Bilbical Foundadtions of Discipleship

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The Biblical Foundations of Discipleship Copyright © 2009 by David E. Schaumburg. All rights reserved.

Contents : 

Contents The Meaning: Then & Now The Mandate: The Great Commission Window The Magnitude: The 10/40 & 9 to 5 Windows The Message: The Gospel of the Kingdom The Matrix: The Already, Not Yet of the Kingdom The Manual: The Gospel of John The Model: The Modified Wheel The Measurement: Four-Wheel Drive The Mark: Persevering to the End

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In the first century believers were primarily known as “disciples” of Christ. This is the context of Dietrich Bonheoffer's statement, “Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without Christ.” The original disciples were first called “Christians” at Antioch (Acts 11:26). The term was invented by the secular public to be critical of the disciples. Antioch was the slave capital of the world. If you were the slave of Tiberius, you were called a Tiberian. To call the disciples Christians was to call them “slaves of Christ.” The secular world met the new word with laughter and derision. Like slaves, the “Christians” no longer had an identity of their own. They were love (agape) slaves of Christ. They lived with a greater joy with their new name. They had lost everything in the world, but they had gained the greatest treasure in the universe. The Meaning: Then

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Today, it is common for “Christians” to view discipleship as an optional deeper life. It for sure has nothing to do with having eternal life. Many Christians don’t even know what discipleship is, yet, the word appears 269 times in the New Testament. The local church desperately needs a spiritual revolution of New Covenant discipleship. The New Covenant provides four new dynamics for every believer symbolized in water baptism: New Life, New Cleansing, New Identity, and New Power. Under the Old Covenant, circumcision was the sign of relationship (a removal of part of the physical flesh). In the New Covenant the sign is water baptism. It represents the flesh being removed from the heart & creation of the new self (future slides will explain this more clearly). We must avoid developing a two-tier-system of the “have’s & the have not’s!” Discipleship is releasing the Christ who lives in every true believer! The Meaning: Now

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Matthew 28:18-20 (The 4 All’s) “18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Making disciples is not some new fad or optional church program. It is the reason why the Church exists. The Mandate: The Great Commission Window

The Magnitude: The 10/40 Window : 

The Biblical Mandate in Matthew 28:16-20 to make disciples of all nations is not yet finished and still applies to the 21st Century. “The original mandate has never been rescinded. Biblically, no church anywhere can claim exemption from the mandate until every person has heard with understanding the way to life in Christ and a church has been established in every community.” In the original Greek of Matthew 28, the term "nations" (ta ethne) does not refer to geographically defined territories, but “people with a unifying ethnic identity” or “people groups. ‘ There are about 16,300 unique people groups in the world today. Nearly 41 percent of those people groups have no access to the gospel and are considered unreached. Access to Biblical Scriptures plays a significant role in conversion to Christianity. “Some reckon that over half of evangelical Christians attribute their conversion, at least in part, to Christian literature.” Approximately 5,200 of these unreached people groups are in the 10/40 Window. The original Biblical mandate still remains incomplete and applicable to the 21st Century, it is important to Evangelical Christians to begin focusing mission efforts towards the 10/40 Window where the large majority of unreached people live. (The 10/40 Window is by Luis Bush. Source: Wikipedia) The Magnitude: The 10/40 Window

The Magnitude: The 9 to 5 Window : 

Called the “next great movement of God,” ministry in the workplace is like a sleeping giant that is starting to take the nation by storm. In The 9 to 5 Window, Os Hillman, one of the leading authorities on “faith at work” today, introduces you to the new breed of worker who has gone beyond the status quo to become a transformer. Learn the facts about this current movement, How to bring the presence of God into your workplace, how to develop intercessory prayer team at work, how to transform your workplace, city, nation and world. Hillman believes there are 4 categories of disciples in the workplace: Trying to survive. Living by Biblical principles: This is good but will never fulfill the Great Commission Living by the power of the Spirit. This is the key to making an impact for Christ. The Spirit who dwells within has been activated. The transformer: Changing his or her workplace for Christ. Now the Spirit is not only activated but is also applied to real life. A definite strategy has been adopted. The Magnitude: The 9 to 5 Window We need to claim the 9 to 5 Window for the Kingdom of God!

