Multiply I:3 - The Heart of a Disciple Maker

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor. 13:1–3)

We can do all the right things, say the right things, spend of our time, talents, and treasures in all the right areas... but if our heart is not motivated by authentic love for God and man, all of our best efforts are for nothing.

In this week's reading, Chapter 3 of Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, Francis Chan concludes the first section of the book with a challenge to examine our motives for ministry, as well as to search ourselves for any signs of hypocrisy even as we endeavor to teach His truths to others.

This particular study covers many basics of the faith, but each chapter, in addition to equipping us to share the Bible as a cohesive narrative, serves as a timely reminder to continually lay our hearts bare before him and our own eyes.

Come on out to join the conversation!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: The Heart of a Disciple Maker

1. Take a moment to examine your heart. In all honesty, why do you want to make disciples? Do you struggle with wanting your actions to be noticed by others?
2. Read James 3:1–12 and meditate on James’s warning. How do these powerful words affect you? How might you need to adjust your approach to making disciples?
3. Up to this point, would you say that your desire to make disciples has been motivated by love? Why or why not?
4. Describe your love for the people God has placed in your life. What evidence can you point to that shows that you love the people around you?
5. In addition to praying fervently, what practical steps can you take to increase your love for people?
6. Would you say that your life is being transformed by the truth of God’s Word? Why or why not?
7. What changes do you need to make in order to live the truths that you will be teaching other people?
8. The things you’ve been thinking through in this session are not easy to address—there are no “quick fixes“ here. End your time with this session by praying that God will give you the proper motivation to make disciples, increase your love for Him and the people around you, and empower you to live out the truths that He has called you to teach to others.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply I:2 - The Command to Make Disciples

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us also celebrate that the story doesn't end there.

In between the empty tomb and His ascension into Heaven, Jesus spent time with his disciples reminding them of all that He'd taught them through their time together and commissioning them to take the message outside of the boundaries of Jerusalem, of Israel, into the entire world.

This week's reading, Chapter 2 of Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, reflects upon this command of Christ, and challenges us to look at the people around us with a deeper perspective.

As with the previous studies we have worked through together, anyone is welcome to join us at any time.  Though 7:30 AM comes early for many, the coffee and conversation is well worth the morning sacrifice.  I'd love to see you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: The Command to Make Disciples

1. Stop for a minute and read Matthew 28. Try to place yourself in the disciples’ shoes as they witnessed these things and heard these words from Jesus. How do you think you would have reacted?
2. Assess your church experience in light of Jesus’s command to make disciples. Would you say that your church is characterized by disciple making? Why or why not?
3. Have you identified yourself with Jesus through being baptized? If so, why do you think this was an important step for you to take? If not, what is holding you back from being baptized?
4. Would you say that you’re ready to commit yourself to studying the Scriptures and investing in the people around you? Why or why not?
5. What excuses tend to keep you from following Jesus’s command to make disciples? What do you need to do in order to move past these excuses?
6. Whom has God placed in your life right now that you can begin making into a disciple of Jesus Christ?
7. Whom has God placed in your life for you to partner with in making disciples?
8. Spend some time praying that God will make you into a committed and effective disciple maker. Confess any feelings of unpreparedness and insecurity. Ask Him to empower you for the ministry He is calling you to. Ask Him to lead you to the right people to partner with and the right people to begin discipling.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply I:1 - What is a Disciple?

"Come, follow Me."

Jesus' invitation to Peter, James, John, and the other original disciples are just as relevant to us today in the 21st century as they were in those early days of Christianity.  We must never become so busy in our lives that we neglect the central commands of Jesus to "follow Me" -and- to "go and make disciples."

Through this material freely offered by Francis Chan, we as Christians are challenged to revisit what these commands mean, to examine ourselves in our obedience in heeding the call, and to be equipped to do so.  Some portions of the materials are elementary refreshers of truths we are well familiar with; other portions present us with a mirror to reflect upon our own spiritual journey.  Through it all, Chan presents a cohesive overview of the Bible as a singular narrative from Genesis to Revelation, illuminating the grand design established from the very beginning.

