for his "cause".
He reinforces this concept through his message to the authorities "These people came here for help and for shelter. I am their shepherd. A shepherd
does not forsake his flock... I do not know what a Jew is. I know only human beings."Even whilst pressured by authorities to discontinue his "futile"
efforts he remained to a have nonchalant manner. TrocmГ© implemented all Catholic Social Teachings, in particular: subsidiarity and participation,
solidarity and dignity of the human person. He manifested these principles in his efforts to provide hospitality and shelter to any being especially Jews
during this period of prejudice. Through the teachings of Jesus and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching TrocmГ© was able to justify and
advocate his

Jesus Christ And Its Effect On Our Lives
Anyone who has grown up in church or has come to faith in Jesus Christ has inevitably been in this moment. You wake up on a Sunday morning and
go through your regular routine. You have a pretty good idea of how your day is going to go. Go to church, sing a few songs, hear a sermon, and
come back home to watch football. That's the church experience most are likely to have through if you grew up in America. However, sometimes
something different occurs. Your regularly scheduled Sunday was interrupted and thrown for a loop when your pastor starts preaching something
specific that is cutting to your core. There is nothing quite like that feeling. You didn't come to church to be challenged, yet you can 't deny anything he
is saying because it... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He says, "Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ". It gets better. Shortly after Bonhoeffer
begins to list off what costly grace is like. He says, "Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his son". When you look deeper into these
statements, what he is saying is truly insightful. While he lists all of what he defines "cheap grace", you see so many parallels to what we see in
churches here in America. It is actually pretty scary at some of the things he says that are just business as usual here. At the end of the day, grace
is grace though, right? According to Bonhoeffer, and really Jesus, costly grace is the only grace that saves souls. It is the only grace that brings
someone from the death to life. Costly grace is what raises a dead soul to life in Jesus Christ. Chapter two begins with Bonhoeffer looking at a
couple of different accounts in Scripture of Jesus calling some of his disciples. The first one he lays out is the calling of Levi in Mark chapter two.
One of the things that Bonhoeffer points out from the story is that, "Jesus summons men to follow him not as a teacher or a pattern of the good life,
but as the Christ, the Son of God." All things considered, when you look at the way in which Jesus calls His disciples, that had to be the way many of
them looked at the situation. He is calling grown men away from their

Writing Assignment 1 Essay
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Writing Assignment 1 – Christ in Discipleship
Submitted to Dr. Buddy R. Lowman, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the course
DSMN 500–D11
by
10/27/201
INTRODUCTION
Christ is the central person in Christian discipleship. Without Christ, Christianity would not exist and there would be no followers of Christ. To be
true followers of Christ, believers must be willing to learn of the ways and teachings of Christ. Christ is central to Christian discipleship because He
is the teacher of His disciples. Through the Holy Spirit and Word ofGod, Jesus Christ calls His disciples to Him and then ... Show more content on
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God disciplines those whom He loves and uses those whom follow His commandments. Jesus was hanged on a cross and crucified so that we
would have the opportunity to be saved. He suffered for us, so we should take up our cross on a daily basis and follow Him. Christians must
submit to Christ in order to be used by Christ. When a person submits to Christ, the Holy Spirit will empower him to be used of God. If a person
does not submit to Christ, then the Holy Spirit will be quenched and the Christian will be disciplined by God. Disciples of Christ do not receive
salvation because they obey God, but they obey God and submit to Christ because they have salvation (Rogers, Adrian, 2005). Jesus told the
disciples that if they call him Lord they must do what he commands (Matthew 7:22). To be a disciple of Christ, we must submit to Jesus and trust
that He is our Lord and Savior. We must have faith in Him and look to Him as our guide. Disciples of Christ should obey Jesus because God is not a
man, but a sovereign God who has every right to command His disciples. Christ is not just a sovereign God, but also a saving God who suffered on

a cross so that humans could receive salvation. Disciples of Christ who are saved by grace are not their own, but bought with a price that Jesus paid
on the cross. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The disciples are called blessed because they have obeyed the call of Jesus.2 To be a disciple of Christ, we must

