A CityLights Church Manual Discipleship Guide FIRST EDITION CityLights Church 2012
Discipleship Guide FIRST EDITION CityLights Church 2012 Table of Contents Introduction to the Discipleship Guide... 2 Core Values... 2 Discipleship Guide... 3 Phase 1: Connect... 3 Doctrine Notes... 3 FAQ: Connect... 3 Scripture: Connect... 4 Phase 2: Community... 5 Doctrine Notes... 5 FAQ: Community... 5 Scripture: Community... 5 Phase 3: Commit... 6 Doctrine Notes... 6 FAQ: Commit... 7 Scripture: Commit... 8 Phase 4: Contribute... 9 Doctrine Notes... 9 FAQ: Contribute... 10 Scripture: Contribute... 10 Phase 5: Commission... 11 Doctrine Notes... 11 FAQ: Commission... 11 Scripture: Commission... 11 Discipleship Grid... 13 1
Introduction to the Discipleship Guide CityLights Discipleship Guide is meant to empower the leader with great resources such as articles, FAQ s, video clips, sermons, and much more. These resources are meant to give the leader a better understanding of each topic so that it can be properly explained for the disciple. Keeping in mind that this is a guide, not a step by step classroom plan, this guide consists of our five core values: Connect, Community, Commit, Contribute, and Commission. These five values are the main description of a disciple s life. In order for a believer to be successful within their walk, they must be able to implement these values within their lives daily this is where you come in. You are one of the main ingredients to this guide, CityLights believes in organic one on one disciple; we want your individuality and personality within the mix. All we ask is that you reflect the following steps: I. Phase One: Focus on Connect II. Phase Two: Focus on Community III. Phase Three: Focus on Commit IV. Phase Four: Focus on Contribute V. Phase Five: Focus on Commission If you feel as if your disciple is lacking in a certain topic, it is recommended that you spend an additional two to four weeks on that specific topic to assure that he/she has a full grasp on it. As the discipler you are expected to have a relationship with your disciple; as a result we require that you speak with your disciple on the phone at least once a week and meet with your disciple outside of a church event (i.e. Sunday service, community group) at least once a month. Although we highly recommend you speak and see your disciple more often, these are simply the bare minimum expectations. Remember, discipleship is a huge honor! Have fun and never take it for granted. Always be ready to pour life into your disciple and keep in mind, you teach what you know, but you impart who you are. CITYLIGHTS CHURCH MISSION: Making disciples that touch their world with the love of Jesus Core Values (how we achieve our mission; the how and the why we do what we do) Connect - We exist that we might introduce Jesus to people, bringing them to Jesus, lifting up the name of Jesus so that He may draw all men to Himself (John 1:35-42; Acts 1:8-11). Community - As our Triune God exists in perfect unity in the Godhead, we exist that we may live in community with fellow disciples, in order that we may follow the biblical example of living life together, being a community, caring for one another, worshipping together corporately, being accountable to one another, and discovering and applying biblical truth together (John 17:2-24; Acts 2:42). Commit - We exist that we might ensure every follower of Jesus is committed to following Him, to live lives of faith and obedience to Him, to grow in Christ-like character, knowledge, and holiness, to grow in our worship of Him, to love him fully with our heart, mind, soul, and strength, living lives of prayer and obedience (Luke 5:27-28; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Luke 9:23; Luke 10:27). Contribute - We exist that we might encourage every follower of Jesus to see that the Holy Spirit has called us into the body of believers and has graciously gifted us to serve one other, to love others, and to contribute what God has already gifted us with: our time, talent, and treasures (John 12:26; Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:3-8). Commissioned - We exist to equip every follower of Jesus, having been commissioned by Him and empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue making disciples (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:12-13). 2
Discipleship Grid QUALITIES OF A DISCIPLE Knowledge: What do we want people to know? Character: How do we want people to live? Disciple Characteristics Connect Prayer; salvation; the Bible; Jesus; identity in Christ; repentance; importance and how to have a quiet time with God; the what and why of discipleship Daily prayer life; reading the Bible daily, weekly church attendance Devoted to the Word of God; life of prayer; spiritually disciplined Community Church (baptism and Lord's Supper); why community is important; accountability; unity in the church; membership Get baptized; weekly attendance at CG; go to doctrine class; become a member; if applicable, Marriage on the Rock Love for God's people Commit Sin/Holiness; Worship; Repentance; Surrender Fleeing sinful habits; 24/7 worshiper; putting off self and putting on Christ; developing a Christian worldview Holy living; Passion for God; Life of repentance Contribute Serving; giving of time, talent, and treasure; Spiritual gifts; stewardship (home life, work life, school life, ministry life); the "one another s" in the Bible Serving in a ministry; faithful giver; serving the body with spiritual gifts; stewardship effectively, God-centered balance Faithful giving; equipped to, God-centered family life Commission How to preach the Gospel; how to defend the faith; what is the Great Commission; How to make a disciple Building purposeful relationships with the goal of reaching the lost and discipling other believers; being able to defend the faith Love for the Lost; witness of the Gospel 3
