Most of you reading this will be seeking help in nurturing a learning disciple.
However, some of you may be looking for help in a self-led journey of discipleship using
this concept. If God permits I hope to take some of this manual and develop a walkthrough
of the study separately. My intent in this work will be to help you with insights
and information so as to add clarity, depth and understanding to the journey you will be
leading. So let’s begin with the Introduction.
This document provides coaching resources and guidance for teachers in the Shalom Christian Education Ministry. It outlines the purpose of fall coaching sessions to provide ongoing support. It offers tips on teaching by example, the teaching-learning process, the role of prayer in the classroom, teaching multi-age groups, using games for learning, and printable activity sheets. The overall goal is to equip teachers to present the gospel and change lives through effective Christian education.
The document is a spiritual inventory completed by an individual named Burbank. It contains questions about Burbank's spirituality, beliefs, faith practices, outlook, and ego. The practitioner analyzed Burbank's responses and found he has a strong Christian faith that influences his view of spirituality. The practitioner's recommendations are for Burbank to read two books and practice daily meditation to help open his mind and grow his spiritual understanding beyond his religion.
The document is a Christian education bible study on Ephesians 3:14-21 about the Christian's potential. It contains 5 lessons that discuss the Christian's potential to have inner strength from the Holy Spirit, have Christ dwell in their hearts through faith, be rooted and grounded in love, comprehend all aspects of the gospel, and be filled with all the fullness of God. The lessons include scriptural analysis, discussion questions for youth, and space for notes. The overall goal is to help Christians understand and achieve their spiritual potential through diligent study of the Bible.
This document contains Kellie Komatsu's portfolio for a business management program. It includes biographical information, reflections on values and career experiences, resumes, and academic plans. Kellie is studying business management and minors in international studies and Asian languages. She has a passion for international business and foreign languages. The portfolio outlines Kellie's goals of working in global marketing and includes analyses of potential companies and roles to pursue upon graduation.
Bible study leader's guide for West Coast Chinese Christian Conference (WCCCC) 2016. Ephesians 2:1-10 "By grace you have been saved." Hebrews 11:1-16 "My righteous one shall live by faith. 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 "We walk by faith, not by sight.
This document appears to be an activity booklet from Shalom Christian Education containing various lesson ideas and activities for teaching children about Christian topics. It includes suggested Valentine's Day, Easter and Bible story activities. It also provides links to external websites with more detailed information about games, crafts and lessons focused on biblical themes of love, memory verses, and story-telling through skits. The booklet was created by Tanya Pelcher-Herring on February 3rd, 2012.
This document provides coaching resources and guidance for teachers in the Shalom Christian Education Ministry. It outlines the purpose of fall coaching sessions to provide ongoing support. It offers tips on teaching by example, the teaching-learning process, the role of prayer in the classroom, teaching multi-age groups, using games for learning, and printable activity sheets. The overall goal is to equip teachers to present the gospel and change lives through effective Christian education.
The document is a spiritual inventory completed by an individual named Burbank. It contains questions about Burbank's spirituality, beliefs, faith practices, outlook, and ego. The practitioner analyzed Burbank's responses and found he has a strong Christian faith that influences his view of spirituality. The practitioner's recommendations are for Burbank to read two books and practice daily meditation to help open his mind and grow his spiritual understanding beyond his religion.
The document is a Christian education bible study on Ephesians 3:14-21 about the Christian's potential. It contains 5 lessons that discuss the Christian's potential to have inner strength from the Holy Spirit, have Christ dwell in their hearts through faith, be rooted and grounded in love, comprehend all aspects of the gospel, and be filled with all the fullness of God. The lessons include scriptural analysis, discussion questions for youth, and space for notes. The overall goal is to help Christians understand and achieve their spiritual potential through diligent study of the Bible.
This document contains Kellie Komatsu's portfolio for a business management program. It includes biographical information, reflections on values and career experiences, resumes, and academic plans. Kellie is studying business management and minors in international studies and Asian languages. She has a passion for international business and foreign languages. The portfolio outlines Kellie's goals of working in global marketing and includes analyses of potential companies and roles to pursue upon graduation.
Bible study leader's guide for West Coast Chinese Christian Conference (WCCCC) 2016. Ephesians 2:1-10 "By grace you have been saved." Hebrews 11:1-16 "My righteous one shall live by faith. 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 "We walk by faith, not by sight.
This document appears to be an activity booklet from Shalom Christian Education containing various lesson ideas and activities for teaching children about Christian topics. It includes suggested Valentine's Day, Easter and Bible story activities. It also provides links to external websites with more detailed information about games, crafts and lessons focused on biblical themes of love, memory verses, and story-telling through skits. The booklet was created by Tanya Pelcher-Herring on February 3rd, 2012.
This document provides guidance for teachers on teaching Bible lessons to children. It discusses understanding the spiritual needs of both saved and unsaved children. It emphasizes that the main way to meet these needs is through faithfully teaching God's word, as the Holy Spirit uses it to save and grow children. The teacher has two main responsibilities: to evangelize unsaved children and help them trust Christ as Savior, and to feed saved children spiritually through Bible teaching so they will grow. Effective Bible teaching requires understanding and applying principles of teaching, as well as using God's word to reach both groups of children.
The Gospel According to Jesus - Session #10 Mark 2:18-22Grace Canberra
1. The document discusses implementing revelation through practice rather than just listening.
2. It emphasizes that practice is needed to move from being a spiritual child just listening to lessons to a spiritual mature person who can discern God's will.
3. The section on Mark 2 analyzes Jesus' teaching that religious rituals must flow from relationship with God rather than being stand-alone practices, and that new revelation requires new implementations not just old forms.
Jacob Young is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business management and marketing at BYU-Idaho. He has 3 years of retail experience at Sam's Club and Wal-Mart, where he has taken on responsibilities like running produce and electronics departments. Jacob is motivated by lifestyle and security and has strong interpersonal and leadership skills from his experience earning Eagle Scout. He aspires to a career in digital marketing or finance that allows him to provide for his family while staying true to his values.
1. The document provides 50 tips for improving one's spirituality. Some of the key recommendations include spending time each day reading inspirational material, meditating for 15 minutes, practicing gratitude, developing tolerance, learning strengths, finding spiritual passions, journaling, praying, volunteering, connecting with nature, letting go of bitterness, and taking spiritual retreats. The overall message is that daily spiritual practices can help uplift one's spirit through patience, positivity, and service to others.
What is spiritual empowerment? What does it entail?
There are just too many questions relating to spiritual empowerment, which
could well be one of the greatest enhancers of our life.
The most famous people of the world have attained various degrees of spiritual
empowerment. The people whom the world follows today had spirituality of the
highest order.
The document discusses applying the Bible to life. It explains that application involves seeing ourselves in scripture and designing plans to obey God. Application is a faith response to ask "So what?" and change. While application takes time, it is important because of who God is, who we are, and the fallen world. The document provides steps for application and addresses misconceptions. It stresses the need to be open to God's word, use easy to understand translations, and express needs to God when applying the Bible.
This document is a chapter from a book about discerning God's call. The chapter focuses on the call to pastoral ministry. It describes the pastoral call as a noble and important high calling, as pastors lead God's most precious creation - the church. It also notes that the pastoral call is primarily a calling of character, as pastoral qualifications in the Bible emphasize virtues like being respectable, gentle, self-controlled, and having a good reputation. The chapter aims to elevate the importance of the pastoral calling and address why some resist this call.
1) The document provides tips for youth leaders to make the most of their limited time with students.
2) It recommends using time to care about students' spiritual journeys, ask tough questions, and point them to God's Word.
3) Leaders should also look for the good in students and provide encouragement to spur their continued development.
Handout given to teachers being trained to teach young children the Bible (3-9 yrs.). They contain the rationale supporting the effectiveness of using Sonja Stewart's approach to teaching children the Bible.
Learn how Christian women can regain hope, strengthen their faith, and increase their capacity to love through journaling. This report presents an innovative, easy, 5-minutes-a-day journaling format that helps you to start seeing God's hand in your life.
This document provides an introduction to a course on Christian education. It discusses eight principles of effective teaching, including the importance of the teacher continuing to grow and learn. It emphasizes that effective teaching comes from changed people who are continually striving to improve. The document outlines an assignment where students will write a short paper critiquing a quote from the course material. It also discusses various aspects of wisdom and growth that students should strive for in their intellectual, physical, social and spiritual dimensions.
The document is a study guide to accompany the book "Christian Prayer For Dummies" and provides discussion questions, exercises, and recommendations for further reading on various aspects of prayer based on chapters from the book. It is intended to help individuals and groups deepen their understanding of prayer and apply prayer practices to strengthen their relationship with God. The study guide covers topics like what prayer is, developing intimacy with God through prayer, different prayer techniques, and praying with others.
Tanner Doezie is a 21-year-old business management major at BYU-Idaho with a minor in photography. He has experience working in sales, organizing events as the Outdoor Activities Director at BYU-Idaho, and volunteering full-time for his church in Germany. Tanner strives to work hard and complete tasks in a timely manner. He works effectively in groups and enjoys the initial creative phases of projects.
These Sunday and Wednesday classes at a church provide opportunities for connecting, studying the Bible, and learning how faith can change lives. The classes cover topics like the New Testament, inductive Bible study, Old Testament characters, evangelism, prayer, finances, the Holy Spirit, intercessory prayer, and an Alpha course introduction to Christianity.
This sermon discusses lessons learned from last week's Bible readings and sermon series. It highlights the example of speaker Bobby Martz, who despite physical limitations from age and illness, remains passionate about ministry. The sermon encourages Christians not to let weaknesses prevent sharing their faith. It also discusses how God can use weaknesses, and shares the story of Pastor Yonggi Cho who trusted God would heal him in 10 years and grew his church enormously in that time.
Here are some valuable examples and teachings from the Bible and from the lives of others about how God wants to partner with us to do His will on earth.
This message is online in audio form at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-2015/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2015/9/20_Entry_1.html
The document describes a teacher training course called "The Essential Christian Teacher" offered through the Christian Schools Trust. The goal of the course is to help teachers define what it means to be a Christian practitioner in a Christian school. Over the course of two years, it addresses topics like the purpose of education, understanding students and families, developing a biblical worldview, the role of the teacher, classroom management, developing curriculum from a biblical foundation, and leadership skills. The training incorporates both classroom instruction and opportunities for observation and application. It is intended to equip both new and experienced teachers to effectively teach from a Christian perspective.
A re-interpretation of the Apostle John's First Letter to the early Christians using open and inclusive spiritual language (ie 'non-religious' language) to make it more accessible to people who have been 'turned off' by the doctrines, dogmas and practices of the church.
The document discusses guidelines for success and failure according to various religions and spiritual teachings. It provides passages from the Old Testament discussing how obedience to God and keeping his commands will lead to blessings, while disobedience will lead to curses. It also discusses teachings of treating foreigners justly from the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The document emphasizes that religions commonly teach versions of the "golden rule" of treating others as you wish to be treated.
3 The Purpose of The Church- DiscipleshipRick Peterson
The document discusses the importance of discipleship in the church. It begins by using a baseball analogy - that getting a person saved is like getting them to first base, but the goal is to help them progress all the way around to scoring, or spiritual maturity. However, many churches fail to support new believers in this growth process. The document then defines a disciple as a learner and follower of Jesus who actively applies teachings, and discusses that spiritual growth requires intentional effort, not leaving it to chance. It provides examples of practices that can help believers mature, and emphasizes the importance of God's word and accountability in growing closer to Christ.