The Message: Gospel of the Kingdom : 

The Message: Gospel of the Kingdom We proclaim the “gospel of the kingdom!” The Kingdom of God = The realm of God’s Rule Repent = Raising the white flag of surrender “Tetelestai”

The Matrix: The Already, Not Yet : 

The Matrix: The Already, Not Yet School of the Spirit Dr. Gordon Fee says that almost all false teachings can be avoided by embracing this truth. For example, “prosperity” preachers teach everything is “already” here. There’s no “not yet” except for those who do not have sufficient faith. Faith becomes sovereign instead of God! At the other extreme are those who believe that everything except eternal life is “Not Yet.” These believers, without realizing it, are “quenching the Spirit.” The “Already, Not Yet” is a course in the “School of the Spirit” where we learn FAITH, HOPE & LOVE (Agape is the highest law of the universe) thru our suffering.

The Matrix: The Already, Not Yet : 

The Matrix: The Already, Not Yet

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John is the gospel of “connections.” This comes from John’s unique usage of saving faith as “believing into Christ!” Connection conveys the idea of being “joined and grounded like an electrical cord into a power strip.” There are 3 connections for a disciple: (1) Connect with Christ’s Person (Chapter 1-12: The call is “Come & See.” Christ reveals himself primarily thru one-on-one encounters. The conflict between saving faith & superficial faith is shown); (2) Connect with Christ’s People (Chapters 13-17: Jesus spends all his time with the 12 disciples); (3) Connect with Christ’s Purpose (Chapters 18-21: Key phrases = my kingdom is not of this world, charcoal fire, Peter’s denial, Paid in full, do not be afraid, sending, follow me, etc.). The Manual: The Gospel of John

Navigator Wheel Diagram : 

Navigator Wheel Diagram This simple but effective illustration was originally designed by the Navigators (an Evangelical discipleship ministry). Use this illustration to gain understanding about the level of your discipleship & the use of the spiritual disciplines in your own life. © Copyright by the Navigators

The Model: The Modified Wheel : 

The Model: The Modified Wheel We have modified the Navigator Wheel Diagram to fit our discipleship philosophy and theology. The terms to describe the Wheel have been changed to fit the design of our discipleship that is based on the on the Gospel of John. The Jerusalem Cross represents Christ at the center of our lives and our small groups which we call C-A-R-E groups. It represents a quad or triad meeting around Christ.

The Wheel: The 3 Connections & 2 Dimensions : 

The Wheel: The 3 Connections & 2 Dimensions CONNECT: CHRIST’S PERSON (Vertical Dimension) The Hub: Christ (Cross) at Center The Rim: Obedience (Vertical Dimension) Worship Spoke Word Spoke CONNECT: CHRIST’S PEOPLE (Horizontal Dimension #A) Community Spoke CONNECT: CHRIST’S PURPOSE (Horizontal Dimension #B) Commission Spoke

The Wheel Diagram : 

The Wheel Diagram VERTICAL DIMENSION: Connect with Christ’s Person (John 1-12) The Hub: The Spirit of ChristSee: John 3:14-16; 10:11; 12:23-26 Making Christ (e.g., the cross) central in your life is an act of your will. We must submit everything to Christ's Lordship. This is done thru the Spirit who ENTHRONES & EQUIPS us with Christ. The Rim (and Tire): Obedience See: John 3:36; 8:31-32; 9:9 The proof of your love for God is your demonstrated obedience to Him. Dietrich Bonheoffer once said, “He who believes, obeys! He who obeys, believes.” If you have true faith, YOU WILL OBEY! The desire to obey comes thru the Spirit working in the inner man.