Grace, God's Most Important Gift to Man Other than Life
Grace is God's most important gift to man other than life that is. Grace is freely given but was so costly to God to give. The first taste of Grace was
when God gave His own beloved son to die for the sins of the world. Jesus did not deserve to die upon the cross that day so many years ago. He was
sinless. Yet honoring His Father's wishes He was tortured and then made to die upon the cross like the thief beside Him. Three days later God raised
Him to a resurrected life and Jesus sits at His right side even today. The whole reason that Jesus was tortured the way He was is that He alone bore all
the sins from each of us that day. He was God's gift to us, in a sense Jesus was grace poured out on us all.
Many theologians have discussed ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In his book The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer tells the tale of Peter being called by Jesus to follow Him. When Jesus first calls to Peter to
follow it is the first words spoken to him. The second time was after the crucifixion of Christ, the Risen Lord found Peter at the same place He had
first found him. Both times Peter leaves behind what he is doing and followed (Bonhoeffer 45) (Vanderhart). This is what Bonhoeffer is telling us
what we must do daily. It is to leave what we are wanting to do and follow His Word. It means giving up what we know to be wrong according to the
Word of God and striving to show that we do love God with all of our hearts by following what He wants for us.
Bonhoeffer told us what we should do in accepting grace and John Wesley gave us the means by which to follow God's word. He explained what
happens after we decide to go after the costly grace. He was the one, in a sense, to break it down into layman's terms. He saw what had happened with
secularization of the Church like Bonhoeffer did but took costly grace and made it understandable as to what the steps to gain that costly grace were.
Wesley gave Christians an explanation of what prevenient grace is. This is the grace that God gives even before we accept Him. The grace that begins
softening the heart to be prepared for faith.

Church's Basic Purpose Including Time Lines For...
Part 1: Describe the proposed plan and how it relates to the church's basic purpose including time lines for preparation and implementation. In his
book, Student Ministry and the Supremacy of Christ, Richard Ross states "the goal of student ministry is students who, for the glory of the Father and
in the power of the Spirit, spend a lifetime embracing the full supremacy of the Son, responding to His majesty in all of life, inviting Christ to live His
life through them, and joining Him in making disciples among all peoples." This goal is highly inconceivable if discipleship is neglected. Upon
interviewing my Youth Minister, Benjie Mathis, I arrived at the conclusion that discipleship is a weakness in the programming of the youth ministry.
...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
I chose this weekend because Martin Luther King, Jr. day is the 16th, and this day can serve as a day for most of the leaders and volunteers to rest
and recuperate after the weekend. Given the dates are in the middle of the month of January, the process of planning should start in early April. In
early April, I will present the idea to my Pastor in a formal meeting. I will inform my Pastor of my intentions to use our Youth Worship Center to host a
D–Now weekend. Upon his approval, I will move forward in planning the weekend. In May, I will enlist a graphic designer to prepare the artwork
to be printed on a postcard. Also, I will work to book a speaker and a worship band for the weekend. The curriculum will be purchased in May as
well. The artwork on the postcard will be made up with the appropriate information regarding dates, prices, speaker, worship band, and other event
information. The card will need to be printed by the first of June. Once the card is received, I will begin to distribute it to the students. Along with the
cards, I will start promoting the event periodically at our weekly gatherings. Also, I will ask my Pastor if I can take some time in June and August to
inform the congregation and ask them to begin prayerfully considering to volunteer during the weekend. Sign ups for students attending the D–Now
will begin in July and will end promptly on December 1. All waivers, release forms, and payments must be turned in by December

Discipleship By Wriiten By Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The book Discipleship was wriiten by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and was published in 1937. It was his fourth volume of sixteen and has also been
published under the title The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Germany that was alter arrested, imprisoned and executed by the Nazis.
Discsipleship is based on the belief that being a Christian and follower of Jesus comes at a he literally odifferentiates between costly grace and cheap
grace. Costly grace is what is required. Cheap grace will destroy the church. We are called to be disciple and it is necessary to include Jesus Christ and
give your life to following Christ. Simple obedience to God is necessary. There is a need to suffer as Christ suffered if we pick up the cross to follow
Jesus.
The book also focuses on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Jesus discusses those that are blessed and why they are blessed and also the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus discusses faith–community and what is required of disciples including reconciliation with others. The book discusses Jesus and his righteousness.
Jesus gives instructions in dealing with those who cause harm to is folowers and believers. The book addresses the question as to whether to literally
or figuratively take the commands of Jesus.
The book then addresses the Church and discipleship and looks at some basic questions, baptism, the body of Christ and the visible Church–Community.
The book also covers Saints – members called by God. Included in this chapter is sanctification

Delighting In The Trinity Sparknotes
Delighting in the Trinity
____________________
A Book Review
Presented to
John Mann
South Western Baptist Theological Semminary
____________________
In fulfillment of
the Requirements for
Systematic Theology 1
____________________
by
Victoria Chan
July 15, 2016