Lesson 05 Sequential Evangelism and WitnessingCMN :PPT
This document discusses the importance of sequential evangelism, where spiritual truths are presented gradually from simple to complex. It notes Jesus and Paul presented "milk" or basic gospel truths before "meatier" concepts. Several principles of sequential evangelism are explored through Bible verses, including understanding people's "felt needs", presenting testing truths only after a relationship with Christ is established, and nurturing spiritual growth like tending a garden. The goal is leading people along a journey to full Christian maturity.
This document provides information about the student ministry at Little Flock Baptist Church. It begins by outlining the church's vision for student ministry, which prioritizes parental involvement, a multi-generational approach, being word-centered, and discipleship. It then discusses the church's strategy of using a vehicle of relationships between parents, leaders, and students to disciple youth. The document provides details on the church's activities, organizational responsibilities around safety and qualifications for leaders, and the process for adults to get involved in student ministry leadership. The overall goal is to equip parents to disciple their children and see youth integrated into the whole church body rather than a separate program.
This document provides guidance for teachers on teaching Bible lessons to children. It discusses understanding the spiritual needs of both saved and unsaved children. It emphasizes that the main way to meet these needs is through faithfully teaching God's word, as the Holy Spirit uses it to save and grow children. The teacher has two main responsibilities: to evangelize unsaved children and help them trust Christ as Savior, and to feed saved children spiritually through Bible teaching so they will grow. Effective Bible teaching requires understanding and applying principles of teaching, as well as using God's word to reach both groups of children.
The Gospel According to Jesus - Session #10 Mark 2:18-22Grace Canberra
1. The document discusses implementing revelation through practice rather than just listening.
2. It emphasizes that practice is needed to move from being a spiritual child just listening to lessons to a spiritual mature person who can discern God's will.
3. The section on Mark 2 analyzes Jesus' teaching that religious rituals must flow from relationship with God rather than being stand-alone practices, and that new revelation requires new implementations not just old forms.
Jacob Young is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business management and marketing at BYU-Idaho. He has 3 years of retail experience at Sam's Club and Wal-Mart, where he has taken on responsibilities like running produce and electronics departments. Jacob is motivated by lifestyle and security and has strong interpersonal and leadership skills from his experience earning Eagle Scout. He aspires to a career in digital marketing or finance that allows him to provide for his family while staying true to his values.
1. The document provides 50 tips for improving one's spirituality. Some of the key recommendations include spending time each day reading inspirational material, meditating for 15 minutes, practicing gratitude, developing tolerance, learning strengths, finding spiritual passions, journaling, praying, volunteering, connecting with nature, letting go of bitterness, and taking spiritual retreats. The overall message is that daily spiritual practices can help uplift one's spirit through patience, positivity, and service to others.
What is spiritual empowerment? What does it entail?
There are just too many questions relating to spiritual empowerment, which
could well be one of the greatest enhancers of our life.
The most famous people of the world have attained various degrees of spiritual
empowerment. The people whom the world follows today had spirituality of the
highest order.
The document discusses applying the Bible to life. It explains that application involves seeing ourselves in scripture and designing plans to obey God. Application is a faith response to ask "So what?" and change. While application takes time, it is important because of who God is, who we are, and the fallen world. The document provides steps for application and addresses misconceptions. It stresses the need to be open to God's word, use easy to understand translations, and express needs to God when applying the Bible.
This document is a chapter from a book about discerning God's call. The chapter focuses on the call to pastoral ministry. It describes the pastoral call as a noble and important high calling, as pastors lead God's most precious creation - the church. It also notes that the pastoral call is primarily a calling of character, as pastoral qualifications in the Bible emphasize virtues like being respectable, gentle, self-controlled, and having a good reputation. The chapter aims to elevate the importance of the pastoral calling and address why some resist this call.
1) The document provides tips for youth leaders to make the most of their limited time with students.
2) It recommends using time to care about students' spiritual journeys, ask tough questions, and point them to God's Word.
3) Leaders should also look for the good in students and provide encouragement to spur their continued development.
Handout given to teachers being trained to teach young children the Bible (3-9 yrs.). They contain the rationale supporting the effectiveness of using Sonja Stewart's approach to teaching children the Bible.
Learn how Christian women can regain hope, strengthen their faith, and increase their capacity to love through journaling. This report presents an innovative, easy, 5-minutes-a-day journaling format that helps you to start seeing God's hand in your life.
This document provides an introduction to a course on Christian education. It discusses eight principles of effective teaching, including the importance of the teacher continuing to grow and learn. It emphasizes that effective teaching comes from changed people who are continually striving to improve. The document outlines an assignment where students will write a short paper critiquing a quote from the course material. It also discusses various aspects of wisdom and growth that students should strive for in their intellectual, physical, social and spiritual dimensions.
The document is a study guide to accompany the book "Christian Prayer For Dummies" and provides discussion questions, exercises, and recommendations for further reading on various aspects of prayer based on chapters from the book. It is intended to help individuals and groups deepen their understanding of prayer and apply prayer practices to strengthen their relationship with God. The study guide covers topics like what prayer is, developing intimacy with God through prayer, different prayer techniques, and praying with others.
Tanner Doezie is a 21-year-old business management major at BYU-Idaho with a minor in photography. He has experience working in sales, organizing events as the Outdoor Activities Director at BYU-Idaho, and volunteering full-time for his church in Germany. Tanner strives to work hard and complete tasks in a timely manner. He works effectively in groups and enjoys the initial creative phases of projects.
These Sunday and Wednesday classes at a church provide opportunities for connecting, studying the Bible, and learning how faith can change lives. The classes cover topics like the New Testament, inductive Bible study, Old Testament characters, evangelism, prayer, finances, the Holy Spirit, intercessory prayer, and an Alpha course introduction to Christianity.
This sermon discusses lessons learned from last week's Bible readings and sermon series. It highlights the example of speaker Bobby Martz, who despite physical limitations from age and illness, remains passionate about ministry. The sermon encourages Christians not to let weaknesses prevent sharing their faith. It also discusses how God can use weaknesses, and shares the story of Pastor Yonggi Cho who trusted God would heal him in 10 years and grew his church enormously in that time.
Here are some valuable examples and teachings from the Bible and from the lives of others about how God wants to partner with us to do His will on earth.
This message is online in audio form at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-2015/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2015/9/20_Entry_1.html
The document describes a teacher training course called "The Essential Christian Teacher" offered through the Christian Schools Trust. The goal of the course is to help teachers define what it means to be a Christian practitioner in a Christian school. Over the course of two years, it addresses topics like the purpose of education, understanding students and families, developing a biblical worldview, the role of the teacher, classroom management, developing curriculum from a biblical foundation, and leadership skills. The training incorporates both classroom instruction and opportunities for observation and application. It is intended to equip both new and experienced teachers to effectively teach from a Christian perspective.
A re-interpretation of the Apostle John's First Letter to the early Christians using open and inclusive spiritual language (ie 'non-religious' language) to make it more accessible to people who have been 'turned off' by the doctrines, dogmas and practices of the church.
The document discusses guidelines for success and failure according to various religions and spiritual teachings. It provides passages from the Old Testament discussing how obedience to God and keeping his commands will lead to blessings, while disobedience will lead to curses. It also discusses teachings of treating foreigners justly from the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The document emphasizes that religions commonly teach versions of the "golden rule" of treating others as you wish to be treated.
3 The Purpose of The Church- DiscipleshipRick Peterson
The document discusses the importance of discipleship in the church. It begins by using a baseball analogy - that getting a person saved is like getting them to first base, but the goal is to help them progress all the way around to scoring, or spiritual maturity. However, many churches fail to support new believers in this growth process. The document then defines a disciple as a learner and follower of Jesus who actively applies teachings, and discusses that spiritual growth requires intentional effort, not leaving it to chance. It provides examples of practices that can help believers mature, and emphasizes the importance of God's word and accountability in growing closer to Christ.
Lesson 05 Sequential Evangelism and WitnessingCMN :PPT
This document discusses the importance of sequential evangelism, where spiritual truths are presented gradually from simple to complex. It notes Jesus and Paul presented "milk" or basic gospel truths before "meatier" concepts. Several principles of sequential evangelism are explored through Bible verses, including understanding people's "felt needs", presenting testing truths only after a relationship with Christ is established, and nurturing spiritual growth like tending a garden. The goal is leading people along a journey to full Christian maturity.
This document provides information about the student ministry at Little Flock Baptist Church. It begins by outlining the church's vision for student ministry, which prioritizes parental involvement, a multi-generational approach, being word-centered, and discipleship. It then discusses the church's strategy of using a vehicle of relationships between parents, leaders, and students to disciple youth. The document provides details on the church's activities, organizational responsibilities around safety and qualifications for leaders, and the process for adults to get involved in student ministry leadership. The overall goal is to equip parents to disciple their children and see youth integrated into the whole church body rather than a separate program.
11 Principles of a Successful Youth MinistryPhillip Ivey
This document outlines 11 principles of a successful youth ministry. The first principle is that student ministry is primarily a discipleship ministry aimed at helping students grow in maturity and faith. While evangelism is important, the main goal is equipping and discipling believers. The second principle is that student ministry is part of the broader local church and should not isolate students, but rather prepare them to engage with the whole church. The third principle is that student ministry must focus its energy and resources on its core objectives of discipleship, evangelism, fellowship, service, and worship, rather than taking on many secondary goals.
This newsletter summarizes the upcoming events at a church for the month of September. On Sundays there are traditional and contemporary worship services as well as Sunday school. During the week there are praise & worship and youth fellowship meetings. The pastor's message focuses on building spiritual strength through trials like the church is experiencing in its transition. Upcoming sermon topics relate to building community. Other events advertised include small group classes, seminars on spiritual gifts and membership, and a congregational workshop on small groups.
This lesson discusses worship as a spiritual gem. It has three main points:
1) Love is essential to worship as it reciprocates God's love for us. Worship opens the door for fellowship with God and fills a spiritual need only He can meet.
2) Inner qualities like humility, sincerity, and obedience are needed for true worship.
3) Scripture provides examples of outward expressions of worship through prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and service. Studying these facets helps polish our gem of worship.
This document provides an overview of a study guide focused on leading like Jesus. It is designed to be completed daily over several weeks and explores principles of servant leadership. Key elements include daily readings, reflection questions, prayers, and discussions of how to apply lessons to one's leadership. The overall goal is to help participants develop a lifestyle and leadership style governed by their relationship with Jesus Christ.
So What”What problem, perspective, paradigm, or perplexing peo.docxrosemariebrayshaw
“So What?”
What problem, perspective, paradigm, or perplexing people puzzle keeps you awake at night? In what way has the Holy Spirit used course materials to address a piece of junk?
While choosing Bruce as my care seeker, I didn’t realize I would identify myself. Much like Bruce when tragedy strikes, there is strong possibility that I would block everything and everyone out, only to focus on what I may feel is important. I have created distance with my family members at times I should have been drawing closer and loving them more. Something I took into consideration is Kollar’s (2015) “Do Something Different.” If what you are doing is not working, stop doing it and do something different. Sometimes we all get into unhealthy habits (Kollar, 2015). Now I wouldn’t say that this issue has kept me up at night, but I have put so much of this perspective into work, that it has brought me out of a loner’s space. Another great aspect that proves the holy spirit is working and through course material, is the acknowledgement of God always being active. There are capabilities within the counselee that God has already revealed in his past that will help him effectively manage a specific problem in a way that is pleasing to God (Kollar, 2015). This is the reminder that God is always with me no matter what stage I am in my life. Psalms 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” 24 “And see if there be any grievous ways in me and lead me in the way everlasting!” (ESV)
“Whats Best Next?”
