Today I'd like to share some things I believe will radically change the way people approach ministering to others about their relationship with the Lord. Traditionally speaking, we have always emphasized the forgiveness of sins. The emphasis has been on getting people born again. Other things in the Christian life—the baptism in the Holy Spirit, healing, prosperity, joy, peace, intimacy—have been add-ons or optional. We preach and focus on the forgiveness of sins, and I don't believe that is how God intended it to be. The very word we use for salvation, "sozo," literally means not only forgiveness of sins but healing, deliverance, prosperity, and forgiveness of sins.
When Jesus died for us He did it as a package deal, not only for the forgiveness of sins. In a way, you can say forgiveness of sins is the most important part, because it's the front door, the beginning place without which you can't progress. I agree with that, but the Lord never intended us to break salvation up into parts, present only a portion of it, and try to get people to commit to that. Let's look at the very last instruction Jesus gave to His disciples before He ascended back into heaven. In Matthew 28:19‑20, what we call the Great Commission, He said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." The New International Version says go and make disciples of all nations. This scripture doesn't say, "go and make converts." Don't go get people converted to Christianity. Don't get them to just accept a belief system or make a one-time commitment. Jesus said to go make disciples.
If you study the word "disciple," it means "a learner, a follower, a person who does more than make a one-time commitment." Again, don't misunderstand me; forgiveness of sins is essential to salvation. It's a non-negotiable part, but it is not the only part. I believe we should go to people where their need is. For example, if they are struggling and have a need in their marriage or their finances, if they are struggling in any area of life, we should present Jesus to them as the way to get their need met, as the One who loves them and wants to participate in their lives. When we minister to and teach them what the Lord has to say about how to prosper in their situation and how to see His power manifest, it will invariably point out that they need to make a commitment of their life to Him. For instance, if you're teaching on the subject of finances, how do you get a person to understand: "give and it will be given unto you"? This is completely contrary to the way the world thinks: "I've got to hoard, I've got to save, I've got to keep." Yet God says, "give." It's the opposite of human nature, and for a person to really tap into that system of belief, they would have to have an encounter with the Lord that changed their heart; the things of the Spirit are foolishness to the natural, physical man.
If the struggle is in their marriage, as you disciple them, talk about how God says to love your mate as Christ loved the church. It's a great opportunity to talk about how Christ came, bore our sins, and took our punishment. When you talk about how love is kind and all these things, the human nature can't do that. They have to have a divine encounter with God to change their hearts. I believe if we just started trying to teach people about how God loves them and wants them to prosper, start trying to disciple them and get them to where they can flow in the blessings of God in any area, regardless of how you do it, they would have to realize, "But I can't do that. This is beyond my ability." Then you would have them in a place where you could say, "See, you need to be born again. You need to have God's nature placed on the inside of you. You need to be forgiven yourself before you can turn around and forgive somebody else. How can you give God's kind of love if you've never received it?" And on and on it goes.
I really believe, if we would focus on becoming a disciple of the Lord, being like Jesus, growing up in His nature, and walking like Him, it would drive every single person to make a personal commitment to Him, receive forgiveness of their sins, and be born again. But it wouldn't leave them there. Salvation has traditionally been presented as the object or goal of the whole scheme, to get your sins forgiven so you won't go to hell. Because of this, that has been what people's faith has been out there for. That was their goal, their object. Once they reach that and gain assurance of their salvation, multitudes of people today lose the motivation to really go on with God. All they want is to maintain enough of a relationship with Him to be assured that they will go to be with Him. They don't really have the motivation to seek God. Scripture says in Romans 10:17 that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
If all that was presented to them was faith for forgiveness of sins, that's what they have faith for. Once their faith obtains forgiveness, they are basically contented, just trying to hold on until it's time to go be with the Lord. They don't see Him as interested in every single aspect of their lives, but if we presented the Christian life as making an absolute commitment to the Lord, following Him, becoming mature, established people who are able to reproduce the life of Christ in every areas of their lives they would be brought to the point of salvation and born again. But they wouldn't stop there. They would still have the goal of becoming disciples. It says in Matthew 28, you go teach them to observe ALL things, not teach them to just put faith in Christ but teach them how to prosper, how to have relationships, how to minister to other people. This is the commission the Lord gave people. He never commissioned His church to go preach only the forgiveness of sins. That was an important part, but it is not the whole message of the Gospel.
There is an interesting passage in John 6 where Jesus was teaching His disciples and saying some really strong things to them, basically claiming He was the Messiah: "I am the bread of life, I am the one you have to put your faith in." John 8:30 says, "As he spake these words, many believed on him." This is interesting. They believed on Him, they believed His message, they believed Jesus was the Christ. But in verses 31‑32, Jesus said to those Jews who believed on Him—the ones who believed His message—"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." He said "if you continue in My Word [that is if you continue to grow], then you can become My disciples." He made a distinction between a person who believes on Him and a disciple.
