"Make disciples" is the mandate of the Master, states Walt Henrichsen. We may ignore it, but we cannot evade it. Our risen Christ left this legacy—the magna charta of the church. He provided both the model and the method. His life—and death—recast the lives of men. He demonstrated that you have not done anything until you have changed the lives of men. [Walter Henrichsen]

Greek=mathetés (); from the root, math—indicating thought accompanied by endeavor. It literally means, a "learner", in contrast to a "teacher;" hence it denotes one who follows one's teaching; a pupil, a student, a disciple. [Vines]

An age-old question has been repeatably asked—and answered—down through the centuries: What is the chief end of man? To glorify God.

What is glory? Simply stated, an object may be said to exude “glory” when it functions exactly as it was designed to function, bringing pleasure and joy to the designer and to those in its presence. It fullfills that purpose for which it was created. However, if that object is misused or abused, thereby marring its intended purpose and potential, it literally "falls from glory." From a biblical perspective we learn that anything short of glory is "sin." The Apostle Paul reminds us that: "As it is written, 'There is none righteous, not even one;'...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." [Romans 3:10,23]

A lamp is designed to give off light when an on/off switch is triggered causing the bulb to light up. When it goes according to plan, it brings glory to the manufacturer of the lamp. When it does not produce light, there is a tendency to curse the darkness.

A cell phone is designed as a communication device. No matter how many additional features are added to these electronic gadgets, using it as a hammer to pound on nails is not a “ringtone” suggested by the manufacturer. Granted, hammering nails may have limited success, but only to its eventual demise. Lack of understanding and skill will only lend itself to damage and diminishing use of its true purpose. Therefore, it’s best for cell phones to be in the possession of the skilled and knowlegeable. A cell phone exudes “glory” only when it functions precisely as it was designed.

Our lives, left in our own hands, can be a daunting journey in attempting to work through day-to-day living. Without the Master's hands directing, encouraging, forgiving, instructing, imparting peace and eternal purpose, we end up damaged goods at best, and hopelessly lost at worst. But alas! There is good news! There is hope! The Bible proclaims this wonderful truth: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 6:23]

God has not given up on us. "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord," we are able to "personally" become the answer to that age-old question at hand: what is the chief end of man? Know this deep within your heart: God is most glorified in us when we lovingly and joyfully express His image and likeness. [JCF]

"It is imperitive that we recognize the deepest gnawing within the human breast is for adequate answers to the purpose and meaning of life." (C.A. Jones) Just as every mother is disappointed if her child never asks the question "why," so God must be concerned when men attempt to stifle the built-in philosophical urge which He has put within every breast. Destroy his sense of destiny and purpose and he soon becomes nothing more than a beast. Therefore, it is imperative that we develop a truly God-centered philosophy of life—this means we must see all things as properly related to God and His ultimate intention. [DeVern Fromke]

God's desire, from His Father-heart, is to have a vast family of sons and daughters fashioned after His own precious Son, Jesus. He longs to have unhindered fellowship with us, to share His eternal plans with us, and to actively involve us in working out those plans with Him. Oh, the joy that He knows it will bring to you—and to Him!

"Unhindered" in our relationship with Father-God means for us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ." It means that we must become more like Him. Our goals and desires must be transformed by His goals and desires. Getting to know Him as "He" desires us to know Him. Learning to know that fellowship with Him is not just a morning devotion, or asking help for a pressing need. While it may include those things, it is grasping the lifestyle of "praying without ceasing." Always communicating with the Father, and always having your heart pure and in tune to hear His "still, small voice."

Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."[Matthew 5:8] In other words, you will be able to "see" Him in the midst of any situation, and find peace; you will know of His continual presence; you will awake with Him on your mind—and upon your lips; you will know that He will never leave you, or forsake you; you will be able to share the deepest things upon your heart with Him, without any fear; you will enjoy hope for the future because His eternalness has totally engulfed your very being. He "is" life. He is "your" life. And living life to the fullest, with Him, is His plan. [JCF]

The Apostle John, in his First Epistle, reveals three levels of spiritual growth, identifying the qualifying characteristics for each:

Children

•Your sins are forgiven     •You know the Father

Young Men

•You are strong     •The word of God abides in you     •You have overcome the evil one

