Tuesday, June 19, 2012

EQUIP - WEEK 3 - LEADERSHIP / DISCIPLESHIP





LEADERSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP

LEADERSHIP: “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task".[1] Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.

DISCIPLESHIP: The process by which someone become a disciple, student, practitioner of the teachings or disciplines of another.

DISCIPLE: from Dictionary.com


1.
Religion .
a.
one of the 12 personal followers of Christ.
b.
one of the 70 followers sent forth by Christ. Luke 10:1.
c.
any other professed follower of Christ in His lifetime.
2.
any follower of Christ.
3.
( initial capital letter ) a member of the Disciples of Christ.
4.
a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines ofanother; follower: a disciple of Freud.


**A disciple of Jesus Christ is more then a student or pupil, he/she is more then a follower. They are leaders that have a definite goal of reproducing the in others that which has been poured into them.

Disciples are DOERS

***You can be a follower and a leader and not be a disciple. You can't be a disciple and not be a leader!


FOOD for THOUGHT - 
Encouragement and Manipulation both use the same tools, the difference is in the INTENT.

Encouragement is about what's best for others, creating better people

Manipulation is about getting others to do what you want for your gain.

Discipleship is about creating the best leaders for Christ through Spirit-filled brotherhood/sisterhood, worship, prayer, study and self examination.

An example of the disciples choosing leaders and the requirements of a leader.
Acts 6
New International Version (NIV)
The Choosing of the Seven

6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 

Leadership has an order and a balance. 

Confident, faith-filled people make great leaders even though they are sometimes reluctant leaders.

Insecure, fear-filled people make bad leaders and are all to often too ambitious to try and lead.

The important thing to understand is that the "Confidence" or "Insecurity" are actually the outward manifestations or either a "Faith-Fill" or "Fear-Filled" life.

Another important key to understand is, In what does the leader put their faith and trust. Many start out strong but fail to produce "GOOD FRUIT" because they put their faith in themselves alone.

Where does your strength come from?

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm —
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

SO what are the traits or qualifications of a Leader/Disciple? 

Wait for answers

Pauls lays it out quite clearly in 1 Timothy 3:

1 Timothy 3

1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach., faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Examples of great leaders:

Jesus - Son of God, Savior of the world, Seated at the right hand of the Father

Moses - Lead the Nation of Israel out of Captivity.

Joshua - Lead the Nation of Israel into the Promise Land

Paul - After his dramatic conversion, he spent 3 yrs studying and seeking God. Then went on to write 2/3rds of the N.T.

Modern Day great leaders:

Ghandi - Lead a peaceful revolution and freed a nation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghandi

Mother Theresa - Amazing example of long suffering and endless love for people. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa

Winston Churchill - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill - Unifying leader during WWII


One important factor is found in the leadership style of each of those listed above and most every great leader.

Their primary function in helping others was in serving. They lead by example, they impart, teach, reveal and are a living example to those that followed.

     





Below is a link to a great resource to help you dig deeper into the importance of understanding and maximizing your leader and discipleship ability.

Who moved my cheese
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0399144463


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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

EQUIP - WEEK 2 - HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE



WEEK #2
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE:
A key to reading and studying the Bible is preparing your heart. 

Using Jesus as our example, what can we derive from watching and understanding how He lived His Life?




It's all CONNECTED!
This means; Your life can not be separated into compartments. In regards to your relationship with God, your Work life, your social life (personal, sexual, relational) and your Spiritual life (prayer, worship, discipleship ) all are reflected in your behavior "in the world" and in the church. All of these combine as factors effecting your ability to accurately see (spiritually) and understand (comprehend with your mind)  Gods Word (Holy Scriptures and Prophecy)

*note - Prophecy- prophÄ“teia is defined as 1) prophecy
a) a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events
b) Used in the NT of the utterance of OT prophets
1) of the prediction of events relating to Christ's kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions pertaining to it, the spirit of prophecy, the divine mind, to which the prophetic faculty is due
2) of the endowment and speech of the Christian teachers called prophets
3) the gifts and utterances of these prophets, esp. of the predictions of the works of which, set apart to teach the gospel, will accomplish for the kingdom of Christ

http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4394&t=KJV

Holy-קֹדֶשׁ - 1) apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness
a) apartness, sacredness, holiness
1) of God
2) of places
3) of things
b) set-apartness, separateness







You will SEE God Word and the world based on your attitude [flesh] (worlds view) and your Faith [spiritual] (Gods View)







Why this is so important...

MATT 5:8 
Blessed are the pure in heart, 

    for they will see God.

The condition of your heart will determine your ability to see God clearly!


Bible Scriptures in regard to Prayer!

Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven
Matthew 7:7  ”Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Mark 9:29  And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
Mark 11:24  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it
Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
James 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.







Where you start

Matt 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’








Below is an extremely condensed version of Dr. Larry Lea's book, "Could you not tarry one hour"
This is a link to a more expanded version - http://www.dougandmarsha.com/essays-cws/ch19_larry_lea_prayer.pdf

Understanding this is important, so you understand that Scripture has a reason and a purpose, It's not random or pointless. By reading and studying scripture you will become closer with God and understand His call on your life.





Gospels;
Matthew -  Jewish, Written to the Jewish believers
Mark - Most likely the first Gospel written - Written to the Romans - Gentiles
Luke - According to Luke, - A physician, written to the Jewish believers
John - The "Believe Gospel" Written to all, Heavy support of Jesus the Man the SON of the Living God.

Start in John or Mark then move into Luke and Matthew followed by Acts.






