Discipleship

I have been working through an old (but goodie) Bible Study by Avery Willis who died recently.  See a fitting tribute by Jerry Rankin HERE.  The study is entitled "LifeGuide: Discipleship & Doctrine (Using the Disciple's Study Bible)".  Both the study and the Disciple's Study Bible are out of print.  I found them in my Dad's library.
Here is the 2nd edition of the Disciples Study Bible (also out of print)

What a great tool!!  One of the key facets of this Bible is how it outlines major doctrines of Christianity throughout the whole Bible as well as providing histories, Scripture references, chain references, and study helps.

One such example is the Doctrine of Discipleship.  Over the next couple of days, I am going to outline for you the following from the Disciple's Study Bible notes:
1.  Nature of and preparation for discipleship
2.  Guidelines for discipleship
3.  Purpose of discipleship
4.  Focus on discipleship

The material shared is from the Disciple's Study Bible.  I hope you find it striking, encouraging, and challenging.  Watch everyday this week for more!!  I would love to get your thoughts!

Litany of the Lord's Prayer

A picture hangs from my stepmom's wall, written in calligraphy by my mother's hand.  I was struck by the words of the titled 'Litany of the Lord's Prayer' with the initials C.S.J.P. (I do not know the author)

Litany of the Lord's Prayer

I cannot say “OUR”
If my religion has no room for other people and their needs.
I cannot say “FATHER”
If I do not accept others as brothers and sisters in my daily life.

I cannot say “WHO ART IN HEAVEN”
If all my interests and pursuits are earthly things.

I cannot say “HALLOWED BE THY NAME”
If I who am called by His name, do nothing to praise His name.

I cannot say “THY KINGDOM COME”
If I am unwilling to give up the “good” of my selfishness and accept the reign of God's love.

I cannot say “ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”
Unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.

I cannot say “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD”
If I am lazy and expect “handouts” or if I continue to ignore the needs of my brothers and sisters.

I cannot say “FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS”
If I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone or refuse to forgive them.

I cannot say “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION”
If I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say “DELIVER US FROM EVIL”
If I am not prepared to fight against the evil in my life and injustices in the lives of my brothers and sisters.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY”
If I do not listen to God and His way, if I fear what neighbors and friends may say or do, if I seek my own glory first.

I cannot say “AMEN”
Unless I can honestly say also “Cost what it may, this is my prayer.” Yes Lord, I am for You too!

Bible Cycle Step 1 - BOOK

Okay!  Here is the Bible Cycle Step One:

1.  Read the whole book

1. 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
2. Re-read in a different translation theory
• On a different day, pick a different translation to read from.
• For info on different translation theories, click Bible Translations
• For my video discussing translations, click HERE
  
3. Get the Big Picture
• In your own words answer the questions:
• What is the main theme, central idea, big idea behind the book?
• Write it down
• Write down the specific scriptures that helped you come to that conclusion

KCI Campus Consolidation

So, with all the changes happening at the KCI Campus, here is a Q&A form on the consolidation of groups at KCI:

What changes are happening?
* KCI Campus is consolidating the following groups on campus to meet at the 9 am hour.
o Adult Community Groups
o Students (6th grade – 12th grade)
o Children  (Kindergarten – 5th grade)

When does the consolidation of groups begin?
* Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Why are we consolidating the groups?
* Due to some leadership changes within the adult community groups, we brought the two groups together to develop and strengthen the leadership for the adult groups.
* Since we as a campus have a goal of families worshiping together in the worship service, this consolidation of groups allows the opportunity for families to worship together at the 10:30 worship time slot.
* The student leaders believe that bringing the students together at the 9 am time slot to be a great time to strengthen the connections for the students as the new school year begins as well as prepare for the launch of student home groups in the near future.
* This consolidation also allows us the opportunity to regroup in order to develop leaders for the adult groups, students, and children’s ministries as well as prepare for what God has in store for us as our next steps.
* For the children’s ministry, bringing the children together brings more excitement and interaction with more children in the space.

Is the consolidation permanent?
* No.  Currently, we are looking at multiplying the groups at the beginning of the year, January 2011.

Are we consolidating the nursery and preschool?
* No.  We will still continue the nursery and preschool for both hours.

Are we consolidating the worship services?
* Not at this time.  We are waiting until after the consolidation to ascertain if going to one service is a viable option.

Does this affect our time slots?
* No.  We are continuing our 9 am and 10:30 timeframes.

How can I help?
* Yes, we need you!!  Over the next couple of weeks, each ministry team leader (Groups, Students, Children, Nursery/Preschool, Global Outreach, Hospitality, Starting Point) will be sharing in the services what their current service opportunities are.

Thank you so much for your flexibility and understanding during this season of change as we regroup to focus our efforts on the development of our campus as we move forward with Christ.

Eyes of Jesus Sermon

Hey everybody!

Some of you asked about my sermon from last week.  Here is the video:

"Eyes Like Jesus" Living Like Jesus - Stephen Boster - 08/08/10 from TrueLight Productions on Vimeo.

Here is the link to the extra resources as well

Consolidating my blogs

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that I am consolidating all my blogs into one location in order to help simplify my life.  Therefore, the Bible Summit blog, the Authentic Relationships blog, and the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church - KCI Campus blog are now centrally located on this site
www.stephenboster.blogspot.com


Please update your blog readers or take a look at the new
Google Reader to track all your blogs - it is great!

Thanks for joining the conversation and please hit the 'follow' button for updates as well as through Google Reader

And we are back!! with info on the HSCB

Hey everybody!

Well, as some of you may know, my father passed away last month.  So, I have been on a little bit of a hiatus while going through the grieving process.  But . . . we are back!

I am looking forward to continuing our discussion on the Bible Cycle on reading through God's Word.

Meanwhile, let me share with you a new Bible that is coming out soon:
Holman Christian Standard Study Bible

Here is the website:
http://www.hcsbstudybible.com/

I have put one on order (since I collect Bibles) will give a review when it comes arrives.
Here is a video intro: