The Scoopity Doopity

Church Growth

2011-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

If you ever have concerns about church growth, then this cartoon is for you:

2011-08-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the new sermon series at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church!

Crossroads Series Web Promo from TrueLight Productions on Vimeo.

Baptisms at Pleasant Valley - KCI Campus!!

2011-07-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a fantastic Sunday at the KCI-Campus! Here are the videos for the baptisms. Props to Dave Caldwell who took the footage with my camera for me.

Denise Archer

Nicole Ingle

Mike Libby

Jeff Clarkson

Grace Cooper

Sierra Little

Joplin Disaster Relief Team

2011-05-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hey-lo my friends,

Thought I would share with you some of the folks and their stories who are helping with the Disaster Relief team to Joplin, MO.

Meet Joe -

Story from Matt -

Story from Joe -

Story from Joe -

Some words from Joe -

Failure is not final

2011-05-26T07:19:00.001-07:00

Here is my recent sermon at PV concerning Failure is not final . . .

"Failure Isn't Final" The Rest of the Story - Stephen Boster - 05/15/11 from TrueLight Productions on Vimeo.

Francis Chan and the discussion on Hell

2011-05-20T14:11:00.001-07:00

Insightful vid from Francis Chan. What do you think?

Sowing the Seeds of the Gospel

2011-05-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Check out this video

Check out www.billygraham.tv
I enjoyed watching the full program:

Is Jesus My Lord? Guest vlogger Bill Niffen

2011-04-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Bill's latest Friday update

Rob Bell Followup

2011-04-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

On YouTube, I follow the One Minute Apologist, Dr. Bobby Conway. I like his conciseness on his YouTube Channel

Here is a quick clarification on his thoughts on Rob Bell

Here is the 2 hour followup discussion on the book Love Wins

Hell Yes, Hell No: A Response to Rob Bell & Love Wins from Techinc Productions on Vimeo.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ - Friday Guest Vlogger Bill Niffen

2011-04-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here is Bill Niffen's latest vlog:

What do YOU think?

PS - Click HERE for Bill's exhibits as a webdoc file

The Crucifixion - Sand Bible story

2011-04-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Easter is coming!!

Here is a short video using Sand Art to tell the story of Luke 23.
You can check out more at http://sandbible.com/

The Crucifixion of Christ: Fact or Fiction

2011-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hey gang! Here is the Friday guest blogger, Bill Niffen, with an interesting look into the Crucifixion of Christ. Comment below with your thoughts.

Part 1

Part 2

Amazing Grace sung by Il Divo

2011-04-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

This video was sent to me. My wife and I have a couple of Il Divo cds and enjoy them. I really like this vid of them singing Amazing Grace.

Good Works - Guest blogger Bill Niffen

2011-04-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my good friend Bill Niffen's second vlog entry. His topic 'Good Works'
Do good works save you?

KJB - THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: TRAILER

2011-04-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! As you may know, I collect Bibles and have some fun ones in my collection. Well, this year marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. To commemorate the anniversary, Lionsgate has created a film that chronicles the making of the KJB. Check out this trailer:
[update: Sorry everybody - looks like Lionsgate has blocked it from being viewed on my site BUT you can click on it and have it take you to the youtube site or just click HERE

Here is the Amazon link:

The Purpose of Life - Guest Blogger Bill Niffen

2011-04-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody,

I have a good friend, Bill Niffen, who has just entered the foray of Vlogging. Check out his first Vlog below and please provide him some comments on your thoughts, ideas, feedback to content, etc. I appreciate it!

Mission Aviation

2011-03-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey my friends,

I need your help. I have a friend who is working on his Mission Aviation degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary who is need of a plane to rent to get in his flight time hours for graduation. Here is a note that I received from him:

"I know I talked to you about it before, but I wanted to touch base with you again. I am in need of a plane to fly for my aviation program. The guy I was renting from no longer is renting out any planes. I have my Private Pilot's license, but I have lots more flying I need to do before I can graduate, and eventually go to the mission field. Have you thought of or met anyone who owns a plane or knows someone that does? I need a single engine aircraft to use, and would be willing to work out some kind of deal with the owner. I am in a spot where the Lord is going to have to work something big out for me to be able to keep flying, and I feel like He has already been at work! I just don't know what He has in store!! :)"

He is a great Godly guy who really wants to help others. Mission aviation ministries provides plane services for supplies, care, and needs of people all over the world.