Self-Care: Self-Care can be hard for any person but most difficult for those who take care of others. Some may even think that having others take care of them is just enough. Self-care consist of taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Resting is an act of faith. We rest because God says we should/can. Trust that He will continue to work and take care of things even as we are resting (Our Hearts Journal, 2012). One of my greatest worries is when I stop everything stops. Once I realized that God will always handle the beginning and the ending, rest will become inevitable. I love this revelation from Peterson (2015), “In the presence of thera-noxious folks, we feel less healthy and secure.” Although others may never acknowledge this factor about therapeutic people, the fact that we acknowledge that feeling, leaves us with the responsibility to take care of ourselves.
Self and Securing Relationships: Relationships and community is one of the healthiest aspects to a healthy life. A counselee should always feel safe and secure when encountering a counseling session or group counseling session. Working in the church community mostly, safety and security are most important. Most individuals see ministry leaders as one of the main resources for help when searching. A minister should make referrals for two reasons: (1) to provide the church member or counselee with competent care and (2) to safeguard the.
Christian philosophy of education aims to develop biblical character in students and secure knowledge of Christ. The Bible is the primary source of learning and should be integrated into all subjects. The curriculum should be appropriate to students' needs and based on truth, not bias. Teachers aim to help students love God, become effective believers, and develop Christian lifestyle characteristics like virtue, knowledge, self-control, fortitude, piety, kindness, and spiritual maturity. Parents are primarily responsible for education, but the church also plays a role. Teachers serve as models of the Christian life and guides who shape learning through facilitating a process where teachers and the Holy Spirit help students spiritually grow and mature to be like Christ.
The document discusses the importance of discipleship through the church. It argues that churches should prioritize equipping all members for ministry, not just paid clergy. When each member is actively involved in evangelism according to their gifts, spiritual multiplication can occur. The church's programs should support the principle of making disciples by winning people to Christ, building them up, and sending them to win and build others. When members understand and support this guiding principle over individual programs, a movement of discipleship is developed to fulfill Christ's Great Commission.
The purpose of spiritual discipleship is to help believers understand what God is doing in their lives in order to accelerate their spiritual transformation from independence from God to dependence on Him. Effective discipleship involves prayerfully seeking those who are spiritually hungry and teachable, meeting regularly over several months to examine scripture, share struggles, and provide accountability as both the disciple and mentor grow in their dependence on the Holy Spirit and ability to reproduce this process in others. The goal is for disciples to become mentors themselves through a balanced approach of individual and corporate spiritual training.
Role of Christian Teachers in Cross Cultural MinistryArdith Conway
As Christian Teachers
Our belief and faith in God through Jesus Christ should be the first point of reference in our preparation for our classrooms, as we strive to be change lives, and not just make a living
Summer Splash Developing a devotional life part 1 of 2Albert Soto
This document provides an overview and summaries of a 2013 summer series on developing a devotional life. It includes:
- An introduction and schedule for the summer series focusing on having a devotional life, reading the Bible, and living in community.
- Summaries of three talks from the series addressing fuel for the devotional journey, foundations for reading the Bible, and friends for the journey of living in community.
- Additional summaries of methods for daily devotion, why to read the Bible, and an example of using the S.O.A.P. Bible study method in a journal entry. The document offers guidance and perspectives on spiritual growth through regular Bible reading and prayer.
Robert Jensen completed his BA in Psychology at Argosy University in 2010. He had a non-traditional path including serving in the Navy and working as a medical assistant before returning to school. He found direction and passion for helping others through his work in a medical clinic and substance abuse treatment field, which inspired him to pursue psychology. Jensen hopes to continue learning and giving back through assisting others in finding their potential. He is grateful for the education and experiences that have helped him grow into someone focused on helping and serving the community.
1) The document discusses how to be a disciple and disciple maker by following Jesus' example. It begins with becoming a disciple oneself by accepting Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and receiving salvation.
2) A disciple is someone who learns from the master by teaching and example. The document outlines how God works in disciples first, then works through disciples to help others. Key aspects of discipleship discussed are love, joy, and serving others rather than being served.
3) Effective disciple making involves living out one's faith through example and helping others grow in knowledge and application of scripture in their lives. The goal is for the body of believers to become mature and glorify God together.
This document contains responses from Rev. Curtis Boehm to questions about his preaching style, concerns about a congregation that uses exclusively contemporary Christian rock music, views on the importance of a permanent facility for a mission plant congregation, ways to address spiritual growth needs outside of Sunday service with a time-bound facility, approaches to communion in a mission plant setting, guidelines for confirmation, whether others would view him as a hands-on leader, barriers to reaching the lost in a traditional Lutheran setting, important characteristics of a successful mission plant, things he has learned about himself in ministry, and a note about his current situation with family and training.
Nicholas Heltzel believes that Christian schools are important for educating the whole child using both academic strategies and the resources of faith, such as the Bible. He sees the key differences between Christian and public schools as the purpose of education being to prepare students for God's kingdom, and teaching all content with the goal of living by God's word. To become a Christian, one must realize they are a sinner, understand that Jesus died for our sins to save us from hell, and accept God's gift by believing in Jesus. Heltzel's discipline philosophy aims to train students in correct behavior and academics using both positive and negative reinforcement, with the goals of developing a biblical worldview, creating an effective learning environment,
These are notes from a simple introductory course on Church Planting. The majority of the course notes presented here are based upon J. D. Payne’s Planting Apostolic Churches.
The School of Leaders (SOL) provides education to leaders in the Cursillo Movement about its principles and supports their spiritual growth. It also energizes the broader movement by mentoring local Ultreya groups and coordinating efforts among leaders. The SOL aims to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the movement through doctrinal training, while also uniting members and energizing their work. It offers rollo themes covering topics like grace, ideals, sacraments, action, obstacles to grace, environments, and living one's life in grace to educate leaders.
Within the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) there are multiple regulations and ordinances including fire, food, land use, building, and smoking, which govern the operations of businesses such as child care. This informational packet provides you with a brief description of some of the more important regulatory requirements. Before entering into a contract to purchase or lease a property for your child care business, we recommend you become familiar with the regulations to determine if the potential site meets all applicable requirements or what modifications would be required to make the facility licensable. You may want to consider contacting other agencies such as Fire Prevention and Land Use/Zoning to determine if the potential site meets applicable regulations.
السؤال الأساسي قبل أن تقرر الاستثمار في سوق الأوراق المالية هو ما إذا كنت مستثمرًا. بالنسبة لبعض الناس ، قد لا يكون سوق الأسهم مناسبًا لشخصيتهم. تتناول هذه المقالة بعض الصفات التي يجب أن يتمتع بها المستثمر من أجل تحقيق عائد معقول في سوق الأسهم.
بالتأكيد ، هناك حكايات شعبية قد تسمعها عن الرجل الذي اشترى أسهم شركة XYZ مقابل 5 دولارات وباعها بعد 60 يومًا مقابل 50 دولارًا للسهم. ربما حدث هذا السيناريو ، لكنه ليس حقيقة كونك مستثمرًا. يجب مراعاة النقاط التالية عندما تفكر في أن تصبح مستثمرًا.
Low self-esteem is a problem for many youth, especially during adolescence. Rates of low self-esteem are higher in Kentucky youth than nationwide. Low self-esteem can lead to mental health issues, risky behaviors, academic problems, and early sexual activity. Programs aim to promote factors like connections with others, achievement, and autonomy to support healthy self-esteem in youth.
Introduction to the ‘Using technology tools for teaching online’ portfolioauthors boards
Introduction to the ‘Using technology tools for teaching online’ portfolio
Welcome to the ‘Using technology tools for teaching online’ portfolio. This document accompanies the course on ‘Using technology tools for teaching online’ in the Teaching Online programme.
Abstract
One of the objectives of teaching a foreign language is to enable the learners to become autonomous, that is the ability to continue learning the foreign language without the teachers’ assistance. Autonomous learners are learners who are responsible for their own learning. Thus, it is very important for the learners to learn and understand how to become autonomous learners. The present paper deals with the discussion of how to promote learners’ autonomy.
Key words: autonomous learner, learning theory, learning
strategy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I (INTRODUCTION)
CHAPTER 1: MY PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE UNKNOWN
CHAPTER 2: MY PERSPECTIVE IN THIS BOOK
CHAPTER 3: MY CALLING
PART II (ENTITIES)
CHAPTER 4: ANGELS, THE SONS OF GOD, AND THEIR OFFSPRING, THE NEPHILIM
:The astounding power of angels .1
:Confusion with classifying angels .2
?Are angels physical beings .3
:3.1The Sethite theory
:The Sons of God – angels 3.2
:The link between the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah 3.3
?Why Noah 3.4
:Alien abductions in prophesy 3.5
:Marriage and sex among angels 3.6
:Why can angels sexually reproduce, but shouldn’t? The Butterfly theory 3.7
?What kind of angel is Satan .4
:Satan’s tactics .5
CHAPTER 5: THE HOSTS OF HEAVEN, THE STARS, AND CREATURES
:Different types of angels .1
:The Hosts of Heaven .2
:Non-physical life forms that aren’t angels .3
:Physical life-forms that aren’t angels .4
?The issue of technology - do God’s faithful angels use technology 4.1
?The issue of technology - do fallen angels use technology 4.2
:Alien abductors – probably fallen angels 4.3
:The balance of technological and spiritual development .5
:Difficult to classify technology between entities .6
:God’s intervention in the balance of technological and spiritual development .7
:The Stars .8
:The Twelve Stars – Stars referring to people 8.1
:Stars referring to the Hosts of Heaven 8.2
:Stars referring specifically to angels 8.3
:Creatures in scripture .9
:Beasts in scripture .10
:Warnings in scripture – be prepared .11
CHAPTER 6: MYTHICAL BEINGS, BEASTS, AND MONSTERS
:Examples of legends derived from fact .1
:Legends and idols - tools for demons .2
?Does scripture substantiate the existence of mythical beings .3
Advantages of applying feng shui in your lifeauthors boards
Feng Shui is the practice of bringing good fortune by achieving balance between various elements. In the US, more people are beginning to consult Feng Shui experts in decorating their homes. For you to understand what they say, you need to learn the basic Feng Shui areas that need your attention so you will be able to decorate it properly.
This form will be used to consider your book project for publication.
Thank you for taking the time to complete it as fully as possible. In addition to the questions within the form please submit the following items as attachments:
- description and purpose of the work in a 1-2 page Summary, please include main themes, arguments and objectives;
- a Table of Contents (including a list of contributors if applicable);
- an analytical Synopsis of the contents of each chapter (approx. 200 words per chapter);
- a Curriculum Vitae and a list of your publications (and co-authors or co-editors if applicable);
*********************************************************************
This section of Preparation for Higher Education focuses on Academic Referencing. This section is designed to expand upon the information in the study skills section of the SWAPWest Preparation for Higher Education Materials.
In this section, you will learn how to reference the sources of information that you use to write essays or reports. You may feel a bit worried about referencing your written work if you have never had to do it before. However, once you understand the theory behind it and try it out a few times, you will find that it is actually quite easy to do.
Publishing your authored reference book with crc pressauthors boards
We at CRC Press / Taylor & Francis would like to welcome you! As a member of our team you are of great importance to us. This Guide is intended to highlight the special activities we bring to the creation of an authored reference book, and the publishing process for your reference.
You’ll be working with a number of publishing professionals at CRC as your book is developed, produced, marketed and sold; keep in mind that your Acquisitions Editor is always available to field your questions and concerns.
