1 From Membership to Discipleship
Tonight s Session Review of Membership to Discipleship Intro. Four Stages of Discipleship Development The Human Problem Session Two God s Provision Session Three The Nature of Salvation Session Four Welcome To God s Family Session Five
Taking Jesus Seriously Part 1 Washington, 2011 Challenges us to not conduct business as usual, but begin to look at and examine ourselves to see if we are serious about Jesus and also taking Jesus seriously.
Membership to Discipleship Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Four Stages of Spiritual Development 5 Membership Follow Me Follower A call to pay close attention. Jesus is our guide and we must follow His words, His wisdom and His works. The basic tenant of discipleship is that one has to learn how to follow. Fellowship Fisher s of Men Discipleship
Membership: Name of the Roll Membership speaks to a secular nature of our culture. Membership is only a condition of belonging. Membership has to do with privileges. Membership is rooted in entitlement.
Membership: Name on the Roll Come to church to be served, not to serve. See giving as paying dues which entitle you to have privileges, similar to being in a club. Come to church when it s convenient. Learn as little as possible Get involved when it suits you. The church becomes a pit stop. Concerned with how much did that cost. Motto: What can the church do for me
Difference in Member to Believer Change in our Members: Spirit of God moves into our spirit, He produces changes in the way our body acts. Challenge to our Members: We are not obligated to live after the flesh any longer. Caution to our Members: We must be aware that living substandard to Christ brings with it death.
The Anatomy of a Follower Motto What can I do for the Lord? Concerned with the Cross of Calvary. Falls in love with the Trinity, the Word of God and the family of God. Understands a need for training, sees Jesus as the Master Teacher, and views the Bible as their training manual. Engages in a long term commitment and relationship with the church. Serves God and in the larger community. Recognizes he has gifts, talents and abilities and does not allow others to get in the way of working for the Lord or serving in the Body of Christ.
Membership Stage: Definition Upon receiving salvation, the person becomes a child of God, a member of the Body of Christ, and joins a local church where a body of believers meet for teaching, caring, fellowship, prayer, sharing, communion and serving.
Session One: New Member Orientation Objective: To complete New Members Orientation and be Read-In as a full Member. Preliminary Questions Are you a born again believer? Are you a member of the church? Have you registered for the New Members Orientation Class? Instruction Attend New Members Orientation Classes, Be Read-In service and receive the Right Hand of Fellowship. Receive Class Leader Information Evaluation Completion of Classes Success Factor Questions Stay Connected
Human Problem Session Two
Session Two: Understanding the Human Problem Objective: To understand sin as the human problem. Preliminary Questions: Have you completed New Members Orientation? Have you acknowledge that you are a sinner? Have you confessed your sins to God? Have you received God s forgiveness?
Sin- Biblical Perspective We live in a culture where the concept of sin is entangled in legalistic arguments over right and wrong. When many of consider What is sin we think of violation of the Ten Commandments We tend to think of murder and homosexuality as major sins when compared to adultery, lying, cursing or idolatry.
Sin- Biblical Perspective The original translation of the Bible, sin means to miss the mark. The mark, in this case is the standard of perfection established by God. Romans 3:23; Roman s 3:10
We Are All Sinners Sin, viewed in the light of God s standards, it is clear we re all sinners Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV) Sin is not something most people/the church talk about but its something we all do. The Bible teaches us that everyone sins and that every sin earns us the penalty of death. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We Deserve Death and Hell All people are born sinners Psalm 51:5 We are all unrighteous people Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who sees after God. They are all turned aside; They are together become unprofitable; There is none that does good, no, not one.
We Cannot Save Ourselves Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God s handiwork; created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do We cannot save ourselves by works, and we cannot please God through any amount of good deeds. We rely upon Jesus work on the cross, the faith that He has given us, and the spirit of repentance to be saved and reconciled to God.
Deliverance from Sin Rom. 8:1-2 Promise: We are saved from the wrath of God. No longer are we lost living under condemnation. Place: In Christ, Jesus makes all the difference. You can be in the church and die lost. Proof: We face no condemnation only so long as we are walking in the Spirit not the flesh. Weakness of the Law: when a person is sick they will try any remedy they think will work to make themselves better. Work of the Lord: Work of the Lord releases a new life, glorious life.
