DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SEMINAR I DEVELOPED
TRAINING @ ALL NATIONS SDA
Part of my responsibilities with GNA was to help train GCC members in Atlanta area to be faithful loving disciples of Jesus.
In searching for training material I found that most curriculum and training was knowledge based, and the focus was primarily internal growth of the Christian experience. My goal was to provide a balance of growing in Christ as well as reaching out to the lost and hurting in our communities (which helps grow strong Christians).
Since I couldn't find concise material (I heard NAD was working on something but didn't have a release date) I developed a weekend training curriculum that would serve as the foundation for a process of discipleship coaching for hands on application.
(Part of the curriculum below)
INTEGRATING
Practical foundations to help you become
a disciple that is more like Jesus!
LUKE 6:40 “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher…”
I. BEFORE WE GET STARTED: A little background on me…
§ Grew up in the Pacific Northwest with one younger sister in the typical American home
§ We were far from God, and our family was doing our own thing
§ Dad built a boat, and we sailed away to the South Pacific when I was 9 yrs. old
§ I had two nature encounters that made me think that maybe “God” exists
§ We made it as far as Tahiti when a French man offered to buy our boat, and my mom said “That’s great, I am going home.” My dad was angry but relented
§ After being back in the U.S. for a little over a year, my dad’s distant relative shared with my mom about going to church on Saturday because the Bible said that was the day to worship on
§ My mom read the Bible to prove that it wasn’t correct, found it to be true, and started attending the Adventist church (via ferry to another island)
§ We thought she was nuts, and it would not last long; however her transformation impressed us, and I consented to attend church with her just once simply to be nice
§ We had almost every major religion represented in our extended family, and I had met people from all persuasions without any major impact
§ I had never been so profoundly affected by the genuine love of these Adventist people in that small Friday Harbor church
§ I accepted Him as my personal Savior, went to Academy, and then went through an independent Adventist training program for one year
§ Became a Bible-worker for the Washington Conference for two years
§ Went back into construction for a number of years before helping with two different evangelistic meetings oversees in Russia and Latvia in 1994 + 5
§ I felt called to soul-winning & church planting
§ Accepted a position as a Taskforce Assistant Pastor for the Island district, and was the main pastor in the church I had been baptized in 12 yrs. earlier
§ Was hired by Washington Conference as a full-salaried pastor in 1997
§ Planted a church and an elementary school on Orcas Island the fall of 1997
§ Have been in three different districts before being called to GCC to help with GNA (my official title is Global evangelism & Church planting assistant)
§ I am married & have two very active young boys. My greatest joy in ministry comes when I am helping individuals become (or grow as) a follower of Jesus!
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II. DISCIPLESHIP COACHING OVERVIEW:
A. The Adventist church has a distinct message for this time!
1. We are approaching the final days of earth’s history!
2. GCC is working to do everything it can to help God’s people become and achieve all that God desires for us
B. In order to be effective at our message, we need to accomplish it in the context of the GREAT COMMISSION!
1. Discipleship cannot just be taught, it has to be caught!
a. It must be experienced as an ongoing journey
b. And we must be willing to take the journey together
2. I believe all people are called to be His disciples
~Do you believe God wants to save everyone? Unfortunately, many won’t respond to that call
3. I believe all His children are called to make disciples
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” MATT 28:18-20
~Many however have not responded to that call ~Unfortunately, many won’t respond!
4. Disciple making is not easy, but a totally awesome experience!
5. Discipleship according to Jesus is a process that has universal principles that can be applied to every personality or situation (more details as we continue)
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“Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men. ‘The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.’ Revelation 22:17. The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church. Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, ‘Come. Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, ‘Why stand ye here all the day idle?’ and He adds, ‘Go ye also into the vineyard.’ Matt 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.” AA p.110
C. The design of discipleship coaching in GCC is through a seminar and coaching component
1. Seminar is designed in three sessions
a. INTEGRATING
b. IMMERSING
c. IGNITING
2. The word DISCIPLES form an acrostic of the segments that are covered throughout these sessions
· Dedicated to Jesus
· Infused by His Spirit
· Seeking the honor of One
· Cultivating relationships with lost people
· Initiating servant ministry
· Providing safety for spiritual dialogue
· Leading friends to follow Jesus
· Engaging in ministry through spiritual gifts
· Sent disciples who disciple others
3. Each session consists of (but not necessarily in any order)
· Learning, growing
· Sharing, discussing
· Applying, encouraging, and empowering
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2. Coaching also occurs after the seminar experience
a. Coaching is designed for us to spend a few hours once a month for up to 12 months.
b. Those of you who attend the seminar have the opportunity to support and assist each other as you implement what you learn
~By the end of the seminar my hope is you are encouraged to reach for a higher goal in your Christian walk
~During the coaching you will continue the journey of becoming that faithful follower of Jesus.
~You can do this with renewed zeal and fruit, as you utilize these discipleship tools day by day.
~This discipleship coaching is a new concept, and this is in BETA form. No other conference has this element of ministry supported to this level, or with this paradigm
WHY I BELIEVE THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!
~Our personal experience in Christ will never reach the fullness of what God offers when we are not engaged in discipling
~Our evangelistic efforts personally and as a church will not be as effective unless we engage in discipleship
Say you had an evangelist that was capable of converting 1000 people a day (effective!?)
~Let’s say he could keep that pace for 30 years- ~How many do you think he would have reached?
ALMOST 11 MILLION! Impressive right? NOT REALLY... think about this!
Say you had a committed Christ follower who converts just 1 person to Christ each year! He could spend the whole year teaching the new convert…
~And then the next year, repeat the process, having each new convert do the same thing; converting just one person and then teaching that new convert how to disciple etc.
~How many would he reach in the same time frame of 30 years?
100,000? 900,000? 19,000,000? nope! OVER 1 BILLION!
You see there is tremendous results in living our experience according to Jesus’ plan!
D. During the seminar
1. This is to be a learning & growing time, so feel free to ask questions
2. If you need to get up and move around that’s fine
~(just don’t dance in front of me, I don’t like that because I can’t see people’s faces)
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3. I am constantly seeking interactive ways to engage people in learning~ so we may do some things you are not used to
~(I won’t ask you to do anything totally wild and crazy, but I do ask that you at least give it a try)
~First write your name on your workbook
(I will have to give you the rest of the handouts as we go along so bring it back with you next time)
~IF TIME: Introduce yourself “hi, my name is ____________ I have been a Christ follower for ___________.
