Standard Jet DBnb` Ugr@?~1y0̝cßFNPo7М("`{6#߱`C;3y[D!|*O|s=f_Љ$g'DeFx -bT4.0dv{hUB/ ~y~y~y~yYY YIDVerse IDComments<<<с<<<щ<<<сYYYIDPrimaryKeyVerse IDtabaseDateCreateDateUpdate FlagsForeignNameIdLvLvExtraLvModule LvPropName OwnerParentIdRmtInfoLongRmtInfoShortTypeniYYIdParentIdName         aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa aa ~a~a }a}a |a|a {a{a zaza yaya xaxa wawa vava uaua tata sasa rara qaqa papa oaoa nana mama lala kaka jaja iaia haha gaga fafa eaea dada caca baba aaaa `a`a _a_a ^a^a ]a]a \a\a [a[a ZaZa YaYa XaXa WaWa VaVa UaUa TaTa SaSa RaRa QaQa PaPa OaOa NaNa MaMa LaLa KaKa JaJa IaIa HaHa GaGa FaFa EaEa DaDa CaCa BaBa AaAa @a@a ?a?a >a>a =a=a a>a =a=a a>a =a=a a>a =a=a a>a =a=a a>a =a=a a>a =a=a a>a =a=a ,ޜGb Dwߜ?ޜGb DwߜHޜGb DwߜI@ޜGb DwߜJޜGb DwߜKޜGb DwߜLTޜGb DwߜMޜGb DwߜN ޜGb DwߜOhޜGb DwߜPĞޜ fDwߜQ ޜ fDwߜR|ޜ fHv1bJ x@T4.0  LVALIb  ({\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Lucida Sans Unicode;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Tahoma;}{\f4\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\qr\cf1\lang1033\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs52 Spiritual Benchmarks\super\f1\'e4\nosupersub\b0\f2\fs20\par \pard\fi720\qr Acey Martin, Sarae Martin, Thom Wolf and Bill Wilkie\par \pard\qr\fs24\ldblquote\'85turn God\rquote s world right-side-up.\rdblquote\cf0\expndtw0\shad0\par \pard\par \pard\keepn\cf1\expndtw20\b\f0\fs36 Instructions\par \pard\cf0\expndtw0\b0\f2\fs10\tab\par \pard\li720\qj\cf1\b\f3\fs23 Selecting Benchmarking Evaluation Forms and Guides: \cf0\b0\fs18 In the white dialogue box just above this box entitled \ldblquote Instructions\rdblquote is an arrow at the right. Click on the arrow to get a list of benchmarking guides that includes: Benchmarks questionnaire, Genesis 1-3, John 12-17 and Colossians 1-4. This is the sequence that we recommend followed by a second questionnaire at the end. \par \par \cf1\b\fs23 Digital Bibles: \cf0\b0\fs18 You can download several Bibles from {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.e-sword.net" }}{\fldrslt{\cf2\ul www.e-sword.net}}}\cf0\ulnone\f3\fs18 free of charge. We recommend that you download at least the New American Standard, King James and Modern King James version and one contemporary version. The New American Standard with extras costs $20. You should also download Strong\rquote s dictionary and a commentary or two. You can see the many choices at e-sword\rquote s site. New International Version is not available at this time.\par \par \cf1\b\fs23 Interactive, Typing and Printing: \cf0\b0\fs18 Using e-sword, you can interact with the Bible verses that are related to the benchmarking guides. You can also type in your answersLVAL ( right into this same dialogue box. After completing an assignment, you can print the entire document. However, you may prefer printing just a section. Highlight the section and go to \ldblquote Print Preview\rdblquote under File. After checking for accuracy, you can print that section of the evaluation or benchmarking guide. If you like, you could also print the form empty and complete it by hand.\par \pard\keepn\cf1\expndtw20\b\f0\fs36 BACKGROUND\par \pard\cf0\expndtw0\b0\f2\fs10\tab\par \pard\li720\qj\cf1\b\f3\fs23 Opportunities for spiritual growth though self analysis: \cf0\b0\fs18 Benchmark is defined as \ldblquote a mark on a fixed and enduring object\'85\rdblquote The words and concepts in the Bible are benchmarks of God\rquote s thinking. They are marks in an enduring book. It is important to periodically benchmark God\rquote s thinking before rather than after a problem manifests itself. This preventative approach does not necessarily eliminate the need for \ldblquote discipline\rdblquote by Church leadership. However, its primary purpose is to focus us on opportunities for positive growth.\par \pard\qj\par \pard\li720\cf1\b\fs23 All circumstances are purposeful: Kay Arthur,\cf0\b0\fs18 the Founder of Precepts Ministries, states, \ldblquote\'85God uses every circumstance of life to make us one with the Godhead.\rdblquote Therefore, we assume that adversity and blessings in a person\rquote s life also have a spiritual purpose. \par \pard\li720\qj\par \pard\li720\cf1\b\fs23 Format for Spiritual Growth: \cf0\b0\fs18 We propose that a close friend, small group leader or Church mentor meet with each interested disciple to complete the initial benchmarking evaluation form that follows. We then suggest that they benchmark God\rquote s revealed truth in Genesis 1-3, John 12-17 and Colossians 1-4. Once complete, they should complete a second or post self evaluation to determine whether there is a change in their thinking after benchmarking God\rquote s thinking.\par \pardLVAL\qj\par \pard\li720\cf1\b\fs23 Method:\cf0\b0\fs18 In this self analysis most of the categories require a qualitative versus a quantitative response. It should be filled out with agreement by at least two parties involved in the process: a disciple of Christ and one interested person. It should be filled out, signed by the participants and filed in a confidential file. The guide should be completed annually to improve its usefulness.\par \pard\qj\par \pard\li720\cf1\b\fs23 Limitations: \cf0\b0\fs18 This form is designed primarily for benchmarking through a self analysis. It should not create a legalistic format for evaluating spirituality. It provides structure for a process that often gets away from us in the \ldblquote tyranny of the urgent.\rdblquote It should also be used to verify the form and areas of growth spiritually over the next year. It often produces exciting conversations.\par \pard\keepn\li720\qj\b\par \pard\qj\b0\f2\par \pard\keepn\cf1\expndtw20\b\f0\fs36 THE CORE AREAS\par \pard\keepn\qj\cf0\expndtw0\f3\fs10\par \pard\keepn\li720\qj\cf1\fs23 Authority of the Bible: We\fs18 \cf0\b0 assume that the person being benchmarked believes in the authority of the Bible as God\rquote s truth for our daily living.\fs24\par \pard\keepn\qj\cf1\fs23\par \pard\keepn\fi-720\li720\qj\b \tab Sacrificed Life Relationship: \cf0\b0\fs18 This evaluation assumes that the person conducting the self analysis already possesses a \ldblquote salvation\rdblquote type relationship with Christ. However, they may not have been discipled into the sacrificed life described in Romans 12:1-2, John 12 or Colossians 1-2.\par \pard\qj\par \pard\li720\qj\cf1\b\fs23 Abiding in the \ldblquote Vine:\rdblquote the personal \cf0\b0\fs18 relationship with Christ and the Father must be sustained through what Christ himself described as abiding in John 15. There are many and varied methodologies for sustaining an in-depth relationship with Christ and the Father\par \par \cf1\b\fs23 Manifesting: LVALxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?. sbQ@/ tcRA0   ~~ }} || {{ zz yy xx ww vv uu tt ss rr qq pp oo nn mm ll kk jj ii hh gg ff ee dd cc bb aa `` __ ^^ ]] \\ [[ ZZ YY XX WW VV UU TT SS RR QQ PP OO NN MM LL KK JJ II HH GG FF EE DD CC BB AA @@ ?? >> == << ;; :: 99 88 77 66 55 44 33 22 11 00 // .. -- ,, ++ ** )) (( '' && %% $$ ## "" !!                                                                                                      the proactive disciple \cf0\b0\fs18 is not passive but rather the Holy Spirit works daily through that individual to accomplish God\rquote s plan of \ldblquote\'85discipling the nations.\rdblquote \par \pard\cf3\f4\fs23\par \f5\par }  l+RxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?. sbQ@/ tcRA0   ~~ }} || {{ zz yy xx ww vv uu tt ss rr qq pp oo nn mm ll kk jj ii hh gg ff ee dd cc bb aa `` __ ^^ ]] \\ [[ ZZ YY XX WW VV UU TT SS RR QQ PP OO NN MM LL KK JJ II HH GG FF EE DD CC BB AA @@ ?? >> == << ;; :: 99 88 77 66 55 44 33 22 11 00 // .. -- ,, ++ ** )) (( '' && %% $$ ## "" !!                                                                                                    Step 7. Questionnaire After\VIb H<Step 3. Questionnaire Before\PIb J>Step 6. Colossians 1-4hHu#b >2Step 5. John 12-17:'Ib 6*Step 4. Genesis 1-3Ib 8,Step 1 Authors & BackgroundGIb H<Step 2. Instructions1Ib :.LVALIb {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Lucida Sans Unicode;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Futura Bk BT;}{\f3\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f4\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 MS Sans Serif;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red149\green133\blue55;\red0\green0\blue255;\red204\green51\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red153\green102\blue51;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs48 Spiritual Benchmarks\super\f1\'e4\par \pard\qr\nosupersub\f0\fs18 Acey Martin, Sarae Martin, Thom Wolf and Bill Wilkie\fs20\par \ldblquote\'85Turn God\rquote s world right-side-up.\rdblquote\par \cf2\expndtw0\b0\shad0\f2\fs19\par \pard The four \ul Spiritual Benchmarks\ulnone kits listed in the white dialogue box above and \ul e-Sword\ulnone , Rick Meyers\rquote Bible application software, are both free to anyone who \b cannot afford\b0 to donate.\par \par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trbrdrl\brdrdash\brdrw60 \trbrdrt\brdrdash\brdrw60 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrdash\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrt\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrr\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx3600\clbrdrl\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrt\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx7380\pard\intbl\qc If you can afford the $1 per copy for each of the four spiritual benchmarking guides, please send a check for each copy that you use or print to the following address or donate on-line.\cf0\ul\sub\f3\fs20\cell\cf2\ulnone\nosupersub\f2\fs19 If e-Sword has value, we encourage you to give a generous donation to Rick Meyers\rquote foundation for this powerful free software. Send a check to the address below or donate on-line.