Do you know of someone who has a plane that my friend can use for accumulating flight time for graduation? Please let me know or feel free to email me or comment on this page.

Thanks!

Farewell Rob Bell

2011-03-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

John Piper tweeted the following concerning Rob Bell:

JohnPiper John Piper

Farewell Rob Bell. http://dsr.gd/fZqmd8

26 Feb Favorite Retweet Reply

His tweet link takes you to Justin Taylor's blog concerning Rob Bell's new book:

I have enjoyed Justin Taylor's blog and review of a preview copy of the book.

Now I have had several folks ask my thoughts about this book and are awaiting my particular response. Well, I hate to disappoint because of my personal pleasing nature, but due to some great thoughts out there by guys who have read the book, I thought I would post some of those links.

One of my favorite authors of late is Kevin DeYoung. HERE is a 21 page response to Rob Bell's book that I believe insightful and careful.

If you follow the Amazon link or Justin Taylor's blog link, you will find from Rob Bell's video just what the issue at hand is - is he a universalist? - that all people go to heaven (particularly those from different faiths)

Here is that video:

The blogger 'The Tenth Leper' has some great insights and is taking his book review almost chapter by chapter.Be sure to continue reading his whole series.

Here is Martin Bashir's interview with Bell on MSNBC:

HERE is a link to a radio interview with Martin after the interview (38 min)

Rob Bell also did a web cast to launch the event: (about an hour)

Watch live streaming video from lovewins at livestream.com

Also, HERE is an insightful viewpoint on Bell's misuse of history, in particular Martin Luther

What are your thoughts? Do you think that Rob Bell has gone off the deep end?

Guest Blog Part 4 of 4

2011-03-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Hey gang,

HERE is the link to the newest post! Check it out!
or Click
http://www.thechurchbusinessguys.com/blog

Below is the video where Ed Stetzer discusses a little bit more on Ministry Pornography

Guest blog Part 3 of 4 is posted

2011-03-04T07:03:00.001-08:00

Hey gang,

HERE is the link to the newest post! Check it out!
or Click
http://www.thechurchbusinessguys.com/blog

Ministry Pornography

2011-03-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

Part 2 of 4 of my article series on Ministry Pornography is posted on:
www.thechurchbusinessguys.com/blog

Be sure to stop by and leave a comment or two. I am looking forward to some conversations!

Ministry Lusting

2011-02-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody!

This week I am posting on :
http://www.thechurchbusinessguys.com/blog/

The site is a great group of guys who really are passionate about helping other churches. I hope you will follow the blog and join in on the conversations this week. It should be interesting as I share and discuss the issue of 'lusting' after what other churches have (ministries/plans/people) rather than looking at the context where God has you and has blessed you.

Check it out!

Haiti Videos from Dave

2011-02-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, our Haiti Mission team shared with the KCI family their stories and work while in Haiti as well as our partners Northwest Haiti Christian Mission, specifically at the Mole:

Dave, one of our team members put together these two videos to show everyone. Thought you might like them - I did.

I enjoyed this one as well:

If you want to be a part of our next trip to Haiti, please let me know. It would be great to have you!!

Haitian Kids and Crystal Lite

2011-02-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

Before we went to Haiti, some of you donated specifically for some Crystal Lite packages to give to the kids to help the flavor of their water supply.

Here is a video of some kids who LOVED them:

Back from Haiti

2011-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

We are back!!

It is good to be home! Over the next week I will post pictures and stories from our time in Haiti. Thank you so much for your prayers!! God was definitely with us.

Haiti - Here we come!!

2011-01-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody,

I have been swamped getting everything together for Haiti!
We leave tomorrow!!

If you are interested in being updated with the latest -
Please contact Debra Kirby dkirby@pleasantvalley.org to sign up as a prayer partner.
Also, check out -
http://molehaiti.wordpress.com/

It is going to be a blast!!

Bible Summit 2011 Quick Walkthru

2011-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Mary Margaret is back

2010-12-29T15:10:00.001-08:00

The little girl that shared the story of Jonah is back with the story of David and Goliath!!

Bible Summit 2011 Questions

2010-12-28T13:43:00.001-08:00

Hey gang!!