God s Grace
By Grace You Have Been Saved Without faith, there is no salvation Rom. 10:14-17 Although faith is necessary for salvation, it is not our spiritual inclination to respond in faith. We cannot contribute anything to our salvation. Repentance is the first sign of this newly given faith. Faith comes after repentance. Faith is something God gives us due to the new life that He make alive within us.
G R A C E G = GOD S R = REDEMPTION A = AT C = CHRIST E = EXPENSE
Repentance
A Call to Repentance Once we recognize ourselves as sinners we need only to repent and embrace Jesus to be forgiven. 1 Chronicles. 7:14 Apostle Paul refers to this process of recognizing sin and being responsible for it as godly sorrow. (2 Cor 7:10-11) Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves not regret, but worldly sorrow bring death. See what is godly sorry has produced in you; what earnestness, and eagerness to clear yourself, what indignation; what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourself to be innocent in this manner. Repentance is more than remorse.
Salvation through Jesus
Session Three: God s Provision Objective: To understand that Jesus Christ is God s provision for the human problem. Preliminary Questions Have you completed Sessions One and Two? Do you understand the human problem? 26
God s Provision God s provision is Christ. His blood was shed on Calvary, so our sins could be forgiven by God. For without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Heb 9:22 ; 1 Pet 1:18-19) Jesus said to him I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14: 6) God is holy and just and must punish sin, yet He loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin.
Jesus Is God and Became Human Incarnation was the act of the pre-existent Son of God voluntarily assuming a human body and human nature. Without ceasing to be God, He became a human being. Jesus never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Phil. 2:5-8. This truth about Jesus, is the foundation of all truth. If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to Him.
Jesus Died on the Cross Jesus said Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:24) He came to give His life to die and His death would result in the salvation of others. Jesus warned his disciples that He would suffer and die they did not seem to believe it. Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer man things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. Never Lord! He said this shall never happen to you. (Matthew 16:21-22)
Significance of the Resurrection Jesus would have the glory that He had with the Father and the Son of God. (Romans 1:4) The resurrection declared who Jesus had been all along. The resurrection proves that God will judge the world through Christ. (Acts 17:31) The resurrection means life for us. (Romans 5:10) Our salvation depends not just on Jesus death, but also His resurrection. (1 Peter 3:21-22) God has made us alive with Christ, raised up with Christ. (Ephesians 2:5-6) By faith in Christ we are spiritually united to Him. Our sins are given to Him and paid for by Him, His righteousness and life are given to us, We join Him in His resurrection
Ascension & At The Right Hand Jesus did not just go to heaven, He was exalted to the right hand of God. (Acts 2:33) Being at the right hand is a figure of speech meaning in highest authority. Jesus was exalted to the highest place in the Universe, second only to God Himself. (Philippians 2:9; 1Corinthians 15:29) Jesus is exalted about the heavens, rules all things. (Hebrews 1:2; 7:24-26) The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the center of the Christian faith. Because Christ rose from the dead, as He promised, we know that what He said is true and that He is God. The resurrection confirms Jesus authority to say I am the Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:25) Because He rose, we have certainty that our sins are forgiven when we confess and repent.
Session Four: Understanding the Nature of Salvation Salvation has a number of broad meanings depending on doctrinal, experimental or denominational interpretation. There is more to salvation than dying and going to heaven. Pastor Washington describes salvation as the process by which we are delivered from all that would prevent us from obtaining our highest goal that God has prepared for us. Salvation is the work of God whereby He delivers His people from bondage of all evil powers. Salvation is deliverance from darkness into life, light, love, heath, wholeness, safety, peace and joy. Salvation is adoption into the family of God. (Roman 8:12-25; Ephesians 1:5
The Condition of Salvation And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is The Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:30-31) But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on His name. (John 1:12) Believe in your heart you are a sinner, confess with your mouth that God raised Jesus from the dead. (John 1:12)
Salvation is a process The church has taught Christians the narrow way of looking at salvation in the past tense, as in are you saved. Salvation is an on going, daily process, a life time journey. The work of salvation has been accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the process of salvation must be completed in us by faith, steadfastness and obedience. Therefore, my dear friends as you have always obeyed, not only my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12) Jesus not only saved us from past sin, but from present and future sin..