The complete text of the book can be found at multiplymovement.com, not only as text on a web page, but as downloadable PDFs, -and- MP3s of Francis Chan reading each chapter.  Additionally, the book is available on Amazon.com here.

I invite you to join us as we make our way through this book, and deeper yet, the great Book it points to!  Christ & Coffee meets at Dunkin Donuts in Woodsville, NH on Thursday mornings at 7:30 AM.  We would love to see you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: What is a Disciple?

1. Up to this point in your life, would you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ? Why do you say that? Do you see evidence of your faith as described in Luke 6:40?
2. Read Ephesians 2 carefully and take some time to consider the truths it presents. Do you trust in the death of Christ for your salvation? Do you ever struggle with believing you need to do something to save yourself?
3. Evaluate your approach to following Jesus. Would you say that you view Jesus as your Lord, Master, and Owner? Why or why not?
4. As you look at your life, how would you say that your love for God is shown in your actions? (If you’re having trouble coming up with an answer, take some time to think through some changes you may need to make in your lifestyle.)
5. If you choose to obey Jesus’s call to follow, what might it cost you? (Avoid being vague. If following Jesus would cost you specific possessions, comforts, or relationships, list them below.)
6. What might hold you back from following Jesus at this point? Are you willing to let go of these things if necessary?
7. Before you end this session, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to work in your heart and prepare you for what is ahead. You don’t need to have all the answers or know specifically how God will use you. He simply calls you to follow wherever He might lead. As you pray, be honest about your doubts, hesitations, and fears. Ask Him to give you the strength to proceed and follow Him no matter what the cost. In other words, place your faith in Him.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Coming Soon

“Yet somehow many have come to believe that a person can be a “Christian” without being like Christ. A “follower” who doesn’t follow. How does that make any sense? Many people in the church have decided to take on the name of Christ and nothing else. This would be like Jesus walking up to those first disciples and saying, “Hey, would you guys mind identifying yourselves with Me in some way? Don’t worry, I don’t actually care if you do anything I do or change your lifestyle at all. I’m just looking for people who are willing to say they believe in Me and call themselves Christians.” 
― Francis Chan, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples

Romans 14:1-23

It happens all too often.  One believer is convinced that the Christian life is to be lived according to specific rules and rituals, and looks with judgment and condemnation upon a fellow believer whom they perceive not be be living a "good enough" life.  Another believer is convinced that Christ has freed them from the burdens of performance and legalism, and looks with judgment and condemnation upon a fellow believer whom they perceive to be a modern day Pharisee.

In this week's chapter, Romans 14, Paul speaks to this gaping distance between those who are supposed to be united in Christ, pointing to the underlying attitudes of the heart that are far more important than any of the preceding views.

Without a heart of authentic love for our fellow believer, even the most well-meaning of us completely miss the point of our faith, and are actually working against God's ultimate purposes in the church and in the world.  Instead, Paul pleads with us to "make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification."  We may know that we have liberty in certain matters, but it is far better "whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God," or to even voluntarily abstain from something altogether if we know that it may prove to be a stumbling block to a brother or a sister in Christ.

OPENING QUESTION:

What are some of the differences of opinions within your Christian community, church or small group?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 14:1-23.  Who does Paul consider to be the "weak in faith" and, by implication, the "strong in faith"?
• What attitudes are the two groups to have toward each other?
• Over what issues in today's church are we in danger of judging one another because of things that Paul would declare to be unimportant?
• How can condemnation become a consequence of differing opinions (vv. 7-12)?
• How can we as believers know on which issues we can live with differences of opinion and which we cannot?
• Paul says in verse 14 that nothing is unclean in itself, but how does he say something can become "unclean" (vv. 13-23)?
• In what specific ways does the church today reverse verse 17 and make God's kingdom about "food and drink" rather than about justice, peace and joy?