Fathers

•You know Him who has been from the beginning

The two primary characteristics that a little child must acquire early in life are: attentiveness and obedience. Attentiveness—hearing what needs to be heard; obedience—doing what needs to be done. These are the foundation stones for which all other character-blocks will be built upon. Without attentiveness, misdirection and disobedience become commonplace, enjoined by an endless, frustrating struggle for the parents. Without obedience, rebellion roots itself deeply within the heart of the child, and hope tends to lose out to heartache. Seeds of disintegration scattered throughout childhood produce a multitude of casualties in adult life that could have been avoided. That being said, from a spiritual perspective, these two character traits are also paramount in our walk with the Lord. Note how the Apostle Peter framed the importance of these qualities:

In the same light, the two defining marks of "children" in which the Apostle John identifies as spiritual growth are absolutely "on-the-ground" foundational truths. These characteristics are in no way temporal—for one to grow out of; but fundamental—for one to grow up on. It cannot be stated any stronger than that "knowing who your father is," and "knowing that your sins are forgiven you," are bedrock essentials in order to promote further spiritual growth. Not grasping either of these truths can only breed doubt, distrust, and fear.

As a father, I thoroughly enjoyed my children when they were babies. Most mealtimes were fun, especially coming up with creative ways of feeding my little ones, getting as many peas "in the mouth" as were flying in space! But I am certainly glad that they "caught on" and learned how to feed themselves. Their dependence upon me was becoming less necessary; and our "creative" mealtimes eventually changed into more meaningful exchanges with one another. They were becoming more independent in their thoughts and actions.

Growing up does not mean that you become totally independent though. It was with that false idea that the serpent tempted Eve in the Garden. The notion that knowledge could make her independent and, thereby, removing any need she had for God, seemed pretty tempting. Why, she could even become her own god. That is not the independence God is looking for.

He created us for Himself, and designed us to totally live by His life. It is therefore our Father's desire that we grow up to a place where we actually become "independently dependent upon Him." As we do, we will not have to totally rely upon others for our spiritual nourishment. We will be able to take up our own "spiritual knife and fork" and adequately feed ourselves. Paul commended the Thessalonians for arriving at this disposition when he said: "Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another." [1 Thessalonians 4:9]

It's not that we get to a place where we don't ever need anybody again. That idea flies into the face of Paul's exhortation: "Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing." [1 Thessalonians 5:11]

There should come a time in our lives, though, when we begin verifying other people's teachings and ideas concerning spiritual things. Not that we distrust them in any way. But that we should become "personally accountable" before God for the truths that we need to know, to understand, and to believe. We are exhorted numerous times in Scripture to allow God's Word to be our final Source in apprehending the truth for ourselves. Truth that now becomes something "I believe," not just something we quote that "someone else" believes.

The Thessalonian Church was an amazing group of believers: growing, maturing, loving and encouraging each other. Paul commended them often for their passion for the Lord, as we have previously seen. And yet, Paul singled out an even more amazing group, invoking kudos upon the Bereans by stating: "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so." [Acts 17:11]

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, acording to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority. ~Colossians 2:6-10

Jesus instructed His followers by saying: "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." And shortly before the Lord Jesus went to the cross on our behalf He spoke these final words to His Father: "But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth." [John 8:31,32; 17:13,14,17] He is worthy! [JCF]

The Book of Hebrews begins with these words: "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways," (Heb. 1:1). Those "many portions and ways" are understood to be the "Revelation of God," and are commonly categorized in two areas: 1) General Revelation: Creation, Conscience, Providence, Preservation; and 2) Special Revelation: Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, The Bible.

Getting a grasp of God's Word is absolutely essential in getting to know Him intimately, as well as in getting to know His ways and His will for our lives. In 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17, God gives us a clear, four-fold outline in how to pursue and understand the genetics of Scripture:

Adequate (Being)

•Colossians 2:10: "In Him we have been made complete..."     •Ephesians 4:12-16: Expressed maturity of the Body of Christ

Equipped (Doing)

•Ephesians 6:10-18: Fully dressed in the armor of God     •2 Timothy 2:15: "...handling accurately the word of truth."

We are exhorted in 2 Peter 3:18 to "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." In 1 Peter 2:2, we are encouraged to have that same overwhelming disposition in craving the Word as a newborn babe has in longing for nourishment!

