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Discipling Encounters Information:
Why Discipleship: Jesus led the pack of all mankind and called 12 men by giving them an invitational choice to follow Him 2000 years ago. Being a disciple is a most rewarding life style, yet few believers make it a priority. Being a disciple revolutionizes people with true faith in God. Discipleship is relevant for all believers in our modern world. Jesus desires disciples; these obedient adventurers in God’s Kingdom become God’s servants and leaders for Christ as they live out their days on earth. Amazing and powerful relationships develop between the Lord and his people through discipleship. Discipleship is a life of meaning beyond our time-space world. Most miss God’s best; few find it. Discipleship is the bridge to God’s best. Consider discipleship and get started today. Discipleship helps believers avoid conformity to this world and provokes transformed living. Romans 12:1-2.
The Disciples Focus: There are three issues that need attention in the mind and heart of any disciple. First, The Spirit of God inspires us to follow Jesus Christ as the disciple is confronted with Bible truth. Following in life style steps the disciple becomes increasingly like Christ. Two, learning is a key factor for every disciple. In fact the Greek word mathetes is translated to English as disciple. Learning is a process of accumulating information about the infinite God and His ways. Romans 11:33-35 indicate that we will never fully know and understand the infinite God. But true believers love to search the Scriptures because they testify about Jesus Christ. John 5:39. We can get on a growth curve for advancement. Three, a relationship with Christ develops as believers use their time to read, study and mediate on the Word of God. Speaking to the Lord in prayer completes worthwhile communication with the Lord. He is God and has authority in our lives. Submission to God’s will is vital to a relationship with the Lord. Disciples learn to enter the presence of God with reverence and godly fear. A relationship with Jesus Christ is sustained as we present our lives to Christ as if He were our Lord!
Discipleship Demands our Attention. Discipleship must be considered as a lifestyle priority. We mess up life if He does not have the number one place in our lives. This rule was a Mosaic law given by God; you shall have no other gods before me. You can find this rule at the top of the list in Exodus 20. Many would have followed Jesus 2000 years ago but found the cost of discipleship too demanding for them. Essentially they loved themselves more than they loved Christ and other god’s ruled their lives. There is a cost to discipleship; it must be considered by each confronted with the claims of discipleship. No person has ever been disappointed with the Lord. Discipleship is an eternal investment. Nothing of this world will be taken into eternity, anyway. Make the best of your life and experience life as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ for life.
Discipleship Encounters: This paper is an invitation for you to hook up with a disciple maker so that you may get the best out of your days on earth.
- You must commit yourself to at least 40 one hour scheduled discipling encounters or sessions with a disciplemaker.
- You must do the material in each lesson from week to week. Every detail is important. Even more important is the self discipline to accomplish the task. (Remember that self control is a great factor in Spirit led believers.)
- You must make your discipleship encounter the highest priority in your schedule. Other things are to be rescheduled to keep the discipleship plan from week to week. If any schedule change is necessary the change must be agreed upon the day before the scheduled discipling encounter. Disciple and disciplemaker must run the schedule together faithfully.
Basic Needs:
- A car, cell phone and or e-mail.
- You will need a journaling note book; keep it safe with your Bible. We will talk about journaling on your discipleship journey.
- You will also need a loose leaf binder to keep the lesson material in order. You can also add extra blank pages for your own notes in this binder. Be sure to have pencil or pen.
- You will need a positive attitude about what the Lord will do in you. The Word says something like this in Philippians 1:6: He that has begun a work (salvation) in you will perform it to the day of Christ. It is not the disciple who will enable change; it is the Spirit and His Word that do the job.
- High Expectation: Each lesson advances discipleship concepts, step by step!
- Commitment by decision: Ask yourself, is this where the Lord wants me?
- A Schedule: This will be worked out with your disciplemaker.
Our Text Book: The main book for all information regarding discipleship is the Bible. We will memorize various verses of Scripture and ask the Lord to help us put what we learn into practice. The Bible is full of foundational truth for life. It is like a framework of truth to build our lives on. At the point of salvation we are given a divine nature and power so that we can fulfill God’s will during life, read 2 Peter 1:3 and 4. The divine nature is that which causes victory over sinful corruption which will destroy lives. The divine power of God enables a true believer to live the Christian life as a disciple.
You will read and study on your own time three other books during the first year of your discipleship encounter. One study is about what disciples should know about the Christian life. Another is about living in God’s will. A third book speaks of the things that we must leave and things we must accept as disciples.
Now you can see that this discipleship encounter will not be a simple or passive experience in just visiting and conversation. Discipleship is dedication to Christ and His Word so that you may find the joy of advancement in the things of God. Your future will never be the same again. You now, as a believer, have Christ. You and the Lord will stroll down life’s lane together until you come to Glory and are with Christ your Savior.
Advantages of Discipleship:
- A consistent life with a sure foundation.
- Power with God in prayer.
- A personal sense of fulfillment because the Lord is with you
- A servant life in God’s Kingdom
- An opportunity to live in the will of God
- A method to escape self indulgence and self will
- To enjoy a great eternity with Christ that is full of eternal reward.
Are you ready? Then let’s sit down together and discuss the next step, a plan for a special time to unite around the things of God. Call Doug Crabb, 760 272 9259 today. Or you can E-mail Doug at ask@hdpm.info. Let’s get started!
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