\cf0\sub\f3\fs28\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh1425\trbrdrl\brdrdash\brdrw60 \trbrdrt\brdrdash\brdrw60 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrdash\brdrw60 LVAL\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clbrdrl\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrt\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrr\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx3600\clvertalc\clbrdrl\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrt\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx7380\pard\intbl\qc\cf2\nosupersub\b\fs24 Spiritual Benchmarks\par 471 West Long Lake Drive\par Harrison, MI 48625\par 989.539.9950\par \b0\f2\fs19{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.onebuck.org" }}{\fldrslt{\cf3\ul\b www.onebuck.org}}}\cf0\ulnone\sub\b0\f3\fs20\cell\cf2\nosupersub\b\fs24 Equipping Ministries Foundation\par 5902 Parham Road\par Franklin, TN 37064\par \b0\f2\fs19{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.e-sword.net" }}{\fldrslt{\cf3\ul\b www.e-sword.net}}}\cf0\ulnone\sub\b0\f3\fs20\cell\row\pard\par \pard\qc\cf2\nosupersub\b\f2\fs19 You can also use a credit card on our web site: {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.onebuck.org" }}{\fldrslt{\cf3\ul www.onebuck.org}}}\cf2\ulnone\f2\fs19 , \par {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.spiritual-benchmarks.com" }}{\fldrslt{\cf3\ul www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\cf2\ulnone\f2\fs19 and {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.e-sword.net" }}{\fldrslt{\cf3\ul www.e-sword.net}}}\cf2\ulnone\f2\fs19\par \par \pard\b0 If you cannot afford the $1, you can still help us spread the "Word." Download the files and share them with a friend who is interested in spiritual growth. Teens, college students, young professionals or anyone who is looking for answers about God\rquote s purpose in their work and lives are candidates. \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs48 Overview\cf2\expndtw0\b0\shad0\f2\fs19 \par \par Ordinary people are looking for real personal transformation that includes the intercessory power and authority to also transform their world that God talked about in Genesis 1-3 and Christ summarized in John 12-17. If \ldblquote Spiritual Benchmarks\rdblquote or e-Sword have value and you use anyLVAL of the four benchmarking exercises, please share the CD or www sites with others.\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\sl240\slmult0 This toolbox includes one evaluation tool and three Biblical benchmarking kits. The first benchmarking kit is called \ldblquote Walk on the Wild Side\rdblquote taken from Genesis 1-3. It deals with God\rquote s purpose for mankind as well as the world of work. The second is entitled \ldblquote One with the Father\rdblquote and it is Christ's final discussion with His disciples in John 12-17 just days before his death. We call it an executive summary of Christ\rquote s and the Father's purpose for future disciples. The third is the \ldblquote Universal Disciple\rdblquote model taken from Colossians and written by Thom Wolf, President of \ldblquote University Institute\rdblquote headquartered in Delhi, India. The Universal Disciple model was programmed into the last 45 minutes of the one million \ul Jesus Films\ulnone sponsored by Campus Crusade.\par \pard\fi-360\li1080\sa108\sl240\slmult0\tx360\tx495\tx1080\cf4\f1\fs20\'b7 \b\f2 Armed with God\rquote s original charge to mankind in Genesis,\par \pard\fi-360\li1080\sa108\sl240\slmult0\b0\f1\'b7 \b\f2 Restored to a relationship with God of power and authority in John and\par \b0\f1\'b7 \b\f2 Guided by the principles for daily living that the Apostle Paul taught the early church in Colossians,\f3\par \b0\f1\'b7 \b\f2 Ordinary people can be empowered to fulfill their role in turning our 21st century world right-side-up.\f3 \par \pard\fi-540\li540\sa108\sl240\slmult0\tx360\tx495\cf1\expndtw20\shad\f0\fs48 Authors\cf2\expndtw0\b0\shad0\f2\fs19\par \pard\sa108\sl240\slmult0 Acey Martin is a graduate from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona with a B.S. Degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology. Since a senior in high school, he has worked with students in some form or fashion for the past 20 years. Acey spent 6 years at Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas pursuing a MastLVALers of Divinity and Religious Education Masters. Acey has been a Youth Pastor for 8 years in Arizona and Texas but since 2000 has been the Director of Student Ministries at Mt. Pleasant Community Church in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. From 1997 to 2000, Acey served on the program team at Spring Hill Camps in Michigan as the Summer Staff Recruiting Coordinator and a Program Manager. Currently, Acey is the Program Administrator for Bair Lake Camp in Jones, Michigan. acey@crew-ministries.com or visit his site: \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.crew-ministries.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.crew-ministries.com}}}\cf2\f2\fs19\par Sarae Martin pioneered the \ldblquote Year-In-Between\rdblquote in 1989 when she attended a Chilean High School and received a second high school diploma in Spanish. Pursuing her passion for teens, Sarae completed a Degree from Alma College as a Spanish major and became a high school Spanish teacher in Ft. Worth, Texas for three years before joining the program staff at Spring Hill Camps. In 2002, she organized a women\rquote s teen retreat on the \ldblquote Bride of Christ.\rdblquote sarae.martin@netscope.com\par Thom Wolf was the Senior Pastor of the Church on Brady in Los Angeles, California from 1969-1994. Observers of the American Church have concluded and written that the Church on Brady is one model of an urban church for the 21st century. In 1994, Thom Wolf became the Director of the Kim School of Inter-Cultural Studies at Golden Gate Seminary. Currently, Thom is the President of \ldblquote University Institute\rdblquote headquartered in New Delhi, India. His \ldblquote Universal Disciple\rdblquote materials were recently translated into Chinese by Campus Crusade. One million \ul Jesus Films\ulnone are being distributed in China. The last 45 minutes on the \ldblquote Jesus Film\rdblquote DVD are devoted exclusively to the \ldblquote Universal Disciple\rdblquote model of the Apostle Paul from Colossians. drthom2100@yahoo.com or \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLVALxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?. sbQ@/ tcRA0[[ ZZ YY XX WW VV UU TT SS RR QQ PP OO NN MM LL KK JJ II HH GG FF EE DD CC BB AA @@ ?? >> == << ;; :: 99 88 77 66 55 44 33 22 11 00 // .. -- ,, ++ ** )) (( '' && %% $$ ## "" !!                                              LINK "www.universal-disciple.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.universal-disciple.com}}}\cf2\f2\fs19\par \pard Dr. Bill Wilkie was a faculty member and Special Assistant to the President at Michigan State University before joining the W. K. Kellogg Foundation staff and later entering the automotive supplier industry world as Executive VP of Multifastener Corporation. He also served as President of Rockmont College in Denver, Colorado. From 1987 to 1998 he owned an executive recruiting firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently, Bill functions as a coach to selected individuals in-between groups that use Still Waters B&B on a lake in mid-Michigan as a gathering place. \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spiritual-benchmarks.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\cf2\f2\fs19 , \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.kingdom-professional.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.kingdom-professional.com}}}\cf2\f2\fs19 or wwilkie@netscope.com\par \cf0\f3\fs24\par \cf5\f4\fs23\par \cf0\f3\fs24\par \cf5\f5\fs17\par } LVALIb {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fscript\fprq2\fcharset0 Papyrus;}{\f2\fswiss\fcharset0 Papyrus-Regular;}{\f3\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f4\fswiss\fcharset0 Myriad Roman;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 Giovanni Book;}{\f6\fnil\fprq2\fcharset0 MS Sans Serif;}{\f7\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f8\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green94\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;\red59\green81\blue9;\red126\green100\blue27;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green204\blue0;\red0\green92\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh750\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx7021\pard\intbl\qr\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs48 Walk on the Wild Side\f2\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh405\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx7021\pard\intbl\qr\f1\fs25 The Book of Genesis Chapters 1-3\fs48\cell\row\pard\qr\cf2\f2\fs20\par \pard\f3\fs23\par \pard\qc\cf3\f1\fs28 The first question for you and me is...\par "What were God's intentions for mankind on planet earth?"\f2\fs20\par \pard\cf2\f3\fs23\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\f1\fs20 There are profound implications of the realization that "work" came \b before\b0 Adam's and Eve's decision to "...be like God." \cf4\ul Gen_3:5\cf0\ulnone Toil, not work \cf4\ul Gen_3:17-19\cf0\ulnone , was the penalty for the "original sin" of Adam and Eve when they tried to take control of their lives. Genesis even sheds some new light on Thom Wolf's question for the 21st century citizens who are asking:\par \par \cf3 "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par \cf0\par Several hundred years ago a Roman Catholic Priest named Martin Luther was reputed to have initiated the "Christian Work Ethic" by sLVALtating, \par \par \pard\li540\ri540\sl240\slmult0\cf5 "Work to the glory of God whether you are a Priest or a cobbler."