~Let’s pray together (two people, and then I will finish)
III. INTEGRATING:
A. Integrating is defined as:
1. To make into a whole by bringing all parts together
a. To join with something else, unify
b. To make part of a larger unit
~The foundational aspects of discipleship must come together in our experience in order to fulfill the last commandment of Christ in Matthew 28!
~For years we have declared that the Adventist church fulfills the exalted position in prophecy as God’s commandment keeping remnant church. Is it possible that as a church we must now repent for having neglected to embrace the final command of Jesus?
~This is the command that was given in response of the Godhead having completed the greatest act that will forever define the magnitude of God’s unselfish love! And yet we have failed to carry it out as Jesus instructed.
~I believe repentance must occur, and it must start with each of us personally. Then, in the next moment seek through His grace to redeem the time and carry out this command with Joy on a daily basis!
~The solution to faithfulness to Christ? Our willingness to allow Him as our Teacher so we can integrate (bring all the parts together) the foundational aspects of discipleship into our daily lives.
~In this way we will be glorifying Jesus and all of heaven, who are all working with focused attention and zeal for the redemption of a lost planet! Notice this:
“The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God.” AA p. 9
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c. In order to experience what Heaven offers us we must be willing to integrate the foundational principles that Jesus uses to personally disciple us into discipling others
B. First let’s understand the background of discipleship
1. The word itself comes from ancient Greece and expresses the concept of a student attaching themselves to a teacher (following)
a. A person, usually younger, would enter into, and develop a relationship whereby they placed themselves into submission to a particular teacher.
~They did so with the hope that after following for a period of time they would one day attain the level of teacher, who had their own disciples.
b. Not only learned theoretical knowledge, but practical instruction as well.
~This was a process that occurred over a period of time.
~How many of you have been involved in an apprenticeship program for a particular career?
c. The Biblical discipleship was similar in many respects. In this context- it includes someone who believes & helps spread the doctrine of another
~However, it had some differences in that, as long as their teacher was alive, the disciple (now teacher) would still show honor, learn from, and be subject to their teacher
2. The Bible portrays this unique relationship as a process.
a. A relationship that has four distinct calls (invitations) from Jesus
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b. Once you are found (become a believer), the subsequent calls are not liner. Meaning you don’t wait for extended periods of time and take a test to determine if you can move to the next phase.
~These are distinct yes, but a person is immediately invited to participate and experience each of the three to the degree they are able.
~Then once you are in a discipling position, you continue to grow in all three area’s (integrate).
c. This discipling relationship is designed to not only develop a strong bond of mutual love and respect between the teacher and disciple, but a growing capability for the release of the disciple to become their discipler of others, fulfilling God purpose of the great commission!
3. What biblical discipleship is not (in and of itself)
a. It is not friendship
b. It is not mentoring
c. It is not coaching
d. It is not employer / employee
e. It is not leadership
f. It is not teaching
g. It is not parenting
i. However, all of these elements exist in discipleship in their proper place, to one degree or another, and at various times during the relational process
ii. So, let’s look deeper into the characteristics of Jesus’ 21st century disciples and see how they incorporate these elements into their Christian experience
C. Jesus’ disciples are: DEDICATED to Jesus. (dedicated in the sense that they have submitted to Him for His purposes to be carried out in their lives. This means they are not trying to generate a level of commitment on their own strength or merit)
1. What are the indicators of their dedication?
a. Matthew 10:24,25
i. A disciple of Jesus is teachable (they are open to receiving instruction from Jesus, His word, and His appointed messengers)
ii. A disciple of Jesus will be ridiculed and persecuted
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b. Luke 14:26,27,33
i. A disciple of Jesus is a fully committed individual
ii. A disciple of Jesus is willing to bear His cross (whatever Jesus gives, you are willing to accept)
a. John 8:31,32
i. A disciple of Jesus has a personal love relationship with Jesus (this is the most critical, without this type of relationship we have nothing!)
ii. A disciple of Jesus Is obedient to God
b. John 13:34
i. A disciple of Jesus loves others as Jesus loves
ii. Esteems others better then ourselves (Phil. 2:3)
c. John 15:8
i. Is fruit bearing (Incorporating discipleship is the most effective and efficient way to experience Kingdom values and growth!)
ii. This fruit is both the “fruits of the Spirit”, as well as reaching out to the lost and discipling others. Look up Matthew 13:23 (this verse indicates that those who truly receive salvation are those that produce a harvest of other souls)
2. How do they become dedicated on this level?
a. First they understand and appreciate the magnitude of what Jesus has done for them and embrace it whole heartedly
~This personal relationship with Jesus is received based on the assurances of God’s word!
i. 1 John 5:11-13 (without this assurance we are all floundering and burdened by whatever the devil throws our way! We must settle it in our hearts and minds; that Jesus loves us and accepts us through His grace! and that nothing we do provides for, or improve upon, the gift of God!)
I have had the privilege of discipling people from humble and/or humiliating backgrounds, people who had little or no one really cared about and watched them blossom and become powerful examples of His saving grace!
I have also discipled wealthy people, in fact; one multi-millionaire was the CEO of the leading sunglass corporation world wide.
~He became in love with Jesus so much, that he wanted to serve Jesus more then make money.
~So he quit his job and began serving Jesus full time, sharing himself, his wealth, his expertise, and discipling others along the way!
"I do not think many of our people know what it is to believe in Jesus in the fullest sense of the word. When we do, we shall have a heart filled with such a sense of the salvation that it is our privilege to accept that we will gladly receive it, and be trustful and happy in the assurance of His love, and with this faith appropriating the blessing to ourselves, we have glad, and hopeful, and joyful hearts all the time.” Pac. Union Rec., Sept. 4, 1913
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ii. God’s love received fully into the life will have a profound impact of life transformation. Nothing will be held back from Jesus, and an ever increasing love will grow in the heart that is surrendered to Him
iii. This means we move from compartmentalizing our Christian life as a separate part of our weekly experience. So that Jesus enters into, and controls every aspect of our lives!
b. This personal relationship with our Lord, Savior, Teacher, and Friend Jesus, can be obtained by daily surrender, and a personal living connection with Christ!