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The Hub: Key Ministries of the Spirit

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The Hub: Living By the Spirit His Condition: John 7:37a ESV “If anyone thirsts” His Call: John 7:37b “let him come to me and drink” Our Connection: John 7:38a “whoever believes into me” Our Center: John 7:38b “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” His Clarification: John 7:39 “the Spirit had not yet been given…”

Hub: Living by the New Self : 

Hub: Living by the New Self Fragmented

Hub: Living by the Spirit : 

EQUIPS WITH CHRIST ENTHRONES THE LORD ENTERS WITH JESUS (Already Accomplished) Hub: Living by the Spirit Read one word from each part of the circle in order: Jesus Lord Christ Crucifixion Resurrection Ascension Justification Sanctification Service Etc. Every believer is diagramed on the inside the same way. We all have the same Spirit. It’s not a matter of the have’s & have not’s. Some spin this wheel as if it were the “Wheel of Fortune.” They spin and then only take one piece of the “pie.” We need to keep ALL 3 parts in balance.

Hub: Living by the Spirit : 

EQUIPS WITH CHRIST ENTHRONES THE LORD ENTERS WITH JESUS (Already Accomplished) Hub: Living by the Spirit Read one word from each part of the circle in order: Jesus Lord Christ Crucifixion Resurrection Ascension Justification Sanctification Service Etc. Every believer is diagramed on the inside the same way. We all have the same Spirit. It’s not a matter of the have’s & have not’s. Some spin this wheel as if it were the “Wheel of Fortune.” They spin and then only take one piece of the “pie.” We need to keep ALL 3 parts in balance.

Rim: Obedience (Lordship of Christ) : 

Rim: Obedience (Lordship of Christ) “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “…He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him…” 2 Corinthians 5:15 The power to live under the Lordship of Christ comes from living by the Spirit. In Romans 8:9, the Spirit is called the “Spirit of Christ.” He is the Hub. He ENTHRONES Christ and EQUIPS us with Christ for ministry. 2 Cor. 3:17-18 says, “The Lord is the Spirit.”

Rim: Obeying the Ordinance of Water Baptism : 

Rim: Obeying the Ordinance of Water Baptism (1) NEW LIFE: The old self is dead and buried; the new self has been raised to a new life in Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:14-15). This a public confession of faith in which there is a clean break with the old life. (2) NEW IDENTITY: Whatever has happened to Christ is already your possession. By God’s doing you are in Christ (see 1 Cor. 1:30-31). He is your identity. You are also identified with the name of God (2 Cor. 13:14): Father (Love), Son (Grace) & Spirit (Fellowship). Our new identity although dramatized by baptism, was accomplished at our new birth. (3) NEW CLEANSING: Being baptized symbolizes taking a total bath… we have already been forgiven of all our sins and given the righteousness of Christ (Col. 2:11-15). (4) NEW POWER: We were once dead in our sins, but at regeneration God has given us the full power of the Spirit. Christ had the Spirit descend on him to show the world He was about to begin his ministry. He was not receiving the Spirit for the first time. One of the first acts of obedience as a Christian is water baptism by immersion. It does not create anything. It confirms publically what God has already done by the Spirit. It is a sacrament, ordnance or symbol which visibly shows the church & the world what God has done. Baptism DRAMATIZES several real things that can be an aid to the confession of faith. It is a primary way of telling God’s story & actively participating in it:

Rim: Obeying the Ordinance of Holy Communion : 

