Discipling Life

Just what does it mean to be a disciple? The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world . So, if we are about the business of making disciples, we need to understand what it means to be one. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? In searching the scriptures, I have found a few definitive statements about what it means to be a disciple. I will share them here. Disciples Immerse Themselves in the Scriptures Jesus said that “if we abide in his word, we are truly his disciples” (John 8:31). The starting point of being a disciple is learning from our Master and Teacher. The first disciples followed Jesus wherever he went, listening to the teaching he offered to the masses and to the private teaching he offered them. Jesus interpreted the Torah for them and provided instruction on prayer and daily living. We avail ourselves in that same teaching in studying the Bible individually and in groups. To live as Jesus...

       Consider all the different Bible Studies you have been a part of. Some of these Bible Studies have emphasized the learning of content. These studies stress getting to know the text itself. They may also feature connections with other scripture verses. When you complete a study like this, you should be familiar with the text and able to comfortably refer to it.      Then there are those studies that seek to help you move beyond learning the text to allowing the text to form and influence the way you live. If you have participated in a  Disciple Bible Study , you are familiar with this approach. These are studies that help you apply what you have learned to life.      Regardless of the type of study you participate in you can learn to read scripture with application in mind. There are some basic questions you can ask yourself as you read scripture. I read scripture with three basic questions in mind.   ...

I am excited to begin our study on Paul this Tuesday. If you will be joining us please review the information in this posting. Also be sure to let me know you are participating by completing this form:   https://forms.gle/uHjgb55C3nWid6j79 Information to Read https://overviewbible.com/apostle-paul/ Scripture Readings for Tuesday Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-30; 21:39-22:21 Philippians 3:4b-7 Galatians 1:11-2:10 Read the scripture here : https://bit.ly/3U4TsAj Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/disciplinglife I have started a Facebook page for sharing insights on readings as well as more personal matters. Sessions will be recorded I have had a couple of people tell me that they will not be able to be as every session and wanted to know if the sessions could be recorded. I can do that. I will share the links to the recordings with you. Those who miss will have a way of catching up. Zoom Link I hope you can join us on Tuesday, September 13th at 7:30 PM . Zoom Link will be emailed directly...

I am looking forward to getting underway on a new study on the Message and Mission of Paul and its Meaning for Us Today. If you have already registered, you should have received the email that is printed below. If you have not registered and wish to do so, complete the form at the bottom of this page. We will be doing this by Zoom, something most of you are already familiar with. God bless you all! Alan - - - - Text of the email follows - - - -  Mark the Date and Time! Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 7:30 PM I want to thank all of you for signing up and for participating in our survey. Tuesdays and Wednesdays were the two preferred days and 7:00 and 7:30 the preferred times. Since many churches have activities on Wednesdays, I chose to go with Tuesdays at 7:30 (I think you wanted to be done with dinner before we started. There was interest in looking at the Bible in its historical context and its relevance to life today. Some of you indicated that the types of ‘study books’ commonl...

Forgive me for starting off with a rather clichéd title. But this is a new season in my life. I am now officially retired as an itinerating elder in the United Methodist Church. While I am accepting work on a supply or interim basis, I am seeking to offer opportunities of equipping disciple makers through online media. Most of this will be offered through online weekly gatherings using video, discussions, and instruction.  Return to this page to look for opportunities to participate in various studies, including theology and church history as well as Bible studies. I also plan to begin a project on journaling.  I look forward to working with you.  Grace and Peace,  Alan