Care of New Disciples

1. Care ofNew Disciples

2. Care of New Disciples The most Neglected area of Church Work Early church - Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Churches of Christ in the Fifties International Churches of Christ Modern churches eg Bill Hybels of Willow Creek CC, USA

3. Disciple Added to the church • Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. • Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. • Christians were first called disciples from the beginning of the church (Acts 6:1) Only later in Acts 11:26, the disciples were called Christians.

4. Disciple Added to the church • The Greek word disciple “Mathetes” means a learner, one who accepts & follows the teaching (didaskalos) of his teacher. • Everyone added to the church is a disciple. Hence Christian = disciple. A person cannot be a Christian and not be a disciple. • The main preoccupation of a new disciple is to be a learner - 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby

5. Disciple Teacher Added to the church • Hebrews 5:12 'For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again’ • The span of remaining a disciple (learner) is time sensitive - ie a probation or grace period • How long is this learning period? • Acts 8:1 ‘At that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad’ • Acts 8:4 ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.'

6. Disciple Teacher Added to the church As soon as a convert is added to the church as a disciple, he is a learner to be established in faith – Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: New disciples are taught the basic truths so that they are firmly rooted – Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Their main preoccupation is to learn – 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

7. Disciple Teacher Added to the church • Offer and assign faithful, mature and exemplary members to mentor them. • Join a Care team. • Conduct special classes periodically to nurture, build and help new converts grow in grace and knowledge.

8. Disciple Teacher Added to the church 1. Existence of God 2. Reliability of the Scriptures 3. How to pray and study the Bible 4. Spiritual walk and growth 5. Understand the church, worship, mission and ministry 6. The Christian’s discipleship, responsibilities and duties 7. How to live a godly life in an ungodly world 8. Drawing near to God and remaining faithful

9. How it was done in the Bible When a person has heard the gospel, considered carefully its implications he becomes a new disciple when he submits himself in baptism - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. This is a great transformation as stated in Ephesians 2:12 - That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Having moved from a godless lifestyle or superstition with false gods, to be filled with the life building word of God - John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

10. The Bible tells us how the new disciples were cultivated in the early church right at the beginning. Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

11. 1. Continue steadfastly in the Apostles' Doctrines • 1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. • B. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. • C. Matthew 22:29 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

12. 2. Fellowship • 1 John 1:3 - That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. • 2 Corinthians 8:4 - Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. • 1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine

13. 3. Breaking of Bread • Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. • Psalms 122:1 - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. • 1 Samuel 20:18 - Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine 2. Fellowship

14. 4. Prayers • Luke 11:1 - And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. • Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. • C. 1 Timothy 2:8 - I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine 2. Fellowship 3. Breaking of Bread

15. 5. Generosity • 1 Corinthians 16:2 - Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. • 2 Corinthians 8:2 - How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. • C. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine 2. Fellowship 3. Breaking of Bread 4. Prayers

16. Many Obstacles Ahead When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. But he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit

17. 1. No longer a Slave to Sin • Romans 6:11-14 - Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin. • B. Ephesians 4:28 - Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. • C. Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

18. 2. Submit to the Mastery of God • Romans 6:22 - But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. • B. Psalms 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. • C. Philippians 2:5-7 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. 1. No longer a Slave to Sin

19. 3. Do Good to all Men • Matthew 5:13-14, 16 - Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. • James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. 1. No longer a Slave to Sin 2. Submit to the Mastery of God

20. 4. Focus on the Spiritual • Romans 8:6 - For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. • Colossians 3:1 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. • C. Revelation 22:20 - He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 1. No longer a Slave to Sin 2. Submit to the Mastery of God 3. Do Good to all Men

21. 5. Reach out to Share Your Faith • John 1:40-41 - One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. • B. Acts 18:26 - And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. • C. Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 1. No longer a Slave to Sin 2. Submit to the Mastery of God 3. Do Good to all Men 4. Focus on the Spiritual

22. Most Cost Effective Ministry Meaning of cost effectiveness. Example: garden city. Nothing benefits a congregation as much as the training of new disciples. Neglect it to our peril.

23. 1. A growing church needs new blood A. Luke 19:10 - For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. B. Acts 5:14 - And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. C. Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

24. 2. Let’s treasure our prospects A. James 2:2-4 - For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? B. Matthew 23:15 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. C. Acts 9:13 - Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. 1. A growing church needs new blood

25. 3. New disciples are eager to learn A. Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. B. Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. C. Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 1. A growing church needs new blood 2. We need to treasure our prospects

26. 4. They have many unconverted prospects A. John 4:39 - And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. B. Acts 10:24 - And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. C. Acts 16:32-34 - And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. 1. A growing church needs new blood 2. We need to treasure our prospects 3. New disciples are eager to learn

27. 5. Ways to train new disciples A. Ensure that he is initiated into a Care team. This will give him the love, friendship and encouragement of a small group - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up... And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. B. Go through in a class or one-on-one study, a course for new converts - 2 Timothy 2:15 -Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. C. Take him along as an apprentice in your Christian services - Philemon 1:10-11 - I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me. 1. A growing church needs new blood 2. We need to treasure our prospects 3. New disciples are eager to learn 4. New disciples have many unconverted prospects

28. The Discipleship Journey Added to the church Acts 2:41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:47 - Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.

29. Disciple Added to the church Acts 6:1 Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying… Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

30. Learner (Disciple) Teacher Added to the church 1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation. Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

31. Learner (Disciple) Teacher Added to the church Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.

32. Learner (Disciple) Teacher Added to the church Hebrews 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

33. Learner (Disciple) Teacher Added to the church 60-80% of an average congregation stagnant in this stage. Not cold, but not hot - Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. Routine – this is the most dangerous disease of any congregation.