Hopefully this Reference Author Guide will provide you with a “roadmap” as your book project is planned, published, and promoted.
وليام جراهام الحالم - ويليام جراهام وممالك العالم المتوازيauthors boards
قصة لشخص هادئ الطبع وسيم الطلعة لايستطيع التعبير عن عواطفه بسبب خجله الشديد وقلة تجاربه ويصطدم دائما بالمجتمع من حوله بشخصياته المختلفة لم يختبر يوما معنى الحب وكان دوما مثار للسخرية من أقرانه...
أحب العديد من الحسناوات أثناء فترات دراسته ولكنه لم يحظى ولو بفرصة واحدة للتعبير عما يجيش به صدره إلى أيا منهن ...حياته تكاد تكون من وجهة نظرة مملة واعتيادية على الرغم من أنه يعيش مع أمه التي تحبه كثيرا ...كان والده قد قضى نحبه أثناء خدمته كضابط بالجيش الأمريكي في أحد التدريبات العسكرية..تعلم من والده طريقة للاسترخاء أدخلته إلى عالم روحي وزاد من ذلك أنه قابل بمحض الصدفة أحد الباعة الجائلين واشترى منه كتاب غريب وقديم , وأثناء قراءته لهذا الكتاب اختبر تجارب عديدة خيالية لا يتصورها عقل وقام برحلات عديدة قابل خلالها شخصيات متنوعة , ولأول مرة في حياته يتحرر من عقدة الخجل الذي تعارضه في جميع مواقف حياته ويؤثر في تلك الشخصيات ويتأثروا به وتساعد ممارساته التي تعلمها في هذا الكتاب والتجارب التي مر بها في تبديل حياته جذريا وصقل شخصيته ويبدأ في النظر إلى حياته بمنظور جديد ..
لايفوتنك قراءة هذه الرواية الهادفة فستتعلم منها الكثير والكثير وستبدأ في اكتشاف جانب جديد من حياتك ربما لم تفكر فيه من قبل أو تتصور حدوثه ....
Browsing can be an interesting way to get a feel for a subject and for the scope of materials available in the Library. Research materials can be found in various locations within the Andruss Library:
This study surveyed 320 faculty members from 10 business schools to examine the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards that motivate faculty to conduct research. Of the thirteen rewards studied, receiving or having tenure is the most important reward, while getting a possible administrative position was the least important. There were significant differences in the importance of these rewards between tenured-untenured and between male-female faculty members. Faculty perceives a strong link between research productivity and the attainment of the rewards of tenure and of promotion. However, in the minds of the faculty, the link between publications and the reward of salary increases is not strong. Associate professors reported lesser importance than either full professors or assistant professors on nine of the thirteen rewards and perceived a weaker link between research productivity and achieving the reward. This implies that the associate professors are the least motivated faculty rank to perform research. There was no significant difference in the number of journal articles either published or accepted for publication within the past 24 months by tenure status, gender, or faculty rank.
Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy Student Editorial Board Appl...authors boards
JIWLP is accepting applications to join the journal to start in Fall 2017 (for one credit).
The application deadline is Friday, August 18, by 3 pm. Early application is encouraged!
Please send applications to Professor Paul Boudreaux by email to boudreaux@law.stetson.edu. Please use “JIWLP application” as the title of your message.
B Rules for cataloguing journals (print and electronic), and serial monographsauthors boards
A serial is defined as a continuing resource issued in a succession of discrete parts, usually bearing numbering, that has no predetermined conclusion. Examples of serials include journals (and e-journals), magazines, directories, statistics, annual reports etc. (AACR Appendix D-7)
These can be divided into 3 types for the purposes of inputting on SWIMS
(1) most journals need to appear in journal listings but are not loaned individually, and therefore need only a Journals catalogue record with indication of the range of holdings. This includes e-journals – see B1-B10
(2) those which need to appear in journal listings because you have a “run” of holdings, but some locations also choose to add each issue to the catalogue for loan as books (whether shelved with the bookstock or the journals). These are journals where each issue usually relates to a specific subject, sometimes known as serial monographs (eg Clinics in Laboratory Medicine; Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery; Orthopedic Clinics of North America) – see B1-B10, and B11 (p7)
(3) those which are published serially, but would not generally be included in journal listings, and are often shelved with the book stock (eg directories, statistics, annual reports; BNF; Recent Advances in….) – catalogue according to Section A (Rule for books…)
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Prof. Santosh Rangnekarauthors boards
Dr. Santosh Rangnekar is a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee with over 30 years of experience in academia and industry. His areas of research include organizational behavior, human resource management, knowledge management, and technology management. He has published extensively in these areas. He has supervised many PhD students to completion and currently has 4 students under his supervision. He has held several administrative roles including Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Roorkee.
The Asian EFL Journal Professional Teaching authors boards
This document is the August 2009 volume of the Asian EFL Journal, which contains several academic articles on topics related to teaching English as a foreign language. It was published by the Asian EFL Journal Press and edited by Roger Nunn and Paul Robertson. The volume includes an article by Pisarn Chamcharatsri examining how second language writers construct their identities through autoethnography assignments. It also provides background information on 5 students from Taiwan who completed autoethnography papers for a college writing class in the United States.
Module Objectives:
This module will discuss the HINARI website interface, journals, partner publisher’s resources and other full text resources. Understanding how to use the HINARI website is critical for utilizing the available resources. These skills are essential for completion of the exercises in subsequent modules.
Similarly to the first module, you will need access to the Internet and be required to complete a series of exercises.
Our Journal recommends and adheres to Vancouver style for Reference listingauthors boards
For the complete guide to the Vancouver Style, please consult this online book: Citing Medicine, 2nd ed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=citmed.TOC&depth=2
you can also refer to the following
(i) In text citations: (citing of references in the manuscript text)
• Superscript without any square or round brackets should be used to cite the reference in the text after full stop or periods or before any colons or semi colons.
Example :
......preferred option. 3
.....preferred option3 ;
• For citing more than one reference at a time, cite each reference number separated by a comma, or by a dash for a sequence of consecutive numbers. There should be no spaces between commas or dashes For example: 1,5,6-8.
• The original number used for a reference is reused each time the reference is cited
Journal of Global Infectious Diseases (JGID) a peer-reviewed Semiannual international journal is being published under the auspices of the International Infectiologists Network .
The journal’s full text is online at www.jgid.org With the aim of faster and better dissemination of knowledge, we will be publishing articles ‘Ahead of Print’ immediately on acceptance. In addition, the journal would allow free access (Open Access) to its contents, which is likely to attract more readers and citations to articles published in JGID.
\Manuscripts must be prepared in accordance with "Uniform requirements for Manuscripts submitted to Biomedical Journals" developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (October 2006). The uniform requirements and specific requirement of JGID are summarized below. Before sending a manuscript contributors are requested to check for the latest instructions available. Instructions are also available from the website of the journal (http://www.jgid.org) and from the manuscript submission site (http://www.journalonweb.com/JGID).
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
My ritual will not only stop separation and divorce, but rebuild a strong bond between you and your partner that is based on truth, honesty, and unconditional love. For an even stronger effect, you may want to consider using the Eternal Love Bond spell to ensure your relationship and love will last through all tests of time. If you have not yet determined if your partner is considering separation or divorce, but are aware of rifts in the relationship, try the Love Spells to remove problems in a relationship or marriage. Keep in mind that all my love spells are 100% customized and that you'll only need 1 spell to address all problems/wishes.
Save your marriage from divorce & make your relationship stronger using anti divorce spells to make him or her fall back in love with you. End your marriage if you are no longer in love with your husband or wife. Permanently end your marriage using divorce spells that work fast. Protect your marriage from divorce using love spells to boost commitment, love & bind your hearts together for a stronger marriage that will last. Get your ex lover who has remarried using divorce spells to break up a couple & make your ex lost lover come back to you permanently.
Visit https://www.profbalaj.com/love-spells-loves-spells-that-work/
Call/WhatsApp +27836633417 for more info.
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
Vertical Church Kyiv Report 2022-2023: Church at war
Leader’s Guide for Introduction
1. Leader’s Guide
for Introduction
Most of you reading this will be seeking help in nurturing a learning disciple.
However, some of you may be looking for help in a self-led journey of discipleship using
this concept. If God permits I hope to take some of this manual and develop a walk-
through of the study separately. My intent in this work will be to help you with insights
and information so as to add clarity, depth and understanding to the journey you will be
leading. So let’s begin with the Introduction.
The format of the beginning lessons is a simple fill-in the blank. The guiding disciple
has the master copy and can simply feed the learner disciple the answers. This leader’s
guide is designed to assist the guiding disciple to better explain and build on the answers.
Later more contemplation and discussion will be encouraged. Also at a later time the
lesson outline can be given out at the conclusion of the previous lesson. This will enable
the learning disciple to spend the week searching and reflecting on the answers they have
gleaned from the passages. So for now you the teacher will provide the facts and answers
and encourage a moving toward the commitment, which make the steps of spiritual
growth.
Also you will note that on the study outline, earlier in this manual, it shows a
progression in this journey from infancy to mature adulthood. This journey is a growing
into spiritual maturity. You must always remember that each commitment must be
genuine so as to lead toward maturity. That is the purpose of this journey. A disciple is a
follower who is mature and seasoned in obeying Christ. There is no quick and easy way
to accomplish this. We must walk with Christ and grow in our understanding and
devotion to Him. The journey will take at least a year. The lessons do not have to be
completed every week. Again I emphasize that the focus is on growth not completion of
lessons! So if the lesson takes three weeks to complete don’t worry. Our time is in God’s
Christian Organizations http://amzn.to/1r7Hh6P 25
2. hands. Avoid the natural rush of our society for getting what we want in a hurry. Like
growing our children, enjoy the time of their growing-up and don’t rush the joy of
discovery and development. Proceed at the pace of learning! A-R-U-C-A, remember?
Don’t settle for anything less than superior quality. If you do the end result will be less
than the goal of a mature spiritual adult. Enjoy the journey together.
The Authority of Scripture
We have many authorities, but which is the dominant one?
What place does the Bible have in your living?
What place will you give it?
The Introduction is simply designed to establish a basic five-part foundation necessary
for beginning the journey of discipleship. The Word of God, the Bible, is absolutely
essential for discipleship. We must place our trust in what it teaches and rest in its
promises. Until we have accepted it as our guide for life and standard for all thoughts and
ideas we are not ready to follow Christ. And how can we? It is not until we cast aside all
other authorities and influences in our life and replace them with an unashamed reliance
upon the Bible that we can take seriously what Jesus taught us and called us to follow. So
the central focus of the first study is the two questions posed, “What place does the Bible
have in your living? What place will you give it?”
The answer to these two questions will determine if you will take seriously the Bible
teachings and if you will commit yourself to living by the Bible’s directions. This is the
point of lesson one. As disciples of Christ we must accept the Bible as a true and reliable
record of what Jesus taught and demanded of those following Him as His disciple.
The concluding Scriptural examples are given to reinforce this concept. Whether it
was Jesus, not just in His temptations but throughout His earthly life, or the first disciples
our basing our thoughts and actions upon the Bible’s teaching is nothing less than
expected and essential. So walk slowly through the Scriptures given and talk specifically
about how the disciples followed Jesus’ example in making God’s Word the foundation
for His life and decisions. And therefore we as Jesus’ disciples must do the same.
Let’s focus on 2 foundational elements:
How we learn and to what we give priority!
Learning is a much studied topic.
