Developing Disciples

The purpose of this section is to provide the tools necessary to help each believer become a spiritually mature disciple of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God

foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.

THREE BAPTISMS

The First Baptism: Baptism into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

The Second Baptism: Baptism in water (Matthew 28:19).

The Third Baptism: Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8).

The Holy Spirit brings God’s presence into our lives. He empowers us and leads us into all truth. He releases the power of God into our lives.

These three baptisms are often explained together in Scripture. (Acts 2:37-39; Acts 8:5-8, 12, 14-17; Acts 19:1-6)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

On the night before His betrayal, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit

to His disciples. He was so excited about this, He said it would be

better for His disciples to have the Holy Spirit with them than to have

the person of Jesus Christ with them (John 16:7-14).

He also warned them not to do anything after His ascension until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. He signified that God, with the Holy Spirit, would also empower the church to spread the gospel to every nation. (Acts 1:8)

Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. He is God

2. He is a Person

3. He is our Helper

How Do We Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? Ask & Believe

Luke 11:13 It’s God’s will for every Christian to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Just like salvation, this baptism is a free gift, and Jesus said that it’s our heavenly Father’s pleasure to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

Visit newsongpeople.com/therestofthestory for more resources on the Holy Spirit.

DISCIPLESHIP

1. Love God's Word.

Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

Tools:

For beginners: The Jesus Storybook Bible,

The Personalized Promise Bible by James Riddle.

Commentaries: biblehub.com, blueletterbible.org

Daily In-Depth Devotional: Sparkling Gems by Rick Renner

2. Pray about everything. 

Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Prayer is engaging, exciting and rewarding. Wherever you are in your personal prayer life, God wants to take you higher.

Practical Tips for Developing a Strong Prayer Life:

Have a designated time and place to pray. 

Keep a prayer journal.

Pray the Word.

Build in time to listen.

3. Live a life of worship. 

Worship is love expressed.

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise give thanks to him and bless his name.