After this week, we only have two chapters of Romans remaining, but a vast wealth of riches yet to be gleaned from the Bible ahead of us.

Come and partake of good coffee, conversation, and Christian community!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Romans 13:1-14

We're on the final stretch of chapters in Romans!

In Chapter 13, it is equally important to study the context of any given Scripture.  Like many other passages, Romans 13:1-7 has been misused and abused by others for less than godly purposes, even justifying turning a blind eye to injustice and acts of atrocity.  This is not at all what Paul is writing about here; instead this very topic is worthy of constant discussion.

Likewise, the remainder of the chapter speaks to our hearts, our attitudes, and our personal responsibility to be followers of Christ in an ever-darkening world.

OPENING QUESTION:

What happens in a society when there are no properly accredited and generally recognized rulers?  What examples can you give?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 13:1-14.  According to Paul in verses 1-5, what is to be the role of government?
• Paul describes the "ruling power" as "God's servant" twice in these verses.  How can government be a servant of God?
• Read Acts 16:35-40 and 23:1-3.  How can what Paul says in Romans 13:1-7 regarding government be reconciled with Paul having no hesitation in telling authorities they are acting illegally or unjustly?
• Verses 8-14 show Paul using the idea of fulfilling the law through love. How can love fulfill all of the law?
• In verse 13, Paul notes three pairs of activities Christians should avoid.  How are bad temper and jealousy just as destructive in a Christian community as drunkenness and sexual immorality?
• Paul's solution to avoiding the activities of the night is to "put on the Lord Jesus" (v. 14).  How are we to do this?
• Think about your Christian community, your church or a small group.  In what ways can your community live in a way that is more attractive to the surrounding culture?

From this point out, the book of Romans speaks primarily to this theme.  We are nearing the end of  this study, but the practical applications of it will forever impact how we live in this world as a community of believers, and as individual followers of Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful to be sharing the journey with you!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Romans 12:1-21

Jesus commanded us to "love one another," a command He gave equal weight to as the command to "love the Lord your God."  Not only did he perfectly live this out, but the entire New Testament is replete with "one another" commands that echo and expand upon this central component of the Gospel.

Loving one another, however, involves practical action.  The book of James says, "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?" (James 2:14-16)

This week's reading takes us to the very altar of God, exhorting us to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God  What does this mean?  Fortunately, Paul doesn't leave us hanging there, but proceeds to expound upon this idea by addressing our relationships with each other, our attitudes and motivations, and the unique callings and giftings that God has entrusted to each of us.

In 1 Peter 4:10, Jesus' disciple Peter writes, "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

OPENING QUESTION:

Describe the gifts that you believe God has graciously given you that are or can be an asset to your community of faith.  Don't be shy about sharing the wonderful ways God has gifted you.

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 12:1-21.  What does it mean to be "living sacrifices" (v.1)?
• Why does Paul emphasize the mind in verse 2?
• How do Paul's words in verses 3-5 help Christians be more unified in one body?
• In verses 6-13, how does Paul suggest that the gifts he mentions are not just ways in which we are carried away by supernatural power but that they also involve plain hard work?
• How, according to Paul, might our attitude make a big difference as we express our gifts?
• What do you find particularly challenging in verses 6-13?
• How is Christ himself a living example of living out what Paul calls for in verses 14-21?
• The early part of Romans 12 (vv. 1-13) deals with what we might call the inner life of the church.  This last section (vv. 14-21) is about how Christians behave within the wider public world.  How would the wider world respond to seeing the church live out what's described in 14-21?
• In what specific ways can you be a "living sacrifice" to those around you right now?

From this point out, the book of Romans speaks primarily to this theme.  We are nearing the end of  this study, but the practical applications of it will forever impact how we live in this world as a community of believers, and as individual followers of Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful to be sharing the journey with you!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.