Discipleship Guide Outline Phase 1: CONNECT Topics to cover: Prayer, salvation, the Bible, Jesus, identity in Christ, repentance, how to have a quiet time with God and the importance of having one, and covering questions on why we choose discipleship. Disciple is expected to: Have a daily prayer life; read the Bible daily, weekly church attendance. Doctrine Notes From Week 1: Trinity 1. Jesus the Son is fully God. (John 1:1-4; 20:28; Hebrews 1:3; 1:8; 1:10; Titus2:13; Peter 1:1; Romans 9:5; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 40:3; Colossians 2:9) From Week 2: Revelation (The Bible) 1. God speaks to us through Jesus. (Hebrews 1:1) 2. Jesus is the "Word of God." (John 1:1) 3. God communicates to us through the Bible. (Exodus 31:18; 32:16; 34:1; 28; Joshua 24:26; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 30:2; 2 Timothy 3:16) 4. The Bible has authority, truthful, clear, without error, sufficient and necessary for the believer From Week 3: Creation 1. Our identity is God 2. As a believer, you are a child of God (John 1:12) 3. You are loved by God (Romans 8:35-39) 4. You are chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4) 5. You are forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14) 6. You are justified (Romans 5:1) From Week 4: The Person of Christ 1. Christ was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18; Matthew 1:20) 2. Christ was fully human with physical limitations, a human mind and human soul and emotions (John 4:6; Luke 2:52; John 12:27; John 13:21) 3. Christ was without sin (Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; John 8:46) 4. Christ was fully God (John 8:57-58; Revelation 22:13; John 1:1; Daniel 7:13-14) From Week 5: Atonement 1. Christ s perfect life earns our righteousness. (Philippians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 5:19) 2. Christ s suffering on the cross earned our forgiveness. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 3. On the cross, Christ took the wrath of God upon himself substituting himself in our place (Romans 3:25) From Week 7: The Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit reveals God s inspired word to the writers of the Bible which God uses to communicate with us. (2 Peter 2:21; John 16:13) 2. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God (Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:6) FAQ: Connect Why pray? What is the point of prayer when God knows the future and is already in control of everything. If we cannot change God's mind, why should we pray? http://www.gotquestions.org/why-pray.html What is the power of prayer? http://www.gotquestions.org/power-of-prayer.html Why is daily prayer important? 4
http://www.gotquestions.org/daily-prayer.html What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? http://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html How should we live our lives in light of our identity in Christ? http://www.gotquestions.org/identity-in-christ.html Who is Jesus Christ? http://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-jesus.html Scripture (NIV 1984) 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Romans 5:10 For if, when we were God s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham s seed, and heirs according to the promise. John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ezekiel 11:19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Romans 6:5-6 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord... 5
Phase 2: COMMUNITY Topics to cover: Church (baptism and Lord's Supper); why community is important; accountability; unity in the church; membership Disciple is expected to: Get baptized; have weekly attendance at Community Group; go to doctrine class; become a member; if applicable-marriage on the Rock. Doctrine Notes: From Week 1: Trinity 1. The 3 different persons of the Trinity are in agreement and purpose of what they think, and they are one in essence, one in their essential nature. There are three distinct persons and one being. 2. The Trinity shows us that God has unity and diversity/equality and difference. 3. Community has always existed before humans were created. As Christians, when we live out in community we are resemble God's community within the three persons of the Trinity. 4. Are you living a Trinitarian life? Trinitarian life is HOLY, LOVING, TRUTHFUL, SUBMISSIVE, POWERFUL, and HAPPY because there is NO SIN! From Week 3: Creation 1. Because we are made in the image of God, we can have interpersonal harmony with other believers. From Week 7: The Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit unifie (Acts 2:44-47) 2. The Holy Spirit unifies in fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1-2) From Week 8: The Church 1. The church is like a family (1 Timothy 5:1-2; Ephesians 3:14; Matthew 12:49-50) 2. The church is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:32) 3. The church is like branches on a vine (John 15:5) 4. The church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) 5. Jesus goal for the church is that it be unified (John 10:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:4-6) From Week 10: Baptism & Lord s Supper 1. The Lord s Supper unifies believers (1 Corinthians 10:17) FAQ: Community What does the Bible say on the importance of accountability? http://www.gotquestions.org/accountability.html Why is corporate worship important? http://www.gotquestions.org/corporate-worship.html Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? http://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-1peter-3-21.html What is the importance of Christian baptism? http://www.gotquestions.org/christian-baptism.html What is the importance of the Lord s Supper / Christian Communion? http://www.gotquestions.org/communion-christian.html Scripture (NIV 1984) Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 6