As a follower of Jesus it is essential that you allow Him to speak to you personally.
~(too often our approach to God’s word has been gaining knowledge instead of gaining a life transforming experiential experience!)
i. What is the word of God closely associated with in, Eph. 5:26?
ii. The word is designed to wash through you with soul cleansing, vital nutrients that sustain life! Are you taking in enough heavenly water?
If I were to tell you my walk with God is just fine, & I was living a victorious, obedient & abundant life…
~Then later tell you I do this without spending quality time each day with Jesus
~What would be your response?
c. We all know we should, but do we avail ourselves of Jesus daily through His word? Do we experience His L.I.F.E. ? Do you…
i. We need to listen to Him speak to us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go....” (Psalm 32:8)
ii. You should Inquire and analyze our connection with Him: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)
God is not interested in a game of hide and seek.
~He boldly tells us to look for Him with the promise of finding the greatest Friend we could ever have.
~He meets us right were we are, and reveals Himself to us
iii. Your faith will grow as get to know Him more: “...Train yourself to be godly.” (1st Tim. 4:7) To accomplish daily our goal of meeting with Jesus, will take training. But we can all attain that connection!
iv. You will gain a rich experience through your connection with Him:“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17) Because you know Him~ you can do it!
NO MATTER WHAT IT IS you can do it!
d. In order to have LIFE, I believe you need to wash with the water of the word~ but that you should use S.O.A.P. while your washing! Use a journal~ pray, read the scriptures, and when you come across a passage that God is using to speak to your heart, use SOAP
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i. S stands for write down the scripture
ii. O stands for write down your observations
iii. A stands for writing down the application to your life
iv. P stands for writing down a short prayer in response
“Other books were given for our information; the Bible was given for our transformation.” Anonymous
LET’S TRY IT; READ PHILIPPIANS 1; then do SOAP (use the back of this page)
· Now; find the person who has the same birth month as you
· SHARE with them your washing with SOAP experience
~He has empowered you to become a new creation…so you can take into the world what God has given you in private!
~And by applying the lessons He teaches you, you are abundantly blessed, and a blessing, because of it!
John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”.
“God wants each of us to have the assurance of His love in such a way so that our security rests in Him and we live an authentic life victorious over ourselves, and the devil. It takes time each day to grow your relationship with God so you have that level of assurance and victory” Christopher D.
-- In order to be a disciple that makes disciples of Jesus, you need to integrate those things that help you be dedicated to Jesus!--
What needs to happen in your life so you become a dedicated follower of Jesus? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Steps to get me there 1._________________________________4.________________________________ 2._________________________________5.________________________________ 3._________________________________
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D. Jesus’ disciples are: INFUSED by the Holy Spirit!
1. What the Holy Spirit promises to provide
a. For the disciple personally
i. Helps us know the love of Christ and experience His power (Eph. 3:16-21)
ii. He helps us achieve God’s will and provides comfort (John 14:15-17)
iii. He convicts us of our sin. Helps us understand true righteousness. And reveals our place in the coming judgment (John 16:6-8)
iv. Leads us to truth, and tells us things that are coming in the future (John 16:13)
v. Also forgiveness, sanctification with fruits (Titus 3:5, Rom. 15:16, Gal. 5:22)
It is the Spirit… that works to transform characterby withdrawing the affections of men from those things which are temporal and perishable, and fixing them upon the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance which is imperishable. The Holy Spirit recreates, refines, and sanctifies the human agents, that they may become members of the royal family, children of the Heavenly King GW p. 286,7
b. Holy Spirit provides with things so the disciple can be a blessing to others
i. Tells us what we need to say to others (Luke 12:12)
ii. Will cause rivers of living water to flow from our hearts (John 7:37-40)
iii. Receive power to share His word (Acts 1:8)
iv. Speak His truth with other languages (Acts 2:4)
v. Tell His word with boldness (Acts 4:31)
vi. Reveals the secrets of others (Acts 5:3)
vii. Power to perform miracles (Acts 9:17, Hebrews 2:4)
viii. Provides direction for decisions the church needs to make (Acts 13:2)
ix. Gives many different gifts for service (1 Cor. 12)
x. Witnesses to the whole world (Acts 1:8)
The Holy Spirit has been given for much more then our own personal needs in the plan of redemption!
~God’s design is that when we are set apart (dedicated) to Jesus, we will live in His power and strength to lift up Jesus before a dying world.
~To do the extra-ordinary for His glory!
xi. What is the result of the Holy Spirit in our lives? JOHN 12:32
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Live for something besides self. If your motives are pure, unselfish; if you are looking out to do work that somebody must do, to show kind attentions and to do courteous acts, you are unconsciously building your own monument. In the home life, in the church, and in the world, you are representing Christ in character. This is the work the Lord calls upon all children and youth to do. Do good if you would be cherished in the memory of others. Live to be a blessing to all, wherever your lot may be cast. There are so many thousands who do no good in the world. None could point to them as the agency through Jesus Christ in the saving of their souls.. By kindness and love, by self-denying, self-sacrificing deeds, write your names in the hearts of many.4MR p.190
xii. Our focus should be character building - to be like Christ! However, in most cases the way we approach this, comes at the expense of neglecting the very thing that reveals His character the most! The salvation of lost people!!!
GOD IS OTHERS CENTERED! Christ knew that in order for us to have His character --we would need to engage in partnering with all of heaven for the blessing, up building, and redemption of mankind.
~We can’t save anyone; but we miss out on so much when we don’t let Jesus bring His saving grace to people through us!
~You can’t have a Christ like character without a burden for, and unselfish efforts on behalf of, lost souls!
This I believe is the new creation experience, not just a life where we become better people!
~But a life where we live for a higher purpose, to make disciples!
~Jesus never asks us to do anything we won’t be able to have success at!
~All that He promises He is able to perform, and He does this through the Holy Spirit!