Christian Organizations http://amzn.to/1r7Hh6P 26
3. It is predictable and orderly:
The acronym A-R-U-C-A is just a way to challenge your learning disciple to go
beyond information and academics and live what the Bible teaches. As made clear in an
earlier chapter a major difference is needed between Spiritual Education and our
Academic school model. In Spiritual Education we strive for obedience and not just
retention. It is more like vocational training. Here the prospective practitioner must learn
how to do the work of his chosen career rather than acquire a knowledge base for future
training. Discipleship is the hands-on training for those seeking to follow Christ.
So A-wareness and R-ecall are the basic elements of public education. The test is the
proof that learning has taken place. Most testing is objective, requiring the right word,
phrase or numeric formula. Some are subjective in which the teacher looks for a student’s
mental grasp and ability to explain the subject covered.
In discipleship the defining test is our living! First we must know the information.
There is no skipping the necessary retention of facts and instructions. However, as the
acronym illustrates disciples must complete the learning experience by moving on to U-
nderstanding. By that we mean grasping how the Bible’s teachings have relevance to our
living. Once we are able to see how the teachings of Christ, Peter, Paul and others in both
the Old Testament and New are relevant to our living today we can move into the next
level of learning.
C-onviction is the answer to the question, “If what I have discovered means I should
be living differently then what am I to do differently?” Now the focus is on the necessary
change that is demanded. Here we work through the conceptual and abstract ideas to
form a belief or opinion. It takes U-nderstanding to move us toward C-onvictions. These
C-onvictins become our building blocks for life. Our C-onvictions are what we can rely
upon as real and dependable basics for our life. Without C-onvictins impulse and
pressures direct us. But, with C-onvictins we stand upon what we hold as real and true
even when pressured or tempted to do differently.
My thirty years as a pastor, spiritual educator and my own experience as a Christian
give ample evidence that we sometimes claim a C-onviction but do not honor it.
“Hypocrite” is the Biblical word used. It comes from the Greek theatrical role of playing
two parts in a play. One part is played holding a mask to reveal the character. A second
mask then replaces the first as the same person acts out a different character. Learning
doesn’t stop at C-onviction. It must continue into the final level of living. A-pplication is
actually living out our C-onvictions. Here is where many Christians fail. We read the
Bible, attend Bible Studies and perhaps even teach the Biblical facts. We have opinions
and C-onvictions that we defend with great tenacity. However others see very well that
we are not living by those same C-onvictions we proclaim. Until we have changed our
living we have not learned. We may be able to R-call facts, teachings or memorized
passages. We can even relate to others how the passage being examined should impact
our lives. We may be convincing is arguing for specific C-onvictions we hold. But what
Christian Organizations http://amzn.to/1r7Hh6P 27
4. is the value if it doesn’t change the way we are living. James made it more than clear in
his letter from the New Testament that, “…faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26
KJV) Dead or of no value at all! We see this same truth echoed in many of the New
Testament letters. So this is no new discovery. It was and is the intended way we are to
live. Jesus demonstrated and taught a new way of living. He entrusted His disciples from
the first century through this present century to teach, live and encourage others to join us
in living out the teachings of the Bible. We need go no further than the Great
Commission, Matthew 29:19-20, to validate this. “Teaching them to obey…”
We will either act from pressure, desire or belief.
Application’s motivation is conviction!
Now that we can visualize and better understand to process of learning we must
address the question of “Why?” Why learn? Why push toward U-nderstanding, C-
onviction and A-pplication? You will find that we are usually motivated by three factors.
First is pressure. We feel the expectations of others in what we call “peer pressure.” It
may be social or physical but often we are simply relieving the weight of other’s
demands upon us by doing what they pressure us to do. But, take note that pressure will
most often skip U-nderstanding and C-nviction.
Desire is a great motivator. The hunger to know more, experience more or just explore
more motivates many. Our natural curiosity calls us to go further and discover that which
is outside our present boundaries. As a disciple leader look for natural desires and feed
them with the spiritual glimpses that can encourage forward movement. The benefit of
motivation by desire is that it leads into U-nderstanding and into C-onviction. Don’t
overlook the work of the Holy Spirit that is visible to the spiritual eye altering and
guiding the disciple by new and varied desires.
Also our belief can motivate us. Often in the Christian community we start with belief
and work from there. We grow-up accepting various beliefs taught to us in our church
experiences. As we develop mentally we begin to question the beliefs that we just
accepted from our spiritual teachers. This often becomes a great time of backing up a
couple of steps and getting a solid foundation for our faith. We want to know why we
have been taught to act, think or see life the way we do. That is desire! Our attempt is not
to find reasons to reject these beliefs but to establish then a creditable and personal. As
we study the Scriptures, history and insight of wiser spiritual leaders we complete the
learning process by moving through U-derstanding, C-onviction and now back where we
started but with a solid, and personal, foundation. We are no longer living as we have
been taught to live but living by our own personal C-onvictions. We have not really
moved into A-pplication, applying God’s Word to our living, until we have moved
through C-onvicton. Most are unwilling to live by guidelines that are, “just the way we
live.” We need to have a confidence and C-onviction that the way I live is way God
intends for me to live.
Jesus’ disciples base their convictions upon God’s Word!
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5. Seen in Jesus’ example
In Matthew 4 we have the account of Jesus’ temptations. The focus here is how Jesus
confronts the temptations. In all three of the temptations Jesus’ response is, “…it is
written…” Jesus demonstrated that without a doubt His allegiance was to live what God’s
Word taught. So in all three temptations He saw how Satan’s temptation was a diversion
from the spoken will of God. “It is written” gives us the foundation that Jesus used to
make His decisions. Should we not do the same?
Based upon God’s authority
In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul establishes that Jesus fulfilled His work on earth because of
the Father’s authority. This moving passage gives us the Christmas story in poetic style.
Jesus, God’s Son, willingly came to earth. He was sent! He chose to come! He submitted
Himself to God the Father’s authority. Many times throughout the New Testament we see
that Jesus was fulfilling the Father’s will, submitting to His authority, while here on
earth. Look in Luke 4:42-44 and see how the Jesus was once more tempted to stay in one
place and continue His work there. However, Jesus’ response was that He was sent and
therefore must fulfill the directions He was given. This is another clear evidence that
Jesus willingly submitted Himself to the Father’s authority and obeyed the Father’s will.
If that isn’t enough look at Jesus’ desperate cries from the garden of Gethsemane. His cry
was, “Yet not as I will but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 And again, “…may your will be
done.” Verse 42
Focused on God’s judgment
Luke 13:1-5 brings us to the hard reality of God’s judgment. Jesus is responding to a
common belief that those who did wicked things would suffer a punishment here on
earth. Yet His revelation is that all of us stand under a judgment by God. He is implying
that we must view our living in light of God’s teachings and order our lives accordingly.
“…unless you repent…” makes the Father’s authority clear. It also means that we are all
under an undesirable judgment unless we allow God to be our Lord. To make God our
Lord means we must submit ourselves to His authority, living as His Word directs us!
God’s fearful judgment is not our only motivation. Jesus made it plain to us that He
came because God loves us. The familiar passage of John 3:16-17 puts it in unmistakable
terms that God loves us and does not want us to face judgment. He wants to give “eternal
life.” The ultimate demonstration of this is Jesus’ crucifixion. John 10:10 is one of my
favorite verses. It tells me that the life God desires for us leads us into a life filled with
meaning and purpose. That is God’s design. When I place God as Lord over my living I
avoid judgment and open myself to a love relationship that truly is out of this world!
Rests upon God’s compassion
The two passages in John’s Gospel focus on God’s compassion to us in Christ. The
Bible reveals to us a God who is compassionate to the people He gave existence. If I am
to make the Bible my guide for living I need to know it is more than condemnation of
which we are to avoid. I need to see how God’s first act is to love and care for His
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6. people. It is only as we live in rejection and defiance of His rightful place in our lives that
judgment takes place. John 3:17 specifically mentions that Jesus was sent by the Father
not, “…to condemn the world, but to save the world…” Also in 10:10 we learn that Jesus
came that we, “…may have life, and heave it to the full.” This is not the plan of a
vengeful God of wrath. This the work of a God of compassion Who seeks to draw His
loved creation back into fellowship with Him. So the Bible is not a message of
condemnation but instead an invitation to walk in harmony with God and enjoy the many
benefits of His favor and love for us.
Lesson 1 concludes with two foundational essentials, 1) To follow Christ we must
make the Bible our supreme source of authority. Nothing else can even come close to the
hold the Bible must have on our living. 2) Learning goes far beyond information. The
true experience of learning culminates in a changed life. Anything short of A-pplication
is a waste of time and effort. Disciples live-out the teachings of God’s Word!
Take note of “Spiritual discipline: reading God’s Word” at the conclusion of the
study outline. This and the following spiritual disciplines will become the foundational
routine practices for a person’s spiritual well being. These are not optional but a must for
each disciple. The purpose is to start, if not already practicing, these basic spiritual habits
or daily routines. As shown in the study material knowing God’s Word is essential. So
now we start daily looking into God’s Word. Emphasize the importance of reading,
reflecting and studying the Bible. There are many ways to do this but you must go
beyond the traditional verse, devotional thought and brief prayer. That is good as a
supplemental exercise but just spending time in the Bible is what we need. My practice is
one chapter in a New Testament book, one chapter in an Old Testament book and one
Psalm to conclude my daily reading time. Where you start is not so important. Instead
follow your interest. If you do not have any in particular then just start with Genesis and
Matthew. But, start a daily habit of reading the Bible so you will be spiritually informed.
Once informed of the Bible’s content the Holy Spirit has more material with which to
work in molding you to become Christ-like. Here starts the accountability element. Let
the learner disciple know that this is important enough that next week you will be asking
them what they read and what their daily schedule was. It may be good for those not so
self driven to develop with you the leading disciple a plan for the week ahead. From this
point on in life daily Bible reading will be a natural part of your day.
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7. The Commission: Make Disciples
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (NIV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (KJV)
When we take serious the Great Commission most will fall into one of two camps.
Our first introduction to this central passage may have focused on evangelization. Many
place the emphasis on “Go ye…” They believe that our command from the risen Christ is
for us to go into all the world sharing the gospel message.
Some on closer investigation believe that the command is to “…make disciples…”
This is my camp and a foundational piece on which my life has been built. I was taught
that in the original language the word for go is a participle. Participles often end in “ing.”
In all fairness the Greeks sometimes used participles as commands but not as a general
rule. So some translations use “going” rather than “go.” The more important element is
that the verb “…make…” or “…teach…” is a command according to the Greek language.
It is translated “teach” in the KJV but the word is used to convey the idea of enlisting a
pupil or follower. So many modern translations use “make disciples.”
It is my conviction that we are commanded to make disciples for Christ while we are
going through life. That is not to diminish evangelism in the church. There are plenty of
clear-cut commands to reach the world with the gospel message. However, here we see
that our evangelization is to lead to disciple making. Christ calls us to follow him, learn
from Him, be His pupil, even scholar during our life journey.
The NT word for “disciple” means: “a learner or student”
So if we are to be and make disciples of Christ then, “What is a disciple?” If we return
to the Greek language and study the work translated “disciple” in various passages we
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8. find the answer rather simple. A disciple is, as mentioned above, one learning from
another or one becoming a student of another.
