Home / Training Series /
What is a Christian?
Term given by nonbelievers, that stuck and was eventually embraced with honor. The name “Christian” was to distinguish the disciples of Jesus from the regular Jewish community in Antioch.
What is a Disciple?
One who responds to the call of Jesus in faith, resulting in a relationship of absolute allegiance and supreme loyalty through which Jesus shares His own life and the disciple embarks on a lifetime of learning to become like the Master.
How to live a Spirit-Filled Life
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21 (NLT)
At salvation, the Holy Spirit moves in and we immediately get His PRESENCE.
After salvation, the Holy Spirit waits for us to invite Him and we get His action and His POWER.
The job of the Holy Spirit:
Lead, Guide, Direct, and Warn Us –IF INVITED!!
What does untying and raising the sails look like? Confession of Sin
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Questions from Part 1
- What area of your life has the sails tied down? The wind (Holy Spirit) isn’t the problem, but the sails are the problem. What is keeping your sails tied down and not trusting God fully with EVERYTHING in your life?
- By raising the sails, you’re telling God, “I’m available! The boat is Yours”. What will you do today when you hear God’s voice in making changes to your life?
- How is God speaking to you today? How is God calling you to greater obedience?
Your Story
4 Hindrances of Sharing Your Story:
Fear – Rejection, Ridicule, Embarrassment.
Inaccurate View – My faith is a PRIVATE & PERSONAL thing. Ambassador for Christ – Baptism = Public Profession.
Lack of Urgency – No Big Deal… Not Really Important… “nonchalant” attitude.
Not knowing how – This will help you today.
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 (NLT)
Steps to Sharing My Story
1. CARE – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” -Romans 1:16
2. PRAYER – Pray for your CARE to overpower your FEAR!
3. SHARE – Guilt turns into Forgiveness; Hopeless turns into Hope; Anxiousness turns to Peace; Emptiness turns into Fulfillment; Broken turns into Restored.
Questions from Part 2
- What is your first apprehension or fear in sharing your Jesus story? How will Romans 1:16 help you going forward?
- 1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” What will you take away from this lesson and be confident about sharing your story?
Learning to Feed Yourself
1Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (NIV)
Questions from Part 3
- How is your prayer life? Do you have a routine? How can you make it better?
- Do you have a Barnabas? How about a Timothy? If not, pray and ask God to bring you someone to disciple and someone to be discipled by.
Daily Relationship With Our Savior
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
Why did Paul tell Philippians they needed to stand firm?
Adversity / Conflict / Suffering
Why do Men of Practice need to stand firm?
Adversity / Conflict / Frustration / Pain / Consequences of Sin / Trouble
3 Ways to Stand Firm in Your Faith
- Understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is our foundation. By understanding that we are rooted in Christ, it can help us remain strong during difficult times. As we focus on Him and follow his teachings, we will be able to stand firm through any storm.
- Seek the Lord daily through spiritual disciplines: prayer, worship, and studying his Word. PRAYING helps us stay connected with God and allows us to cast all our cares onto Him (1 Peter 5:7). WORSHIPING the Lord brings joy and peace to our souls and helps us stay focused on Him. STUDYING his Word provides an understanding of His will so we can make wise decisions. All these things help us stay grounded in our faith and remain steadfast no matter what comes our way.
- Rely on the person of the Holy Spirit. (see Acts 1:8, John 14:26) The Holy Spirit is a source of strength for followers of Jesus Christ. When we rely upon Him for guidance, He will help us defeat any obstacle that stands between us and following Jesus. It’s His job…the HELPER (John 14:16).
Questions from Part 4
- What are some of the troubles in life that you’ve experienced that is difficult to stand firm in Christ?
- Bobby explained 3 ways to help us stand firm in the faith during difficulty (Gospel, Spiritual Disciplines and Holy Spirit). Which 3 ways can or will help you the most and why?
- Give an example of a way or situation that you’ll be a Disciple for Christ and not just an ordinary Christian.
Mobile App
Follow along with pertinent training notes, small group questions, scripture, events, updates, and many other features!