\cf0\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par Almost a century ago, Roland Alan stirred the 20th century by reminding us of the "spontaneous expansion" of the early church. Now, entering the 21st century, with all the open doors to the gospel, we must reevaluate just how the apostles were able to go into an area, preach the "good news," gather converts, nurture them and move on in such a way that they could later write back and with such confidence remind them of a core teaching that seemed to be pervasive and so commonly understood by all. \par \par Even more perplexing is the fact that Paul and the church planting team were often only in a city for a few weeks, a few months, or at most a few years. How did they do it? How could they create radiant persons and such responsible and reproductive leaders? \par \par The Apostle Paul was a scholar of the Old Testament and understood that the "new" Gospel that he preached was based upon a clear view of God's work with mankind as begun and described in Genesis. Paul understood the full meaning of Christ's words when he began to preach the Gospel, which Christ said was "...repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." \cf4\ul Mat_4:17\cf0\ulnone Repent? Repent from what? Repent from the desire to "...be like God" or taking control of your life as well as you bad behavior.\par \par But what does "...the kingdom of heaven is near" really mean practically? We believe that anyone who has Christ as His savior and has repented or given back control of his life to Christ and the Father will have access to all the resources of heaven to accomplish God's will in their lives. So let's see what Genesis has to say.\par \pard\cf2\f2\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\f1\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Overview:\fs28 \fs48 The Creation\f4\fs36\par \pard\sb108\fs28\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf2\b0\f1\fs20 Please read GLVALenesis chapters 1-3 in their entirety, then make the following observations: \cf0\par Who are the main characters in Genesis 1-3?\par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx461 1.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:1\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par 2.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:27\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par 3.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_2:22\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par 4.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_3:1\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par 5.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:25\cf0\ulnone and \cf4\ul Gen_3:22\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par \par What are the main themes of these passages?\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx450\par 1.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:1-23\cf0\ulnone\par \par 2.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_2:4-25\cf0\ulnone\par \par 3.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_3:1-24\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par Where do the events of Genesis take place?\par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx450 1.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:1-23\cf0\ulnone\par \par 2.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_2:4-25\cf0\ulnone\par \par 3.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_3:1-24\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par \par When did this take place and over what time frame?\par \par \par \pard Why did God create the universe, earth and human beings? What is the mission of humans?\par \par \pard\sa108\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 2\par Creation:\fs28 \fs48 Days 1-3\f4\fs36\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\f1\fs20\par Reread \cf4\ul Gen_1:1-13\cf0\ulnone . Use these verses to answer the following questions:\par \par According to \cf4\ul Gen_1:1-2\cf0\ulnone , who existed before the creation of earth? \par \par \par What did God create on the first day? What are the unique qualities that distinguish this new created universe from what existed before?\par \par \par What did God create on the second day?\par \par \par What did God create on the third day? \par \par \par Why do you think God established the principle of "reproduction" or "reproductivity?" Explore the definition and implications of reproductivity. Notice how God takes time to explore anLVALd explain about vegetation and "seed bearing" in \cf4\ul Gen_1:11-12\cf0\ulnone ? What makes reproductivity such a powerful principle over the long-term? \par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Creation:\fs28 \fs48 Days 4-6\f4\fs36\par \pard\li144\ri144\b0\f1\fs20\par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf2 Reread \cf4\ul Gen_1:1-31\cf2\ulnone , paying particular attention to verses 14-17 to answer the following. \cf0\par \par What did God create on the fourth day? From your knowledge of science, why do you think that what God saw he made on the fourth day was "good?" \par \par \par What did God create on the fifth day? \par \par \par After this creative day, God blessed what he created. In Genesis 1:22, he gives this creation a purpose. List these purposes below:\line\line 1.\par \par 2.\par \par 3.\par \par 4.\par \par Bill Wilkie refers to these four purposes as our "original commission." What does "commission" mean?\par \par \par What did God create on the sixth day?\par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx450 1.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:1-25\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par 2.\tab\cf4\ul Gen_1:25-27\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par \par What did God create on the seventh day? Why do you think that he did this?\par \par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 4\par Creation:\fs28 \fs48 "...in our image."\fs28\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf2\b0\fs20 Now let's explore in more depth what happened on day six in \cf4\ul Gen_1:26-31\cf2\ulnone .\cf0\par \par Read \cf4\ul Gen_1:26\cf0\ulnone . What does God want to do? \par \par \par Read \cf4\ul Gen_1:27\cf0\ulnone . What does God want to do? What model does He use for this creation? \par \par \par Define and then explore the meaning of image and likeness. Does the term "...in our image" or "...in our likeness" mean the first humans were a perfect replica of God? Why or why not?\par \par \par If it does not mean a perfect replica, whatLVAL do the phrases imply?\par \par \par Go back to \cf4\ul Gen_1:1\cf0\ulnone . What does it tell us about the quality of God that He could have been replicating in the human race?\par \par \par Think about what God did in the six days of creation. What do the six days of creation tell us about the qualities of God? Which of these qualities do you think were transferred to humans when he made them in His likeness?\par \par \par So what do you think it means to you personally to be "made in the image of God?" How could knowing this affect how you live?\par \par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 5\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\qr Creation:\fs28 \fs48 Our Mission\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Having explored our likeness to God, let's explore God's expectations, role or mission for us described in \cf4\ul Gen_1:26-31\cf0\ulnone .\par \par What work did God have planned for men and women as described in the following:\par \par 1. \cf4\ul Gen_1:26\cf0\ulnone\par \tab\par \par 2. \cf4\ul Gen_1:28\cf0\ulnone\par \par \tab a.\par \tab b.\par \tab c.\par \par Who was actually created according to \cf4\ul Gen_1:26\cf0\ulnone and who received the "orders from God?"\par \par \cf4\ul Gen_1:26\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\par \par \cf4\ul Gen_1:27\cf0\ulnone\par \tab\par \par Are you a little confused? Welcome to the club. You are not alone. But let's focus on whether or not the mission that you discovered for all humans was given to just the man or to all humans including women. Which of the four functions \b require\b0 the participation of both men and women?\par \par 1. Be fruitful and increase in number\par \par \par 2. Fill the earth\par \par \par 3. Subdue it\par \par \par 4. Rule over...every living creature\par \par \par Is there anything you have read so far that indicates this God-given mission would be only for males?\par \par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 6\par \pard\li144\LVALv!ri144\sl240\slmult0\qr Mission:\fs28 \fs48 Man's or Everyone's?\cf6\b0\f5\fs24\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf2\f1\fs20 1. "Be fruitful and increase in number." \cf0\par \tab Which day did God establish the principle of reproductivity? \par \par \par \pard\li720\ri144\sl240\slmult0 Look at \cf4\ul Joh_12:24-26\cf0\ulnone and explain why the "kernel of wheat" analogy is used to describe and reinforce reproductivity for the disciples? How does this relate to God's principle of reproductivity?\par \par \par Who fulfills this function?\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par 2. "Fill the earth..."\par \pard\li720\ri144\sl240\slmult0 How would the principle of "Reproductivity" help mankind to fulfill this part of God's "Original Commission?"\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par \tab\par \tab Who will fulfill this function?\par \par \par \pard\li720\ri144\sl240\slmult0 In what ways can you fulfill these commands?\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par \par 3. "Subdue it..."\par \pard\li720\ri144\sl240\slmult0 Look up "subdue" and write out the definition. List some others words that have a similar meaning to subdue. Who should fulfill this function?