This week we are finishing up the introductory part of this new series. Over the past few weeks we have been looking at three of the four important areas we encourage everyone to focus on for Christians growth: Prayer (modeling Jesus); Hermeneutics (studying the Bible in context); and Apologetics (giving a defense for our faith). This week we will look at the importance of Discipleship (doing life together and sharing our faith).
Discipleship is a tough commitment in our fast paced, independent and self-sufficient world. Many of us believe that we can take care of ourselves and do the God thing on our own terms. But, is that what the Bible teaches? Check out this two minute video clip on Discipleship:
There are two important parts to Discipleship:
1. Discipleship: In Community
“Only a disciple can make a disciple.” – A. W. Tozer
- We cannot do life alone, and we cannot enjoy our relationship with God without having Christian brothers and sisters to share it with.
- Doing life with other Christians in community is important for prayer, support, and growth.
- The New Testament book of Acts and most of the Epistles gives us a glimpse of how early Christians lived in community in tough times, helping each other through famine and persecution.
- The book of Hebrews gives us a Biblical mandate for supporting each other in Christian community:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
- Growth comes in community and by supporting each other as we share the things we learn. (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 3:15)
- This kind of discipleship can come about in various ways: Small groups, classes, worship services, life groups and working together in community outreach services.
Listen to Francis Chan speak on the urgency for Christians in America to be practicing “Discipleship” in our increasingly dangerous world.
Francis Chan is an awesome Pastor, Author, and Disciple-maker. His book “Multiply, Disciples Making Disciples” is a must read.
Discipleship should not just be confined within a Christian’s own small community or church, it is meant to be shared. We are not of the world as believers in Christ, but we live in this world, and as such we are called to share the “Good News” with those who are lost or searching. This means stepping outside our comfort zone at times to let people know about the hope that we have beyond this temporary life, and invite them in.
2. Discipleship: Sharing the Gospel with others
“His voice leads us not into timid discipleship but into bold witness.” – Charles Stanley
Why do we need to share our faith? Simple answer, because God asked us to. We find this command given to us in Scripture, we know it as the “Great Commission:”
Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20
- The Great Commission is God’s call to all Christians to share their faith.
- There are so many ways to share our faith: On social media (the fastest growing means of communication); in person with a friend, acquaintance, non-believer or seeker; with a person of another faith, or the all so scary street witnessing. All of these requires the effort on our part to develop a relationship.
- Another important reason to share our faith: BECAUSE IT IS TRUE!!! We live in a culture today where truth is said to be relative (but is that true?). Christianity is an evidential faith and truth is easy to prove with just a little training in apologetics.
- Whether or not you are a new Christian the excitement of learning about, and sharing, God’s plan of salvation as ultimate truth is something to be proud of and hang on to forever!
Listen to Pastor Greg Laurie explain the importance and excitement of Discipling others:
Bible Study:
As we go through this series we are also studying the Gospel of John because it is one of the most powerful apologetics on the person and deity of Jesus.
Read the Gospel of John Chapters 4-5, then answer the following questions:
- Jews and Samaritans did not like each other, and even more interesting is that women were considered second-class citizens in the culture of that day. With this in mind summarize the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan Woman at the well. (4:1-26) What did Jesus tell His disciples and why? (4:27-38) What was the outcome of this encounter? (4:39-42)
Extra Credit: What is the history behind the Samaritan people and the “hatred” between them and the Jews?
- What was the second sign Jesus performed and why was it important? (4:46-54)
- What happened at the pool of Bethesda and why were the Jews mad at Jesus? (5:1-18) Verse 18 is very significant—what specific reason did the Jews give for wanting to kill Jesus?
- What examples does Jesus give to support his claim of being the Son of God/equivalence to God? (5:19-30)
- Who else testifies about Jesus’ identity?—Give examples of who they are (5:31-47)
Join us next week as we continue our Case for Christ and the New Testament and get into some apologetics on the historicity and reliability of the New Testament!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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