Here are some questions that folks had about the Bible Summit. I hope to see you there! Please feel free to ask more questions - I would be happy to answer them.

PLUS - we will have snacks!!!

New Years Resolutions

2010-12-28T08:15:00.001-08:00

10 Ways to Connect with your Family This Year

Google Ebooks

2010-12-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Check this out!!
For those who like to read, here is something cool . . .

Sermon at Liberty Campus

2010-12-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

"According to Your Word (Mary & Joseph)" Vantage Point Christmas - Stephen Boster - 12/19/10 from TrueLight Productions on Vimeo.

Bible Summit 2011 - Coming January 7th, 2011

2010-12-13T08:33:00.001-08:00

The Story of Jonah

2010-11-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! Every now and then you get blessed with a GREAT retelling of a Biblical story. Watch and enjoy!!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

The Will of God

2010-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hey gang!

Over the last 18 months, I have been inundated about the issue of the "Will of God". There are ALOT of books out in the Christian community about the Will of God. A google search hit 663,000,000 hits. Why is it that this area in one of the most striking issues among Christians today? Well - to introduce our discussion, I thought it might be fun to kick things off with the Skit Guys - Check it out HERE

What are your thoughts on the Will of God

Touching Phone Call

2010-11-11T07:46:00.001-08:00

Social Media

2010-11-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

What are your thoughts on social media?

Do you agree or disagree?

The NIV has been updated!!

2010-11-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hey gang,

Check this out - after 26 years, Zondervan has updated the NIV - New International Version. Check out this intro by Douglas Moo:

As you know, I am fascinated by Bible Translations and I am looking forward to seeing the new NIV.
BUT WAIT! You can actually check out the new NIV online NOW before the print release in March 2011.
Check out www.biblica.com and http://biblica.com/bible/search/ to see the new text. Search your favorite verses and see how they compare. Let me know what you think.

Also, the gang over at www.biblegateway.com also have the new NIV online as well.

Bible Cycle Step 4

2010-11-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Bible Cycle 4: Verses = The Nitty Gritty – Phrases and Word Meanings

Our last step is the Bible Cycle Step Four: Working with Phrases and Word Meanings.

This time, sit down and read the specific literary unit that you have identified of which the verse or set of verses fall under.
Re-read the literary in a couple of different translation theories

Here is the spectrum again:

Word for Word – NKJV, NASB, ESV
Balanced – HCSB, NIV
Thought for Thought – CEV, NLT
Paraphrase – Living Bible, The Message

Look for Literary and Grammatical Gems – Make written notes and explore

Items that are emphasized – Stated purpose, space allotted to a topic/theme, order of events, lists
Repeated phrases
Repeated grammatical structures
Contrasts – cause and effect or things that are unalike
Similes – comparisons using ‘like’ or ‘as’
Metaphors – figures of speech that do use ‘like’ or ‘as’
Irony (something unexpected)
Pictures or stories of reality

Use Study Aids to explore specific word usage as it relates to the context of the studied passage.
Special Note on Paradoxical pairs. Allow me to quote directly from Dr. Bob Utley’s Fourth Reading Cycle:

“Look for possible paradoxical pair[s] within your subject. Many biblical truths are presented in dialectical pairs; many denominational conflicts come from proof-texting half of a biblical tension. All of the Bible is inspired, and we must seek out its complete message in order to provide a Scriptural balance to our interpretation.” http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/good_bible_reading.htm

Continue asking the Application questions and making notes as you further your understanding of the meaning in paragraphs. Here are the application questions again:

1.      Is there an example for me to follow?
2.      Is there a sin to avoid?
3.      Is there a promise to claim?
4.      Is there a prayer to repeat?
5.      Is there a command to obey?
6.      Is there a condition to meet?
7.      Is there a verse to memorize?
8.      Is there an error to mark?
9.      Is there a challenge to face?

Bible Cycle Step 3

2010-11-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Bible Cycle 3: Paragraphs = The Smallest Unit of Meaning

Onward to the Bible Cycle Step Three: Grasping the Smallest Unit of Meaning.

Sit down and read a book of the Bible all in one sitting, again (this will be your fourth reading of the entire book).