A disciple is a person who does more than just believe Jesus is the Christ. It is someone who makes a commitment to Him that they will grow to the point of following Him in every area, and surrendering their lives to Him. I believe this is what the Lord wants. I'm not saying that a person who confesses Jesus as their Lord and doesn't go on to maturity is not born again. I'm not saying they aren't going to heaven, but I am saying that this is not what Jesus intended. He never intended for us only to acknowledge him as Messiah, receive salvation, have a secure eternity, and then struggle through this life. He never intended for His church to be people who are forgiven, but unable to live a victorious life and, therefore, have a sorry testimony to the world.
I've heard it expressed that if most people today who confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior were arrested for being Christians, there wouldn't be enough evidence to convict them. That's not the way God intended it. As you study the New Testament, those who were believers in Jesus were called Christians, and that word "Christian" means "little Christ." Originally this was a derogatory term for Christians that were acting just like Jesus did. They are little Christs. Most people today who claim the name of Christian would not be accused of being a little Christ. The word has taken on a different connotation to what it meant in New Testament days. We should be like they were, and the only way we can is to become disciples. The divine plan, the scheme God originally intended, was for Christians to become disciples. I believe when the church says, "No, a disciple is a super saint, elite, a special saint. What we have to do is preach forgiveness of sins and get people born again—that's the important thing," then the influence of Christianity has been lessened. So many people today claim the name of Christian, but they aren't true disciples. Because of that, they have a negative testimony. Probably everyone reading this has said or heard something about the hypocrites at church. Mahatma Ghandi, the great Hindu leader, was convinced that Christianity was true after studying the Bible. He went to a Christian meeting in South Africa, intending to become a Christian, but because he had dark skin, they separated him. They were a white group and wouldn't allow blacks to meet with them. Because he saw the actions of people who professed Christianity but were not disciples, he turned against it and led an entire nation away from Christianity. Today the nation of India suffers because of that. That negative influence came because we have emphasized salvation, the forgiveness of sins, but not discipleship.
That is not the message of the Gospel, not what God intended. He intends for us to be full-fledged mature disciples who are following Him and able to reproduce our faith. That is God's plan for us. I pray this has encouraged you to recognize that He wants you to go beyond just receiving forgiveness of sins. We are going to begin to share how you can be a disciple and especially how you can raise up disciples.
NOTE: The following information may be read out loud (a numbered section at a time) with the person(s) being discipled. After each numbered section is read, pause and ask the question(s), and then discuss them.
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In Matthew 28:19-20 are the words of Jesus, referred to as the Great Commission. He said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." The New International Version says, "Go and make disciples of all nations."
The scripture doesn't say to "go and make converts, go and get people converted to Christianity, get them to just accept a belief system or make a one-time commitment." Jesus said, "to make disciples."
Read Acts 11:26."And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." - Acts 11:26What were Christians originally called?Answer -
I believe that we need to put the focus on becoming a disciple of the Lord. Discipleship (being a follower, becoming like Jesus, growing up in His nature and walking like Him), should be our focus.
Matthew 28:20 states that we should teach others "to observe all things" that Jesus commanded—not just teach them to put faith in Christ . This is the commission that Jesus gave. He never commissioned His church to preach only the forgiveness of sins. Now that's important, but it is not the whole message of the Gospel.
What does Matthew 28:20 say we should teach?"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."- Matthew 28:20Answer -
A disciple is a person who does more than just believe that Jesus is the Christ. A disciple is a person who goes on and grows to the point that he follows Jesus in all areas of his life. Now, I am not saying that people who confess Jesus as their Lord, but don't mature, aren't born again or won't go to heaven. I am saying that this is not what God intended. He never intended for His church to be people who were forgiven, but unable to live victorious lives.
I've heard that if most people today who confess the Lord as their Savior were arrested for being a Christian, there wouldn't be enough evidence to convict them. You know, that's not the way God intended it.
Read Luke 6:46."And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"- Luke 6:46Read James 1:22, 27."22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."- James 1:22, 27Besides being taught, what are the things we should do?Answer -
In the New Testament, the people who were believers in the Lord were people who were called Christians. The word "Christian" means "little Christ." This originally was a derogatory term applied to them, saying that these people acted just like Jesus did. They are "little Christs." Most people today who claim the name of "Christian" would not be accused of being "little Christs." The word "Christian" has taken on a connotation different from what it was in the New Testament days. We should be like those in the New Testament, and the only way we can become like that is to become disciples. This is the divine plan. God originally intended for Christians to become disciples.