However there are some things that need to happen in order to receive the power of the Holy Spirit~
2. Preparing to receive the Holy Spirit
a. Jesus command the disciples to wait for it
i. Acts 1:4-8 (Waiting simply was a process that facilitated obedience)
ii. God isn’t withholding the Holy Spirit because He doesn’t want to give it! He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit then we are to go shopping at Walmart for our kids! (Luke 11:13)
b. His disciples experienced unity by surrender of self
i. Acts 1:15 (How many of us could spend ten days in one room with 119 other brothers and sisters and end up in unity? Ten of us hardly do it during a two hour board meeting. We definitely need Jesus!)
ii. We need to spend time together in a way that helps us achieve the kind of spirit and bonds of unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17, THAT WE WOULD BECOME ONE WITH HIM AND WITH EACH OTHER!
“There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise [of the Holy Spirit]; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies…Through the Spirit God works in His people ‘to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift”. DA p.672
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c. His disciples prayed and asked for the Holy Spirit
i. Luke 11:19-21 (All we have to do is ask and God will give it!)
“The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have in now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it and heaven is waiting to bestow it” Evangelism p.701
ii. John 20:22 (Has Jesus breathed on you yet?)
iii. Acts 17:6b
~Living as a follower of Jesus, without the Holy Spirit is like getting on a plane for the purpose of being taxied to the next concourse!
Prayers must be red hot. It is the fervent prayer that is effectual and that availeth. Coldness of spirit hinders praying; prayer cannot live in a wintry atmosphere… God wants warm-hearted servants. The Holy Spirit comes as a fire, to dwell in us; we are to be baptized, with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Fervency is warmth of soul. A phlegmatic temperament is abhorrent to vital experience. If our religion does not set us on fire, it is because we have frozen hearts. God dwells in a flame; the Holy Ghost descends in fire. To be absorbed in God’s will, to be so greatly in earnest about doing it that our whole being takes fire, is the qualifying condition of the man who would engage in effectual prayer.
-E.M. Bounds, Necessity of Prayer
iv. Remember, the Holy Spirit is given in full power in the last days for the purpose of reaching the lost,not to make you a better person
-- In order to be a disciple that makes disciples of Jesus, you need to integrate-
-those things that help you be infused by the Holy Spirit!--
Find your partner; talk with each other about what needs to happen in your life so you become infused by the Holy Spirit? Write it down ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Help each other identify steps to get you there 1._________________________________4.________________________________ 2._________________________________5.________________________________ 3._________________________________ Then pray for each other!
Are two of you willing to share?
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E. Jesus’ disciples are: SEEKING the honor of One!
1. Out of love, His disciples will live to bless God
a. Our greatest joy will be giving ourselves, and all we have, back to God for His purposes!
i. “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” Ps 34:1
ii. “O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!” Ps 103:1
God inhabits the praises of His people!
When we love God--- our first desire will be to offer up ourselves and all that we have as a gift back to Him so that He can do what only He can do in our lives!
iii. “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase” Proverbs 3:9
iv. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Eccl. 9:10
No matter if it’s at work, in your home, while you play; God desires His people to live in such a way that He get’s the glory!
Too many of us are doing our thing, and asking God to bless us…
~When we should be doing His thing, and asking God how can we bless Him!
b. Our greatest joy will be to please God
i. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” Phil. 2:13 (NLT)
ii. “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation” Psalms 149:4
iii. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness Job 33:26
God delights in you! If you are His and you are seeking to honor Him, God is pleased with you!
iv. God smiles upon us! (Numbers 6:25)
v. Mary found favor with God (Luke 1:30) – so can you!
vi. And the Joy of the Lord is your strength my friend! (Nehemiah 8:10)
Nothing this world offers is worth holding onto!
~When we remember where we have come from, and the pain and sorry caused by Sin; we will desire only Him and what brings Him joy and pleasure.
~I know I still have things in my life that I am holding onto, but I do know that whatever it is, it’s not worth missing out on what God offers- AMEN!?
vii. 2 Peter 1:3-11
2. Out of love, His disciples will live to work for the salvation of the lost
a. God invites us into a love relationship, that in turn gives that love away
i. Luke 6:38
ii. Matthew 10:1
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b. Disciples join God in what He was doing!
i. John 21:15-17
ii. Acts 1:8
iii. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
iv. Acts 4:29
v. Acts 5:29 & 41
If we are connected to Jesus we will have a current testimony of God’s activity in our lives!
If you want a renewed passion, and zeal for God’s glory then you must be in a love relationship with Him
~ This love relationship will engage you to the extent that your greatest fulfillment will be carrying out His purposes,
~which includes going to a lost world,
~making disciples,
~baptizing them,
~and then teaching them to live out all the blessings God has to offer!
“Every Christian saw in his brother a revelation of divine love and benevolence. One interest prevailed; one subject of emulation swallowed up all others. The ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom. ‘With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.’ Acts 4:33. … men, who, receiving the word of truth, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy. They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them, and as they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought. AA p.48
~For me personally it wouldn’t matter if I was ordained, or got paid to do ministry.
~If I was still pounding nails I would be sharing my love for Jesus!
~I met Russ in December, I talked to his wife in November as we provided a service to the community to show God’s love in practical ways
~When we went back to connect with his wife we met Russ and he informed us Helen was in the hospital, she had cancer
~We prayed and prayed, and she got better, so we thought maybe God was preserving this precious soul since she was connected to so many people in the neighborhood where God told us to do ministry
~We visited them in the hospital, cleaned up the cats mess at their house, prayed with them and for them and developed a relationship with them
~Helen passed away and Russ was desperate, felt like he was loosing his mind!
~He and I started getting together on a regular basis (called an LTG)
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~Russ began considering spiritual things for the first time in his life (is a Jew who went to Synagogue once a week growing up before the war) and I can even say “I love you” and he returns the expression
~I have spent hours in discussion or helping with some projects like his computer and such.
~Two weeks ago Russ accepted Christ as His personal Savior! And we are continuing the discipleship process
vi. There is no greater Joy then having God work through you to eternally impact the life of another!
-- In order to be a disciple that makes disciples of Jesus, you need to integrate-
-those things that help you seek the honor of One!--
What needs to happen in your life so you can seek the honor of One in every area of your life? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Steps to get me there 1._________________________________4.________________________________ 2._________________________________5.________________________________ 3._________________________________
TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND EACH OF YOU SHARE WITH YOUR GROUP ONE THING THAT REALLY SPOKE TO YOU, MAYBE AFFIRMED YOU, OR YOU LEARNED FOR THE FIRST TIME…
One from each table willing to share?