This time you are seeking to identify the historical situation within the book. This includes identifying:

The author
The recipients
The date the book was written (outside sources will help with this)
The specific reason for writing
The cultural setting – aspects of the culture mentioned in the book as it relates to the purpose for the writing
References to historical people and events

Context determines meaning. Allow me to emphasize that again – Context determines meaning!

One of the greatest tragedies we have in Bible study is stripping verses out of their context. Verses should be read within their paragraph context.
Words, sentences, clauses, and verses ONLY have meaning in context.
There is one and only one meaning (except in prophecy) that is valid in a particular context of Scripture as determined by the original author’s intent.

Application begins here. Here are some quick notes on Application:

Application is based upon the context of the passage as revealed by the original author’s intent and meaning in communicating.
Application is made at here at the paragraph level, NOT at word level.
Do not allow today’s issues, personal filters, cultural biases interpret the Bible: Let the Bible speak for itself!
Check out the following Application Questions to help you in your study:
1.      Is there an example for me to follow?
2.      Is there a sin to avoid?
3.      Is there a promise to claim?
4.      Is there a prayer to repeat?
5.      Is there a command to obey?
6.      Is there a condition to meet?
7.      Is there a verse to memorize?
8.      Is there an error to mark?
9.      Is there a challenge to face?

Expand your chapter outline to include paragraph headings and points.

A quick note here about outlining – your outline headings may include a couple of paragraphs denoting a literary unit. That is totally okay – it your outline to help you study the Scriptures. J

Check your historical situation work with Study Aids as well as your updated outline entries at the paragraph/literary unit level.

Bible Cycle Step 2

2010-11-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Bible Cycle 2: Chapters = The Main Themes / Literary Units

Now, let’s talk about the Bible Cycle Step TWO: Identifying the Main Ideas

Sit down and read a book of the Bible all in one sitting, again.

This time you are seeking to identify the major topics and subjects within the book

Identify the predominant literary genre

Old Testament

Hebrew Narrative
Hebrew Poetry (Wisdom Literature, Psalms)
Hebrew Prophecy (Prose, Poetry)
Law codes

New Testament

Narratives (Gospels, Acts)
Parables (Gospels)
Letters/Epistles
Apocalyptic Literature

A great resource in understanding Biblical literary genre and how it relates to Bible study is:

“How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

Outline the main ideas of each chapter

Write down a Chapter Title heading for each chapter in the Book that you are reading.

This will help you organize your thoughts and outlines
Be sure to include each topic, theme, and subject within your heading.

Note on Chapters and Verses

Chapters and Verse designations are NOT inspired. These organizational aspects to the Biblical text came much later than the first century.
Therefore, we are utilizing the divisions to help us in our study aid. Yet, feel free to work outside the ‘lines’ as you feel compelled by the Holy Spirit in your study. J

Check your chapter outline and headings with study aids.

Take a look at how others have outlined the text and note where you may agree or disagree.

Bible Cycle Step 1

2010-10-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Bible Cycle 1: Book = The Big Picture

Okay! Here is the Bible Cycle Step One: Get the Big Picture

Sit down and read a book of the Bible all in one sitting.

This should take anywhere from around 20-30 minutes to 3 hours depending upon what book you picked

A New Testament Epistle takes about 20 minutes with a New Testament Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) taking 2-3 hours

Re-read in a different translation theory

On a different day, pick a different translation to read from

Word for Word – NKJV, NASB, ESV
Balanced – HCSB, NIV
Thought for Thought – CEV, NLT
Paraphrase – Living Bible, The Message

- For info on different translation theories, click Bible Translations
- For my video discussing translations, click HERE

Identify the Big Picture

In your own words answer the questions:

What is the main theme, central idea, or the big idea behind the book?

Write it down

This will help you articulate and remember your thoughts and processing.

Write down the specific scriptures that helped you come to that conclusion

This may be a specific literary unit, chapter, paragraph, phrase, verse, or sentence that brings out the central idea behind the book.

The Bible Cycle Intro

2010-10-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

Okay - here is peek of what we ARE going to cover over the next four days. I hope the Bible Cycle serves you well.

Bible Cycle 1: Book = The Big Picture

Bible Cycle 2: Chapters = The Main Themes / Literary Units

Bible Cycle 3: Paragraphs = The Smallest Unit of Meaning

Bible Cycle 4: Verses = The Nitty Gritty – Phrases and Word Meanings

Note: These Bible study cycles are based upon Dr. Bob Utley’s reading cycles. Please see www.freebiblecommentary.com for more information on Dr. Utley’s ministry and especially his seminar: You Can Understand the Bible. His work is an indelible foundation to these study cycles that bear my personality and usage of his reading cycles.