The following are five key ways to grasp God's Word. The first two are necessary for gaining an overall view, like seeing a large city from an airplane window before landing. The next two ways help you to discover and retain the details of God's truths, like locating the street where you live and finding your home filled with many enjoyable possessions. The last way is necessary in knowing how to apply God's truths in your life for His glory, like learning how to operate different tools and gadgets within your home correctly.

Hearing

•Least comprehensible; remember only 5-10% after 24 hours     •Romans 10:17: Faith comes by hearing...the Word of God     •Mark 4:23,24: He who has ears to hear, let him hear

Reading

•Gain overall picture; don't stay here, press on     •Revelation 1:3: One who reads is blessed     •1 Timothy 4:13: Public reading of the Word

Studying

•To read in detail and to consider attentively, especially with intent on learning     •2 Timothy 2:15: Study, be diligent, handling accurately the word of truth     •Acts 17:11: Examine the Scriptures daily     •Ezra 7:10: Set your heart to study the law...to practice it...to teach it

Memorizing

•Learning each verse letter-word-perfect in order to have instant recall     •Psalm 119:11: To keep your way pure, and to keep from sinning     •Proverbs 7:1-3: Treasure God's word within you

Meditating

•To reflect on, or ponder over; rumination, chew cud; view facets as in a diamond     •Psalm 1:2,3: Meditation brings resources for life, health, wisdom, wealth     •Joshua 1:8: Meditate day and night; results—prospering in all things

Getting started in studying the Bible can be an overwhelming experience. With so many books and study guides and Bible translations and sermons and videos and...wheh! Help! It does not have to be like that. You can get started with just a few essentials.

Keep in mind, this is "your own personal, intimate" study of God's Word. And because He is so committed to your arriving at the truth, and discovering wonderful things about Him, He has given you His Holy Spirit to guide you through it, and to have fellowship with you as you study. He's really looking forward to it!

The following "essential equipment" ought to be obtained as you embark upon your spiritual journey:

    •A literal translation of the Bible;
    •A concordance that corresponds with your Bible translation;
    •A looseleaf notebook;
    •Colored marking devices;
    •Bible dictionary

Further details of these five essentials are given below. [JCF]

While there are scores of modern Bible versions on the market today, if you are interested in serious study of the Bible, including grammar and vocabulary, you will want a more literal translation, such as the New King James, New American Standard, English Standard Version, or the Holman Christian Standard Bible. It is always good to compare several translations, especially for passages that are difficult to understand. Paraphrases and freer translations (not necessarily less accurate), should be used in reading large blocks of Scripture or for casual reading, but not for word-for-word studies.

Once you have decided upon a translation, you may want to consider selecting a Bible with large print and/or wide margins to more easily record your own brief notes, outlines, underlining, and highlighting. (Note: The heavier the paper the better; onion-skin type paper tears easily).

Although you may have several Bibles that you use, the Bible that you select for serious study should now become your main study Bible!

A Bible concordance is an alphabetical listing of all the words found in the biblical text. Each list usually contains a reference and a brief phrase of each of the verses in which that particular word is found. Some concordances also use a numbering system for each word to identify whether it came from the Hebrew or Greek text. This number correlates with the dictionary section and offers information pertaining to parts of speech and a brief definition.

The purpose of personal Bible study is to transform your life, and as a result, transform your world. What makes one person a better Bible student than another? He can see more, that's all. The same truth is available to both of them in the text. And yet, learning to do it properly is a process that can't happen overnight.

Therefore, developing a habit of quantity reading, plus, acquiring a variety of observational skills will greatly enhance the ability for one to see and to grasp things more clearly. (see the Observation Chart below)

Keeping track of your own personal observations is one of those important skills. Taking notes, journaling your thoughts, organizing your studies in notebook form can be quite helpful and rewarding. A three-ring binder large enough to hold letter-size and notebook paper is recommended. You should also acquire a set of tabs (or two) in order to organize your studies by topics and/or books of the Bible.

Books Of The Bible Chart   Observation Chart   Bible Marking Chart   Interpretation Chart   Application Chart   Scripture Memory Chart   1 Thessalonians Example

One of the best ways to help you observe the truths and concepts within the biblical text is to make identifying marks in, around, under, and over words and phrases using colored pens, pencils, and hilighting markers. There are a variety of ways to do this. To help you get started, or to expand upon your present system, locate the Bible Marking Chart. There is also an example page available demonstrating how this is done (1 Thessalonians Example).