Types or Studies you can do:

Word Study - Dig in and cut into the definition, origin, root and application of a word. Good for personal study

Topic Study - Great for personal and group study, broaden your understanding of core principles of your faith.

Book Study - Probably the best way to get a bigger picture of the purposes of the writings of Scripture.

Now your digging with a big shovel. Get plenty of support resources to help keep you focused and manage your study.

A Person Study - Also called Character Study, Learning about a person in the Bible, (ex. Paul the Apostle)

Here are a few other study options, it is endless.








HW: Find a new study tool and tell us why its great, what it does/ how it helps you study.


Resources to help you study:














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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

EQUIP NOTES WEEK ONE

EQUIP


Audio Link - Copy this link into your browser window 
to download Audio from Equip
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7huf84oroxvi09l/EQUIP%20Week%20One%20Audio

Course outline:


4 one hours teaching sessions

Today: Introduction to Equip, course discription, expectations, requirements

•What you should know
•What you dont know or what you dont see and hear in the Bible
•THE BIG ONE- (we will touch on this in week two)

WEEK 2: HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
WEEK 3: LEADERSHIP / DISCIPLESHIP
WEEK 4: WORSHIP - (hint, it's more than music)

Purpose of each session is to give you the tools to grow spiritually in maturity and Christian discipleship

WHY


Matthew 28: 

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

**NOTES WILL BE POSTED ONLINE**

Some church history - C3 the beginnings


Phil and Christine Pringle arrived in Sydney from New Zealand in 1980 to begin a church on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. Growing to 400 within four years, the church began expanding and planting in other cities. The vision of 10 churches in 10 major cities was developed and the movement of Christian City Church began.
In 1987, Christian City Church expanded across the sea with its first overseas church planted in Auckland, New Zealand  
Planting the first Christian City Church in the United States were Mark and Bernie Kelsey in 1989. Their church, in Long Island, New York, planted the stake for C3i as an international movement. 

The second church in America was planted in 1996 by Dean and Jill Sweetman who oversee the Americas region with over 30 churches in Canada, the United States and Brazil.

Pat and Amanda Antcliff started a church in the Philippines in 1993. This opened doors to the Asia and Africa region which now has over 80 churches in the African continent and over 40 in the Asia region.

2002, Phil Pringle revealed the 2020 Vision, the goal being 1000 churches with an average attendance of 500 people achieved by the year 2020.

In 2008, Christian City Church announced the name change to "C3 Church".

In 2006 Steve & Merri-Beth moved with our 4 children from C3 Long Island to Raleigh, NC. 

In 2010 C3Raleigh was planted.

To date, C3 Church has over 300 churches holding services worldwide.

Some stuff every Christian should know.

(and what we believe)


There is one God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit;

In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God; 
in His virgin birth, 
in His sinless life,
in His miracles, 
in His vicarious and atoning death, 
in His bodily resurrection, 
in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, 
His constant intercession and in His imminent return;

In the person and work of the Holy Spirit with His fruit and gifts available in the Church;

The Bible is the living word of God - infallible, authoritative and everlasting, and the foundation of all Christian doctrine;

In the existence of an evil spiritual being-the devil;

In the spiritually lost condition of all people and the essential need for the new birth by faith in Jesus Christ;

In the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a gift available to believers, with the normal evidence of speaking in other tongues;

In the sacraments of the Lord's Supper and baptism by full immersion in water for all believers;

In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one (saved) to everlasting life and the other (lost) to everlasting separation from God;

In the church being the body of Christ, and each member being an active part of a local church, fulfilling the Great Commission.


More stuff you should know!

66 books in bible
The Bible is divided into two parts- Old Testament and New Testament.
The Old Testament is written in Hebrew and Aramaic
The Septuagint was a Greek translation of the Jewish scriptures. 
The Septuagint included books and additions not found in the Hebrew Bible.
27 NT, 39 OT

The Pentateuch consists of the first five books of the







      OT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy







      B. The term "Pentateuch" comes from the Greek term







      pent teuchos meaning "five-volumed (book) after the







      Jewish designation, "the five-fifths of the law"1







      C. The Jews called it "Torah" (instruction) which is often







      rendered in English by "Law" (Matt 5:17; Luke 16:17;







      Acts 7:53; 1 Cor 9:8)







      D. Although each book is a unit, together they form a







      larger unit and unity.







The Bible does not have Chapters and verses as we know them today…..but..







See link reference below

















JESUS:





The life of a King







A key to reading the Bible is preparing your heart. 







Using Jesus as our example,



 what can we derive from watching and understanding how He lived His Life?







Bible Scriptures in regard to Prayer!







Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven



Matthew 7:7  ”Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.



Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”



Mark 9:29  And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”



Mark 11:24  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.



John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it



Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.



Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,



Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.




James 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.




Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-awesome-bible-verses-about-the-power-of-prayer/#ixzz1wxfgkpag    













YOUR HOMEWORK:







Write about an instance where Scripture leaves a question about what Jesus was doing at a certain point in His life, work, ministry, day, night…….







Example: We know that Jesus was teaching in a city near His friend Lazarus when Lazarus's sisters send word and call on Jesus to return to their brother and heal him. Jesus remained for 2 more days. We know in John 11 that Lazarus was likely dead already by the time the new arrived of with worsening condition. In John 11:17 it says " On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days."



What was going on in that time?







Resources to help you study:





































Closing thoughts:







Focus on the MAJOR MESSAGE of JESUS;



God loves People



God hates SIN



Sin separates People from God



Jesus Died for ALL people, so no one would be separated from God



God wants everyone to Know Him and Accept Him as their Savior!!







God has a great plan for you, keep seeking Him and you will find Him and His perfect plan.



















                       





































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