My sincerest apologies

2010-10-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been 12 days since my last post. I have been on vacation. My home computer hard drive crashed (I have not fixed it yet). I am back to work at the KCI Campus and playing catch up.

But - that is not why I wish to apologize. I just realized (while reviewing the blog info) that I have never completed nor finished the Bible Cycles!! Whoops!! Especially considering that Bible Cycle step one continues to be my most viewed blog entry (and from all over the world!!).

Wow - how did I miss that!!?! I am such a nerd.
Okay, so starting tomorrow - I will post each step - one day at a time. The basics are completed and I have them ready to go. So, I should not forget - HA!

Plus, I picked up my copy of the new Holman Christian Standard Bible. Be looking for my review next week as well!

Thanks for your patience and I look forward to serving you with the Bible Cycle helps.

Pastors and Politics

2010-10-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

A good friend sent me an article link concerning pastors' view towards politics and more specifically - why they 'punt'.
You can read the article HERE.

Here is my response:
Since the article is directed towards pastors, I feel inclined to respond to this one. Once responded, I want the 15 minutes of my life back.

First response - "Get in line" - he is acting like a child in which to he claims that pastors do not talk about their special topic or concern (in this case - politics). Why is it that everybody feels like they have to have the pastor's support. We are God's servants - not mans'.

Let me quickly and briefly hit his top 10 reasons -
1. Fear of man - junk.
2. Ignorance - possibly. That is why I have a friend who provides current event updates to help keep me informed. Yet, with time that is already crunched - I choose to cheat something or someone. Some things get more priority and that is the way it is.
3. Division - nah. There is already enough division within the church - there is not time to instigate political division.
4. Last days - nice try, but no.
5. Sloth - yeah right. There is a reason why Peter Drucker named Pastors as the hardest job
6. Tax Exempt Status - nope. That change has been coming down the pipeline already without having to worry about what to say.
7. Paltry Pietism - hhhmmmmm. Things of God before politics. With limited interaction with the congregation as it is (the limited 'God box' time of Sunday morning), there is enough to relate the truth of the Word of God. I do agree that 'issues' are important as they relate to the issues of being Christ like.
8. Radical Muslim Comparison - wha???? I have never even heard of this one. Crazy
9. Not being able to say No to minutiae - well - obviously, he has not lived very long in pastor's shoes. While boundaries are important, his sweeping statement is too far off the deep end.
10. Likey the money - he is off base here directing much of his conversation to larger churches - there are thousands upon thousands of pastors who are barely scraping by being bivocational to make ends meet. While there are some who may likey the money, I will show you 2 dozen more that are in it for the people. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Interesting article. Appreciate the conversation. Not saying 'don't be involved in politics'. On the contrary, we should - that is beauty of our nation.

Bottom line: Let pastors teach the Word of God from the pulpit. The time is limited as it is. That is our calling.

Your thoughts?

KCI Student Ministry Blog Video Intro

2010-10-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Check out this quick interview with Chip Bruce about the new KCI Student Ministry Blog:

http://lifestudentministrieskci.wordpress.com/

Focus of Discipleship

2010-10-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here is our last part concerning the Doctrine of Discipleship as quoted from the Disciple's Study Bible.

     Focus of Discipleship. Discipleship focuses on personal spiritual discipleine, such as Bible study, prayer, and worship, to train for service. At heart discipleship is the believer in action for God. God's will for Christian serice is as broad as human need. Discipleship invovles evangelism and missions as described in separate articles. God wants all material needs met for every person He creates. The Bible descibes ministry to the
poor and needy (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 11:41);
hungry (Luke 1:53; 9:12-17; Romans 12:20);
homeless (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33-34; Numbers 15:15-16);
oppressed (Matthew 9:36; Mark 12:38-40);
sick (Matthew 10:8; Luke 9:1-6; James 5:14-16);
handicapped (Matthew 15:30-31; Luke 14:13); and
the fallen (John 4:1-42; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Galatians 6:1-2).
In principle discipleship involves creatively meeting any need another person has (Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-19; Luke 4:18-21).     The importance of ministry to human needs was made clear when Jesus said it would indicate qualification for blessing or rejection on the day of judgment and the great separation (Matthew 25:31-46).

