The word disciple or disciples occurs 268 times in the New Covenant while the word Christian or Christians occurs only 3 times. We can safely conclude that discipleship is a vital part of our life for God. I go as far as to say that you cannot be a Christian if you are not first … Continue reading Four Principles for Discipleship
Disciples Reproducing Disciples
Being a disciple is not the end goal of discipleship. Discipleship has a goal of its own: making more disciples. The Good News is not ours to keep or hoard. We are not simply containers of the Gospel, but a conduit through which God's grace passes on to others. Consider 2 Timothy 2:2, "and what … Continue reading Disciples Reproducing Disciples
Disciples and Our Example
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjBQzkIAue8 I hear statements like that all the time. "It doesn't matter what I say or do." "What I am doing is my business, what others think is their problem." "No one is watching me." Really? 1 Corinthians 8:9, "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to … Continue reading Disciples and Our Example
Discipleship: Lesson Three
As we continue to look at discipleship, we look at Jesus' last full night with His disciples. The last night of Jesus freedom before the cross would prove to be a night of sadness. Sadness as Jesus foresees the trauma, pain, and suffering He is about to endure. Yet this night is significant. Jesus has … Continue reading Discipleship: Lesson Three
Discipleship Lesson Two – Courage
"And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after … Continue reading Discipleship Lesson Two – Courage
Discipleship: Lesson One
Over the next few posts, I will be sharing the basic outline of a series of lessons on discipleship. These are the lessons were are studying together at Central Church of Christ. Our aim is that we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … Continue reading Discipleship: Lesson One
Looking for a Church to Call Home?
(For readers that have followed for a few years, this is a re-post form 2012) If you are looking for a church to call home, I have a list of things to look for in a home congregation. This is a short list of list of five things. These all come from Acts 2:42-27. “And … Continue reading Looking for a Church to Call Home?
Church Growth the Bible Way
The last couple of posts cover church growth and congregational friendliness, today I want us to open the Book of Acts and see how the early Church grew. Let's just call this what it is: Church growth the Bible way. A quick survey of the book of Acts in the Bible and you quickly … Continue reading Church Growth the Bible Way
A Friendly Church
Lawrence and Olivia would not consider themselves great neighbors, but they felt they were friendly. One morning they discussed how they could improve and concluded that they should make a better effort at being friendly. Later that month Olivia noticed a moving van at the house across the street. Having baked a couple of loaves … Continue reading A Friendly Church
A Welcoming Church Atmosphere
There is plenty of church growth material available in the form of books, online research, lectures, etc. Many of them offer great advice and strategies to bring seekers and the unchurched to your congregation. Some books focus on different programs. Some focus on what one might call gimmicks or marketing campaigns. Others break down research … Continue reading A Welcoming Church Atmosphere
Driving Thought 