Biographical Entry
Bonhoeffer, Dietrick. The Cost of Discipleship, New York,NY 10022: The Macmillan Company, Published 1959. 344 pp. $1.95
Biographical sketch of author
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was both a fascinating and inspirational figure. The average reader will not be required to read between the lines when
attempting to determine his primary goal in writing the book. He cares only of educating his reader to the point of allowing ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Bell (and the text's short introduction), browsing readers may find themselves sucked into Bonhoeffer's pleasant drone of purposeful repetition. In fact,
a thorough reading of the entire text could let readers view for themselves, the frequency at which Bonhoeffer repeats the same mantra through
carefully thought–out subjects pertaining to discipleship, the Gospel, and Christianity as a whole.People confined to prison have more than just time;
they possess a reality that is free of worldly experiences, giving them nothing but past ones to buoy their spirits. Under confinement, Bonhoffer had
time, not only to reflect but – obviously – to dissect his experiences abroad, and myriad lessons learned, then apply them in a remarkable text that
reflects both his life and his understanding of the Gospel.A plain reading of the text conveys his message to the reader: embrace the love that awaits a
believer who is willing to lay all aside in obedience to Christ. From the beginning Bonhoeffer accomplishes his print desires in succinct form. He does
it, again, through repetition; through his mastery of the subject (and God's love), and through a careful sprinkling of personal experiences.While all
books in both thelogical study and inspirational support are either full of detailed technical facts or rife with uplifting messages of hope
(respectfully), Bonhoeffer manages to instill both in such a way that is barely noticeable. Indeed his measured placement and categorical construction
of the work sets it apart from most texts on the subject. Rarer still are his blessed abilities at mixing point of view in such a way as to further engage
his reader.In terms of historical value, The Cost of Discipleship presents a few. First, the work translated into English presents Bonhoeffer's mostly
other–world experiences to the English speaking reader. Few understand the intricacies of the conflicts that

The Cost Of Discipleship Essay
William Telford in his book, New Testament Theology, The Theology of the Gospel of Mark, uses the phrase "the cost of discipleship". A phrase
previously used by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book, The Cost of Discipleship. 1. This phrase is evoked from Mark 8: 27–35. Peter had just declared
Jesus to be the Messiah and now Jesus began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things. Jesus said in order to be his disciple must
be willing to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow him.(Mark 8: 34) The implications being (verse 35) those willing to lose their life for
Jesus and the gospel will save it, (verse 38) if anyone is ashamed of Jesus and his words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in
his glory, (Mark 9: 35) Anyone who wants to be first must be very last, and the servant of all. 2.... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
3. Writing an answer for such as question is hard to do. However Mark's gospel provides us with a definition and an example...Jesus is the supreme
role model. 4.
What is the gospel of Mark saying to us about discipleship? Mark is emphasizing "the way of the cross" as "the way of love and service". Jesus is the
suffering servant and he calls on his disciples to be the same. It is not a theology of glory (theologia gloriae) but the theology of the cross (theologia
crucis). God's power is perfected in weakness. 5. True greatness lies in service (9:33–7), true fulfillment lies in self–giving. (8:35) and true happiness
lies in "receiving the kingdom of God like a little child' (10:15) 6.
(Mark 10: 21–22) Jesus told the rich man to sell everything he had and give it to the poor. But the rich man went away sad because he had great
wealth. He was not willing to be last and servant of all. 7. This is contrasted to the widow's offering. (Mark 12: 41–44)
They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Departure Analysis
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian, pastor and writer during the rise and ruling years of the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany. He was
born in Breslau as the last of 8 children. Shorly after his birth the family moved to Berlin (Ligus, 2015). Growing up in a family where his father was
a professor of psychiatry and neurology brought him into contact with academics which would help shape the mind of Bonhoeffer (Lawerence, 2010).
Dietrich made developed an interest in theology as a teenager and made the decision to pursue this even though it was against the grain of his family
as they thought he would be a musician as he was gifted in this area (Lawerence, 2010). He was also hugely influenced by the major neo–orthodox
theology at that time ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
According to Bonhoeffer, every true theology starts in prayer and involves Jesus Christ (Godsey, 2015). According to Bonhoeffer, the destroyers of the
Christian community are those people who are self–centered, thereby giving priority to their own individual goals as opposed to those of the Christian
community. Eventually, such people end up destroying the Christian union regardless of their interests, thoughts, and intentions to uphold earnests,
honesty, and sacrifices. According to the theologian, God is against this wishful thinking and dreaming, which is egocentric, and in which case the
dreamer ends up being pretentious and proud (Godsey, 2015). This class of people joins the Christian community with their personal demands already
set up. Also, they set their own laws, judge other people from the congregation and God on an equal measure. However, in his book, The Cost of
Discipleship, Bonhoeffer warns that people are not the builders of the church but rather Christ is the one who builds it. He continues to maintain that
those people who are too much watchful about building the church ends up destroying it instead (Metaxas, 2010). In support of his argument,
Bonhoeffer argues that man will build temples to idols unintentionally and without knowing it (reference). In that case, he argues that people should
confess that Christ is the sole builder of the church and hence must proclaim this aspect (Bonhoeffer, 1959). Christians must pray to the Christ so that
he can continue building the church. He also warns that humans cannot see or judge Christ's plan as regards the church since the times that the
Christians considers periods of destruction may be Christ's time of great construction and the reverse (reference). The theologian notes that Jesus gives
a great comfort to the Church. Jesus requires of the Christians to bear witness, preach, and confess and he alone will be build where it pleases