New Life in Christ Christianity is not just a religion. Christian experience a deep personal relationship with the Creator God. Only God of the bible reaches out to the people He loves. The new life you live is no longer us living it, it is Christ living through you. The word salvation implies wholeness and fulfillment. It is a process taking place inside of persons who have accepted the Lord that is leading them to that wholeness, fulfillment and completion.
God s Family
Session Five: Welcome to God s Family Objective: To understand your new spiritual family. You have a new Family, we are the sons and daughters of God. Rom 8:14 You have a new Father, Rom. 8:15 you have been adopted into the family. You have a new Freedom. Rom. 8:14-15 Preliminary Question: Have you completed Sessions One through Four?
Welcome to God s Family The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God s children. ( Romans 8:16) You entered God s family by a Spirit birth. Jesus taught, Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at My saying, You must be born again. (John 3:6-7) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:16-17)
Welcome to God s Family When a person becomes a Christian, he or she gains all the privileges and responsibilities of a child in God s family. One of these outstanding privileges is being led by the Spirit. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the Spirit of adoption by when we cry out, Abba Father. (Romans 8:14-15) God s word is essential for spiritual growth just as food is for physical growth. The church is as essential to spiritual growth as the home is to a baby s growth.
Bible Study Methods
Session Six: Bible Study Methods Objectives: To teach effective methods of studying God s Word. To introduce tools for Bible Study. Preliminary Questions: Have you completed Session Five? Do you attend Bible Study? Do you have a regular personal devotional time?
Bible Study Methods Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) Through careful reading of the Bible, we come to understand that God s plan is for man to be in a trusting, loving and dependent relationship with Him. As Christians, it is important to study the Word of God, to become familiar with it, for within it we will not only find God s requirements of us, but also His purpose for us and His promises to us. Some of the objectives of the Bible student should be a great hunger for righteousness, a desire to do God s will and a sincere longing to walk in God s ways. The Bible teaches, Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. God will reveal the real meaning, the divine revelation of His Word only to those whose will is set upon doing it. (James 1:22-25)
Doing God s Word That you may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10) We must approach God s Word with the same objective God had in mind, that they should be done. In any pursuit of knowledge, the student is expected to put the lessons he receives into practice. Only then is he prepared for further teaching. Bible study has great value for a life of true holiness or Christ likeness when the student makes God s purposes his very own and listens when He say, Do all that I speak. When you ask God to lead you into the treasures of His Words and help you understand His Word, do it as one who presents himself as a living sacrifice, ready to do whatever God says. The first requirement for Bible study is a hunger to find out what God wants you to do and the desire and determination to do it.
Becoming A Doer of the Word But be a doer of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror, for the observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. (James 1:22-24) It is serious deception in the body of Christ to delight in hearing the Word and yet not do it. One cause for deception is that people often mistake hearing the Word for religion worship. A second cause of deception is the false teaching that we are just human and are unable to do good. A third cause of deception centers around our private Bible reading regarding it as a duty. To overcome this deception we must approach the Bible studying reading with the desire to know God and yearning to learn how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Develop inward disciples of meditation, prayer, fasting and studying.
Devotional Reading According to E.M. Bounds, The men who have most fully illustrated Christ in their characters and have most powerfully affected the world for Him have been men who spend so much time with God as to make it a notable feature in their lives To be little with God is to be little for God. E.M. Bounds Devotional Devotional time is a daily, unhurried time of Bible reading and prayer. Devotional time is the heart of your fellowship with God, where you get alone with him, away from the noise and distractions of the day. Devotional time is your opportunity to open the communication lines between Him and you.
Five Principles of Bible Study (Rick Warren,1994) Knowing how to ask the right kinds of questions. Writing down what you have observed and discovered in the text. Applying the Word, not just interpreting. Studying systematically. You will never exhaust the riches in any one passage of Scripture.
Bible Study Methods Chapter Summary Method- understanding the contents of a chapter, asking a series of content questions, and summarizing the central thoughts of the passage. Character Method-Finding what the Bible says about a particular characteristic of a person, with heavy emphasis on personal application. Topical Method- Selecting a biblical subject and tracing it through a single book, Old or New Testament, or the entire Bible.