Rim: Obeying the Ordinance of Holy Communion (1) LOOK BACK: We look back in remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial death. We celebrate the forgiveness of all our sins- past, present & future. Jesus said, “do this in remembrance of me.” (2) LOOK AROUND: 1 Corinthians 10:15-17 says. “16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” We look around in love… we are ONE body in Christ. It’s because of his death & resurrection that we are ONE in him despite our diversity. (3) LOOK WITHIN: We are told to “examine yourselves. This is in the context of “drinking in an unworthy manner” which refers to the meal (agape feast) in which they were being insensitive to those who were hungry (poor Gentiles), thus not discerning the “Body of Christ.” This has to do with with relational sin that dishonors the Body of Christ and communion. (4) LOOK FORWARD: We proclaim the Lords death until he comes (again). Christ will not eat or drink of this meal until then. This is one of the regular acts of obedience. It confirms publically what God has already done by the Spirit. It is a sacrament, ordnance or symbol which visibly shows the church & the world what God has done. Communion DRAMATIZES several real things that can be an aid to the confession of faith. It is a way of telling God’s story and actively participating in it:

Wheel of Discipleship : 

Wheel of Discipleship VERTICAL DIMENSION: Connect with Christ’s Person (John 1-12) Worship SpokeSee: John 4:23-23; John 20:26-28 Worship is THE priority for being Christ centered. It should dominate our lives. Worship includes prayer which is sharing your heart with the One who longs for your companionship and who cares about you. Prayer unleashes the power of God in your personal battles. Word SpokeSee: John 8:31-32; John 15:7-8As God speaks to you through the Scriptures, you can see His principles for life and learn how to obey. We “digest” the Word thru 5 ways: Hearing, reading, study, memorization, and meditation..

Worship Spoke : 

Worship Spoke *Revere (reverence, worship, awe) “Father in heaven” (Abba, yet awesome) “hallowed be your name” (God’s attributes) *Thumb can touch all the fingers Relinquish (surrender, let go) “your kingdom come” “your will be done… as in heaven” Request (others, self) “your kingdom come” “your will be done” “give us the food we need” Repent (deal with sin issues; warfare) “forgive our debts” “as we have forgiven others” “Lead not into temptation; deliver from evil” Release (let go, let God; thanksgiving) Margin: “for yours is the kingdom, power & glory”

Word Spoke : 

Word Spoke Get a good grip on the Word: It’s the Key to Discipleship! John 8:31-32 © Copyright by the Navigators

Daily Quiet Time: Use 2 Hands : 

Daily Quiet Time: Use 2 Hands Worship & the Word

Wheel of Discipleship : 

Wheel of Discipleship HORIZONTAL DIMENSION #A: Connection with Christ’s People (John 13-17) Community SpokeSee: John 13:34-35: John 15:12-17; John 17:20-26Learning from and encouraging others creates a chemistry pleasing to God. God has directed Christians to build each other up through interdependence and loving relationships with each other. We are to serve one another in a large and small group setting. Small groups follows the methodology of Christ (what we call C-A-R-E groups). C = Connection to Christ (Worship & the Word thru the Spirit) A = Affirmation & Accountability of Future Grace R = Relationships (Allelous: obey “one another” commands) E = Empty Chair (Outreach of witnessing & making disciples) CARE groups usually meet in triads or quads for in-depth discipleship. Triads & quads are developed in Greg Ogden’s book, Transforming Discipleship. He has also developed the curriculum, Discipleship Essentials .

“One Another” Commands (Allelous) : 

“One Another” Commands (Allelous) Comfort one another Agree with one another Thru love serve one another Bear one another’s burden Be kind to one another Forgive one another Instruct one another Submit to one another Speak the truth to one another Admonish one another Encourage one another Build one another up Do good to one another Confess our sins to one another Stir up one another Show hospitality to one another Love one another as I have loved you Be at peace with one another Exhort one another Confer with one another Members of one another Love one another with brotherly affection Outdo one another in showing honor Live in harmony with one another Do not pass judgment on one another Welcome one another Greet one another Address one another in psalms & hymns Wait for one another Care for one another Do not compare yourselves with one another

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CARE Groups follow the Peter, James & John & Matthew 18:19-20 models. We meet in groups of 3 or 4 (triads or quads). “Quads” are also symbolized by the Jerusalem Cross, our logo for discipleship. In the 2 circles, red = the blood of Christ. Multi-colors = varied ethnic groups and relating to each other inter-culturally. CARE Groups: Multi-Ethnic Quads & Triads