Jesus gave would be disciples 4 invitations:
“Come and you will see” John 1:35-39
“Come follow me…” Matthew 4:18-20
Come be with me Luke 6:12-13
“Remain in Me” John 15:1-10
It was Rev. Bill Hull who studied discipleship in depth and came to the realization
that in the New Testament Jesus led His learners through 4 phases. These were clarified
earlier in the manual. Here you share them with your learner. First Jesus called His
learners to simply “Come and see.” In John 1 two of John the Baptist’s learners asked
Jesus where He lived. The question was more that a request for Jesus’ address. They were
asking if they could follow and learn from Him. Jesus responded with, Come…and you
will see.” The beginning phase is for us to take a look at Jesus and what He was doing
prior to any serious commitment.
Sometime later, Rev. Hull suggests, Jesus returned to those who had looked and was
given time to think about what they saw. In Matthew 4 Jesus gives an invitation. Finding
Peter and Andrew, and James and John, He invited them to “Come follow me.” The
words for follow mean return to me. Jesus was even commanding them to go with Him.
This began the time of formal learning and studying.
Rev. Hull also noticed a third phase to which Jesus’ learners were called. In Luke 6
Jesus has gathered a large crowd of learners. He now sought to make a greater investment
in the lives of a certain smaller group. So after a night in prayer Jesus chose twelve he
called “apostles” or sent ones. These Jesus would keep by His side for many days and
countless hours. They were privileged to see Jesus on a more personal and intimate level.
Rev. Hull titles it “Come be with me.”
The last phase is seen in John 15. Jesus is teaching His learners for the last time before
His crucifixion. He now seeks to tie up the past two plus years of instruction. He gives
His disciples an image to encourage and warn them. Jesus is a vine and all His learners
are branches on that vine. Unless we the learners abide in the vine we will be removed by
the Father. If we do abide, or remain, in Jesus the vine we will be pruned so as to be more
productive in serving Christ. Abide with me or remain in me is a call to walk through life
with a constant connectedness to Jesus Christ. No more “my time” or “personal
interests.” We can rest and enjoy many of life’s pleasures sure. As a disciple, however,
we are an extension of Jesus Christ Himself. That is a place we must continually work to
maintain. This is discipleship!
This was not just a first century expectation!
Discipleship was an OT practice too. (Acts 5:34, 22:3 & Lk 11:1)
Disciples were expected to learn from their teacher.
Disciples were expected to imitate their teacher.
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9. Disciples were expected to make disciples.
This expectation to follow another was not something new Jesus started. It has roots in
the Old Testament. In Acts we see that Saul, later to become Paul, was himself a disciple
of Gamaliel. In Luke we see that John the Baptist had disciples as well. Jewish history
reveals a trail of discipleship that was well known and being duplicated into the New
Testament. The disciples most important work was to learn, imitate and make more
disciples. So Jesus is simply using an ancient method to begin what we now know as the
Church. Paul continued the practice with Timothy, Silas, Titus and more.
But we have a more demanding command:
As we return to the Great Commission we once more impress upon our learners that
our command is to “make disciples.” Our method for doing so is nothing new. We are to
use the pattern Jesus adopted and teach our learners to obey all of Christ’s instructions.
Discipleship is a self-duplicating work! (2 Tim. 2:2)
Disciples both follow and lead! (1 Cor. 11:1)
Discipleship is how Christ expands His body!(Acts 6:7, 11:25-26)
The study time concludes with an emphasis of what we have learned about being a
disciple. We are to duplicate our walk with Christ in those we teach. We are to continue
following Christ while leading another to follow with us. Last we see that the way Christ
intended for His Church to grow was by “making disciples” of every people group on
earth.
This week’s spiritual discipline is Scripture meditation. As explained, meditation is
nothing more than talking to yourself about the passage being read. How do you eat a
Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss? How do your eat a candy orange slice? Many just crunch
down on the chocolate kiss and chew up the candy orange slice. If so we make short work
of eating it and spend little time enjoying the moment. I choose a longer experience of
enjoying the flavor. Slowly unwrapped or removed from the bag each is placed in my
mouth and allowed to slowly dissolve on my tongue of a million taste buds. Did you
know that a Hershey’s Kiss can last over five minutes. Did you know that a candy orange
slice can last almost thirty minutes?
“So what?” you may be thinking. Here is what. I can rush into the Bible with a “got it
to do so get it done” attitude. I can also set aside time to soak in the Scriptures and glean
more of its meaning and savor the time with God. Jesus didn’t teach us to rush through
our time in God’s Word and settle for a brief surface understanding. He invites us to
slowly soak in God’s message to us and gain all we can about living in fellowship with
Him. So a group practice time is set and a future personal time is expected. Enjoy God’s
gift of His Word to us.
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10. The Cost to be Counted
What decision cost you the most?
Financial, physical, time, personal
How much did you evaluate your decision?
Would you make the same choice again?
Discipleship will be your most costly decision!
If we are to follow Christ with sincerity we must begin with a lifelong bear-hug on the
Scriptures. We must also understand just what we are signing-up for. The third
foundation block to our commitment to be Christ’s learner is being aware of the cost of
such a decision. So we begin this study with the question, “What decision cost you the
most?” This is a moment to talk about the cost of our choosing to do or purchase
something. It is designed to introduce the concept that nothing comes free. Our decisions
whether they come with a price tag or not cost us something. As we reflect on the cost,
usually unexpected, we often regret the decision made.
As mentioned becoming a disciple will be the most costly decision of our life. Not in
up front expenses. No, the cost is in our sacrifices, submission, denials and obedience.
This does not omit our financial alterations, family limitations and our personal pleasures
to note a few. Before your learning disciple makes the commitment they need to count
the cost!
Jesus warned us to count the cost.
In Luke 14:25 and following Jesus brings would-be followers with the reality of
counting the cost before making the commitment. He starts with social obligations. We
have many. From parents to friendships, social organizations and good noble efforts we
must evaluate what must be severed from our living. Being Christ’s disciple means we
have put Christ first in all matters of our life. We have Biblical obligations to family and
society. Yet, we must be prepared to sever whatever Christ calls us to leave and serve
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11. Him elsewhere. We have been taught that we can accept Jesus and be assured of eternal
life and still enjoy the many things we want to get from life. Though culturally acceptable
this idea is Biblically in error. A clear look at Luke 14 forces would-be disciples to think
hard about Jesus might want us to forsake in a greater devotion to Him.
To emphasize Jesus uses two images. First is the person wanting to build a building.
He must carefully evaluate the cost and be sure he has sufficient funds and materials to
complete the building. This passage came to my mind many times while pastoring in
central Indian. Just across the interstate from the town where I ministered and lived was a
shell of a hotel. Interior walls, floors and a roof, but no exterior walls, windows or
furnishings were present. Weeds and small trees surrounded it. My wife and I shared
many conversations while passing it as to why it was never completed. We never learned
the truth but it was a visual reminder for us to count the cost before making the
commitment.
The second image was a king going to war. Would it not be foolish to go to war based
on emotion or retaliation without being prepared? If our emotions lead us into a decision
for which we do not have power and resources to backup then an embarrassing failure is
forthcoming.
Jesus concludes this lesson on a statement that His followers must be ready to
surrender everything to Him. We must be prepared to follow wherever He assigns us. We
must prepare ourselves to sever anything that either distracts us or diverts us from God’s
chosen will for our lives. And if we prematurely follow but become unwilling to give up
any hindering relationship or obstacle we are as useless as salt that isn’t salty. The
technicalities of how this might be possible isn’t important. The important thing is that if
we stop being what we have committed ourselves to be we have wasted our resources and
gained nothing for the effort.
A contrast of would be followers:
In Luke 9 we see three would-be disciples. Two say, “I will follow you…” The other
Jesus asks to follow Him. As Jesus points to their area of unwillingness each is left while
Jesus and His disciples walk away. All had unbreakable restraints that held them back
from being like Andrew, Peter, James and John who left their nets and their family to
follow Jesus.
In Matthew 4 we see Jesus calling the four just mentioned. Some scholars believe that
Peter was actually the head of the fishing fleet. We will never really know but we do
know that all had a lot to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus. In chapter 9 we see Jesus
calling Matthew, or Levi, at his tax office. Matthew was wealthy and had many lucrative
relationships. Even so when Jesus invited him to follow Him Matthew walked away from
it all. What happened to all his wealth? Was following Jesus worth giving the business
and abundant possessions away? Matthew thought so. And as the Gospels and Acts
shows it was without regret.
The reason Jesus’ disciples left it all:
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12. In John 6 we discover the reason Jesus’ many followers left it all to follow Him. As
Peter makes the bold declaration the others were surely in agreement with him. They had
left wealth, businesses, families, houses and security because they believed Jesus to be
the coming Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. They didn’t know the Christmas
story. Easter was yet to happen. But still they had seen and heard enough that they gave
up everything to be part of the Messiah’s team. We will see that they had many false
expectations. But when Jesus would rise from the dead they knew that this was worth any
earthly sacrifice they would have to make. They were the Messiah’s first team of
disciples.
The life Jesus left to His disciples:
Further in John we come to the Last Supper. It was the Jewish celebration Passover.
Jesus sent two of His disciples ahead of the rest to prepare the meal. In late afternoon
Jesus and the others arrive. Like excited school children they rushed for their place at the
table. But before eating the celebrative meal Jesus had one more image to burn in their
memory. John says that he put a towel around His waist, took a bowl of water and
kneeling at each of His disciples’ feet began washing the dusty, smelly and calloused
feet. It was task each saw himself as being to honorable to do. Yet here was the Messiah,
their Master discipler, washing their feet. I’m sure it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop
as we say. Jesus then brought the point home. The life he was leaving to them was a place
of royal luxury. It was instead a life of humble service as God’s follower.
So now count the cost! Many want to be but few will pay the price. Many more live in
satanic deception thinking they are fine when in reality they are saltless salt, good for
nothing, not even the manure pile. Don’t rush instead think it through carefully. If you
dare to believe following Jesus is superior to all worldly possessions and pleasures then
follow. But, be prepared to put it all aside and follow.
This weeks discipline of meditation focuses on Mark 10. He the learning disciple has
a week to soak in the passage with suggested questions to help stimulate the inner
conversation and reflections. All is focused on counting the cost before a commitment is
confirmed.
The quote by Jim Elliot is more than a closing thought. Jim was a missionary with a
passion to stop the brutal killings of a jungle society of tribes. They often attacked each
other and killed without mercy the men of a differing tribe. Jim, after much searching,
discovered a group of them while flying his plane over the jungle. He and several fellow
missionaries made a commitment to fly onto a sandy river bend and seek to make contact
with the native tribe and share with them God’s way of peace instead of war and death.
Little did they know that their understood risk would come true. The fearless men
attacked the missionaries and slaughtered them on the edge of the river. Such was the
man who followed Christ devoted enough to give his life in sacrifice to serving his Lord.
You can read the book by his wife titled, “Through Gats of Splendor” or view the movie
titled “End of the Spear.”
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13. A Correction we must Make
One of Satan’s greatest tools is spiritual blindness!
Before we begin the actual journey we must make one major correction. What I mean
is we must adjust our readiness to learn and obey God’s Work. This journey is heavily
submerged in Scripture. The reason is that I am seeking to do what the Bible clearly tells
us to do. As you consider a commitment to go on this journey you will need to approach
the Bible different than the average Christian sees it. We must remove our blindness to
the Bible’s teachings and look with eyes wide-open seeking God’s truth for us.
The early church was warned about it. James 1:19-27
We normalize ways of the world. V.s 19-21
Living God’s way takes much effort. V.s 22-25
Genuine faith is a living faith. V.s 26-27
First we recognize that Paul warns us of the danger of Satan’s blinding power. He tells
the Corinthians Christians that the “god of this world” has the ability to blind people to
the Gospel message. As we will see he can use this power to blind God’s children to the
holiness and purity that God demands of His people. The passage in James reveals his
concern about Christians being blinded as well. Here we see his warning to the church of
how they have abandoned the pathway set before them. Now they were normalizing sin.