Cost Of Discipleship In Mark's Gospel
By: Charmaine Warford
Winter 2015
What does it mean when Telford talks about the "cost of discipleship" in light of Mark's gospel?
Mark's treatment of the disciples is significant. Explanations such as pastoral or pedagogic have been suggested by Scholars. The first is the pastoral
or pedagogic explanation. 1. It is claimed that Mark's chief concern was a pastoral one. His purpose was to offer help or encouragement to the
congregation to whom he was writing in face of the problems that confronted it. In the Markan Gospel, the disciples' appear frail, confused, afraid and
human by comparison to Jesus, they make him stand out in his authority and dignity as the Lord of the church. The disciples repeatedly misunderstand
him, this gives ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The description that Mark applies to Jesus' enemies is applied similarly to them. Their hearts have become 'hardened'. The language used to
characterize 'those outside' in Mark 4.11–12 is also echoed in Mark 8.17–18 where it is used by Jesus in connection with the disciples. 3. Peter,
moreover, is described as "Satan" Mark 8.33. The disciples are shown not only to be obtuse, but ridiculously so. They are revealed as fearful, afraid,
and even cowardly. Exhorted to have faith, they are admonished for not possessing it. For lack of such faith, they are unable to work miracles.
The disciples are taught by Jesus the marks of the true disciple. Such a disciple must be last of all, and servant of all Mark 9.35. He must be willing to
take up his cross and follow Jesus Mark 8.34. He must not seek to save his own life, but be willing to lose that life for Jesus' sake Mark 8.35. The true
disciple will not deny Jesus but confess him, and whosoever is ashamed of Jesus will be denied by the Son of Man at his parousia Mark 8.38. The true
disciple will also keep watch lest his master return and find him asleep Mark

Giging Birth At Home Or, In A Medical Clonic
GIVING BIRTH AT HOME OR– IN A MEDICAL CLINIC?
Which would you prefer for your wife, daughter or granddaughter?
In our telling of the birth of Jesus, we know Mary traveled days hoping to reach a safe place to give birth. She didn't plan on giving birth to Jesus in
the stable but, that is exactly what she did. The women in the Tete Province have to travel by foot to reach the only availableclinic days away. Because
of the distance, they seldom make it. So, the birth takes place in the home, or under a tree. With our help a new medical clinic can be built closer to
many of the villages, offering a safe environment for the birth of a baby. The clinic also offers hope to children and adults for vaccinations, medication
for Aids, help ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Our assembly–line format takes less than an hour of your time and you will be guaranteed a 'very up–lifting' experience! We look forward to seeing
you January 4th at 9:00 a.m. in the NLPC Fellowship Hall.
A VERY MerryChristmas to all!
Poinsettias
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please fill out the form that is available in the lobby and place the
form (along with your check or cash) in the wooden box in the lobby. Poinsettias are $10.00 each.
Thursday Exercise Class Break
The 8:30 a.m. class will not meet until January 11, 2018. Have a wonderful, exercise filled vacation; see you in the New Year!!
Love, the Judys, Etheridge and Marshall
Joined the Church Triumphant
Please pray for the family of Jerrye MIles.
Men's Gathering
The next meeting of the Men's Gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, at 3:30 p.m. in the FAITH room. Chapter 8 of the Soul Keeping Bible
Study will be discussed. Have a wonderful Christmas and we'll see you in the New Year!

2 Handbell Ringers (urgent need)
Ushers
Tech Support Help on Sunday Mornings
Welcome Center Volunteers (weekdays)
Sign Up Specialist for Sign Up Desk in the Lobby
Children's Nursery Workers and Sunday School Teachers
9:45 a.m. Service Communion Preparers
Buddy System
Teen Mentors
Memorial Service Greeters
Small Group Facilitators
Discipleship Coaches

The Missionary Church And Discipleship
Both articles are about the Innovated Church and Discipleship. The meaning of discipleship is found in Luke 9:23 when Jesus said "Then he said to
them al: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily, and follow me" (NIV). Jesus called men into
discipleship and completed His mission with disciples. Placing Jesus first is the starting focus of a disciple, for if you do not place Jesus first, you
cannot truly be a follower. The term means that one would put themselves and their needs to the side and attend to whatever needs the savior would
ask of them, regardless of cost. Just this starting concept would turn most lesser folk away but anyone who truly means to be dedicated will, with some
great ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Jesus said that if you give up in this life material things and family for my sake you will receive a hundred times as great or as much now and
gaining eternal life. The consequences for signing up to be a disciple is persecution. You contact states that you are a nonconformist to what the world
offers and you are on the way to sanctification. Reimar Schultze stated that "We cannot become sanctified prior to discipleship, even as we cannot
cross an ocean prior to getting into a boat. The process of sanctification only begins in discipleship.
Win, Grow, and Send There are 3 major concepts regarding being a disciple and making disciples: (1) Win, (2) Grow, and (3) Send. These are the
most important stages of discipleship. The first one is winning of souls into the body of Christ. Winning represents the fact that there is a loser– Satan.
Being in unification with the Holy Spirit, the disciple wins souls by telling the good news through evangelism. Prayer is the first step in effective
evangelism to win the lost souls. John 17:20 says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word"
(KJV). Through prayer we offer ourselves for the lost, just as the Bible stated in John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down
his life for his friends" (KJV). The next stage is growing or developing disciple maker candidates. The disciple maker must build relationship,

