From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:66 To outward appearances this was a crushing rejection – the defection of a multitude of disciples. Only a day prior these same defectors were intent on making Him the king of the nation. Their enthusiasm had never been … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : In order to be a disciple, we must discipline ourselves. We can’t police each other intensively; we need to keep ourselves under Christ and His law. [Lesson plan for The Cost of Discipleship March 24, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 12:51-53. a. Ask class members to share a thought on … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Harvest and the Harvesters March 19, 2014] 1. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” Imagine us wretched creatures of this earth glorifying God the Father of all! He doesn’t see us as wretched at all, but as fallen sinners that He is ready to glorify and lift to the courts … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Spiritual gifts are given for nurture and outreach. The question we have is what are my gifts and how can I use them? [Lesson plan for The Harvest and the Harvesters March 17, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 4:28-30. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … Continue reading –>
Compare the following passages: Mark 6:7-13, Matt. 16:14-19, 18:17-20, 28:18-20, John 20:21-23. What do these verses tell us about the kind of authority that Jesus’ disciples had? What does this mean for us today? Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the church’s faith, and Jesus now honored him as the representative … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Discipling Spiritual Leaders March 12, 2014] 1. Choosing the Twelve. Did Jesus choose the twelve disciples because of their broad experience and proven leadership skills? Did He take a chance with each one? Or did He know they’d come out all right? But wait a minute. Did they? How could someone walk with Jesus … Continue reading –>
Wax on… wax off. Wax on… wax off You might recognize that phrase from the 1984 hit movie, “The Karate Kid.” A young student is expecting to learn karate but his teacher, Mr. Miyagi, gives him seemingly mundane jobs that are unrelated to karate. Daniel, the young star of the movie, is given the task … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Knowledge that includes an experience in faith, hardship, sanctification, and self-sacrifice along with doctrine prepares disciples to become leaders. [Lesson plan for Discipling Spiritual Leaders March 10, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 16:7-12. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
Christ’s earthly sojourn was relatively brief. Therefore, the training of disciple-makers was imperative. Whom should He select? How many should He choose? Jesus’ disciples doubtless numbered in the hundreds. Should everyone undergo mass education? Christ understood that leadership was cultivated effectively within small groups, not mass-produced through lectureships. Limited numbers would be chosen for Christ’s … Continue reading –>