\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\par \par \tab How are you subduing your world?\par \par \par 4. "Rule over...every living creature."\par \pard\li720\ri144\sl240\slmult0 Look up the definition of "rule" and discuss the meaning of "rule over." Now look at the term from the perspective of a creator of this world who has delegated not abdicated the responsibility for developing this world. Who should fulfill this function?\par \par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0 How are you ruling your world?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 7\par Creation:\fs28 \fs48 Man\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 As we move onto Genesis chapter 2 \cf4\ul Gen_2:1\cf0\ulnone , it begins with the following statement:\par \par \tab "This is the account of the heavens and the earth whLVAL"en they were created."\par \par Apparently, Moses, the author of Genesis, needed to explain in more depth the creation of Adam and Eve.\par \par \cf4\ul Gen_2:7\cf0\ulnone describes in more detail the actual process God used to create man:\par \par God ...\par \par God ...\par \par Man ...\par \par \ul\b Breath of Life\ulnone\b0\par The most obvious description of "breath of life" is that God gave life to an inanimate object made of earth. Gene Edwards, author of \ul An Angel's View of Creation,\ulnone hypothesizes in his fictional account that God breathed into man the "heavenlies." Man in the visible universe was the only created entity who could live in both the "visible and invisible" universes. He also implies that this breathing might be an important part of "creating man in God's image." It was much more than just breathing life into man. \par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0 What do you think God meant by the "breath of life?"\cf5\b\fs36\par \pard\cf2\b0\f2\fs20\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\f1\fs36\par Lesson # 8\par \pard\qr Creation:\fs28 \fs48 Garden of Eden\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 In \cf4\ul Gen_2:8-17\cf0\ulnone the Garden of Eden is described including Adam and Eve's role. Review this passage before answering the following:\par \par What two trees did God place in the middle of the Garden?\par \par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par As created beings, man and woman were not born as a child. Did Adam and Eve possess "full" knowledge at this time?\par \par \par Where did God place man? What two roles did God assign to man in the form of work?\par \par 1. \par \par 2.\par \par God indicated that man could eat from all trees in the Garden except one. Which one could mankind not eat from? What were the consequences if he did?\par \par \par Why do you think that God did \b not\b0 give Adam & Even knowledge of good and evil in the beginning?\par \par \par \pard Could mankind have eaten from the "Tree of Life?" AnLVAL#d what does this tell you about God's desire for humans?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 9\par \pard\qr Eden:\fs28 \fs48 The First Problem\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Some people believe that problems only began after the Fall of Mankind in the Garden of Eden. However, if you examine \cf4\ul Gen_2:1-18\cf0\ulnone , you may discover the first problem that God encountered in His relationship with mankind. Describe that problem when God said, "...it is not good..." as He surveyed His creation.\par \par \par In Genesis 2:19-20, we have a description of another major work function for Adam. What special role was Adam given?\par \par \par As they were scrounging the earth for a suitable helper and naming all the beasts of the field and birds of the air, what was God's conclusion in \cf4\ul Gen_2:20\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par Describe the steps God took to solve the problem.\par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par What was Adam's jubilant response to God's solution to the world's first problem?\par \par \par Who leaves their family to become "one flesh?" What do you think it means to become one flesh?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36 Lesson # 10\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\qr Mankind: \fs28 \fs48 The Fall\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Review Genesis chapter 3 \cf4\ul Gen_3:1-24\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par Suddenly, a new character arrives on the scene in \cf4\ul Gen_3:1\cf0\ulnone . Who is it?\par \par \par What is the one quality that sets this character apart from the other animals in \cf4\ul Gen_3:1\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par In \cf4\ul Gen_3:1\cf0\ulnone what question is asked of Eve? Examine this question. What was the serpent up to?\par \par \par What was Eve's response in \cf4\ul Gen_3:2-3\cf0\ulnone ? Did Eve understand what God had said about the trees in the center of the Garden of Eden?\par \par \par What was the serpent's immediate response to Eve's description in \cf4\ul GLVAL$en_3:4\cf0\ulnone ? \par \par \par What was the serpent's longer response in \cf4\ul Gen_3:4-5\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par What was the true temptation from the serpent in \cf4\ul Gen_3:5\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par In \cf4\ul Gen_3:6\cf0\ulnone , what did Eve think that she could \b gain\b0 from eating the fruit of the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil"?\par \par \par Why do you think the serpent tempted Eve? What does this tell you about the serpent's motives? Who does the serpent really represent?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf5\b\fs36\par Lesson # 11\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\qr The Fall: \fs48 Consequences\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Reread Genesis 3 \cf4\ul Gen_3:1\cf0\ulnone\par \par There are several consequences from Eve's and Adam's decision to respond to the serpent's challenge that they "...could be like God." Read \cf4\ul Gen_3:7-9\cf0\ulnone . List the consequences of their decision:\par \par The first consequence is \par \par A second consequence is\par \par A third consequence is\par \par God also describes specific future consequences. Read \cf4\ul Gen_3:16\cf0\ulnone . What are the consequences for women?\par \par 1. \par \par 2. \par \par 3.\par \par Read \cf4\ul Gen_3:17-19\cf0\ulnone . What are the consequences for men?\par \par 1. \par \par 2. \par \par 3. \par \par 4. \par \par The most serious by--product of Eve's and Adam's decision to take control of their lives is described in \cf4\ul Gen_3:22-23\cf0\ulnone . What is it? Why is this consequence disastrous?\par \par \pard\qr\par Did God ever withdraw the "original commission?" What does that imply?\tab\tab\par \par \cf5\b\fs36\par Lesson # 12\par Genesis 1-3: \fs48 Issues\par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Armed with an overview of God's purposes and actions in the first three chapters of the Bible, you can now wrestle with some issues that have stimulated men and women for centuries.\par \par God exhibLVAL%its extraordinary creativity in Genesis chapters 1-3. After the seventh day when God rested, did God resume his creative activity? How does He expect restored disciples like you to manifest His creativity in your world?\par \par \par \par Work is clearly \b not\b0 the penalty for sin. Work before the Fall was intended as a primary vehicle to fulfill the "Original Commission." Therefore, might work also be essential to fulfilling the "Great Commission" as well? Read \cf4\ul Mat_28:19-20\cf0\ulnone . How does this "Great Commission" from Jesus relate to the commission in Genesis? Check out \cf4\ul Joh_17:15-16\cf0\ulnone . Why would Christ pray that God "not take them [disciples] out of the world...?" \par \par \par Read God's charge to Noah after the flood in \cf4\ul Gen_8:17\cf0\ulnone and \cf4\ul Gen_9:7\cf0\ulnone . Think about the "Original Commission," Noah's commission, and Jesus' "Great Commission." What does God seem to be concerned about? Why do you think that is?\par \par \par God never seemed to separate the sacred and secular. He exhorts Adam and Eve to live life to its fullest both before and after the Fall. Is your work or profession secular or sacred in God's eyes? Remember, Martin Luther, stated, "Work to the glory of God whether you are a cobbler or a priest." Is all your work or life a "work to the glory of God"? Why or why not?\par \par \par How can you fulfill these commissions through your work?\par \par \par \pard\qr From your analysis of Genesis 1-3, what is God's purpose for men, women and you in this world today?\par \par \par \cf5\b\fs36 Authors\cf0\b0\fs20\par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0 Mankind's originally intended purpose as described in Genesis 1-3 is explored in the first of three study guides that we have prepared for The Spiritual Benchmarks Series. This benchmarking guide has been prepared by Dr. Bill Wilkie. \par Bill was a faculty member and Special Assistant to the President at Michigan State University before joinLVAL&ing the W. K. Kellogg Foundation staff and later entering the automotive industry as Executive VP of Multifastener Corporation. From 1987 to 1997 he owned an executive recruiting firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife Carolyn now own and operate Still Waters B&B on Long Lake in Harrison, Michigan.\par \par The second benchmarking guide is entitled "One with the Father" and is taken from John 12-17. It deals with Christ's final conversation with His disciples.\par The third benchmarking guide is the "Universal Disciple" taken from Colossians and created by Thom Wolf, a former Senior Pastor of the Church on Brady in Los Angeles. He is currently the President of Global Spectrum & the University Institute headquartered in Delhi, India.