Read John 8:31."Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;"- John 8:31To be Jesus' disciples, we must do what according to John 8:31?Answer
Disciple: "Indicating thought [teachings] accompanied by endeavor [a strenuous effort or attempt]. One who follows ones teachings. Those who manifest that they are His "disciples" by abiding in His word. Those who believe upon Christ and confess it. A "disciple" is not only a pupil, but an adherent [a supporter or follower who sticks, adheres to, or supports his teacher]. Imitators of the teacher." (W. E. Vine)
- Read Acts 11:19‑26."19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." - Acts 11:19‑26What did the disciples do after they were scattered after the persecution?Answer
- Read Acts 11:20."And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus." - Acts 11:20What did they preach?Answer
- Read Acts 11:21."And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." - Acts 11:21What was the result of the hand of the Lord being with them?Answer
- Read Acts 11:22‑23."22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." - Acts 11:22‑23What was the "purpose of heart" that Barnabas encouraged the people with?Answer
- Read Acts 11:24."For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." - Acts 11:24How is Barnabas described in verse 24?Answer
- Read Acts 11:25‑26."25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." - Acts 11:25‑26What did Barnabas and Saul [Paul] do for an entire year?Answer
- Read Acts 11:26."And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." - Acts 11:26What were the first disciples called?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:18‑20 (New International Version)."18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:18‑20 (New International Version)Who has all authority in heaven and earth?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:19 (New International Version)."Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," - Matthew 28:19 (New International Version)After clarifying to us that Jesus has all authority, what did He command us to do?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:19‑20 (New International Version)." 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19‑20 (New International Version)What are we to do when we "GO"?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:19‑20 (New International Version)." 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19‑20 (New International Version)Based on the definition above and the commission to "make disciples," can you see how discipling is more than merely making converts?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:19‑20 (New International Version)." 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19‑20 (New International Version)Baptism is a full submersion under water. Can you see that besides the literal meaning of baptism, it also means full submersion into ALL the things of God, the whole spectrum?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:20 (New International Version)."and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20 (New International Version)What are we to teach people?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:20 (New International Version)."and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20 (New International Version)What is the promise that the Lord leaves with us?Answer
- Read Matthew 28:20 (New International Version)."and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20 (New International Version)Does this mean that we are discipling on our own, by our own means and strength?Answer
- Read Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)What does God command us in this verse?Answer
- Read Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)What assurance do we have that we don't have to be terrified, and that we can be strong and courageous?Answer
- Read Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)If God says that He is with us wherever we go, does that mean only sometimes?Answer
- Read Mark 16:15‑20."15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:15‑20Where did Christ command the disciples to "GO" in this verse?Answer
- Read Mark 16:15."And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15Who are we to preach the Gospel to?Answer
- Read Mark 16:16."He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16What are you if you are baptized [fully submerged in Christ]?Answer
- Read Mark 16:16."He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16If you choose not to believe, what are you?Answer
- Read Mark 16:17‑18."17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:17‑18What will follow those who believe?Answer
- Mark 16:17‑18 says to "teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.""17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:17‑18List the signs that Christ said would follow the Word.Answer
- Read Mark 16:20."And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20After the disciples received their instruction, what did they do?Answer
- Read Mark 16:20."And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20Who was with them?Answer
- Read Mark 16:20."And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20How did Jesus "confirm the word"?Answer
- Read Mark 16:20."And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20Who was obedient to the call?Answer
- Read Mark 16:20."And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20And through their obedience, what did Jesus do?Answer
- Read Mark 16:20."And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20Do you believe that if you are obedient to the call, Christ will also confirm His word through you by accompanying signs?Answer
- Read Romans 4:20‑21 (New International Version)."20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." - Romans 4:20‑21 (New International Version)How did Abraham give glory to God, according to verse 20?Answer
- Read Romans 4:21 (New Living Translation)."He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." - Romans 4:21 (New Living Translation)Regarding the promises of God he was:
- Fully convinced
- Partially convinced
- Doubtful
Answer - Read Romans 4:21."And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." - Romans 4:21About what was he fully convinced?Answer
- Read Luke 6:46‑49."46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." - Luke 6:46‑49What was the inconsistency Jesus questioned in verse 46?Answer
- Read Luke 6:47‑48."47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." - Luke 6:47‑48What is the man like who hears His sayings and does them?Answer
- Read Luke 6:48."He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." - Luke 6:48How far did the man dig to build his foundation?Answer
- Read Luke 6:48."He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." - Luke 6:48What happened to his house when tribulation rose against it?Answer
- Read Luke 6:49."But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." - Luke 6:49What is the man like who heard the Word and did nothing?Answer
