A Quality Disciple . . . A Quality Life

A Quality Disciple . . . A Quality Life
Dr. Denny Bates

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Book of Matthew

The 27 Essential Rules Of Living The Christian Life:
What Quality Disciples Of Jesus Christ Do

A Survey of the New Testament (Volume 1): The Book of Matthew

The First Essential Rule of Living the Christian Life: We must go and make disciples

Key Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Lesson Outline:
A. We must make it a priority to be at the right place, at the right time (28:16)
B. We must put away our doubt and worship Jesus (28:17)
C. We must live a focused life according to the power of Jesus (28:18)
D. We must go and make disciples in the right way (28:19-20)

Memory Verse:
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."


Lesson Introduction:
Do you know what it means to make a disciple for Jesus? Do you know what it means to live as His disciple and grow in your faith? Biblical discipleship is by definition, in its rawest form, relational and transformational. Biblical discipleship is intentional; it is a strategic decision to impart what is in one’s self, (one’s treasure) the sacrificial giving of one’s life (one’s time, resources, experiences, and wisdom). Experiencing the “Discipled Life” is to be the goal of every believer. It is essential to note that disciples are made. And how are they made? Disciples of Jesus Christ are made by participation. This is what J. Oswald Sanders says,

“Disciples are not manufactured wholesale. They are produced one by one, because someone has taken the pains to discipline, to instruct and enlighten, to nurture and train one that is younger.” (Sanders 1994, Spiritual discipleship. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers. Pg. 150)

The call for believers to live a discipled life of spiritual growth is timeless and essential. The world is waiting for a reason to follow the claims of Jesus Christ, looking to those who are experiencing an authentic faith that is appealing, growing and redeeming. The Church is waiting for men and women to live out what they know to be true as disciples of Jesus Christ, allowing the Church to be the Church as it impacts the world in which we live. The disciple of Jesus Christ is waiting for a strategy, for a plan, for a movement that he or she can join and lead others to a more vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. It is the hope of this researcher to clearly lay out the case for the eternal value in making a commitment to living the discipled life. It is a commitment to quality relationships as underscored by Paul’s words to the Thessalonian believers when he said, “Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8).

There is a legacy being made by every believer who follows Jesus Christ. The question that should motivate each one is this: what kind of a disciple have I been?

“The challenge to count the cost of discipleship means the difference between posing as a disciple and living as one” (Wilkins 1992, Following the Master: discipleship in the steps of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. Pg. 357).

Finally, one further question needs to be addressed: what kind of disciple maker for Jesus have I been? This is the emphasis of this lesson: we must go and make disciples.

A. We must make it a priority to be at the right place, at the right time (28:16) Key subjects are Obedience, Will of God:

1. Note that these eleven disciples (less Judas) went to the mountain that Jesus had designated.

2. In order for His disciples to receive what He has for us, we must be at a place of His designation. We must listen . . . and we must obey.

Life Application for Disciples of Jesus (Discipleship Desires / Deeds / Disciplines):

Where does Jesus want to meet us? First and foremost, He wants to meet us in the place of prayer. He wants to engage with us in an intimate way. He wants us to talk to Him and He wants to talk with us. Secondly, He wants to meet us in His Word. He wants to teach us about who He is and what He wants us to do.

Reflect and Respond: Some Really Good Questions to Ponder

1. As I think about where the Lord has me right now (in a relationship, in a job, etc.), what is He saying to me? (i.e., forgive, trust, give, etc.)

2. What is the most challenging thing I have faced that has kept me from obeying the Lord?

A Closer, Deeper Look . . .

What does the rest of the Bible have to say about obedience? Here are a few passages of Scripture that illustrate obedience, taken from the Old and New Testaments. Take some quality time and prayerfully read through each one, asking the Lord to speak to your heart. Underline or circle what you consider to be key words or phrases. Consider these questions as you read: (1) Of what I am reading, what is the most important point? and, (2) what does the Lord want me to do about it? Jot down your impressions in the space provided at the end of this section.