It had become acceptable and normal in the lives of those who were set apart for Christ.
James reminds them that living the life modeled by Christ requires much effort. As Jesus
had taught wide is the way and easy the path that leads to our destruction. But difficult
and limited is the way that leads to life. Unless we discipline ourselves and fight against
the strong current of social and cultural norms we will be in the flow of the devil’s crowd
and not God’s. Why would Christians accept the social and cultural norms? It was
because they had become blind to the need to remain pure and holy to God. They allowed
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14. their thinking to be slowly conformed to those around them and their human impulses.
This is the battlefield Paul shares in Ephesians 5:11-20 as we will see a little later.
James is probably most known for his emphasis on living out the faith. He presses
hard on the importance of proving your faith in Jesus Christ in the actions and attitudes of
your life. Some many see him in contradiction to Paul. On a closer investigation you
discover their unity. Both stress that if we simply say we believe and do not show it by
the changes it produces in our life we are blinded.
Many early Christians were infants not adults. Hebrews 5:11-6:3
They were blinded to good and evil. V. 14
They were stuck in elementary teachings. V.s 1-3
Now we give clear Biblical pictures of how God’s people are blinded to obeying Him.
In the New Testament we see the infancy and “worldly” ways of the Corinthian church.
We also see it in the recipients of the letter of Hebrews. Here again we see Christians
stuck in infancy and not growing into mature adults. They were blinded to the good and
evil ways of life. Their consciences were hardened to their sin. There ability to
distinguish right from wrong had been lost. As a result they were “going with the flow”
when they should have been “swimming upstream.” They were confronted with not
growing beyond the elementary doctrines or teachings of the faith. Salvation is important,
church practices are necessary to learn but, we must move on to other important and life
changing teachings. Only then will we reach the maturity God intended.
The OT reveals the same problem. Judges 6:1-13
Israel was punished because of disobedience. V. 1
But Gideon was blind to their sin. V.s 11-13
Was this just a New Testament problem? Not at all! In Judges 6 we come to the
account of Gideon. The event opens with a statement that God had been chastising the
Israelites because of their evil, or disobedience. Yet when the angel comes to Gideon he
questions why God was no longer showing any favor or blessings upon them. Why do we
expect God to bless or favor us while we live in sin? Is it not because we are blind to our
sin? Gideon was living life no longer able to see his or the community’s sin. Do a little
survey of the Old Testament and you will discover a multitude of times that disobedience
to God was accepted as if, and it was, normal. Even the priest were guilty of normalizing
disobedience toward God and His written standard.
Christians are to be noticeably different. Ephesians 4:17-24, 5:8-14
“take off the old…. and put on the new. V.s 22-24
“Live as children of light…” v. 8
Back to Ephesians where we see Paul confronting this cancer of the church. He seeks
to correct it by revealing to them the original plan. He puts it in a clear image. We are to
take off the old self and put on the new self. A chorus I learned from my time with the
Wesleyan denomination was, “Well the best in my life I ever did do, Yes the best in my
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15. life I ever did do, Oh the best in my life I ever did do was to take off the old robe and put
on the new.”
It continues, “The old robe was dirty all tattered and torn but the new robe was
spotless, had never been worn. Yes the best in my life I ever did do was to take off the
old robe and put on the new.”
Another graphic picture Paul uses is light. He calls us “children of light.” In several
places he uses this image to help us understand that we are called to become radically
different in following Christ. Darkness is the picture of the absence of light. It is known
for an inability to see. Objects cannot be distinguished or detected. We must feel our way
around till we find some light. But when the sun rises or the light is lit we are able to
recognize what is around and move in safety. Spiritually the Bible is the light. If we do
not give it a bear hug of acceptance we will be left to our own thoughts and ideas of what
we should do. That is just where Satan wants us. But when God’s light dawns upon us we
see our disobedience and that which brings harm to us, and ultimately judgment from
God. We are to be a people known for living God’s way even in opposition to our social
and cultural norms.
How do we combat spiritual blindness?
Ask for divine enlightenment.
Look to God’s Word for light. (Pledge to the Bible)
Nurture a sensitive heart.
Change what we are shown.
Are we helpless to such a condition? Are we to battle in our own strength? Is there
any divine assistance in combating spiritual blindness? There is much help from God
because He wants His children to live in the light.
Don’t forget the power of prayer. We have talked about it before and there will be
much to say next as it is one of our spiritual disciplines. God not only asks but commands
us to request His help in our struggles. Don’t ignore such a wonderful offer.
The Bible is called light in many places. The psalms is one in particular. A verse from
Psalm 119 is even used in our Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible. From my earliest years I
went to Vacation Bible School. It always started with the pledges to the American flag,
the Christian flag and the Bible. Can you say it from memory? “I pledge allegiance to the
Bible God’s Holy Word, and will make it a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, and
will hide its words in my heart that I may not sin against God.” The phrase in bold is
from Psalm 119. If you want to break Satan’s spell of blindness you must get into God’s
Word of light.
Another powerful way to combat blindness deals with hardened hearts. Another way
of blindness is an insensitive heart. We can use rationalization, justification that it is the
norm or a host of other desensitizing ways to push back the guilt God sends when we act
in disobedience. Scattered throughout the Bible is the calling to be humble before God.
Being humble is more than the absence of pride. It is also a place of submission and
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16. surrender to God. Unless we nurture a heart humble before God it will become hardened
naturally. So we must work to keep our hearts sensitive to God’s conviction and guilt that
tells us we are going in the wrong direction.
And how do we nurture our heart?, through agreement with God’s Word and
confession of our disobedient ways. As you pray spend some time in confession. If you
find it difficult to do so then blindness is present. Start with the sins you are aware exist
in your life. As the Holy Spirit brings out sins in your Bible readings, pause to ask God to
forgive you and the Church community for our disobedience. I have found in my prayer
experience that my sensitivity to sin increases with my growth of humility. The more I
humbly acknowledge my sinful ways the more I see my disobedience in my everyday
life. Start and let it grow. Choose to move towards God’s light and out of Satan’s
darkness.
One more way to combat blindness is to commit to change. Seldom is change easy.
We usually find it difficult to break the chains of old habits and patterns of living. It is
clear in the New Testament that true confession is followed by a changed life. Do you ask
God to show you what should be changed in your life? Isn’t it more comfortable to just
stay in our present ways? But being a disciple takes great effort. We must commit
ourselves to do what our Lord commands and break from the comfortable, sinful, ways.
As we have seen in James and Paul’s writings our faith must be noticeable in our living.
Prayer
In lesson four and five the spiritual discipline is prayer. Please do not underestimate
the importance of prayer. A multitude of books, study guides and sermons have been
developed on this topic. I do not have anything new to add but instead want to impress
upon the learning disciple the vast importance of establishing a regular and sincere time
of prayer. In your resources you will find a separate outline titled “Tabernacle Praying.”
You are also given a drawing of the Tabernacle so as to visualize the process being given
to you for praying. As a leading disciple you should already be using this prayer model
and be eager to pass it along to your child in Christ. I do not discredit other models but I
encourage you to note the completeness of this model and use it as a daily time of
worship, submission, petitions and intercessions. If the material is too much to cover
following the previous study then set aside a special day to meet and go through the
material. Plan to use one of your week’s study times on prayer. We do not have a set
schedule remember. Our focus in on a life surrendered to Christ. That cannot be set into
neat lessons or in a set flowchart of time. Walk at the pace of your learning disciple and
be sure that the commitments are sincere, serious and genuine.
If you want to go farther into the experience of Tabernacle praying you can get a copy
of the book, “The Priority of Knowing God” by Peter V. Deison. Here the author
addresses the broader concept of our daily time with God. In particular he presents the
concept of Tabernacle praying. You will find it in chapter 15 on pages 143-166.
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17. The “Two important questions” remind us to move past information into
understanding then conviction and finally application. These questions precede the rest of
the study guide on prayer. As we turn our attention to the Tabernacle reflect back on the
Old Testament use of the Tabernacle. If you are unsure then do your research before
leading this study. The next section walks you through some of them and gives Biblical
references to support the observations or statements.
Emphasize that the idea behind the Tabernacle was to worship God. After all, this
central physical structure was always in the middle of the encampments. Throughout the
forty years of wandering each time the Israelites stopped to camp the Tabernacle was
made the centerpiece for the arrangement of the tribes. It seems to have begun with a
practice of Moses. We read of his having a “tent of meeting” to meet with God. (Exodus
33:7) The Tabernacle was most often called The Tent of Meeting. The intent of our
prayer focus is not how to persuade God to give us what we want, a much emphasized
focus today, but on worshiping God Who listens to us and gives generously to us.
Knowing about the Tabernacle can “deepen my calling to worship God.” Notice these
Biblical realities. The tabernacle was God’s idea. It was God who instructed Moses to
build a Tabernacle. Moses was given very detailed instructions on the materials,
observances, placement and purpose of the Tabernacle. When king David and Solomon
chose to build a very elaborate structure of worship in honor of God, the plan was the
same as the Tabernacle. Nothing changed except the size, materials of construction and
its permanent nature. It was still the central place of worship to which all the adult men
were required to come several time a year. An even more amazing fact is that in the book
of Hebrews we are told that the Tabernacle/Temple was a copy of the worship in heaven.
I find that very moving that when I pray, worship, as the Tabernacle/Temple illustrates I
am worshiping just as God is being worshiped in heaven. We also find that according to
Revelations the final state of our eternal presence with God will be the only time when
the Tabernacle/Temple will no longer be used. But until the New Jerusalem comes down
from heaven we are to worship in a prayerful atmosphere.
With all that said I find it only logical and convicting to worship God routinely using
the pattern of the Tabernacle. When we do we will participate in the following worship
experiences. As we mentally walk through the gates and into the courts just inside the
gate we are to give thanks and praise. I have found that many Christians spend no time in
their prayer moments thanking and praising God. This pattern leads into thanking God for
His kindness and generosity to us daily. It also invites us to give praise to the Creator of
the universe and provider of our salvation. Why would we pray and omit this? We then
move to the next element of worship that is a most necessary, but for many most resisted
or overlooked, part of worship. It is the alter of sacrifice. We no longer need to bring an
offering for sin, Jesus took care of that once and for all. Paul calls us to offer ourselves as
a “living sacrifice to God.” (Romans 12:1) Here is the place for us to daily remind
ourselves and reaffirm our submission to God. How dare we demand of God things and
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18. divine power in our lives without being in submission to Him? Note this is still in the
outer court. One more act of worship in the outer court is the laver for ceremonial
cleansing. Before the priests could go into the priestly court they would symbolically
wash their hands indicating their being cleansed by God. Here is our place of confession.
No general and superficial religious rites, instead a broken heart of humility
acknowledging our sin before God. If you get to this point and cannot think of any sins to
confess then open your Bible and start reading. It shouldn’t take long to identify our
shortcomings, that is our “missing the mark.”
It is here that we get to do what only the priests could do. As Peter tells us we are
God’s “holy priesthood.” That gives us the privilege of entering the court of the priest.
Here there will be three elements of our continued worship. Since the priestly court has
no windows it must be lighted. A candle stand with several candles on it provides light to
see. This is where we are invited to thank God for His enlightenment to us. We are
enlightened by both the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Thank God for each! Also ask for
continued and greater enlightenment. Don’t be satisfied with your present enlightenment
to God, our sinful way and God’s leading in our lives. We must continue to grow in being
a disciple of Christ and that requires spiritual enlightenment. Open yourself to it.
