Schenk Family - What Disciples Do

What Disciples Do

Disciples of Christ are different from the world; they act differently and think differently. Disciples have acknowledged Christ as Lord of their lives, and they make Him a priority in everything they do. Their changed character is a result of trusting Christ and does not increase or improve their position as Christians. Disciples practice Biblical disciplines as they are empowered by the Holy Spirit, in thankfulness for what Christ has done for us on the cross. Ultimately, disciples go and make other disciples.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Disciples Abide in the Word

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

Read, study, and memorize the Scriptures. Learn God's Word, and obey it. Meditate on the Bible so that your mind is overflowing with His thoughts.

How To Study Your Bible notes from a seminar

Bible Reading Plans systematic ways to read through your Bible, from Ligonier

Bible Memory Page lots of advice and memorization ideas.

Bible Gateway an online resource for Bible study and research.

Scripture Engagement from Taylor University, defining ways to interact with the Word of God

Disciples Engage with the Lord

Enjoying our relationship with Christ is an everyday experience; many people have set aside a special time of day to focus on meetiing with Him. We are also encouraged as the body of Christ to worship, rejoice, and pray together with other believers.

Worship

Bowing down before the Lord to acknowledge His sovereignty, goodness, and love.

Prayer

Scriptures about Prayer practical principles for a life of prayer

Prayer Page we will pray for you, and provide resources to help your prayer life

Celebration and Rejoicing

Praising the Lord through music and testimony. Lifting up our hearts and hands with joy.

Disciples are Generous

Matthew 6:20-21 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Tithes giving your firstfruits to the Lord

Gifts providing above and beyond the tithe

Disciples Bear Fruit

John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Galations 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Evangelism

Disciples go into all the world to proclaim the good news and to expand the kingdom. They know that the Lord changed their lives, and they want this same blessing for everyone! Disciples understand the gospel, and know how to communicate the gospel in Biblically relevant ways. Romans 1:13

Gospel Resouce Page contains resources and advice for introducing people to Christ.

Fruit of the Spirit

Godly character results from yielding to the Holy Spirit. Galations 5, Disciples overflow with the fruit of the Spirit in their relationships with others.

Disciples Deny Themselves

Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Here are some Biblical ways to deny yourself:

Solitude Mark 1:35
getting away to a quiet place

Silence Matthew 4:1-11
being silent to know the Lord

Fasting Matthew 4:1-11
focusing your thoughts on the Lord

Frugality Luke 9:58
using the resources the Lord provides to further the kingdom

Sacrifice Romans 12:1
presenting your body to do the will of the Lord

Humility Philippians 2:5-8
not concerned for rewards, recognition, or reputation

Contentment 1st Timothy 6:6
knowing that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God

Disciples Love One Another

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Here are some Biblical ways to share love with one another:

Fellowship

Acts 2:42 says the disciples continued in fellowship; there are two words in the NT that describe fellowship, and they include sharing together, partnering together, and having things in common. Fellowship includes enjoying our relationships with other Christians because of our common relationship with Christ. We will enjoy spending time with other Christians, beyond church services. We will share our blessings and burdens with other believers; disciples are hospitable.

Service

We serve other believers by looking for opportunities to provide for their needs. We use the talents and abilites God has given to build up the church.

We partner with other believers to serve the world.

Submission

We put the needs of other believers before our own. We are accountable, and submit to the correction from other believers. Ephesians 5:21, James 5:16, 1st Peter 5:5

Advice from Pastors and Theologians

Jonathan Edwards 70 Resolutions

1st Peter 1:5

And beside this, giving all diligence,

add to your faith virture; determine to do what is right

and to virture, knowledge; know what is right

and to knowledge, temperance; don't get off the right path

and to temperance, patience; stay on the right path without wavering

and to patience, godliness; keep looking up, be like Christ

and to godliness, brotherly kindness; care about others on their paths

and to brotherly kindness, charity. help others find their paths

Galations 5:22-25

But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness,
faith,
meekness,
temperance:

against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Romans 12:9-12

Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil;

cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Live in harmony with one another.

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.

Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Schenk Family