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HOME WORK (to do before next session):
1. For 5 days use S.O.A.P. (or some other new tool) in your connecting time with God (or TAG time, Time, Alone, w/ God; kids in discipleship term) so you can become more dedicated to Jesus
2. Pray about this first; and then identify the person that God may be calling you to partner with, in your discipleship journey
Practical foundations to help you become
a disciple that is more like Jesus!
LUKE 6:40 “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher…”
I. BEFORE WE GET STARTED: A little background on me…
§ Grew up in the Pacific Northwest with one younger sister in the typical American home
§ We were far from God, and our family was doing our own thing
§ Dad built a boat, and we sailed away to the South Pacific when I was 9 yrs. old
§ I had two nature encounters that made me think that maybe “God” exists
§ We made it as far as Tahiti when a French man offered to buy our boat, and my mom said “That’s great, I am going home.” My dad was angry but relented
§ After being back in the U.S. for a little over a year, my dad’s distant relative shared with my mom about going to church on Saturday because the Bible said that was the day to worship on
§ My mom read the Bible to prove that it wasn’t correct, found it to be true, and started attending the Adventist church (via ferry to another island)
§ We thought she was nuts, and it would not last long; however her transformation impressed us, and I consented to attend church with her just once simply to be nice
§ We had almost every major religion represented in our extended family, and I had met people from all persuasions without any major impact
§ I had never been so profoundly affected by the genuine love of these Adventist people in that small Friday Harbor church
§ I accepted Him as my personal Savior, went to Academy, and then went through an independent Adventist training program for one year
§ Became a Bible-worker for the Washington Conference for two years
§ Went back into construction for a number of years before helping with two different evangelistic meetings oversees in Russia and Latvia in 1994 + 5
§ I felt called to soul-winning & church planting
§ Accepted a position as a Taskforce Assistant Pastor for the Island district, and was the main pastor in the church I had been baptized in 12 yrs. earlier
§ Was hired by Washington Conference as a full-salaried pastor in 1997
§ Planted a church and an elementary school on Orcas Island the fall of 1997
§ Have been in three different districts before being called to GCC to help with GNA (my official title is Global evangelism & Church planting assistant)
§ I am married & have two very active young boys. My greatest joy in ministry comes when I am helping individuals become (or grow as) a follower of Jesus!
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II. DISCIPLESHIP COACHING OVERVIEW:
A. The Adventist church has a distinct message for this time!
1. We are approaching the final days of earth’s history!
2. GCC is working to do everything it can to help God’s people become and achieve all that God desires for us
B. In order to be effective at our message, we need to accomplish it in the context of the GREAT COMMISSION!
1. Discipleship cannot just be taught, it has to be caught!
a. It must be experienced as an ongoing journey
b. And we must be willing to take the journey together
2. I believe all people are called to be His disciples
~Do you believe God wants to save everyone? Unfortunately, many won’t respond to that call
3. I believe all His children are called to make disciples
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” MATT 28:18-20
~Many however have not responded to that call ~Unfortunately, many won’t respond!
4. Disciple making is not easy, but a totally awesome experience!
5. Discipleship according to Jesus is a process that has universal principles that can be applied to every personality or situation (more details as we continue)
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“Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men. ‘The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.’ Revelation 22:17. The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church. Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, ‘Come. Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, ‘Why stand ye here all the day idle?’ and He adds, ‘Go ye also into the vineyard.’ Matt 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.” AA p.110
C. The design of discipleship coaching in GCC is through a seminar and coaching component
1. Seminar is designed in three sessions
a. INTEGRATING
b. IMMERSING
c. IGNITING
2. The word DISCIPLES form an acrostic of the segments that are covered throughout these sessions
· Dedicated to Jesus
· Infused by His Spirit
· Seeking the honor of One
· Cultivating relationships with lost people
· Initiating servant ministry
· Providing safety for spiritual dialogue
· Leading friends to follow Jesus
· Engaging in ministry through spiritual gifts
· Sent disciples who disciple others
3. Each session consists of (but not necessarily in any order)
· Learning, growing
· Sharing, discussing
· Applying, encouraging, and empowering
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2. Coaching also occurs after the seminar experience
a. Coaching is designed for us to spend a few hours once a month for up to 12 months.
b. Those of you who attend the seminar have the opportunity to support and assist each other as you implement what you learn
~By the end of the seminar my hope is you are encouraged to reach for a higher goal in your Christian walk
~During the coaching you will continue the journey of becoming that faithful follower of Jesus.
~You can do this with renewed zeal and fruit, as you utilize these discipleship tools day by day.
~This discipleship coaching is a new concept, and this is in BETA form. No other conference has this element of ministry supported to this level, or with this paradigm
WHY I BELIEVE THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!
~Our personal experience in Christ will never reach the fullness of what God offers when we are not engaged in discipling
~Our evangelistic efforts personally and as a church will not be as effective unless we engage in discipleship
Say you had an evangelist that was capable of converting 1000 people a day (effective!?)
~Let’s say he could keep that pace for 30 years- ~How many do you think he would have reached?
ALMOST 11 MILLION! Impressive right? NOT REALLY... think about this!
Say you had a committed Christ follower who converts just 1 person to Christ each year! He could spend the whole year teaching the new convert…
~And then the next year, repeat the process, having each new convert do the same thing; converting just one person and then teaching that new convert how to disciple etc.
~How many would he reach in the same time frame of 30 years?
100,000? 900,000? 19,000,000? nope! OVER 1 BILLION!
You see there is tremendous results in living our experience according to Jesus’ plan!
D. During the seminar
1. This is to be a learning & growing time, so feel free to ask questions
2. If you need to get up and move around that’s fine
~(just don’t dance in front of me, I don’t like that because I can’t see people’s faces)
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3. I am constantly seeking interactive ways to engage people in learning~ so we may do some things you are not used to
~(I won’t ask you to do anything totally wild and crazy, but I do ask that you at least give it a try)
~First write your name on your workbook
(I will have to give you the rest of the handouts as we go along so bring it back with you next time)
~IF TIME: Introduce yourself “hi, my name is ____________ I have been a Christ follower for ___________.
~Let’s pray together (two people, and then I will finish)
III. INTEGRATING:
A. Integrating is defined as:
1. To make into a whole by bringing all parts together
a. To join with something else, unify
b. To make part of a larger unit
~The foundational aspects of discipleship must come together in our experience in order to fulfill the last commandment of Christ in Matthew 28!
~For years we have declared that the Adventist church fulfills the exalted position in prophecy as God’s commandment keeping remnant church. Is it possible that as a church we must now repent for having neglected to embrace the final command of Jesus?
~This is the command that was given in response of the Godhead having completed the greatest act that will forever define the magnitude of God’s unselfish love! And yet we have failed to carry it out as Jesus instructed.
~I believe repentance must occur, and it must start with each of us personally. Then, in the next moment seek through His grace to redeem the time and carry out this command with Joy on a daily basis!
~The solution to faithfulness to Christ? Our willingness to allow Him as our Teacher so we can integrate (bring all the parts together) the foundational aspects of discipleship into our daily lives.
~In this way we will be glorifying Jesus and all of heaven, who are all working with focused attention and zeal for the redemption of a lost planet! Notice this:
“The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God.” AA p. 9
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c. In order to experience what Heaven offers us we must be willing to integrate the foundational principles that Jesus uses to personally disciple us into discipling others
B. First let’s understand the background of discipleship
1. The word itself comes from ancient Greece and expresses the concept of a student attaching themselves to a teacher (following)
a. A person, usually younger, would enter into, and develop a relationship whereby they placed themselves into submission to a particular teacher.
~They did so with the hope that after following for a period of time they would one day attain the level of teacher, who had their own disciples.
b. Not only learned theoretical knowledge, but practical instruction as well.
~This was a process that occurred over a period of time.
~How many of you have been involved in an apprenticeship program for a particular career?
c. The Biblical discipleship was similar in many respects. In this context- it includes someone who believes & helps spread the doctrine of another
~However, it had some differences in that, as long as their teacher was alive, the disciple (now teacher) would still show honor, learn from, and be subject to their teacher
2. The Bible portrays this unique relationship as a process.
a. A relationship that has four distinct calls (invitations) from Jesus
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b. Once you are found (become a believer), the subsequent calls are not liner. Meaning you don’t wait for extended periods of time and take a test to determine if you can move to the next phase.
~These are distinct yes, but a person is immediately invited to participate and experience each of the three to the degree they are able.
~Then once you are in a discipling position, you continue to grow in all three area’s (integrate).
c. This discipling relationship is designed to not only develop a strong bond of mutual love and respect between the teacher and disciple, but a growing capability for the release of the disciple to become their discipler of others, fulfilling God purpose of the great commission!
3. What biblical discipleship is not (in and of itself)
a. It is not friendship
b. It is not mentoring
c. It is not coaching
d. It is not employer / employee
e. It is not leadership
f. It is not teaching
g. It is not parenting
i. However, all of these elements exist in discipleship in their proper place, to one degree or another, and at various times during the relational process
ii. So, let’s look deeper into the characteristics of Jesus’ 21st century disciples and see how they incorporate these elements into their Christian experience
C. Jesus’ disciples are: DEDICATED to Jesus. (dedicated in the sense that they have submitted to Him for His purposes to be carried out in their lives. This means they are not trying to generate a level of commitment on their own strength or merit)
1. What are the indicators of their dedication?
a. Matthew 10:24,25
i. A disciple of Jesus is teachable (they are open to receiving instruction from Jesus, His word, and His appointed messengers)
ii. A disciple of Jesus will be ridiculed and persecuted
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b. Luke 14:26,27,33
i. A disciple of Jesus is a fully committed individual
ii. A disciple of Jesus is willing to bear His cross (whatever Jesus gives, you are willing to accept)
a. John 8:31,32
i. A disciple of Jesus has a personal love relationship with Jesus (this is the most critical, without this type of relationship we have nothing!)
ii. A disciple of Jesus Is obedient to God
b. John 13:34
i. A disciple of Jesus loves others as Jesus loves
ii. Esteems others better then ourselves (Phil. 2:3)
c. John 15:8
i. Is fruit bearing (Incorporating discipleship is the most effective and efficient way to experience Kingdom values and growth!)
ii. This fruit is both the “fruits of the Spirit”, as well as reaching out to the lost and discipling others. Look up Matthew 13:23 (this verse indicates that those who truly receive salvation are those that produce a harvest of other souls)
2. How do they become dedicated on this level?
a. First they understand and appreciate the magnitude of what Jesus has done for them and embrace it whole heartedly
~This personal relationship with Jesus is received based on the assurances of God’s word!
i. 1 John 5:11-13 (without this assurance we are all floundering and burdened by whatever the devil throws our way! We must settle it in our hearts and minds; that Jesus loves us and accepts us through His grace! and that nothing we do provides for, or improve upon, the gift of God!)
I have had the privilege of discipling people from humble and/or humiliating backgrounds, people who had little or no one really cared about and watched them blossom and become powerful examples of His saving grace!
I have also discipled wealthy people, in fact; one multi-millionaire was the CEO of the leading sunglass corporation world wide.
~He became in love with Jesus so much, that he wanted to serve Jesus more then make money.
~So he quit his job and began serving Jesus full time, sharing himself, his wealth, his expertise, and discipling others along the way!
"I do not think many of our people know what it is to believe in Jesus in the fullest sense of the word. When we do, we shall have a heart filled with such a sense of the salvation that it is our privilege to accept that we will gladly receive it, and be trustful and happy in the assurance of His love, and with this faith appropriating the blessing to ourselves, we have glad, and hopeful, and joyful hearts all the time.” Pac. Union Rec., Sept. 4, 1913
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ii. God’s love received fully into the life will have a profound impact of life transformation. Nothing will be held back from Jesus, and an ever increasing love will grow in the heart that is surrendered to Him
iii. This means we move from compartmentalizing our Christian life as a separate part of our weekly experience. So that Jesus enters into, and controls every aspect of our lives!
b. This personal relationship with our Lord, Savior, Teacher, and Friend Jesus, can be obtained by daily surrender, and a personal living connection with Christ!
As a follower of Jesus it is essential that you allow Him to speak to you personally.
~(too often our approach to God’s word has been gaining knowledge instead of gaining a life transforming experiential experience!)
i. What is the word of God closely associated with in, Eph. 5:26?
ii. The word is designed to wash through you with soul cleansing, vital nutrients that sustain life! Are you taking in enough heavenly water?