Literary Contact: Discipleship in Matthew 16
Literary Context In order to properly interpret the cost of discipleship addressed in Matthew 16:24–28, a look into the literary context of the passage is
a must. All three synoptic Gospels contain this similar passage. The differences in the synoptics will be discussed briefly to identify the purpose of
including this passage in each context. Also, the surrounding context of the book of Matthew will be provided so as to correctly exegete the passage.
First, who does Jesus address while saying these things? In Matthew, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as stated in 16:24. In Luke, the narrative
opens with Jesus speaking 'to all.' Glancing back will show that Jesus was talking to his disciples from 9:18. Mark's Gospel suggests the ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
The patibulum (crossbar), weighing around one hundred pounds, was tied to the convict's outstretched arms as he made his way to his own execution.
This would obviously be an excruciatingly painful task. This is most certainly the image the disciples thought of when Jesus was speaking to them.
Exegesis
Since the literary and historical contexts of this passage have already been taken into account, a proper exegesis of Matthew 16:24–28 can be done. In
the process, certain questions about the passage will be answered. What does it mean for someone to be repaid according to what he has done? How
does this passage contribute to eschatological studies? How do the subtle nuances of this passage affect the meaning? What does it mean to be a
disciple of Christ?
Verse 24 To begin, Donald Hagner points out Matthew's use of tovte, meaning "then," as linking this passage with the preceding one. Why would these
passages be linked? As stated by Ulrich Luz, "The suffering of Jesus and the discipleship of suffering belong inseparably together." To Matthew, the
suffering of discipleship is important in that Jesus can only be understood through suffering. This passage is thus surely related to the previous passage
regarding Jesus' prediction of his death and resurrection.
As mentioned in the literary context section, Jesus opens the passage in verse 24 by instructing his disciples. In his first assertion, Jesus uses an if–then
statement to qualify those following him. R.T.

Becoming A Disciple Of Jesus
In this paper, the writer will reveal how becoming a disciple of Jesus arranged and rearranged life about the 'Great Commission. ' The writer will also
express one area that is more efficient to rearrange as a disciple.
According to Willard, a disciple is "someone who has decided to be with another person, under appropriate conditions, in order to become capable of
doing what that person does or to become what that person is."(282) A disciple ofJesus is learning to be like Jesus, giving up the will of self to the will
of Jesus. Just as Jesus surrendered His will to the will of the Father. To be like Jesus, a person must do to Jesus in Luke 9:23, "he must deny himself,
and take up his cross daily and follow Me." In other words, a person must completely dedicate themselves to Jesus and be obedient and trust God 's
plan for their life. God says in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for calamity to give
you a future and a hope." God is our ultimate source. He knows what it takes to form a person 's character as being Christlike and developing them as
a disciple, just as He did the Twelve.
For instance, to arrange and rearrange the writer life 's affairs, the writer had to resign from the job of eight years and six months to follow after
Christ and trust His plans for what lies ahead. In spite of the struggles, tests, and trials, God was always in the midst of every situation the writer
encountered.
Ogden

Gospel Of Luke
Fleming
17
INTRODUCTION
ORIENTATION AND CONTEXT
Significance of Text The theme of this text seems to be centered on the cost of following Christ. God wants everybody; but with regards to
discipleship, He wants only those willing and able. Jesus knows the hearts of those following Him and it is not the number of people He is concerned
with, but the volume of their hearts. ?The audience has shifted from the Pharisees and dinner guests of 14:1–24 to the large crowds of people who were
traveling with Jesus. Apparently Jesus has resumed his journey toward Jerusalem (9:51) and now will address the crowds? (Evans 228). He is on His
final walk, a journey that will lead Him to a cross. This crowd is not ready. It is one thing to be part of a group, ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
requires self–denial. The cross was the most painful and humiliating form of execution of the Roman era. Thus, to take up one?s cross daily is to
expect painful situations every day because of allegiance to Christ? (1?Luke? 1755). We are to understand that being a disciple of Christ we will
have our character tested. We must be willing to give up everything to follow, and love Him above all others. Even our own lives are to be a
sacrifice for His service. We are to not be ?ostriches? with our heads in the sand but with open eyes, minds and hearts weigh the cost, and decide if
we are able to follow. Are we able to stand against our enemies, (His enemies)? Are we strong enough, brave enough, and faithful enough to be
counted worthy? If we are not, are we willing to sacrifice it all to become what He requires? Discipleship requires service, study, and sacrifice.
Surrendering our will to His is often the hardest challenge/obstacle to true discipleship. Our service to Him requires action and diligence to sharing
both our skills, resources and time. Study of His word means that we take the time to investigate, memorize and understand what His word says and
how it applies to our lives. Sacrifice is the final key to unlocking all that God has in store for us both in this life and in heaven. Willingly laying
everything aside to follow Him despite what others