Thanks for joining us on this series. let me know if you have any questions or ideas or things that you would like to see.

PV-KCI Students Blog

2010-10-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hey KCIers!

The Student Ministry @ KCI has its own blog specifically covering topics, events, and celebrations of the Student Ministry. Woohoo!!

Be sure to add to your favorites:

http://lifestudentministrieskci.wordpress.com/

Purpose of Discipleship

2010-10-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Continuing our sessions on Discipleship from the Disciple's Study Bible, here is part 3 of 4 concerning the Doctrine of Discipleship:

Purpose for discipleship. The first priority in a Christian's life is to seek, find, and follow the will of God. That is the way the kingdom of God, His sovereign rule in His creation, is advanced (Matthew 6:33). God's purpose is that Christian's will bear fruit. Bearing fruit is not a religious obligation; it is a natural result of conversion, submitting to Christ's lordship, and following the Spirit's leadership (Matthew 7:16-20). Discipleship centers on love for God and for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 6:27-35; John 17:26). Discipleship is a responsible stewardship of personal influence on others persons and on society (Matthew 5:14-16). Discipleship is more than passive adoration of God. It is active involvement in God's creation and Christ's ministry (Luke 14:34-35; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Discipleship does not seek out deserved rewards. Discipleship means doing all for God's glory. Christians share with Christ in meeting needs of other people. The commendation of the Master is the most desired reward (Matthew 25:21). God has promised to reward faithful servants (Ephesians 6:5-8; 2 Peter 1:10-11)

Next: Part 4: Focus of Discipleship

Where Do Good Ideas Come From? and Drive: What drives us

2010-09-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

There is a new style of teaching that I find fascinating. These videos show that style but the content of them is good as well. Thought you might enjoy

The Student Ministry at KCI

2010-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!

At PV-KCI, we are taking time each week to highlight a different ministry and what God is doing among the people. Here is an intro by Chip Bruce:

Here are some clips by some of the students on why they like the Student Ministry . . .

Hmmm . . seems to be a theme about volleyball . . . . .

Guidelines for Discipleship

2010-09-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today we are continuing our gaze into the Disciple's Study Bible (1988, Holman Bible Publishers: Nashville), specifically at an article about the Doctrine of Discipleship. Yesterday, we covered the "Nature of and Preparation for Discipleship". Today, we look into Guidelines for Discipleship. As yesterday, I have spelled out the references fully. Coloring is mine for visual acuity (ie break up the monotony of the black lettering. Click eBible search to look up the references if you want.

Guidelines for discipleship. Discipleship occurs only under God's leadership. He has provided leadership in the lives and affairs of His people throughout human history (Genesis 12:1-5; 24:1-67; Exodus 14:15-16). He provided basic guidelines for disciples through His covenant (Exodus 19-24) in which He sought to establish His kingdom. Under the old covenant God made His will known by laws and prophets. Under the new covenant He makes His will known by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus said the only ones who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do "the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). To be a Christian disciple demands a willingness to give up everything to experience the reality of the kingdom of God through the immediacy of Christ's ruling authority. Being part of the kingdom means a live-evidencing repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17).
Discipleship is living out the confession, Jesus is Lord. Disciples of Jesus extend the ministry He began by doing obediently what He commands. Discipleship involves hearing the teachings of Jesus as authoritative and following His commands (Luke 6:46; Romans 6:16). Christ exercises His lordship in the lives of disciples through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 20; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 5:16). When a person repents and makes a personal commitment to Christ by faith, Christ enters the heart in the person of the Holy Spirit and becomes guide, energizer, and enabler in the Christian life (John 16:13-14). Disciples also need human role models and spiritual leaders. Disciples do not seek out leadership positions but answer God's call to them (Hebrews 13:7-17).

I enjoy the insight that discipleship is LIVING OUT the confession that Jesus is Lord. How many of us have witnessed people confessing Christ as Lord, but denying Him by their lifestyle? Oh, that I may not fall into that trap of busyness for God that I am not busy with God.

On the next to last sentence above, do you have someone pouring into and discipling you?
Are you discipling someone else?

Coming up . .
the Purpose for Discipleship
the Focus of Discipleship