If I were to tell you my walk with God is just fine, & I was living a victorious, obedient & abundant life…
~Then later tell you I do this without spending quality time each day with Jesus
~What would be your response?
c. We all know we should, but do we avail ourselves of Jesus daily through His word? Do we experience His L.I.F.E. ? Do you…
i. We need to listen to Him speak to us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go....” (Psalm 32:8)
ii. You should Inquire and analyze our connection with Him: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)
God is not interested in a game of hide and seek.
~He boldly tells us to look for Him with the promise of finding the greatest Friend we could ever have.
~He meets us right were we are, and reveals Himself to us
iii. Your faith will grow as get to know Him more: “...Train yourself to be godly.” (1st Tim. 4:7) To accomplish daily our goal of meeting with Jesus, will take training. But we can all attain that connection!
iv. You will gain a rich experience through your connection with Him:“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17) Because you know Him~ you can do it!
NO MATTER WHAT IT IS you can do it!
d. In order to have LIFE, I believe you need to wash with the water of the word~ but that you should use S.O.A.P. while your washing! Use a journal~ pray, read the scriptures, and when you come across a passage that God is using to speak to your heart, use SOAP
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i. S stands for write down the scripture
ii. O stands for write down your observations
iii. A stands for writing down the application to your life
iv. P stands for writing down a short prayer in response
“Other books were given for our information; the Bible was given for our transformation.” Anonymous
LET’S TRY IT; READ PHILIPPIANS 1; then do SOAP (use the back of this page)
· Now; find the person who has the same birth month as you
· SHARE with them your washing with SOAP experience
~He has empowered you to become a new creation…so you can take into the world what God has given you in private!
~And by applying the lessons He teaches you, you are abundantly blessed, and a blessing, because of it!
John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”.
“God wants each of us to have the assurance of His love in such a way so that our security rests in Him and we live an authentic life victorious over ourselves, and the devil. It takes time each day to grow your relationship with God so you have that level of assurance and victory” Christopher D.
-- In order to be a disciple that makes disciples of Jesus, you need to integrate those things that help you be dedicated to Jesus!--
What needs to happen in your life so you become a dedicated follower of Jesus? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Steps to get me there 1._________________________________4.________________________________ 2._________________________________5.________________________________ 3._________________________________
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D. Jesus’ disciples are: INFUSED by the Holy Spirit!
1. What the Holy Spirit promises to provide
a. For the disciple personally
i. Helps us know the love of Christ and experience His power (Eph. 3:16-21)
ii. He helps us achieve God’s will and provides comfort (John 14:15-17)
iii. He convicts us of our sin. Helps us understand true righteousness. And reveals our place in the coming judgment (John 16:6-8)
iv. Leads us to truth, and tells us things that are coming in the future (John 16:13)
v. Also forgiveness, sanctification with fruits (Titus 3:5, Rom. 15:16, Gal. 5:22)
It is the Spirit… that works to transform characterby withdrawing the affections of men from those things which are temporal and perishable, and fixing them upon the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance which is imperishable. The Holy Spirit recreates, refines, and sanctifies the human agents, that they may become members of the royal family, children of the Heavenly King GW p. 286,7
b. Holy Spirit provides with things so the disciple can be a blessing to others
i. Tells us what we need to say to others (Luke 12:12)
ii. Will cause rivers of living water to flow from our hearts (John 7:37-40)
iii. Receive power to share His word (Acts 1:8)
iv. Speak His truth with other languages (Acts 2:4)
v. Tell His word with boldness (Acts 4:31)
vi. Reveals the secrets of others (Acts 5:3)
vii. Power to perform miracles (Acts 9:17, Hebrews 2:4)
viii. Provides direction for decisions the church needs to make (Acts 13:2)
ix. Gives many different gifts for service (1 Cor. 12)
x. Witnesses to the whole world (Acts 1:8)
The Holy Spirit has been given for much more then our own personal needs in the plan of redemption!
~God’s design is that when we are set apart (dedicated) to Jesus, we will live in His power and strength to lift up Jesus before a dying world.
~To do the extra-ordinary for His glory!
xi. What is the result of the Holy Spirit in our lives? JOHN 12:32
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Live for something besides self. If your motives are pure, unselfish; if you are looking out to do work that somebody must do, to show kind attentions and to do courteous acts, you are unconsciously building your own monument. In the home life, in the church, and in the world, you are representing Christ in character. This is the work the Lord calls upon all children and youth to do. Do good if you would be cherished in the memory of others. Live to be a blessing to all, wherever your lot may be cast. There are so many thousands who do no good in the world. None could point to them as the agency through Jesus Christ in the saving of their souls.. By kindness and love, by self-denying, self-sacrificing deeds, write your names in the hearts of many.4MR p.190
xii. Our focus should be character building - to be like Christ! However, in most cases the way we approach this, comes at the expense of neglecting the very thing that reveals His character the most! The salvation of lost people!!!
GOD IS OTHERS CENTERED! Christ knew that in order for us to have His character --we would need to engage in partnering with all of heaven for the blessing, up building, and redemption of mankind.
~We can’t save anyone; but we miss out on so much when we don’t let Jesus bring His saving grace to people through us!
~You can’t have a Christ like character without a burden for, and unselfish efforts on behalf of, lost souls!
This I believe is the new creation experience, not just a life where we become better people!
~But a life where we live for a higher purpose, to make disciples!
~Jesus never asks us to do anything we won’t be able to have success at!
~All that He promises He is able to perform, and He does this through the Holy Spirit!
However there are some things that need to happen in order to receive the power of the Holy Spirit~
2. Preparing to receive the Holy Spirit
a. Jesus command the disciples to wait for it
i. Acts 1:4-8 (Waiting simply was a process that facilitated obedience)
ii. God isn’t withholding the Holy Spirit because He doesn’t want to give it! He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit then we are to go shopping at Walmart for our kids! (Luke 11:13)
b. His disciples experienced unity by surrender of self
i. Acts 1:15 (How many of us could spend ten days in one room with 119 other brothers and sisters and end up in unity? Ten of us hardly do it during a two hour board meeting. We definitely need Jesus!)
ii. We need to spend time together in a way that helps us achieve the kind of spirit and bonds of unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17, THAT WE WOULD BECOME ONE WITH HIM AND WITH EACH OTHER!