\par \par \pard{\pntext\f8\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf8\pnindent0{\pntxtb\'B7}}\fi-360\li450\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx360\cf5\b Armed\b0 with an accurate view of Genesis and God's original charge to mankind,\par \b{\pntext\f8\'B7\tab}Restored\b0 to a relationship with God of power and authority to fulfill the Great Commission as well as the "Original Commission" and\par \b{\pntext\f8\'B7\tab}Guided\b0 by the tangible principles for daily living that the Apostle Paul taught the early Colossian Church\cf0 so that ordinary believers can be empowered to turn God\cf2\f3\fs23 's \cf0\f1\fs20 world right-side-up.\cf2\f3\fs23\par \pard\li90\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx360\par \pard\sa108\qj\cf0\f1\fs20 The Spiritual Benchmarks Series is sponsored by a network that focuses their time and energy on the identification and nurturing of the next generation.\par The network, under the editorial guidance of Acey Martin, Sarae Martin, Jason Wilkie, Bill Wilkie, Thom Wolf Carol Davis and Debbie Woolery, publishes materials and also conducts workshops on the use of these materials.\par If you have or know of people with unique materials that should be made available to a broader audience, please contact us. If you would like to be part of the network that uses these mat`LVALpxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?erials for the benefit of the next generation, we would like to talk with you at your convenience.\par \pard\li90\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx360 Although free, all materials are copyrighted and cannot be copied for resale. If you would like to order materials or a CD, please go to web site.\par \par \pard\li90\ri144\sl240\slmult0\qr\tx360\cf5\b\fs36 Donations\cf0\b0\fs20\par \pard\cf2\fs19 When you print a copy or make multiple copies, please send us $1 for each copy in cash or check to the address on the right. You can also use a credit card on our web sites: \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spiritual-benchmarks.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\cf2\f1\fs19 or \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.onebuck.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.onebuck.org}}}\cf2\f1\fs19 . If you cannot afford the $1, please download anyway and share them with a friend\b \b0 who is interested in spiritual growth. Teens, college students, young professionals or anyone who is looking for answers about God\rquote s purpose in their lives are candidates.\par \par \pard\li90\ri144\sl240\slmult0\tx360 Ordinary people are looking for real personal transformation that includes the intercessory power and authority for their world that Christ promised in the John 12-17. If \ldblquote Spiritual Benchmarks\rdblquote has value and you use any of the four benchmarking exercises, please share the CD or our web site with others.\par \par \pard\li144\ri144\sl240\slmult0\qc\cf5\b Spiritual Benchmarks\b0\fs20\par 471 W. Long Lake Dr.\par Harrison, MI 48625\par 989.539.9950\par wwilkie@netscope.com\par \pard\li90\ri144\sl240\slmult0\qc\tx360\cf0\b{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spiritual-benchmarks.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\cf2\b0\f3\fs23\par \pard\f6\fs17\par \cf0\f0\fs24\par \cf2\f7\fs23\par } LVALIb ({\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fscript\fprq2\fcharset0 Papyrus;}{\f2\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 Myriad Roman;}{\f4\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 New York;}{\f5\fnil\fprq2\fcharset0 MS Sans Serif;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue102;\red0\green128\blue0;\red14\green58\blue104;\red0\green0\blue0;\red1\green96\blue119;\red0\green0\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red33\green33\blue66;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh502\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf9 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60\brdrcf9 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat10\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf9\clbrdrb\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf9 \cellx7395\pard\intbl\qr\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs72 One with the Father\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh762\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf9 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60\brdrcf9 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat10\clbrdrt\brdrw15\brdrs\brdrcf9\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf9\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf9 \cellx7395\pard\intbl\qr\fs36 The Book of John chapters 12-1\cell\row\pard\qr\cf2\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 In \cf3\ul Gen_3:4-6\cf0\ulnone Adam and Eve shattered their relationship with God when they decided to take control of their lives and "be like God." Eating the apple was only a symptom of a decision to take control of their lives, not believing God had their best interests in mind. Theologians call this "original sin" in contrast to "sins" or bad behavior resulting from original sin. \par \pard\sa108\qj In Genesis 1-3, God created mankind, dealt with a major problem before the fall in \cf3\ul Gen_2:18\cf0\ulnone , established work, maintained an empowering relationship with mankind and charged them before the "fall" to:\par \pard\sa108\qj\tx1170\cf4\f2\fs24 n\f1\fs20 "Be fruitful and increase in number,\par \f2\fs24 n\f1\fs20 Fill the earth,\par \f2\fs24 n\f1\fs20 Subdue it, and \par \f2\fs24 LVAL)n\f1\fs20 Rule over...every living creative" (NIV)\cf0\par \pard In their haste to "be like God" or be in control Adam and Eve also lost access to the power and resources of God to accomplish the "original mission." The original charge to Adam and Eve must have included the abilities and resources to complete the charge. There were no public schools or training facilities. Investment banks, The World Bank and governments were not available to finance global development. So who were Adam and Eve to rely upon to accomplish God's purpose for mankind? \par \par \pard\sa108\qj Christ begins His final conversation with the disciples by revisiting the fundamental issue of Genesis "who is in control?" In \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-26\cf0\ulnone , Christ addresses "original sin" not "sins" (bad behavior) when He lays out the conditions for our restored and empowered relationship with the Father. The quality of our relationship with God is up-most in Christ's thinking. Every thought and action must be grounded in a relationship with God. This is about being in a "oneness" type relationship that then leads to the sacrificed life of \cf3\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone and the empowered life of Romans 8. \par Christ's final summary of His purposes in John 12-17 leads people to ask hard questions, face reality and challenges them to return to the Father. Even though God has your best interests in mind, being "out-of-control" and committing to the sacrificed life is more than a little scary. That's why believing and trusting God is central but difficult.\par It's called faith.\par The goal of lesson #1 is to do the following:\par \pard\sa108\qj\tx180\cf4\f0\bullet\tab\f1 get an overview of John 12-17 and \par \f0\bullet\tab\f1 understand God's powerful strategy.\cf0\par \pard\cf5 In the second week we will go into the specifics of how Christ described His relationship with God and the implications for our lives. From Christ's descriptions of His relationship with the Father, we will explore in Lesson #3 ChrisLVAL*t's choice of the "vine" in \cf3\ul Joh_15:1-11\cf5\ulnone . In Lesson #4, we delve into \cf3\ul Joh_17:1-26 \cf5\ulnone and Christ's final prayer for Himself, His disciples and amazingly all future generations. Our final lesson will look at the benefits, results and the responsibilities that accompany being "one with the Father" from a variety of passages in John 12-17.\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 1\par \fs28 Day 1\cf6\f3\fs36\par \pard\sb108\fs28\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Please read John 12-17 \cf3\ul i\cf5\ulnone n its entirety. \cf3\ul Joh_17:1\cf0\ulnone\par Who are the main characters in John 12-17?\par \par Where are they having this discussion?\par \par What events will transpire in the near future?\par \par What is going on between Christ and His disciples in the upper room?\par \par What are the main themes of this passage?\par \par Who is Christ's prayer directed toward in John 17?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 Does the reference to "future believers" in John 17 include the next generations in the 21st century? If yes, why?\par \par Who is the most effective discipler of mankind that Christ refers to in these passages?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf7\b\fs36 Lesson # 1\par \fs28 Day 2\f3\fs36\par \pard\sb108\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Read John 12 (\cf3\ul Joh_12:1\cf5\ulnone ) in its entirety. There are three different events going on in these passages. Describe each one briefly.\cf0\par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par Read \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-36\cf0\ulnone . What was Christ's state of mind after the Greeks asked to meet Christ? Was he preoccupied about emerging events? What were those events?\par \par Christ is responding to the Greeks' request to see him. Describe the key principles from his comments.