What is the purpose of the church?
A) To teach the word of God
B) To evangelize the world
C) To perform good deeds to better the world
D) To worship God
E) All of the above
F) None of the above
What is the church?
A) A building
B) A religious organization
C) An event
D) Christians meeting up regularly
E) All of the above
F) None of the above
The church is…
– The church is a community of disciples (Christ’s followers) on a mission to make disciples.
– Jesus commanded his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
A disciple is…
– A disciple is a Christ’s follower who grows in Christ-likeness AND produces Christ-like disciples.
Stages in the growth of a disciple
– Infant -> child -> adult -> parent
Spiritual Infant – Characteristics
– A spiritual infant is a professing Christian who does not know much about the Christian faith.
Spiritual Infant – Needs
– Nutrition: A steady supply of Christian love and Christian truth
– Care: Parents to nurture infants
Spiritual Infant – Dangers
– The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23)
– Seeds (the word of the kingdom) were sown on four kinds of soil producing four different results.
– Only one result is desirable.
Spiritual Infant – Growth Path
– A firm foundation needs to be laid upon the word of God.
Five tips to help you build a firm foundation
(1) Find a Guide to Help You Read the Bible
(2) Begin the Habit of Reading the Bible Daily
— (a) Get an ESV Study Bible
— (b) Find a quiet place free from distractions
— (c) Set a time – follow a routine
— (d) Start reading but don’t…
— (e) Follow ‘Enter Through the Veil’ (ETV) Reading Plan
(3) Seek Help
(4) Surround yourself with Bible lovers
(5) Persevere
Make a resolution to start reading God’s word daily in 2018.