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Galatians 6:2 Carry each other s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Romans 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Colossians 3:3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Phase 3: COMMIT Topics to cover: Sin/Holiness, worship, repentance, surrender Disciple is expected to: Flee from sinful habits; be a 24/7 worshiper; put off self and putting on Christ; develop a Christian worldview. Doctrine Notes: From Week 3: Creation 1. Man was created for God s own glory (Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:11-12; 1Corinthians 10:31) a. Our purpose on earth is to glorify God (John 10:10; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 73:25-26) 7
b. Fullness of joy is found in knowing and delighting in the character of God (Psalm 34:1-2) c. As we glorify God and enjoy him, he rejoices in us! (Isaiah 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17-18) From Week 7: The Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit empowers prayer and makes it effective (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 2:18) 2. The Holy Spirit purifies (John 16:8-11) 3. The Holy Spirit produces growth in holiness (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18) 4. The Holy Spirit sanctifies (Romans 8:13) 5. The Holy Spirit guides and directs Christians (Acts 8:19-20; Acts 13:2) 6. Christians walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8:4) 7. Christians need to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18;Luke 1:15;Acts 2:4;4:8;6:3;7:55;9:17; 11:24; 13:9) From Week 8: The Church 1. The church worships God (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 1:12) 2. The church provides Spiritual nourishment to believers (Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:12-13) From Week 9: Worship 1. Worship is a life that is lived in continual sacrifice to the glory of a person or thing (Romans 11:36-12:1) 2. We become what we worship. When we worship God, we begin to transform more and more into the likeness of Christ. 3. When we don t worship God, we worship an idol. 4. When we worship God, we delight in God in worship (Psalm 27:4; 16:11; 73:25; Acts 2:46; Luke 24:52-53) and God delights in us (Isaiah 62:3-5; Zephaniah 3:17) 5. When we worship God we draw near to him and he draws near to us (James 4:8; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14) 6. We must worship in the power of the Holy Spirit (John 4:23-24) 7. Our lives must be acts of worship; meaning, everything we do we ought to do it for the glory of God. From Week 10: Baptism & The Lord s Supper 1. Baptism is a commandment for all believers from Jesus (Matthew 28:19) 2. Baptism symbolizes union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12) 3. When a person is being baptized and goes down into the water, it is a picture of going down into the grave and being buried like Christ. Coming out of the water us a picture of being raised with Christ to walk in the newness of life. 4. The waters of baptism symbolize washing and purification from sins (Titus 3:5; Acts 22:15; Romans 6:1-11; Colossians 2:11-12) 5. Jesus instituted the Lord s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29) 6. Participating in the Lord s Supper symbolizes the death of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:26). We remember the death of our Lord and our participation indicates we are benefactors of Christ s saving work on the cross. 7. The Lord s Supper provides spiritual nourishment (John 6:53-57) 8. The Lord s Supper unifies believers (1 Corinthians 10:17) FAQ: Commit What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? http://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html What does the Bible say about holiness? What does it mean to be holy? http://www.gotquestions.org/holiness-bible.html 8
What is the conviction of sin? http://www.gotquestions.org/conviction-of-sin.html What is true worship? http://www.gotquestions.org/true-worship.html Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? http://www.gotquestions.org/worship-hands.html What does it mean to worship the Lord in spirit and truths? http://www.gotquestions.org/worship-spirit-truth.html Why does God demand, seek, request that we worship Him? http://www.gotquestions.org/god-demand-worship.html Scripture (NIV 1984): 1 Kings 1:47 Also, the royal officials have come to congratulate our lord King David, saying, May your God make Solomon s name more famous than yours and his throne greater than yours! And the king bowed in worship on his bed 1 Kings 1:48 and said, Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has allowed my eyes to see a successor on my throne today. Exodus 33:10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. 2 Samuel 6:14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. 1 Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that confess his name. Isaiah 12:4-6 In that day you will say: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you. Isaiah 42:10-12 Song of Praise to the LORD Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them. 11 Let the desert and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the 9