\par \par There is a life style described in \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-26\cf0\ulnone , that I call God's "Contrarian Viewpoint." Put yourself in the disciples shoes at this stage. How would they hLVAL+ave responded to these statements? Would they have been prepared at this time "to die to produce many seeds"? Or did they expect something different from their Messiah? If yes, what were they expecting based upon Jewish prophecy? \par \par Students of Genesis have generally concluded that Eve's and Adam's decision to eat the fruit from the "tree of good and evil" was the "original sin" of wanting to "be like God." This is contrasted with the common use of the word "sins" which generally refers to our "bad behavior" not our "bad attitude." When Christ talks about loving, losing, hating and keeping in \cf3\ul Joh_12:25-26\cf0\ulnone , is he talking about "sin" or "sins"? Why?\par \par \cf3\ul Joh_12:25\cf0\ulnone\par "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." How might this passage relate to the Fall in Genesis 1-3? Why is God so concerned about who controls your life? Do you love or hate your own life? \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 1\par \fs28 Day 3\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Let's go back and take a closer look at \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-26\cf0\ulnone . Why in the world was the "kernel of wheat" analogy chosen as the most effective strategy to transform the world?\par \pard\sa108\tab 1. Does a "kernel of wheat" start small or large?\par \tab 2. Was the "kernel of wheat" personal or impersonal?\par \tab 3. Does the analogy require a little or a lot of the individual?\par \tab 4. Does the analogy provide for exponential growth?\par \par The only way a kernel of wheat can produce thousands if not millions of additional kernels is if it is planted in the ground and disappears as a kernel. If you start with 12 disciples and ask each one to disciple one person per year into a deep spiritual relationship with Christ and the Father for the next 30 years, how many disciples would be created after 30 years? Starting with 12 double the number 30 times. At this rate approLVAL,ximately how long until you would transform your world?\par \par After you have calculated the number of disciples, see page 27.\par \par Please read \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-26\cf0\ulnone to \cf3\ul Joh_14:14\cf0\ulnone . The disciples in this passage seem upset and even frustrated with Christ as the discussion proceeds. Why did the disciples get upset with Christ over the discussions on the "kernel of wheat" in \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-26\cf0\ulnone , "the servant is the greatest of all" in \cf3\ul Joh_13:6-17\cf0\ulnone and finally "their relationship with God through Christ" in \cf3\ul Joh_14:1-14\cf0\ulnone ? Describe briefly how you might have reacted if you were in their shoes for each passage below?\par \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-26\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Joh_13:12-17\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Joh_14:1-14\cf0\ulnone\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 Read the summary on page 20 of Watchman Nee's book on "Overcomers" as well as the Bible passages in Joshua 3-4 (\cf3\ul Jos_1:1\cf0\ulnone ) and Revelation 2-3 (\cf3\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone ). Do you see any parallels between the "kernel of wheat" and overcomers in the Bible? If yes, please describe the similarities.\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 1\par \fs28 Day 4\cf6\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\cf5\b0\fs20 In John 13 (\cf3\ul Joh_13:1\cf5\ulnone ) Christ orchestrates the "last supper" with his disciples. He informs them regarding the coming events and his death. Write out in Christ's own words from \cf3\ul Joh_13:18-38\cf5\ulnone about the future events.\cf6\b\fs28\par \pard\sa108\tx203\cf0\b0\fs20\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 In \cf3\ul Joh_13:12-17\cf0\ulnone Christ explains his thinking and charges the disciples.\par \pard\li720\ri1211\sa108 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you," he asked them? 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and TLVAL-eacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (NIV)\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\par Who should we serve?\par \par \par How did Christ alter the relationship between himself and the disciples in \cf3\ul Joh_13:16\cf0\ulnone ? What are some of the implications for your daily life?\par \par Do Christ's disciples have a choice as to whether they should obey Christ's charge in John 13 (\cf3\ul Joh_13:1\cf0\ulnone ). If we obey Christ's charge, what can we expect from \cf3\ul Joh_13:17\cf0\ulnone ?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 In \cf3\ul Joh_13:34\cf0\ulnone Christ gives the disciples a new command. What is the command? \par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_13:35\cf0\ulnone "all men" will know who we are as disciples if we...! What must we do if we want the world to know that we are Christ's disciples?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\qr\tx203\fs28 Day 1\cf0\b0\fs20\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\par \pard\sa108 In \cf3\ul Joh_14:10-11\cf0\ulnone , Christ describes his relationship to the Father. Write down some key words or phrases that describe this relationship. Do you agree with Christ's description?\par \par Read \cf3\ul Joh_14:20\cf0\ulnone . What will you realize on the day described here?\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\par What is Christ implying about His relationship with the Father and the implications for the disciples to the Father?\par \par List some of the phrases from the Bible that you are aware of which describe the different relationships that we have to Christ and the Father. Examples include: savior, shepherd, etc.\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_14:12-14\cf0\ulnone , Christ makes some quiteLVAL. dramatic statements in these passages, for example, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." Is Christ really serious? What do you think he means? Make a list of greater things that you might do. \par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 Did you notice that this challenge by Christ to do "greater things" is conditional? It is not for everyone. Who is this promise limited to in \cf3\ul Joh_14:12-14\cf0\ulnone ? Who is this promise extended to in John 17?\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\qr\tx203\fs28 Day 2\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf0\b0\fs20 The Jewish law was a system that imposed external rules on people and their behavior. Christ talked about God changing the heart as well.\par \par Read each verse below and answer each question:\par \cf3\ul Jer_31:33\cf0\ulnone --"Where will he put His law?" \par \cf3\ul Eze_36:26-27\cf0\ulnone --"Where does he put his Spirit?"\par \cf3\ul Col_1:27\cf0\ulnone --"Where will they put Christ?" \par \par In conversations and in songs, we use words like "with", "close to", "let me see", "I want to touch", "be in His presence," etc. These words often reflect our need for intimacy. These phrases describe external relationships that parallel our relationship with people. Christ tends to use words like "in", "one", "branch", "grafted to a vine", etc. What kind of intimacy is Christ describing? How does this compare with the words we use?\par \par What type of relationship did Moses have with God? Did Moses actually see God? What part of God did Moses see?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par Was Moses' relationship with God external or internal?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \fs28 Day 3\cf6\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\fs20 Go to your dictionary and write down the definition of "one" and "oneness."\cf0\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par LVAL/ \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 In \cf3\ul Joh_14:10-14\cf0\ulnone Christ for the first time describes his relationship with the Father. Who is "in" who in this passage? \par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 Read the following passages and record what you learn about being "in God" or "in Christ?" \par \pard\fi-180\li540\sa108\tx540\cf3\ul Col_1:25-27\cf0\ulnone \par \pard\sa108\tx540\par \pard\fi-180\li540\sa108\tx540\cf3\ul Col_3:1-3\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf3\ul 2Co_5:17-21\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx540\par \pard\fi-180\li540\sa108\tx540\cf3\ul Eph_2:8-10\cf0\ulnone \par \pard\sa108\tx540\par \tab\cf3\ul 1Jo_3:21-24\cf0\ulnone \par \par \pard\fi-180\li540\sa108\tx540\cf3\ul 1Jo_4:13-16\cf0\ulnone "Who lives in us?"\par \pard\sa108\par From these scriptures, what do you think it means to be "in the Father?"\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \fs28 Day 4\cf6\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\fs20 Read \cf3\ul Joh_15:1-8\cf5\ulnone and Christ's analogy of the vine.\cf0\par \tab The gardener is\par \tab The vine is \par \tab The branch is \par \par What does the branch share with the vine?\par \par What will the branch produce if it remains in the vine?\par \par If the branch remains in the vine, what is promised in \cf3\ul Joh_15:7-8\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par If the branch does not remain in the vine, what happens?\par \par In one of our workshops, a college student asked, "I know how to remain in my house but I do not know how to remain in the vine. How does a person remain in the vine?" Find two people who you would consider spiritually mature. Ask them one simple question, "How do you remain in the vine?" List the various ways that they and then you might remain in the vine. See page 26 after you have completed your list.