'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; Exodus 19:5

I said, "I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, Nehemiah 1:5

All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever. Psalm 111:10

I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. Psalm 119:32

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; John 10:27

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15

But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. | The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; | but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: | the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:3-6

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. | For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:2-3


B. We must put away our doubt and worship Jesus (28:17) Key subjects are Worship, Doubt, Unbelief, Trust:

1. When the disciples saw Jesus, they worshipped Him.

2. When we “see” Jesus our first response must be to worship Him.

3. The Scriptures reveal to us that even as some worshipped Jesus, some doubted.

4. It is highly unlikely that the “doubters” questioned Jesus’ resurrection. Perhaps the doubt came in the form of “is this too good to be true? Are we just dreaming this?” In reality, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a dream come true! For only a short time later, as revealed in the Book of Acts, these men no longer doubted but were fully engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Life Application for Disciples of Jesus (Discipleship Desires / Deeds / Disciplines):

Thank God that there is a place in the life of the disciple where we do not have to be perfect, have all of the right answers, and have to do everything right according to the Book in order for us to be useful to God. No “doubt,” all of us have not always been full of faith and full of God’s power. And yet, as we grow in our faith, we come to experience the amazing truth of when we are weak, we can become strong in His grace (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Reflect and Respond: Some Really Good Questions to Ponder

1. It has been suggested that every believer has a “worship personality.” For example, some believers find that worship is enhanced by inspiring music. Others find spending time enjoying God’s creation and worshipping Him there. What is my catalyst for worship?

2. What are some of my nagging doubts that keep me from trusting Jesus more fully?

A Closer, Deeper Look . . .

What does the rest of the Bible have to say about worship? Here are a few passages of Scripture that illustrate worship, taken from the Old and New Testaments. Take some quality time and prayerfully read through each one, asking the Lord to speak to your heart. Underline or circle what you consider to be key words or phrases. Consider these questions as you read: (1) Of what I am reading, what is the most important point? and, (2) what does the Lord want me to do about it? Jot down your impressions in the space provided at the end of this section.

Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you." | Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. | Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" | Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together. Genesis 22:5-8

"You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. | "You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, | for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 6:13-15

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. | Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. | For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. | For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. | Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place. | Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. | Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array. 1 Chronicles 16:23-29

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. | Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Psalm 100:1-2

Again, the devil took* Him to a very high mountain and showed* Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; | and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me." | Then Jesus said* to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.' " Matthew 4:8-10

The woman said* to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. | "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." | Jesus said* to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. | "You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. | "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. | "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." | The woman said* to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." | Jesus said* to her, "I who speak to you am He." John 4:19-26

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. | And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. | And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, | speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; | always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; | and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:17-21

and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." Revelation 14:7

C. We must live a focused life according to the power of Jesus (28:18) Key subjects are Authority, Power:

1. Context means everything in the study of Scripture. He has told His disciples where to meet Him (on the mountain, vs. 16). When the disciples met Him, they worshipped Him and some doubted (vs. 17). This is the prelude for Jesus’ profound announcement: He is the epitome of power and authority.

2. Up to this point, we see obedience, worship, and some doubt in this setting. Now, in vs. 18, in response to their obedience, worship, and doubt, Jesus reassures them of His authority and power. In fact, He has been given complete authority (exousia) in heaven and on earth to give them their marching orders.

Life Application for Disciples of Jesus (Discipleship Desires / Deeds / Disciplines):

As disciples of Jesus we need to live what we profess to believe. Do we believe that, as the old spiritual reminds us, “He’s got the whole world in His hands?” If we do, then we must live the Christian life like He does have this kind of authority and power. Do we believe Jesus Christ is the Lord of heaven and earth? If we do, then we must allow Him to become the Sovereign Lord of our lives too. We must live for Him and for His glory. When God gives us a divine assignment, we need to be reminded of this great truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

Reflect and Respond: Some Really Good Questions to Ponder

1. Is there anything in my life where Jesus is not Lord of it? What has to happen in my heart for me to yield control to Him?

