315-Making Disciples – Nathan Shank
Session 1: Baptism as Expectation
In Matthew 28 disciple-making assumes, or is even initiated by, the acceptance of Baptism. In today’s study, we survey post Pentecost examples of Baptism. As we consider these examples, we intend to wrestle with three key questions; who received baptism? When was baptism performed? And finally, who gave baptism in each example? As you consider the NT examples, how do your own thoughts or commitments to practice Baptism come into view? Are there reasons we diverge from NT precedent? Are we free to adapt, or wise to consider universal examples across the NT?
Session 2: Where might we begin?
Matthew 28 sets a high bar. We are to teach our disciples to “obey all that Christ has commanded.” Amidst the breadth of the NT where might we begin? Today we celebrate the example of Acts 2:42 where new disciples “devoted themselves to the apostles teaching.” Have you considered the personal disciplines initiated in the first churches of Jerusalem? These personal disciples observed in the obedience of the 3000 baptized in Jerusalem were organized in what we call the first church following Pentecost. How might you commit, introduce, and expect such mobilization of disciples and disciple-making in your ministry setting?
Session 3: Scripture Intake as Catalyst
There is no tool for disciple making like the Word of God. Today’s study challenges each of us to reconsider how we might campaign, commit to, and benefit from regular planning and accountability to scripture intake. As you gather your disciples, what commitments have you made? How might the descriptions of the Word of God you read together prompt you to commit again to sit under its authority?