Spheres and Stages of Discipleship
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Writing Assignment 2:
Spheres and Stages of Discipleship
Submitted to Dr. Anderson, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the course
DSMN 500:
by
April 6, 2014
A church whose pastor and others in leadership have failed to put in place a proactive plan for discipleship for Believers is usually a "growing" church
– growing stagnant, growing cold, growing spiritually immature Christians, and eventually, many growing closed. Patte said, "There is much at stake
in accepting or rejecting the challenge of discipleship..." When a pastor or a church makes a conscious decision to make discipleship of Believers a
primary focus in their ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The parent or mature Christian is fully engaged in the mission of Jesus Christ. People who are in this stage are those who are witnessing and discipling
others, in the same manner that he or she was discipled. They are looking out for the immature Christians, and taking them "under their wing" to
encourage, listen to, and strengthen them to maturity in Christ.
The four spheres of relationships are as follows; the relationship with God, the relationship with family or home, relationship with church and
believers, and the relationship with the world. The most important sphere is the relationship with God. This sphere or the relationship with God needs
to be vibrant, fresh, and personal. All of the other spheres will work or be in line when our relationship with God is in line.
The sphere dealing with the home can be taxing at times. The relationship here is much easier when everyone in the home are Christians.
However, if dad is a Christian and mom is not, or vice versa, or perhaps a child or children surrender their lives to the calling of Jesus, and mom
and dad have not, family relationships and harmony in the home can become much more difficult. Paul writes about how the relationships in the

home should be. He talks about how each person should deal with the other. The book of Genesis tells us the story of Noah and how he was a
successful father and husband. He was able to reach his entire family for God. It was his family that was saved

Discipleship In Jesus
Discipleship
Teachers around the time when Jesus lived thought that learning was such that the people who wanted to learn should come to them to be taught. But
Jesus felt differently and rather than waiting for people to come to him, he went out to find them and then chose them to be his followers. He called
them disciples and this word means one who learns. But Jesus chose his disciples carefully as we are told in Mark 1:16–20 and also in Mark 3:13–19.
In the first passage, Jesus appoints his first four disciples, Simon, Andrew, James and John. Jesus said to them "Come, follow me, and I will make
you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17) In Mark 2:13–17, Jesus calls up the fifth disciple, Levi who was a tax collector, and Jesus later renamed him ... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They have to rely on other people and as it is said in Morley's passage on discipleship, "For they set out with nothing but the word of God in their
hearts."
When Jesus tells the disciples about the cost of discipleship (Mark 8:27–33) he means that they should be prepared to put God and his commandments
first before anything else, and they must be prepared to suffer for their beliefs. Jesus told them that the most important commandment is "Love God
and your neighbour as yourself," (Exodus 20: 3–17) and many disciples throughout the ages have made many sacrifices to try and put this teaching
into practise. When Jesus said to take up the cross, we can assume that because we all have a cross to bear, we should take up our vocation, and that
means for us to follow Jesus regardless of the sacrifices we have to make. When we are told we should follow him, it means that we should travel down
the same road as Jesus and suffer the many trials of being a disciple.
But, in Mark 10:29–31 we are told about the rewards of discipleship and the strange reward they receive for their suffering. Jesus says this to the
disciples after he tells them the story of the Rich Young Man.
In this passage, the rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him that he must give up his wealth, but the man is
unable to do so. The

Discipleship Research Paper
The principles of discipleship can be found throughout the Bible. One of the ultimate goals of discipleship is to become more Christ like which
makes Jesus's life and grace an excellent basis for discipleship. Jesus invested in twelve men, the first Disciples, and entrusted them to continue the
process. Peter, James, and John were a part of Christ's inner circle and he fostered and encouraged an exalted spiritual life and growth in these three.
Paul was a Pharisee who was murdering Christians and then his life was transformed and he became an apostle. He gave his life over to God's purpose
not only in a broad perspective, bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, but also personal. Timothy was a disciple of Paul; Paul was personally involved
in Timothy's life. The Great Commission commands the Disciples, in Matthew 28:19, to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". The Disciples followed the Great Commission and Christianity spread. Believers are meant to
follow the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
His entire character, values, and purpose was altered. When he met Christ he became new. "[Paul was] an intolerant, bitter, persecuting, religious bigot
– proud and temperamental. After his conversion it pictures him as patient, kind, enduring, and self–sacrificing" (McDowell, 119).When he met Christ
he became new. Paul wrote letters to churches and went on long, dangerous journeys in order to share the Word. Humbly serving the Lord, no matter
what the cost, he became a disciple who made disciples. His personal, deep relationship with Timothy reveals the kind of atmosphere and level of
commitment required in discipleship. The discipleship model Paul follows allows for a personally invested relationship between any amount of
gathered people whether it be an entire church congregation, a small group, or