2. Jesus has all authority and power. How does this great truth impact me as I reach out and minister in His name?

A Closer, Deeper Look . . .

What does the rest of the Bible have to say about Jesus’ power and authority? Here are a few passages of Scripture that illustrate Jesus’ power and authority, taken from the Old and New Testaments. Take some quality time and prayerfully read through each one, asking the Lord to speak to your heart. Underline or circle what you consider to be key words or phrases. Consider these questions as you read: (1) Of what I am reading, what is the most important point? and, (2) what does the Lord want me to do about it? Jot down your impressions in the space provided at the end of this section.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. | There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; | To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, Isaiah 61:1-2

"Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. Jeremiah 23:5

"And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed. Daniel 7:14

"Then say to him, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the LORD. | "Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices."' Zechariah 6:12-13

"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; | do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. | Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, | who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, | but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. | Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. | For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, | so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, | and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:3-11

D. We must go and make disciples in the right way (28:19-20) Key subjects are Great Commission, Discipleship, Make Disciples, Disciplemaking, Reproduction, Baptism, Nations, Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Teach – Teaching, Obedience, Presence of Christ, End of Age:

1. The Great Commission to make disciples is made up of three Greek participles: going (poreuthentes / imperative / aorist tense/ literally “having gone”), baptizing (baptizontes / imperative / present tense), and teaching (didaskontes / imperative / present tense). It is important to note that one of the participles has already implied the command to go and make disciples should have already been occurring. The text literally reads, “and as you go” make disciples. And as we go, we are to impact every ethic group (all nations), we are to baptize those who have confessed with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and have believed in their heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9-10), and we are to teach them to obey what Jesus has said to do.

2. The Greek use of the word “make disciples,” (To disciple, instruct, teach / Imperative Mood—a command / Aorist Tense—an intentional do it at once action in the past which could have lasting results / Active Voice—you are causing the action to take place) not only means to reproduce the essence of discipleship in others, but it also means that one must also have those same elements of discipleship at work in one’s own life. It is impossible for one to make something (a disciple of Jesus Christ), when the very life one is seeking to reproduce does not live in one’s self. The driving force behind the Great Commission is one of obedience to the Lord and to His commands. A logical question then arises: if the disciple is commanded to go and make disciples from every ethnic group in the world and “teach” them all that Jesus has commanded, what are His commands and how are they to be taught?

Bill Hull writes,

“Jesus commanded 212 things, which provides us with a very rich curriculum. The aim of the teaching is obedience, which should encourage those of us who believe that faith is action sustained by belief. As leaders we cannot be satisfied with just talking about what Jesus commanded, but we must be committed to living it out in community with others.” (Hull 2004, Choose the life: exploring a faith that embraces discipleship. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. Pg. 211-212)

Life Application for Disciples of Jesus (Discipleship Desires / Deeds / Disciplines):

“To make one, it takes one.” In the world of discipleship and disciple making, the best disciples made are by the ones who are actually growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ. There is nothing passive about being a disciple of and a disciplemaker for Jesus. To grow in one’s spiritual life and to reproduce this discipled life into the lives of others requires a commitment to move beyond a status quo into a missional mindset that sets spiritual transformation as the only acceptable outcome (2 Tim. 2:2).

Reflect and Respond: Some Really Good Questions to Ponder

1. Who is in my circle of influence that I can develop a discipleship relationship?

2. What do I need to do in order to gain a better grasp of all that Jesus has commanded me to do?

A Closer, Deeper Look . . .

What does the rest of the Bible have to say about making disciples? Here are a few passages of Scripture that illustrate discipleship, taken from the Old and New Testaments. Take some quality time and prayerfully read through each one, asking the Lord to speak to your heart. Underline or circle what you consider to be key words or phrases. Consider these questions as you read: (1) Of what I am reading, what is the most important point? and, (2) what does the Lord want me to do about it? Jot down your impressions in the space provided at the end of this section.