- Read Luke 6:48‑49."48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." - Luke 6:48‑49Whose house would you rather be in during a storm?Answer
- Have you been digging deep to lay your foundation in Christ?Answer
- Read James 1:21‑22 (American Standard Version)."21Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves." - James 1:21‑22 (American Standard Version)What are you to lay aside?Answer
- Read James 1:21 (American Standard Version)."Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." - James 1:21 (American Standard Version)What are you to receive with meekness?Answer
- Read James 1:21 (American Standard Version)."Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." - James 1:21 (American Standard Version)What is this implanted Word able to do?Answer
- Read James 1:21 (American Standard Version)."Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." - James 1:21 (American Standard Version)What is the implanted Word?Answer
- Read James 1:22."But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." - James 1:22What are we if we only "hear" the Word?Answer
- Read James 1:22."But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." - James 1:22What are we commanded to "do" with the Word?Answer
- Read John 14:12‑14."12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." - John 14:12‑14If we believe in Jesus, what kind of works will we do?Answer
- Read John 14:12."Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." - John 14:12Why will we do the "greater works"?Answer
- Read John 14:13."And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:13Why will Jesus do whatever we ask of Him in His name?Answer
- Read John 14:14."If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." - John 14:14Christ reemphasizes a point in verse 14. What is it?Answer
- Read John 14:13‑14."13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." - John 14:13‑14Is there any gray area about whether or not Christ will follow through on His promise?Answer
- Read John 14:21‑23."21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." - John 14:21‑23How does Christ determine if we love Him?Answer
- Read John 14:21."He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - John 14:21He who loves Jesus will be loved of God the Father.Answer
- Is God's love conditional?Answer
- Read John 14:23."He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - John 14:23How does Christ manifest Himself to us?Answer
- Read John 15:6‑8."6"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." - John 15:6‑8What must we do in order to receive those things that we ask for?Answer
- Read John 15:8."Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." - John 15:8How is the Father glorified?Answer
- Read John 15:8."Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." - John 15:8If we are bearing much fruit, what will we be?Answer
- Read John 15:6‑8."6"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." - John 15:6‑8Can you bear fruit if you are not abiding in His Word?Answer
- Read John 15:6."If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." - John 15:6What happens to those who don't abide in Christ?Answer
- Read John 2:5."His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." - John 2:5What did Jesus' mother say to the servants?Answer
- Read John 2:5."His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." - John 2:5Is this a command or an option?Answer
- Read John 2:5."His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." - John 2:5Do you think this command also applies to us?Answer
- Read Luke 9:35."And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." - Luke 9:35What are we commanded to do in this verse?Answer
- Read Luke 9:35."And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." - Luke 9:35Who is commanding us to "hear Him"?Answer
- Read Luke 9:35."And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." - Luke 9:35Is this an optional request or a direct command ?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:32‑36."32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. 36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." - Proverbs 8:32‑36What are we commanded to do in verse 32a?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:34."Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." - Proverbs 8:34What is the promise that follows?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:33."Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not." - Proverbs 8:33What are we commanded to do in verse 33?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:34."Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." - Proverbs 8:34What are we if we listen and are watchful?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:35."For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." - Proverbs 8:35If we find God, what do we have?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:36."But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." - Proverbs 8:36Who do we wrong, or hurt, if we sin against God?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:36."But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." - Proverbs 8:36What do we love if we hate God?Answer
- Read Proverbs 8:32‑35."32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." - Proverbs 8:32‑35For whose benefit is it if we listen, hear, receive, and do as the Lord commands?Answer
- Read John 8:11‑12."11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:11‑12What did Christ command the woman who was caught in the act of adultery?Answer
- Read John 8:12."Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12Who is the light of the world?Answer
- Read John 8:12."Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12What must we do in order to not walk in darkness?Answer
- Read John 8:12."Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12If we follow Christ, what will we have?Answer
- Read John 8:31‑32, 36 (English Standard Version)."31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'" - John 8:31‑32, 36 (English Standard Version)What does Christ call us if we "abide in His Word"?Answer
- Read John 8:31‑32 (English Standard Version)."31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" - John 8:31‑32 (English Standard Version)If we are abiding in His Word, what shall we know?Answer
- Read John 8:32 (English Standard Version)."and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 (English Standard Version)What will knowing the truth do for us?Answer
- Read John 8:36 (English Standard Version)."So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36 (English Standard Version)What happens if the "Son makes you free"?Answer
- Read Ephesians 5:1 (American Standard Version)."Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children;" - Ephesians 5:1 (American Standard Version)Who are we to be imitators of?Answer
- Read 1 Peter 2:21."For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" - 1 Peter 2:21Whose steps should we follow in?Answer