Bible Study Methods Word Study Method-Taking a microscopic look at the origin, definition, occurrences, and uses of a particular word, especially as it relates to the context of a passage of Scripture. Book Background Method-Gaining a better understanding of the Biblical message by researching the background related to the passage, person, event, or topic being studied. Book Survey Method-Gaining a sweeping overview of an entire book of the Bible. Chapter Analysis Method-Gaining a thorough understanding of the material of a chapter of a book by looking carefully at each paragraph, sentence, and word in an intensely detailed and systematic manner.
Session Seven: Growing In Your Relationship with Jesus Christ Objective: To experience a deeper relationship with God and grow in your ability to trust Him. Preliminary Questions Have you completed Session Six? Do you have the desire to have a deeper relationship with God?
Growing In Your Relationship with Jesus G Go to God in prayer daily (Colossians 4:2) R Read and study the Bible daily (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15) O Obey God (John 14:21) W Witness by your life and works (Matthew 5:13-16) T Trust God for every detail of your life (1 Peter 5:7) H Holy Spirit: Controls and empowers your life. (Acts 1:8)
Power For Living The Christian Life Objective: Seeing life from God s perspective and living in a way that pleases Him. Preliminary Questions: Did you complete Session Seven? Do you know the works of the Holy Spirit?
The Works and Personality of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the power source for the living a Christian life. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper, that He may be with you forever that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17) The Spirit of truth (John 16:13) The Advocate (1 John 2:1) The Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30)
The Works of the Holy Spirit He came to dwell in you (Romans 8:9;1 Corinthians 3:16) He came to convict the world of sin and justice (John 16:8; He came to teach the truth (John 16: 13-14) He confirms your relationship with God (Romans 8:14-17) He is the source of Christ-like qualities in your life (Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:4-5) You can be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
Session Nine: Understanding The Call of God Objective: How to identify the call of God. Preliminary Questions: Have you established devotional and prayer time with God? Have you established Bible Study? Have you completed Sessions One through Eight?
Understanding The Call of God The More time one spends in prayer and in the practice of spiritual disciplines, the easier it is to hear and discern the voice of God. God s voice could come as an audible inner voice, or as spontaneous thoughts, visions, feelings, or impressions as He speaks to your spirit. He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27)
The Inward The inward call will begin the process of preparing you for the ministry God has equipped you to undertake. (Jeremiah 1:5) The inward call happens when you begin to sense that a higher level of commitment and a surrendered life are required for the awesome task of being called by God. Benefits include the knowledge that your work in God s ministry can save many souls and bring people into the knowledge of Christ and the advancement of the Kingdom. Answering the call is edifying and healing to the Body of Christ. The benefits of heeding the call will give wisdom about our finances to move from a position of lack to a position of abundance. Our communities will be made whole, reduce crime, poverty will be dealt with, and the needs of the people will be met.
The Outward Journey The outward journey manifests as the utilization of gifts for ministry that will be identified as you grow in ministry to fullfledged discipleship. The outward journey is symbolized by moving into the work of ministry that you are called to in the inward journey of the call. The outward journey provides measureable standard to be adhered to as you move in obedience to what God has called you to do.
Identification Of Spiritual Gifts Spiritual gifts are essential to facilitating your work in ministry. (Romans 12:3-8;1Corinthians 12:7) Spiritual gifts are given to all believers by the Spirit of God to benefit others and not ourselves. (1 Peter 4:10) The mere presence of spiritual gifts, does not guarantee fruitfulness and faithfulness.
Session Ten: Worship Experience Objective: To learn more about worshipping God. Preliminary Questions: Have you completed Sessions One through Nine? Do you sense a level of growth in your relationship with God?
Worship Experience Worship is the praise, adoration and reverence of God both in public and private. (Genesis 18:2) To worship means to prostrate oneself, to bow down, to reverence. (Exodus 34:8) Worship is to celebrate the worthiness, the majesty, and the Presence of God. Worship means to adore reverently, to love deeply, to regard with respect, and with great awe and devotion. (Matthew 4:10) Worship is the response of the people to God s unconditional love. Worship is an expression of gratitude for the gift of Salvation. Corporate worship experience occurs when our human spirits are touched by the Holy Spirit.
Attributes of Worship Worship is a lifestyle that is grounded in holy, obedient living that is based on the Word of God. Worship is a manner of living that all us to present ourselves, as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable unto God so that we can experience His transformative work in our lives. (Romans 12:12) Worship prepares one to come into the very presence of God Worship helps to change our thinking, our way of relating to others and God by moving us into the realm of sanctification.