Opposite the candle stand is the table of shewbread. It was always kept with several
loaves of bread that were exchanged weekly. It is a reminder of “the God who provides,”
a name Abraham gave God when a ram was provided in place of his sacrificing of Isaac.
Here again we thank God for His abundant gifts to us. Name them as the old hymn says,
“one by one.” Recount the goodness of God to you His child. But also ask God for your
needs or petitions. Here is where we pour out our hearts of need before God. Here is
where many praying Christians start. Stop and take note that this doesn’t happen until we
give thanks and praise, submit ourselves as God’s servants, accept cleansing for our sins,
and gratefully give thanks for and ask for divine enlightenment. Why do we assume God
is only interested in our needs and cries on behalf of self and others? Could it be because
of our blindness?
Our last place in this flow of worship and prayer is the alter of incense. Here is where
we finally offer our prayers of intercession to God. Until we have walked through the
preceding elements of worship we cannot seek God with a conditioned heart. If we just
jump into petitions and intercessions we are not prepared by the Spirit to humbly share
with God our needs and the concerns for those around us. Too often we will only relive
the Corinthian story of being “worldly” and “mere men.” Prayer is not for “mere men.” It
is a place for the spiritual to meet with God. We may not have a tent or temple but we can
set a place and time where we can enter the temple in heaven and be with God. Treasure
it! Recognize your privilege! Rejoice in the awesome opportunity of experiencing God’s
presence in our worship and prayer time daily.
Along with the study guide on prayer is a drawing of the Tabernacle. It is given as a
visual help in praying. You the leader disciple need to do more than talk about prayer.
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19. You must model it. You and your spiritual child can get on your knees together and you
can invite him or her to join with you in prayer. Walk through each step of worship in the
Tabernacle. Let him or her hear you praying. Then invite the learning disciple to
participate by praying too. I have used this pattern for many years. I have yet to grow
tired or bored with following the Tabernacle experience of meeting with God. Make this
discipline a foundation piece in your life and the life of your learning disciple.
And yes I asked you to pray on your knees. There are times to stand, sit and bow the
head. I can assure you that being on your knees will greatly increase the experience of
praying. We are to humble and submit ourselves before God. To kneel is not only a sign
of humility but makes you more fully aware of surrendering to God. Allow this position
in prayer to deepen your genuine submission to Christ.
One final thought on prayer. If you can pray while driving on your way to work or
another appointment, you will be the exception. What is usually the case is that praying at
such times is fragmented and distracted by our surroundings. How can you concentrate
and humble yourself before God as you fight traffic and look as the sights along the way?
I believe God deserves more than that. The fact that we set apart a time and discipline
ourselves to observe it is a mark of our sincerity and devotion to God. Don’t let such a
privilege and honor become common and ordinary. Keep your time with God special,
sincere and sacrificial. It is an expression of our reverence to God. Remember the moving
words of king David, “ I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost
me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24) NIV Your early rising to pray, time cut out of your busy
day, later hours of the night are all sacrifices offered to God. They must not be cheap
gifts!
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20. The Joy to be Received
Our time of evaluation and consideration concludes with an honest look at what joys
are in store for Jesus’ disciples. What are the joys missed by the nominal and non-serious
believers in Christ? This will be a simple walk through the Scriptures where these are
pointed out to us. So discuss with your learning disciple these verses and challenge them
to consider the sacrifice and the blessing.
Mark 10:28-30
Multiplied earthly blessings
The familiar story of the Rich Young Ruler is told in three of the four Gospels. Most
often our focus is on Jesus’ words, “Go, sell everything your have and give to the
poor…” Evidently he not only needed to sell all his possessions but the proceeds were to
be given away as well. Only then was he to “…come, follow me.” Mark 10:21 But notice
an overlooked phrase sandwiched in between these two phrases. “…and you will have
treasure in heaven.” The invited sacrifice would provide “treasures in heaven.” The
disciples must have looked at each others confused. Peter, as so often he does, speaks out
what all must have been thinking. “We have left everything to follow you.” Matthew
gives us more of Peter’s question. “What then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27
NIV)
Jesus responds in verse 30, “…will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this
present age…” Whether Jesus was being literal or figurative with the “hundred times”
you can decide. I want you to focus on “…in this present age…” It is clear that God’s
gifts to us in response to our sacrifices and service is not just a heavenly gift. We are
promised that a multiplied of blessings will fall on us because we have left everything to
follow Jesus. I have experienced them in my walk as a disciple.
Matthew 14:25-29
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21. A walk on water
In Matthew 14 we find one of the amazing stories preserved for us. Jesus had sent the
disciples to row their boat back across the Sea of Galilee while He stayed behind and
spent most of the night in prayer. In the wee pre-dawn hours He comes near enough to
them that they see Him. Peter makes a bold request. He asked to be allowed to join Him
walking on the water. Jesus gives him permission and out of the boat Peter bounces and
starts for Jesus while walking on the water. Let’s stop right there. Peter is often criticized
for sinking but he did leave the other eleven in the boat and become the only human in
history to walk of liquefied water. All for one reason, he asked Jesus and Jesus said yes.
As a disciple of Christ there will be times that you ask God for a special permission to
do or experience something. Though it isn’t the norm sometimes God grants us
permission and we get to experience a miracle from God. This is not what we follow
Jesus to get. It is a special gift from God that we get to experience because we are a
disciple of Christ.
John 15:7
A special prayer response
It was the night of the final Passover Jesus had with His disciples. So much needed to
be said and so much they needed to receive. As Jesus gives a lengthy lecture He reminds
them of the privilege they share as His disciples. John 15:7 gives us an amazing
invitation. First the condition, “…if you remain in me and my words remain in you…”
We are not invited to request all our fleshly and human desires. We are told that we must
be in harmony and dependence upon Christ as well as obedient to the words of Christ.
Then we can “…ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.” (NIV)
Some see this as our spiritual blank check. That is “worldly” and “mere men”
thinking. It to overlook the conditions mentioned first. We can ask because we are in
harmony with Christ and seek the advance of His kingdom. Only Jesus’ disciple are
invited to ask and be confident that their request will be granted.
Luke 8:9-10
The secrets in God’s Word
I do not have the wisdom and insight to explain all the aspects of Luke 8:9-10. But, I
do understand the amazing privilege given to Christ disciples that are not given to others.
Only those devoted to following Christ are given “The knowledge of the secrets of the
kingdom of God…” It is the special privilege of Christ’s disciples to receive the spiritual
insights and understandings not divinely given to others. We do not become great people
of unimaginable intellect and wisdom. We instead become those that are given sight to
see the spiritual realities and truths to which others are blinded. They come only as we
follow Jesus.
Acts 4:8-13
Being identified with Jesus
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22. In Acts 4 Peter and John are brought before the religious and civil leaders. The leaders
are almost in a rage because the disciples continue to preach Jesus as the Messiah and the
Giver of salvation. In addition they perform many miracles that encourage the people to
believe them. So after being arrested Peter and John are brought before the powerful
assembly. As they question and threaten them the assembly makes an important
observation. First they noticed the “courage” these two men had in the face of such
powerful people. Others would be intimidated and scared. Not Peter and John. They
faced the questions and threats with unflinching calm and unshakeable confidence.
The second observation was that they were “unschooled, ordinary men.” The Greek word
literally means idiots. They were dummies with no position or clout in society. Yet they
stood with confidence and unashamed or intimidated stature. It was then that the
assemble made the most important observation, “that these men had been with Jesus.”
There is the secret. They were dummies with no training or power by position. They were
bold and unafraid. They spoke and acted with spiritual authority for one reason, they had
been trained by Jesus, the one the leaders had crucified. That same boldness and authority
is promise to each disciple of Christ. Educated or not, given position or recognition or not
you can have the confidence and boldness to represent Christ just like the first disciples.
Hebrews 12:1-3
God’s eternal hope
In Hebrews 12 the faithful are being encouraged to stand true to the faith. The times
were demanding and even hostile to believers. Evidently many were abandoning the faith
for an easier road. But the believers are challenged to not turn away. We have a
grandstand in heaven where saints from the past are cheering us on. We have the example
of Jesus who suffered more than we ever will and who stayed the course. We have a
place in God’s heavenly kingdom for which we must hold tenaciously. Our eternal hope
should call us and empower us to bear the trials and sufferings of the present life.
Disciples have an eternal view and not just an earthly perspective.
I add the verses from chapter 6 because of a quest shared by Leonard Sweet in an
evangelism conference many years ago. He told of his studying this passage and being
surprised by an anchor being cast forward and pulling the boat. He had never heard of
such and most just overlook the idea as just an illustration. He continued to ask but
nothing was discovered. Not until he was asked to speak in the northeastern states in an
historic fishing area. He took the opportunity to ask some of the old fishermen and one
told him the answer. When a boat was caught in a storm, and without modern motors to
propel it, it was in danger of being blown against the shoreline. Up north it was rocky and
destructive to the ship. To keep the ship from being blown into destruction an anchor was
attached to a special cannon on the front of the boat and blasted forward. As it sank and
caught the bottom the ship could then be pulled forward away from danger.
Get the picture? Our spiritual anchor is caught in heaven, our eternal future. As we are
sometimes blown by heartaches, troubles and difficulties we are to pull on the rope
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23. pulling ourselves further from danger and closer to our promised eternal reward. Hold on
to your rope.
Luke 6:27-35
A great reward
In Luke 6 Jesus is teaching His disciple about not giving and helping just those who
can repay you. The first verses challenge us to show generosity and kindness to those
who are unable to return our favor. The second paragraph talks about our gaining credits
with our Heavenly Father. “What credit it that to you?” is a repetitious question
confronting our self focused living. The real unveiling comes in verse 35. “Then your
reward will be great…” Not just a reward but, a “great reward.” God wants to encourage
us to be givers of self for His kingdom’s sake. Our world molds us to be protectors of
self. The pathway to “great rewards” is to follow Christ in giving yourself away. Only
Christ’s disciples are given this promise of “great rewards.”
Revelations 21:1-4
To live with God
This world will one day be destroyed and a new heaven and earth, interestingly
enough, will be created. A new Jerusalem will come down from heaven to the new earth,
if I understand the text properly. Then that for which we have given ourselves to Christ
will be realized. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.”
(Revelation 21:3 NIV) We and God living “face to face” as an old hymn proclaims. And
then a powerful description of what that life will be like. “He will wipe away every
tear…” “…no more death or mourning…”… no more “crying or pain…” Never again
will the impact of sin be felt. We are finally at home with God and that for all eternity.
Perhaps the greatest joy of being Christ’s disciple is the promise to live with God. It is
more than we can grasp. Yet it is true. If all the other joys, blessings and rewards are not
enough we get to be with Christ just like the first disciples did. We will talk and perhaps
get to relive the Sermon on the Mount. Maybe we will get to walk on water like Peter.
Imagine not being confined to our human bodies and limited minds.
Yes, there are many joys given to Christ’s disciple. But, they do not come easy or
cheaply. Whether sacrifices, trials, sufferings, things to be denied, relationships from
which we must be drawn or a multitude of the difficulties that come with a deep devotion
to follow Christ while here on earth, all are required to “come follow me.”
Now we are prepared to make a well informed and evaluated decision. I invite you to
join me and millions of others in walking with Christ with our anchor firmly attached in
our heavenly dwelling. Now the journey can begin.
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