Nature of Discipleship and Studying Mark's Gospel Essay
Nature of Discipleship and Studying Mark's Gospel
St Mark, peter interpreter, is trying to send a message to Christians about what being a disciple involves and what it takes to be a disciple i.e. The
cost, The Reward and The dependency. These are all the things I will be pointing out in this essay, (especially the nature of discipleship and what Mark
tells and about discipleship.
Disciple means learner or student. Followers of Jesus are all his disciples because they are learning from his teachings, Mk10v13–14 "the disciples
scolded the people. When Jesus noticed this he was angry and he said to his disciples, let the children come to me." This is an example of a disciple
learning from his ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
"I will prove to you then t5hat the son of man has authority." "Son of man" is one title he used for himself, when he was talking to teachers of the law.
Throughout Mark's gospel Jesus kept the Messianic secret because if he called himself the Messiah, he would be mistaken for the warrior king. The
Jews believed that the Messiah would come to save them from the Romans and this was the mistake Peter made Mk8v33 "your thoughts don't come
from God but human nature" After Peter has declared that Jesus was the Messiah, but he was thinking of different Messiah (warrior king) he was
thinking as a man and not a God.
In Mark's gospel, he tries to refer to the Christians been persecuted in Rome in many ways he could because they were his audience, he was writing
for them one story in the gospel shows an evidence of this i.e. "Jesus calms a Storm" (allegory) Mk4v35–41. "The storm" is an implication of the
Christians in Rome. He is sending them a message through the gospel (know about the news and die for it) he is telling them to have faith t5hat
being a follower and believer of Christ come with great reward. The Christians being persecuted is a very good example of discipleship the reason
being is that they were dying just by believe in and these are the things

The Definition of Disciple Essay example
The Definition of Disciple
Discipleship is the core of Christian ethics, especially as the last command of Jesus (28:19). When I heard the word "disciple" in childhood Sunday
School, I envisioned an eager, bearded man with dirty robes straining intently towards Jesus, like a child begging to hear more of a bedtime story. In
high school youth group, we talked about being good disciples by obeying the rules: no kissing, no running, no talking in church. But as I re–read
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's stirring, straightforward work, The Cost of Discipleship as a Lenten devotional, my idea of what a disciple is and does is
crumbling like old paint.
A few extremists, citing Matthew 16:25 as their justification, say that only those in the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Discipleship in Matthew: Building Community
The gospel of Matthew is thought to have been written between 60–85A.C.E for those within the Jewish community who believe in Christ as the
Messiah. Because the young sect still saw themselves as part of Israel, the persecution they experienced from fellow Israelites called for decisive
action: either reconcile with the Jewish leaders or separate completely. In response, Matthew writes a narrative account of Jesus focused on building a
solid community still rooted in Jewish heritage, but distinctly different in practice because of Christ (Koester).
Establishing a new community requires multiple individuals willing to dedicate themselves to a common identity. Therefore, Matthew's gospel uses
the word disciple or disciples 68 times, more than any other synoptic gospel (Longenecker 4). The text is mostly the direct words of Christ, revealing
what it means to be a disciple through listening to and obeying Jesus' teaching.
In using narrative and didactic styles to convey Jesus' story, Matthew not only shares about the disciples, but seeks to make disciples out of his
readers (Donaldson 44). As an unintended result of my paper, then, the reader may find a bit of personal challenge in my analysis. While I will refer
to the general theme of discipleship in all of Matthew, I will use the most direct passages–Jesus' commissioning of the twelve in chapter 10 and his
challenge to Peter in chapter 16–to illustrate

