Back to the Basics: Discipleship
Notes from a Bible Study led by Denny John

What is Discipleship?

The dictionary defines discipleship as:

A person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; follower

Discipleship for a Christian is very different as compared to others. Why? Because of whom we follow.

What Does Discipleship Call Us to Do?

The Great Commission

“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, 20 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 28:19-20)

The First Commission

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27-28)

Man was made in God’s own image. It’s about a lifestyle, the quality of our lives. We need to reflect the Master in our life. For the disciples, discipleship began when Jesus called them and they followed.

It is indeed very important for us to re-examine our foundations. It’s not about the conversions or strength or the membership but about who we follow and how we do it.

There is no discipleship outside obedience, and obedience to the one who bought us our freedom. In the midst of disobedience we are called to obey. (John 8:32-38)

Jesus’ agenda was – ‘I can do nothing without my Father’s will’.
Joseph; in spite of being sold as a slave to a foreign land by his own brothers was still diligent in obedience.
Daniel and his friends were obedient to the point of being thrown into the burning furnace; God came through for them.

God will always come through for each one of us if we stand up for him.

Ultimately, it is knowing who has called us and how we live a worthwhile life. A life of victory through obedience. Being saved and to stay saved by grace.

(Photo by elifb)

How to Share Your Values Without Being Judgemental
Notes from a Bible Study led by John VC

References: Haggai 2:10, Galatians 5:2, Hebrews 2:1, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Issues We Dealt With

• Is it okay to watch movies with explicit scenes?
• Should homosexual parents be allowed to adopt children?
• A case study regarding the introduction of an abortion pill.

Questions that Arise

• How do you truly know your limits? How much is really enough? When do you stop? Draw the line?
• How do you get a person to understand that what he’s doing is sinful without pushing him away?
• Should abortion be the right of the mother? Or is it murder?

Takeaways

• We must demonstrate faith through love.
• There is no reason for guilt. Jesus did not die for us to let us live in guilt and fear. As we’ve said earlier, we need to be plugged into the power source. Constantly.
• With Christ in us we are free from the bondage of sin. By holding on to the law we reject the freedom to live by grace.
• Without hope, faith cannot endure.

Case Studies

Click here to download:

Difficult_Issues.pdf (485 KB)

(download)

Click here to download:

Difficult_Issues.pdf (485 KB)

(Photo by jeff-bauche)