“There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise [of the Holy Spirit]; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies…Through the Spirit God works in His people ‘to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift”. DA p.672
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c. His disciples prayed and asked for the Holy Spirit
i. Luke 11:19-21 (All we have to do is ask and God will give it!)
“The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have in now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it and heaven is waiting to bestow it” Evangelism p.701
ii. John 20:22 (Has Jesus breathed on you yet?)
iii. Acts 17:6b
~Living as a follower of Jesus, without the Holy Spirit is like getting on a plane for the purpose of being taxied to the next concourse!
Prayers must be red hot. It is the fervent prayer that is effectual and that availeth. Coldness of spirit hinders praying; prayer cannot live in a wintry atmosphere… God wants warm-hearted servants. The Holy Spirit comes as a fire, to dwell in us; we are to be baptized, with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Fervency is warmth of soul. A phlegmatic temperament is abhorrent to vital experience. If our religion does not set us on fire, it is because we have frozen hearts. God dwells in a flame; the Holy Ghost descends in fire. To be absorbed in God’s will, to be so greatly in earnest about doing it that our whole being takes fire, is the qualifying condition of the man who would engage in effectual prayer.
-E.M. Bounds, Necessity of Prayer
iv. Remember, the Holy Spirit is given in full power in the last days for the purpose of reaching the lost,not to make you a better person
-- In order to be a disciple that makes disciples of Jesus, you need to integrate-
-those things that help you be infused by the Holy Spirit!--
Find your partner; talk with each other about what needs to happen in your life so you become infused by the Holy Spirit? Write it down ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Help each other identify steps to get you there 1._________________________________4.________________________________ 2._________________________________5.________________________________ 3._________________________________ Then pray for each other!
Are two of you willing to share?
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E. Jesus’ disciples are: SEEKING the honor of One!
1. Out of love, His disciples will live to bless God
a. Our greatest joy will be giving ourselves, and all we have, back to God for His purposes!
i. “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” Ps 34:1
ii. “O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!” Ps 103:1
God inhabits the praises of His people!
When we love God--- our first desire will be to offer up ourselves and all that we have as a gift back to Him so that He can do what only He can do in our lives!
iii. “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase” Proverbs 3:9
iv. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Eccl. 9:10
No matter if it’s at work, in your home, while you play; God desires His people to live in such a way that He get’s the glory!
Too many of us are doing our thing, and asking God to bless us…
~When we should be doing His thing, and asking God how can we bless Him!
b. Our greatest joy will be to please God
i. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” Phil. 2:13 (NLT)
ii. “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation” Psalms 149:4
iii. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness Job 33:26
God delights in you! If you are His and you are seeking to honor Him, God is pleased with you!
iv. God smiles upon us! (Numbers 6:25)
v. Mary found favor with God (Luke 1:30) – so can you!
vi. And the Joy of the Lord is your strength my friend! (Nehemiah 8:10)
Nothing this world offers is worth holding onto!
~When we remember where we have come from, and the pain and sorry caused by Sin; we will desire only Him and what brings Him joy and pleasure.
~I know I still have things in my life that I am holding onto, but I do know that whatever it is, it’s not worth missing out on what God offers- AMEN!?
vii. 2 Peter 1:3-11
2. Out of love, His disciples will live to work for the salvation of the lost
a. God invites us into a love relationship, that in turn gives that love away
i. Luke 6:38
ii. Matthew 10:1
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b. Disciples join God in what He was doing!
i. John 21:15-17
ii. Acts 1:8
iii. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
iv. Acts 4:29
v. Acts 5:29 & 41
If we are connected to Jesus we will have a current testimony of God’s activity in our lives!
If you want a renewed passion, and zeal for God’s glory then you must be in a love relationship with Him
~ This love relationship will engage you to the extent that your greatest fulfillment will be carrying out His purposes,
~which includes going to a lost world,
~making disciples,
~baptizing them,
~and then teaching them to live out all the blessings God has to offer!
“Every Christian saw in his brother a revelation of divine love and benevolence. One interest prevailed; one subject of emulation swallowed up all others. The ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom. ‘With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.’ Acts 4:33. … men, who, receiving the word of truth, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy. They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them, and as they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought. AA p.48
~For me personally it wouldn’t matter if I was ordained, or got paid to do ministry.
~If I was still pounding nails I would be sharing my love for Jesus!
~I met Russ in December, I talked to his wife in November as we provided a service to the community to show God’s love in practical ways
~When we went back to connect with his wife we met Russ and he informed us Helen was in the hospital, she had cancer
~We prayed and prayed, and she got better, so we thought maybe God was preserving this precious soul since she was connected to so many people in the neighborhood where God told us to do ministry
~We visited them in the hospital, cleaned up the cats mess at their house, prayed with them and for them and developed a relationship with them
~Helen passed away and Russ was desperate, felt like he was loosing his mind!
~He and I started getting together on a regular basis (called an LTG)
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~Russ began considering spiritual things for the first time in his life (is a Jew who went to Synagogue once a week growing up before the war) and I can even say “I love you” and he returns the expression
~I have spent hours in discussion or helping with some projects like his computer and such.
~Two weeks ago Russ accepted Christ as His personal Savior! And we are continuing the discipleship process
vi. There is no greater Joy then having God work through you to eternally impact the life of another!
-- In order to be a disciple that makes disciples of Jesus, you need to integrate-
-those things that help you seek the honor of One!--
What needs to happen in your life so you can seek the honor of One in every area of your life? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Steps to get me there 1._________________________________4.________________________________ 2._________________________________5.________________________________ 3._________________________________
TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND EACH OF YOU SHARE WITH YOUR GROUP ONE THING THAT REALLY SPOKE TO YOU, MAYBE AFFIRMED YOU, OR YOU LEARNED FOR THE FIRST TIME…
One from each table willing to share?
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HOME WORK (to do before next session):
1. For 5 days use S.O.A.P. (or some other new tool) in your connecting time with God (or TAG time, Time, Alone, w/ God; kids in discipleship term) so you can become more dedicated to Jesus
2. Pray about this first; and then identify the person that God may be calling you to partner with, in your discipleship journey