Essay on Analysis of Ministry LeadersвЂ™ Approaches to...
A young international student walked onto a secular Florida college campus ready to start his medical studies. Being an international student meant he
had to take an English class. Little did he know a required English class would change the purpose of his life. The teacher of that class was committed
to discipleship as defined and shown in the Bible. Having permission to use the Bible as the textbook the teacher taught his students the Word of God.
The student did not immediately respond to the things being taught, though he excelled in his English studies. He came to the States with the purpose
of learning English and medicine. However he left having learned English, certified as a Registered Nurse and following Jesus Christ as his Lord ...
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There are many views and ideas of how to define a "disciple". Yet how do they stand up to Jesus' example?
Looking up the word disciple in an English or Greek dictionary yields similar meanings. The English language defines it as, "A person who is a
pupil or an adherent to the doctrines of another; follower." (disciple) The Greek simply defines it as, "A learner or pupil." (Strong 45) The most
common definition of a disciple is someone who follows behind or one who is learning from another. While the Bible does build upon the idea of
following and one who learns from another, there is an additional element to be seen. In Luke 14:25–35 Jesus shares the heart of a disciple. (Schadt)
The first aspect is hating one's family and even their own life. Without complete devotion to Christ there is not any progress in the Christian walk.
A disciple is one who loves God more than he loves his own flesh. Second, he must carry his cross and follow Jesus. In the time of the Roman
Empire carrying one's cross visualized one's agreement that the Empire's death sentence was proper condemnation. In the same way Jesus asks for
meek submission in aligning yourself with His mission and purpose by carrying your cross. (Walvoord, John F.; Zuck, Roy B.; Dallas Theological
Seminary; 243) The last characteristic of a disciple is giving up everything. Sacrifice of all the heart holds dear. Once again this shows where the
allegiance lays. Is it in the physical securities of possessions or is it in

The Grace That Leads to Death Essay
Come and Die: The grace that leads to death
Costly versus cheap grace
The grace that leads to death
Grace that demands a response
Bonhoeffer's theological intersection with Wesleyanism
Grace is a word that can seem dull and lifeless in the church today due to its overuse and familiarity. Dietrich Bonhoeffer sees grace, costly grace, as
the summary of the true Gospel. In Bonhoeffer's day, such costly grace had been exchanged for a cheap imitation of grace that was little more than
empty religion, demanding little effort and no obedience. Bonhoeffer, who was eventually martyred, knew intimately that , "When Christ calls a man
[sic], he bids him come and die."1 For Bonhoeffer, then, death is the mark of true discipleship and is a ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Bonhoeffer opens his Cost of Discipleship with a chapter on costly grace. He begins this chapter by first describing what he calls cheap grace, which
is, in reality, no grace at all. Cheap grace is described as: the deadly enemy of the church; blessings without limits; merely a doctrine, system or
principle; intellectual assent to an idea; needing no contrition, "still less any real desire to be delivered from sin;"2 effects no real change; justifies the
sin but not the sinner; is a denial of the living God, and especially disregards the costly sacrifice on the cross. He also describes it as, "The preaching of
forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal
confession... Grace without discipleship... the cross... [and] without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."3 It emphasizes the love and acceptance of God
without realizing the sacrifice that wrought our forgiveness. Cheap grace, then, is really no grace at all.
Costly grace, on the other hand, is understanding that our salvation came with a price. And if God would send His son to the cross to die for us,
then our only proper response is one of obedience and of a changed life. It is not the law that saves us but the grace of the Lord. Bonhoeffer describes
costly grace as: "the treasure hidden in the field;" the

The Nature of Discipleship According to Mark's Gospel...
The Nature of Discipleship According to Mark's Gospel
Discipleship is usually thought of as following Jesus, being a preacher and a teacher. Somebody who believes in something, or who believes in
someone, and leaves everything behind them to try to make others believe the same is my personal belief of a disciple. In actual fact, the Old
Testament word 'Talmid' is a 'learner', and more obviously in the New Testament, a 'Diskipolos' is a 'follower'. The other important area of
discipleship is serving others. When a disciple is healing a person, they are serving them, as he serving Jesus and God. So discipleship can be summed
up; to follow, to learn, to preach, to believe, to serve. All factors are... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
And yes, the disciples did heal, they did preach and they did cast out evil. "The apostles returned and met with Jesus, and told him all they had done
and taught" (Mark 6:30) and "They went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins. They drove out many demons, and rubbed
olive oil on many sick people and healed them" (Mark 6:12–13). Both of these quotes show us that the disciples followed instructions and did them
well. However, their understanding of Jesus and his teachings wasn't very good. They understood neither the amazing powers Jesus possessed nor the
wonders he could perform. Even though he "would explain everything to them", in situations such as The Calming of the Storm and when Jesus walked
on water, they just didn't have the strength to believe or the depth to understand. When the boat was filling with water in the Calming of the Storm
(Mark 4:35–41), the disciples awoke Jesus to say, "Teacher, don't you care that we are about to die?", Jesus said back to his disciples "Why are you
frightened? Have you still no faith?" The story in Chapter 6, verses forty–nine to fifty is similar. "It's a ghost!", the disciples screamed when they saw
Jesus walking on water. "They were all terrified when they saw

The Debate Concerning The Characteristics Of Discipleship

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The Debate Concerning The Characteristics Of Discipleship