Discipleship

Billy Graham / Bill Bright four-step process © Campus Crusade:  

Step one: God's purpose, peace, and love. God wants you to experience peace and life abundantly and eternally (Romans 5:1, John 3:16, 10:10).

Step Two: Our problem: Separation. God created us in His own image to have abundant life. He did not make us robots to automatically love and obey Him but gave us the gift of free choice. Hence, we chose to disobey God on our own will, which resulted in our separation (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Our attempts through the ages have failed to bridge the gap (Isaiah 59:2, Proverbs 14:12). 

Step Three: God's remedy: The cross. Jesus Christ is the only answer to this problem. He died on the cross, rose from the grave, and paid our penalty (I Timothy 2:5, I Peter 3:18, Romans 5:8). 

Step Four: Our Response. To receive Christ, we must trust in Him by personal invitation (Revelation 3:20, John 1:12, Romans 10:9). Then pray with the individual and make sure they receive discipling. And focus on the basics, which include prayer, scripture, devotional life, accountability, and discipleship.  

Priorities: We should see a church that is growing in Jesus Christ in three priorities:  

First, worship, praise and study (Philippians 3:10).  

Second, growing in a relationship with other believers and discipleship (Matthew 5:23, Proverbs 17:17).  

Third, reaching our friends, neighbors, and the world (Matthew 28, Genesis 12:1-3). 

The Romans Road 

    The Romans Road is a group of Bible verses from the book of Romans that are used to help people to better understand Salvation, and to lead people to Christ. (Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10, 10:13) 

·        The First thing you have to realize is that YOU ARE a sinner. -Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  

·        We are ALL sinners.  But, God loves us and He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. 

·        Next realize that God Loves YOU. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."*  There is no greater love than that someone would lay down their life for a friend. That's what Christ did for us. 

·        Without Him, you're literally doomed. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." 
Yes, the wages of sin is death, but God has given us the privilege of Eternal life in Christ.  It's a gift, you don't have to work for it, just ASK!  What a gift!!!  

·        Confess your sins.... Romans 10:9-10, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" Romans 10:13, "For Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved."  

That's all you have to do! (Call on the name of Jesus and ask him into your heart, and you will be saved from the eternal pits of Hell! 

THE PRAYER.... If you honestly, in your heart, believe everything that was said here, pray this prayer: 

       Dear Jesus, I KNOW I am a sinner. I know that you were sent by God to die on the cross, to save me from my sins. I ask you now to forgive me of the sins I have committed, and come into my heart. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. From this day forward, I will follow your will and serve you.   AMEN.

             If you prayed that Prayer, and believe, welcome to the kingdom of God!  We wish you would share this with a friend or family member, and we would love to hear from you.

What Next?  

Help and Make sure that person will:  

·        Find a Church. Now you will need to find a church, so you can join the family of God. They will be there to lead you down the path of Christian living. They are not only spiritual guides, but also can be very close friends. They will always be there when you need them. 

·        Get a Bible. A Bible is one of the most important tools for a Christian. I would recommend an NLT (New Living Translation) or the NIV (New International Version). A study Bible is the best. If you would rather read a more literal translation of the Bible, you should get a NASB (New American Standard) or KJV (King James Version).  

·        Pray daily. Praying is another important factor. Pick a time that everyday; you have quiet time to pray everyday. Such as before you go to bed, or when you get up in the morning. See our "Article Drawing Near to the Heart of God" and others on our Discipleship Channel for more information and helps!  

Whatever approach you use, never argue or condemn the other person's beliefs. Focus on God's love for the person, Jesus' death on the cross for our sins, His resurrection, and the person's need to make a commitment to follow Christ. Invite the person to actually pray with you and commit his or her life to Christ.