Books, for the most part, are simply teachings, training, or sermons in print form. Someone once said in regard to the variety of books available today that "...good books are often the enemy of the best!" While there is a place for light reading, novels, etc., some books may "steal" our time from investing in that which is eternal. Don't sacrifice your time in reading only the "good" books. Search for books and materials that will help you to know Jesus more intimately, and to grow in your Christian life.

There are six categories below that list a few of these time-tested books by authors who have walked with God:

Discipleship | Reference | Spiritual Growth | Classics | Biography | Out-Of-Print

Desiring God exists to say...God's ultimate goal is to glorify Himself. And that's good news. Everything we do aims to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ. John's present series is a verse-by-verse study on the Gospel of John. Prior to this, he recently concluded a thorough study on the complete book of Romans. You may read, listen to, and watch more than 25 years of John Piper’s weekly sermons. Browse his messages in the following categories:

•Date   •Scripture   •Series   •Topic   •Occasion   •Title

John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, president of The Master’s College and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace To You media ministry. Grace to You radio, video, audio, print, and website resources reach millions worldwide each day.

Over four decades of ministry, John has written dozens of bestselling books, including The MacArthur Study Bible. Since completing his first best-selling book, The Gospel According To Jesus in 1988, John has written nearly 400 books and study guides, including: The New Testament Commentary series, The Truth War, and The Jesus You Can’t Ignore. He and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fourteen grandchildren.

Scores of John's expository teachings can be found on their website, as well as Podcasts on iTunes (free iTunes download).

•GraceToYou     •iTunes

Insight for Living, the Bible-teaching radio ministry of Chuck Swindoll, is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner. Our desire is for people to grow in their understanding of God’s plan for their lives and also to mature as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.

Welcome to the new and improved Insight for Living Broadcast Library. Messages can now be found by air date, topic, series title, or by Scripture reference. We have also added links to our online store wherever a message is available for sale by either MP3, CD, or as part of an entire series. We hope you find these new tools helpful in your study of God's Word.

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People want a true, straight-talking, plain-speaking, “don't tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me what I need to hear," biblically accurate interpretation and exposition of God’s Word. They want to know what God wants us to know, the "way" He wants us to know it.

And people have grown weary of being "hit up" for money, or given “fluff” in place of doctrine, or having their intelligence "insulted" or "placated" in the name of Christianity. The result has been a genuine longing for the preaching and teaching that the Spurgeons and Wesleys and Edwards’ of yesteryear were renowned for.

“WORD PICTURES” is one ministry’s God-fearing attempt to be faithful to that call. That’s why every single program in this series is meant to be an integral part of every Christian’s spiritual “diet.” This isn’t “buffet style Christianity” where we pick what we like, and ignore the rest. No, each and every one of these programs is designed to be "one major piece of the puzzle of christian life." And every program is produced with high-end visuals and contemporary illustrations that bring the Bible to life before the viewer’s eyes. These videos are available for viewing on TV or purchase.

•TV Viewing Schedule     •Purchase DVDs

Dr. David Jeremiah is founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church. Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment is to teaching the whole Word of God. His passion for people and his desire to reach the lost are evident in the way he communicates Bible truths and his ability to get right to the important issues.

What could be more important than knowing God and His will and living in relationship with Him? Precept Ministries International is dedicated to equipping people everywhere with the tools to discover Truth for themselves by studying God's Word inductively. We are convinced that studying the Bible inductively is the most powerful and rewarding method to personal discovery and longer retention. Believers all over the world tell us these tools have made the most significant difference in their walk with God.

Joyce Meyer Ministries has a God-ordained mandate to impact the world. We are called to present the Gospel to the lost, disciple nations, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, minister to the elderly, widows and orphans, visit prisoners and reach out to people of all ages and in all walks of life. God requires that we teach people how to apply biblical truth in every facet of their lives and encourage Christians to influence every aspect of the world around them.

Many of the messages by John Piper are also available on video, and may be viewed directly from the Desiring God website. Clicking on a link below will take you to that section.

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