mountaintops. 12 Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands. Daniel 2:20-23 and said: Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream -of the king. Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Phase 4: CONTRIBUTE Topics to cover: Serving; giving of time, talent, and treasure; Spiritual gifts; stewardship (home life, work life, school life, ministry life); the "one an other s" in the Bible Disciple is expected to: Serve in a ministry; be a faithful giver; serve the body with spiritual gifts; have stewardship effectively, be God-centered balanced Doctrine Notes: From Week 7: The Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit empowers for ministry/service in the church (Acts 4:8; 1Thessalonians 1:5) 2. The holy Spirit gives gifts to Christians that manifest his presence for the edifying of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) 3. The Holy Spirit unifies in distributing gifts (1 Corinthians 12:21; 12:11; 12:4;12:13; Romans 5:5; Colossians 3:14) From Week 13: Stewardship 1. We are co-laborers with God and must administrate the gifts he has given us properly (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 6:19: Galatians 2:20) 2. We must use our talents and abilities in the church (1 Peter 4:10; 1Corinthians 12:4-7;11) 3. We must offer up our possessions (Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1) 4. We must be willing to give back to God with our finances (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19) 5. We need to be generous like the New Testament church (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32:35) 6. The church practiced sacrificial giving (2 Corinthians 8:2-3) 7. The church supported its ministers (Philippians 4:15-18) 8. The church worked in order to give (Ephesians 4:28) 10
9. The church gave as a test of their love (2 Corinthians 8;14,24; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 1John 3:17-18) FAQ: Contribute Why is serving God important? http://www.gotquestions.org/serving-god.html What does the Bible say about being a servant / servant hood? http://www.gotquestions.org/servanthood.html What is the difference between tithes and offerings? http://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-and-offerings.html Scripture (NIV 1984): Galatians 6:6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 1 Chronicles 29:11-17 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 2 Corinthians 9:5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves. Paul s Charge to Timothy But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 11
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Romans 12:13 Share with God s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Phase 5: COMMISSION Topics to cover: How to preach the Gospel; how to defend the faith; what is the Great Commission; How to make a disciple. Disciple is expected to: Build a purposeful relationship with the goal of reaching the lost and discipling other believers; be able to defend the faith. Doctrine Notes: From Week 7: The Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit empowers preaching God s word (Acts 4:8) From Week 8: The Church 1. The church proclaims the good news of the kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14) 2. The church is an instrument of the kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit to heal, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:8; Luke 10:17) 3. The church makes disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) 4. The church shows mercy along with evangelism (Luke 6:35-36) 5. The Holy Spirit works miraculous signs and wonders attesting to the presence of God in preaching the gospel (Hebrews 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Romans 15:19) 6. The Holy Spirit imparts power (Acts 10:28; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Acts 1:8) From Week 13: Stewardship 1. We must spread the gospel and proclaim it. (1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Timothy 6:20) FAQ: Commission What is the Great Commission? http://www.gotquestions.org/great-commission.html Does the Bible call Christian to defend the faith / argue for the faith? http://www.gotquestions.org/defend-faith.html Why is making disciples important? http://www.gotquestions.org/making-disciples.html Scripture (NIV 1984): Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns! Jeremiah 1:6-8 Ah, Sovereign LORD, I said, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child. 7 But the LORD said to me, Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the LORD. 12
Ezekiel 3:16-21 Warning to Israel At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: 17 Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, You will surely die, and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. 20 Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself. Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John replied, Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 13
FIRST EDITION CityLights Church 2012 14