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! | "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. | "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. / "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:4-7

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10

"You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the River, even all those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who is ignorant of them. Ezra 7:25

The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. Proverbs 10:21

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. Acts 8:35

But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord. Acts 15:35

They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." | And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. | And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. | And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household. Acts 16:31-34

And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. | Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. | This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; | and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. | And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, | for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:23-28

We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. | For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:28-29

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Lesson Summary:

How the Seven Essential Characteristics of the Discipled Life helps us to keep this rule:

We must go and make disciples

Grace: Grace gives us what we do not deserve. This core essential of the Christian life allows us not to be perfect in order to be liked by God. Grace means we do not have to make perfect disciples. The success or failure of the Great Commission does not rest upon our shoulders.

Worship: This core essential helps us to remain focused upon the main thing: Jesus Christ and His glory. It is not coincidental that right before Jesus charged His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples, a worship service was taking place. It was during this time of worship (and even during times of personal doubt by some), Jesus reminded them of His sovereign authority and power. This is one of the by products of worship. When we get our minds off of our own doubts and insecurities, He reminds us of how great He is.

Bible Study: When we take time to read and reflect and study God’s Word we are reminded of how much He loves people. From cover to cover we discover the theme of redemption and how God has been at work throughout history to redeem fallen man. It is from this foundation of truth, we discover not only the need to go and make disciples, but how to accomplish it too.

Prayer: The core essential of prayer is vital in the pursuit of making disciples. The human heart is the battleground of choice. It is prayer that softens the hard heart. It is by prayer where divine appointments for us are planned by the Lord. It is through prayer that we know who to disciple and teach them how to walk closer to Jesus. And it is prayer that keeps disciplemakers close to the heart of God, keeping hot the flame of passion to reach the nations for Jesus Christ.

Community: In community is where character is formed and where the “one another’s of the Bible are not only taught but lived out among disciples of Jesus. When a group of committed Christ-followers link arms together and create environments of grace, making disciples goes far beyond to belonging to another church program. Making disciples, in community, becomes life on life, where everyone participates and grows together. An edified disciple will become a disciple maker. And in the same sense, an edified church (made up of edified disciples) will become a soul winning church.

Service: To go and make disciples requires a desire and commitment to put words into action. We must become the hands and feet of Jesus. As a community of disciples and disciplemakers for Jesus, we work together, sharing our gifts, in a strategic way that becomes a blessing to those are in need of a closer walk with Jesus. Spiritual gifts were never meant to be hoarded by one or a few. His gifts, supernaturally given to His people, are meant to be shared with His Church and are to provide a blessing to them.

Evangelism: The disciple who is growing in his or her faith does not have to rely upon a “canned” presentation that uses the words of another person to share the Gospel. A life that has been touched by Jesus has a story to tell. A disciple who is becoming a quality disciple because of one’s growth in grace, worship, Bible study, prayer, community, and service will in a very natural way be able to share the greatest story ever told: the story of how God so loved the world that He sent in one and only Son. And for those who believe in Him and accept His finished work on the cross as the payment for their sins, they will not die spiritually, but experience eternal life (John 3:16).

In Conclusion . . .

For the quality disciple, it all begins with having a foundation of grace . . . where we can then worship God in the way He prefers . . . then, and only then, will we be able to experience genuine spiritual growth (Bible study, prayer, community) . . . where we will then be able to serve as we share our spiritual gifts . . . and as we experience God’s grace, worship Him as He sees fit, grow in our relationship with Him, and serve using our gifts for Him, we will then have an authentic witness to the lost using both our words and our deeds.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, remind me of the importance of being in the right place at the right time. Help me overcome my doubts of Your goodness and promises to me. May my heart be focused upon my worship of You as I celebrate Your character and awesome power. It is my heart’s desire to go and make disciples. Help me to be faithful not to only grow as a disciple of Yours, but to be a disciple maker for You too. May I know what to teach others about You. May I always be keenly aware of Your presence as I serve You and make disciples for You.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…

Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.

www.dennybates.com