\par \par A study of vineyards produces some interesting observations about our life with Christ and the Father. From your personal knowledge:\par \pard\fi-144LVAL00\li1440\sa108\tab How long does it take a Gardener to prepare a new vineyard?\par \tab What is the role of the branch that is attached to a healthy vine?\par \tab Where does the sap originate?\par \tab Is it the DNA of the vine or branch that determines the character of the fruit?\par \tab Pruning is always done by the Gardener. Why?\par \tab Pruning involves cutting off and cutting back the branches annually.\par \tab\tab How far back are the branches cut each year?\par \tab\tab How many branches are left on the vine after pruning?\par \pard\fi720\li1440\sa108 What happens to a new branch that does not have buds?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \pard\fi720\li1440\sa108\qr\fs28 Day 1\par \pard\sa108\cf0\b0\fs20 What kind of persecution can we expect from a reading of \cf3\ul Joh_15:18-25\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par Who will do the persecuting in this case?\par \par Why do they persecute disciples of Christ?\par \par Does this surprise you at all? If yes, why?\par \par The previous persecutions described in these passages do not surprise most people who have been associated with a church and know some of its history. However, the \cf3\ul Joh_1:1-4\cf0\ulnone passage is much more shocking and controversial. We don't expect this type of behavior from our "so called" peers. \par \par What kind of persecution can we expect from a reading of \cf3\ul Joh_16:1-4\cf0\ulnone ? \par \par How far will it lead?\par \par Who will do the persecuting in this case?\par \par Why do they persecute disciples of Christ?\par \par Does this surprise you at all? If yes, why?\par \par How do these passages make you feel about committing your entire life to the Father and his contrarian strategy?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \pard\sa108\qr\fs28 Day 2\par \pard\sa108\cf0\b0\fs20 The last set of passages should have had a sobering influence. However, these passages are followed immediately with \cf3\ul Joh_16:5-33\cf0\ulnoneLVALl[1 . Read them. \par \par Who will come to replace Christ from \cf3\ul Joh_15:26-27\cf0\ulnone &\cf3\ul Joh_16:13-15\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par How is it good for the disciples good that Christ goes away?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_16:8-11\cf0\ulnone Christ describes one of the Counselor's roles. Outline it below.\par \par In John 16 we have very encouraging words that complement those about persecution and adversity. From \cf3\ul Joh_16:13-15\cf0\ulnone , what will he tell or do for us?\par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par 4.\par \par What are the implications of Christ using the phrase "all truth" rather than just truth in \cf3\ul Joh_16:13-15\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par Under whose authority does this Spirit speak in \cf3\ul Joh_16:13-15\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par From \cf3\ul Joh_16:33\cf0\ulnone you should conclude that:\par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \fs28 Day 3\cf6\par \pard\sa108\tx203\cf5\b0\fs20 Who does Christ pray for in John 17?\cf0\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par Is the order significant to you? Why?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_17:1-5\cf0\ulnone what does Christ pray for himself?\par \par Why did God grant Christ authority in \cf3\ul Joh_17:2\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par How does Christ define eternal life in \cf3\ul Joh_17:3\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par A controversial question arises from \cf3\ul Joh_17:3\cf0\ulnone , "If you only have a relationship with Christ as savior and have never developed your relationship with God, will you have eternal life?" What do you think?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 Read \cf3\ul Joh_17:6-19\cf0\ulnone . Who is Christ praying for in these passages?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 In \cf3\ul Joh_17:9\cf0\ulnone Christ makes a startling revelation about who He is not praying for at this time. Who is Christ not praying for in this prayer? Why would he make such a statement?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx2LVAL203 Compare\cf3\ul Joh_17:10\cf0\ulnone with \cf3\ul Joh_16:13-15\cf0\ulnone . Is Christ talking about the same thing? How does this increase your confidence and ability to trust God?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 Moses had a personal relationship to God including seeing his backside. How does being one or having God/Christ in us differ from the relationship that Moses had with God?\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 Would Moses be jealous of our relationship with God? Why?\par \pard\cf5\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \pard\qr\fs28 Day 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf0\b0\fs20 After reaffirming who Christ is praying for in \cf3\ul Joh_17:11-12,\cf0\ulnone Christ surprises us with a pivotal request of the Father. Christ asks for the disciples' protection as they remain in the world so that..! The disciples needed special protection so that they could become what?\par \par \par Who protected the disciples up to this point in time in \cf3\ul Joh_17:12\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_17:13-14\cf0\ulnone Christ explains why he is telling them this in His prayer. What is the reason for telling them now? And how much of it will they have?\par \par As if to reinforce the critical nature of this prayer request for protection Christ in \cf3\ul Joh_17:15-19\cf0\ulnone tells us what He is not asking for at this time. Please describe what Christ says he is not praying for at this time. Does this surprise you and if so why?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_17:15\cf0\ulnone who is Christ asking the Father to protect His disciples from?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_17:16-19\cf0\ulnone what is the process that follows after their protection?\par \par Look up the definition of "sanctify" and write it in the space below.\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 What confidence do you gain personally because of what Christ did for the disciples? Does this all apply to you?\par \par \pard\sb1LVAL308\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \fs28 Day 1\cf6\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\fs20 Now in \cf3\ul Joh_17:20-27\cf5\ulnone we have a surprising leap by Christ in His prayer from His disciples to whom?\cf0\par \par Christ implies that His prayer for protection of His disciples in the world should be extended to "future believers" for a specific purpose. What is the purpose described in \cf3\ul Joh_17:21\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_17:21\cf0\ulnone Christ also redefines what it means to be "one." Write out Christ's definition.\par \par A critical question is whether being one with Christ and the Father is for today or for heaven? Look at \cf3\ul Joh_17:21\cf0\ulnone again because Christ explains why He wants future believers to be "one" today. Outline Christ's reasoning.\par \par \par \par What has Christ given future believers so that they can be one with Christ and the Father in \cf3\ul Joh_17:22-23\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par Read the summary of Hannah Whithall Smith's chapter on page 21 in the PDF files on this CD or our web site. What are her four stages of spiritual maturity? What is her test of oneness?\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \fs28 Day 2\cf6\par \pard\sa108\cf3\ul\b0\fs20 Joh_17:23\cf0\ulnone also stirs some controversy over the phrase in the New International Version of "complete unity." If you have a Strong's dictionary, please look up this phrase under the number 5048. \par \par If you do not have a Strong's, examine the verses below from \cf3\ul Joh_17:22-23\cf0\ulnone in the New King James version of the Bible.\par \cf3\ul Joh_17:22-24\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li720\ri806\sa108 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. NKJV\par \pard\sa108 Notice that instead of "complete unity" from the NIV, the NKJV useLVAL4s the phrase "made perfect in one." Is Christ saying that the Holy Spirit helps us mature in our oneness with God the Father or with one another for unity? Look at the full context of John 12-17 as well as this chapter. See pages 24-25 of the Spiritual Benchmark PDF document for some additional thinking on this subject.\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 \par Are your prayers always answered positively? Or does the Father sometimes say NO to you? \par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-360\li360 What does it mean that Christ prayed this prayer for future believers (next generations) or more specifically you and me? Must the Father answer Christ's prayer affirmatively? Why? \par \pard\fi-360\li360\qr\par \par \pard\fi-360\li360 If God the Father is obligated to answer Christ's prayer in John 17 positively, how does this help you trust the Father and Christ in terms of their promise and prayer for your future spiritual development?\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \fs28 Day 3\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\cf0\b0\fs20 Read \cf3\ul Joh_12:1-17\cf0\ulnone again. This time keep this page on hand. Review each of the passages below. Write down a few words that describe the benefits or results of this relationship. You can find my responses on page 28 in the Appendix.