GENTLE SHEPHERD MINISTRIES DISCIPLESHIP AND SUPPLEMENTATION COURSES

This intense, Scriptural discipleship book, along with various Bible studies deal with every tenet and subject of the Christian faith. Here are few examples of some of the subjects that have been addressed in this valuable resource book. In relationship to the God of the Bible: Obviously, a person’s life must begin and end with God. There will be no order or meaning to life outside of God. But, who is God? The word God means deity or divine. We know He created heaven and earth. All we see and enjoy is His handiwork. Most people sense there is something greater than themselves. Upbringing, culture, and religious encounters often determine their idea of who they perceive God to be. On the subject of salvation: The way to heaven is narrow. Only through believing in the true Christ will we live eternally with God. Do you know Jesus Christ? If you died today would you wake up in the arms of Jesus? If your answers are no to each question, you need to know the Gospel message is for you. In relationship to people’s attitudes towards the Bible: We must keep in mind the Bible is a spiritual book. It is a diary and expression of God’s love, mercy, and grace being freely extended to man. It reveals His will, desire, and purpose for man in the spiritual kingdom that He is building. In relationship to Discipleship: The relationship Jesus calls believers to is that of a teacher to a student. Jesus was called Rabbi which means master, teacher, or doctor, (specifically teacher of the law). He referred to His followers as disciples or students, (followers of His teachings). There were distinct responsibilities of the disciples of Christ. In connection to godly obedience: Obedience to our Lord’s instructions is necessary! But, some Christians who have the Word of God available to them see the Word as a burden rather than a privilege. It is the very milk, bread, and meat that sustains believers in their lives (John 6:35; 63; Hebrews 5:12-13). Sadly, improper attitudes towards the Word of God will cause a spiritual famine in the land (Amos 8:11). In order to be obedient to God, we must know His Word. If you do not know His Word, you will not know how to conduct your life. This lack of knowledge will mean destruction. In relationship to deception: Maturing in the knowledge of Christ will protect us from deception. Concerning the subject of marriage: Strong families are the strength of churches, communities, and nations. The breakdown of the family ultimately means destruction of any society. Healthy families begin with a stable marriage. The stability of a marriage is determined by whether or not God is its foundation and source. Attitudes surrounding marriage are mainly determined by culture and religious upbringing. These ideas have often encouraged attitudes that have degraded the purpose and holiness of marriage rather than enhance it. Therefore, each of us must consider our attitudes in line with scriptural emphasis. God’s instructions are for the purpose of challenging and establishing godly attitudes toward this holy bond. On the matter of children: Children are an awesome responsibility from God. As parents we must be sober in the raising of our children. Today children are the major victims of immorality and divorce. Children are being sacrificed for the god of self and convenience. The biggest means of sacrifice is abortion. There are many debates about this subject. Many people logic life does not begin at conception. Opinions of this subject change according to the philosophy of the individual. But, the only one who can determine this issue is the one who created life. God’s Word gives us insight about this matter. In the end, His Word will ultimately silence all debates on this subject. In regard to Single Christians: An important issue facing young Christian adults is the subject of marriage. This is one area Satan can effectively work in to destroy both the call and testimony of young believers. For this reason young Christian adults must soberly consider this subject in light of God’s Word and will for their lives. When it comes to holiness: You may have a very disciplined lifestyle, but this does not constitute holiness to God. Uprightness always begins in the heart and will eventually manifest itself in attitudes and manner of living. The work of holiness involves both sanctification and consecration. Sanctification is God’s work and consecration is man’s part. The act of concretion on man’s part is a separation from those things that are not pleasing to God and submission to the Holy Spirit. This separation is not an act of nobility on our part, but one of necessity and obedience. It is necessary if we are to be holy before our righteous God and pleasing to Him.