66 books written over a period of a thousand years represent the beliefs and history from the beginning of time. Those 66 books were solidified into what we now call the Bible.
Why do we encourage study of the Bible? As followers of Christ, we study to follow God’s guidance and counsel through his word. However, our real motivation is to encourage those seeking so they may find deeper meaning through study and life application.
The DISCIPLE Bible Study program is designed to develop strong Christian leaders in local churches through the in-depth study of Scripture. ThroughDISCIPLE, persons are strengthened in their faith and guided into service and ministry.
A Bible Study Series Aimed At Transformation – Not Just Information
DISCIPLE I: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY
A thirty-four (34) week study that moves through the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem. The hoped-for results of the program are to develop biblically nourished persons committed to live as disciples. Beginning withGenesis and continuing through Revelation, participants will read approximately 80% of the Bible during this life-changing study. Students have daily assignments in the Bible and study manual and they discuss these assignments in their weekly group meeting. Each of the thirty-four (34) chapters in the study manual has a theme word and a theme verse that provides a perspective from which to read and think about the Scripture readings of the week. Come to this study prepared to spend forty-five minutes to one hour in discipline daily study as you prepare for the ninety minutes to two-hour weekly class meeting. Come also prepared to dialogue and interact with a group of people who are just like you who are seeking to go “higher up and further in” on their journey of faith.
“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32
DISCIPLE II: INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD
A thirty-two (32) week study of Genesis-Exodusand Luke-Acts prepared for adult and youth graduates of DISCIPLE I: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. This study emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately. Genesis andExodus are foundational books of the Bible that cover creation, Noah and the ark, the call of Abraham, the stories of Moses, the Ten Commandments and much more! The writings of Luke, who wrote both Luke and Acts, cover more of the New Testament than any other single author including Paul. From the first chapter of Luke through the last chapter of Acts, the Holy Spirit is active in a very powerful way. These writings are very readable and convey information and an excitement about the early church that are not to be found anywhere else in the Bible.
The emphasis of this 32-week study is both to understand the text (Into the Word) and to allow the text to challenge and inspire the student to respond in practical ways (Into the World). In addition to the Bible study, each lesson identifies one spiritual discipline to experience during the week.
DISCIPLE III: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE
A thirty-two (32) week study of The Prophetsand The Letters of Paul available to adults who are graduates of DISCIPLE I: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. It calls clergy and laity to disciplined Bible study that will result in a ministering community nourished by Scripture.
The Prophets in the Old Testament, from Isaiahto Malachi and the Letters of Paul in the New Testament are the books read in DISCIPLE III. By studying the prophets and learning of the mistakes made by God’s people in the past, we can hopefully avoid making those same mistakes going forward as the church of Christ. The writings of Paul are instructional, challenging and thought provoking for the serious Bible student.
“Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
DISCIPLE IV: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE
A thirty-two (32) week study of Old Testament Writings and the Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John; James; Jude and Revelation in the New Testament. This phase of Disciple is available to adult graduates of DISCIPLE I: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. It continues to call clergy and laity to serious, disciplined Bible study that will result in development of biblically nourished servant-leaders.
“Being faithful community, we freely choose to be bound together as the people of God.” This is an example of one of the “Marks of Faithful Community” from DISCIPLE IV. As the Writings in the Old Testament (Esther, Nehemiah, Psalms, Proverbs and more!) and the writings of the apostle John in the New Testament are read, students are constantly reminded that life lived in faithful community is the answer to the “Human Condition.”
“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” – Revelation 3:22