\par \par \cf8\ul\b\fs32 Personal/Pleasant Benefits\cf0\b0\fs24\par \ulnone (\cf3\ul Joh_14:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_17:3\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:10\cf0\ulnone )\par (Joh 14:12)\par (Joh 14:15)\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:16-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_15:26\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:21\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_15:10\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:22\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_15:4\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:26\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:27\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_15:2\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Joh_15:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Joh_15:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Joh_15:16\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_15:11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_1LVAL56:22-24\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_15:14-15\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_15:15\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_16:13\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_16:33\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_17:2\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_17:10\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_17:15\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_17:18\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_17:23\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_16:1\cf0\ulnone )\par \par \cf8\highlight1\ul\b\fs32 Unpleasant Results\cf0\highlight0\b0\fs24\par \ulnone (\cf3\ul Joh_15:2\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_15:18-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_17:14\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_16:2-4\cf0\ulnone )\par \par \cf8\ul\b\fs32 Benefits to Others\cf0\b0\fs24\par \ulnone (\cf3\ul Joh_15:8\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_14:13-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_15:7\cf0\ulnone ;\cf3\ul Joh_15:16-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_16:23-24\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_17:21\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\ul Joh_17:23\cf0\ulnone )\par \ul Benefits to God\par \ulnone (\cf3\ul Joh_14:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Joh_15:8\cf0\ulnone )\par \par \cf8\ul\b\fs32 Responsibilities\cf0\b0\fs24\par \ulnone (\cf3\ul Joh_13:12-17\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_13:34\cf0\ulnone )\par (\cf3\ul Joh_15:27\cf0\ulnone )\par \par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf7\b\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \fs28 Day 4\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\fs20 List the top three benefits that you identify with on the left? Why?\cf0\par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par What benefits surprise you the most?\par \par \par Why do you think Christ in this final conversation talked about so many benefits and results of being one with the Father in one place?\par \par \par Christ makes radical claims about prayer four times in John 12-17. \par Read \cf3\ul Luk_11:1-13\cf0\ulnone and pay particular attention to Christ's discussion after the Lord's prayer. What is Christ's message through these two examples of a friend and a father?\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\cf6\b\par \par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0 Below are four passages from John 12-17 where Christ explains His view of praLVAL6yer for the disciples and future believers. Describe in your own words what he is saying in each set of verses. \cf0\par \cf3\ul Joh_12:1-14\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf3\ul Joh_15:7\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf3\ul Joh_15:9-17\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf3\ul Joh_16:23-24\cf0\ulnone \par \par What commitment does Christ seem to make regarding prayer in these passages? Does this sound a little extreme to you?\par \par \par What are the conditions for getting answered prayer from each passage? \par \cf3\ul Joh_14:12-14\cf0\ulnone\par \cf3\ul Joh_15:7\cf0\ulnone\par \cf3\ul Joh_15:9-17\cf0\ulnone\par \cf3\ul Joh_16:23-24\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0\qr\cf4\b\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \fs28 Day 5\cf6\par \pard\sa108\cf0\b0\fs20 Read John 12-17 again at one sitting. \par What is the primary theme?\par \par How do you achieve the relationship that Christ describes with God?\par \par What are some results of that relationship? How might you be different?\par \par What kind of prayer life should you have with this relationship?\par \par In \cf3\ul Joh_14:12\cf0\ulnone , what does Christ mean when he implies that we could do "greater things than Christ?" \par \par Do you believe that you could do "greater things than Christ?" Why? What might Christ have you do? \par \par If you are one with the Father, how will you fulfill:\par \pard\li180\sa108\tx518\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 God's original purpose for mankind in \cf3\ul Gen_1:28\cf0\ulnone\par \par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 The Great Commission of \cf3\ul Mat_28:18-20\cf0\ulnone \par \par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Christ's Greatest Commandment and second greatest in \cf3\ul Mat_22:37-39\cf0\ulnone \par \pard\sa108\par \pard\sb108\sl400\slmult0 Are you prepared to become "one" by applying the "kernel of wheat" of \cf3\ul Joh_12:23-28\cf0\ulnone or the "sacrificed life" principle of \cf3\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone to your life? If yes, why? If not, what would it take for you to make that decision?\par \cf6\b\par \pard\LVAL7fi-360\li360\qc\cf4\b0\fs72 Supplemental Materials\par \pard\sa108\i\fs28 "The danger is always that we stop short at certain points such as forgiveness and assurance without realizing that we are really called to share this life of God."\par \pard\sa108\qr Martyn Lloyd-Jones\par \cf0\par \pard\sa108\cf4 "Christianity is the life of God in the soul of man."\par \pard\fi-360\li360\qr\cf0 Henry Scougal\par \i0\par \pard\cf5\fs20 On this CD or on our web site at \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spiritual-benchmarks.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf9 www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\cf5\f1\fs20 you will find all of the supplemental materials in a PDF format for you to review and print. It includes a review of Andrew Murray, \ul The Vine\ulnone ; \ul The Christian\rquote s Secret to a Happy Life\ulnone by Hannah Whithall Smith; \ul God\rquote s Plan and the Overcomers \ulnone by Watchman Nee and Norman Grubb's \ul Rees Howells: Intercessor\ulnone as well as \ul The Two Covenants\ulnone by Andrew Murray. These people have interesting perspectives on \ldblquote one with the Father.\rdblquote\par \par \pard\fi-360\li360\qr\cf4\b\fs36 About Authors\par \pard\sa108\qj\cf0\b0\fs20 The "vine" of John 15 and the "covenant" relationship with the Father that Christ describes as "one with the Father" in John 12-17 represent the second of three benchmarking guides. This study guide has been prepared by Dr. William Wilkie. Bill was a faculty member and Special Assistant to the President at Michigan State University before joining the W. K. Kellogg Foundation staff and later entering the automotive industry world as Executive Vice President of Multifastener Corporation. From 1987 to 1997 he owned an executive recruiting firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife Carolyn now own and operate Still Waters B&B on Long Lake in Michigan as a ministry center.\par The first benchmarking guide is "Walk on the Wild Side" taken from Genesis 1-3. It deals with God's purpose for mankind, the world of work LVAL8and ministry.\par The third benchmarking guide is the "Universal Disciple" taken from Colossians and written by Thom Wolf, Senior Pastor of the Church on Brady in Los Angeles, California, from 1969-1994 is now President of Global Spectrum and University Institute headquartered in Delhi, India. \par \pard\fi-315\li315\sa108\qj\tx315\cf5\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Armed with an accurate view of Genesis and God's original charge to mankind, \par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Restored to a relationship with God of power and authority to fulfill the Great Commission as well as the "original commission" and \par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Guided by the tangible principles for daily living that the Apostle Paul taught the early church ordinary believers can be empowered to turn their world right-side-up.\b\par \pard\fi-360\li360\qc\cf0\b0\fs28\par \pard\keepn\qc\cf4\b\fs72 Bibliography\cf5\f0\fs36\par \pard\cf0\b0\f4\fs24\par \pard\sa108\cf4\ul\f1\fs22 My Utmost for His Highest\cf5\ulnone\fs18 , Oswald Chambers, Barbour & Co, 1988.\cf0\ul\par \ulnone Chambers encourages us to give up the right to ourselves, \ldblquote My Utmost,\rdblquote in return for God\rquote s \ldblquote highest\rdblquote gift of oneness. Chamber\rquote s challenge to be \ldblquote one with Christ\rdblquote weaves its way through this well used devotional. Check out the index on topics like oneness and abiding.\par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 Teach Me How To Live\cf5 ,\cf0\ulnone\fs18 Kay Arthur, Fleming H. Revell Company, 1984, pages 135-192. The physical world, circumstances and three relationships are God\rquote s crucible for helping me become one with the Godhead as described in Christ\rquote s final conversation with His disciples in John 12-17. \ldblquote God\rquote s ultimate goal for His children is oneness with Himself.\rdblquote\par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 How to have Oneness in Your Relationships, Part I & II\cf5\ulnone ,\cf0\fs18 Kay Arthur, