December 2008

11.20.2008

The Wednesday night study on different world religions has just wrapped up, and we learned...well, you’ll just have to take the class next time it’s offered if you want to know what we learned!

On the horizon, we will have a study about different Christian denominations. There are some things we have in common, yet there are other things we Baptists do that are different. For example, did you know that some denominations have the pulpit off to the side, while we Baptists place it front and center? If you want to know why Baptists are correct, you’ll need to attend the Wednesday evening discipleship class that will begin in January 2009!

On the subject of discipleship training, I would like to gradually add a greater variety of studies on Wednesday evenings. If you are a Christian, you are automatically signed up for God’s discipleship program. It includes real-life experiences, along with church and classroom training, so I hope you’ll make an effort to attend some of ARBC’s discipleship training.

There are two types of disciples. One type are disciples in word only. These are the ones who say they believe in Christ, say then want to learn about Him, but never show up for Sunday School or any other training. The second type of disciples are disciples in deed. These people know that becoming a Christian means becoming a disciple at the same time. There is a consistent pattern of learning and serving in their lives. They may not sign up for every class and ministry opportunity, but over time, a pattern of participation in classes and events can be seen in their lives.

Is there a Biblical pattern for that? I think you see it over and over in the lives of Christ’s disciples - remember this is before they were promoted to Apostles. They were constantly sitting in the presence of their teacher, asking questions because they wanted to learn. Luke 8:9 says, “His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant” (emphasis added). This shows there was a hunger for learning. Jesus would send them to serve; they went and brought back a report of what God did through them. Matthew 10:7 says, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” In Luke 9:10, we see that “When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done.” The twelve disciples were truly disciples in deed. We all should be!

Let me close with a gracious “Thank you!” for the Pastor & Staff Appreciation gift. The Lord is great, and may He bless you in the coming years!

Until next month,
Danny Joe

Posted by arbc at 10:27 PM