Wheel of Discipleship : 

Wheel of Discipleship HORIZONTAL DIMENSION #B: Connection with Christ’s Purpose (John 18-21) Commission Spoke See: John 20:21-23; John 21:15-17 The natural overflow of a rich vibrant life in Christ should be sharing with others how they too can have this life. God has given believers the privilege, responsibility, and spiritual gifts for reaching the world with the Good News about Christ. We must take seriously the Great Commission. The Commission Spoke is the life work and calling for every believer. It’s not a matter of calling or gifting, but OBEDIENCE. It is done in the power of the Spirit. Making disciples of all peoples must be a part of our personal strategy for living!

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Glorify God Flexibility God-Centered Process Witnessing: Building a B-R-I-D-G-E to the Heart An international student, who Christ found, gave this testimony, “She built a bridge from her heart to my heart, and Jesus Christ walked across.” Witness, Evangelize & Make Disciples We must make a key distinction (not a separation) between evangelize, witness and make disciples. Evangelism is a gift of the Spirit and is characterized by being effective in seeing many results. Not everyone has this gift. Witnessing is telling “your story.” We are all to be witnesses, not the attorney (the Spirit’s job). In John 15, we must bear fruit, not gifts. Making disciples is an act of obedience and is a term that covers the whole life. (e)vangelism (with a small “e”) is sometimes used generically to represent all aspects of the “funnel.”

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Building a B-R-I-D-G-E to the Heart Be Aware of the Person’s Story Respect the Person’s Story Identify Open Doors Give Away Your Faith Story Demonstrate Agape Love 1 Peter 3:15b says, “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” We must respect all people because everyone is made in God’s image… even gays (see James 3:9). Paul in Athens shows respect when he calls the Athenians “very religious” and their idols “objects of worship.” Yet, when Paul first arrived, he was “provoked in his spirit” because the city was full of idols! Respect is the first tower of the bridge. Expect Divine Appointments Agape is choosing the highest good of another. God is love & we are made in his image. We were made for agape… its our greatest need. If we are doing what God is doing (John 5:19) we will be doing good works which He has prepared for us to do in advance (Eph. 2:10). A good work in witnessing is when our story, God’s story & their story all intersect. We need to tell our story of how we came to faith in Christ which, when appropriate, will include the gospel story (The Faith: Gospel of John, 4 Laws, One Verse, etc). A person ‘s story comes deep from within their soul… from their hidden heart (the real self; the will or spirit). Don’t separate the heart from the person. The story IS the person. Listen well to the story & to the Spirit (see John 4). Only God can open the hidden heart (Acts 16:14). In Colossians 4:3, Paul prays “…that God may open to us a door for the word…” Paul talks about his major outreaches in the context of open doors. It is foolish to try to kick doors down. We need to genuinely identify the open door. This step is the 2nd Tower.

The Gift of Evangelism : 

The Gift of Evangelism “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.” 1Peter 4:11 ESV

Discovering Your Role Gift(s) thru P-E-A-C-E : 

Discovering Your Role Gift(s) thru P-E-A-C-E “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ESV

The Measurement: 4-Wheel-Drive : 

The Measurement: 4-Wheel-Drive We need Four-wheel-drive! God calls us to an adventurous journey of following Him! How do you measure success? The Wheel should function in 4 areas: 1. Maturing 2. Ministering 3. Multiplying 4. Mentoring The Wheel adjusts from simplicity to complexity as it is exercised in the 4 areas. Since the Cross is in the center it reminds us that we never outgrow the gospel. Completes the Cycle (Repeat)

The Mark: Persevering to the End : 

The Mark: Persevering to the End Persevering to the End “13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:13-14 “7…Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears… 8Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Hebrews 5:8 “…for the joy set before him he endured the cross…” Hebrews 12:2 ROAD HAZARDS

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Really, the Beginning of Living Out Discipleship! The End…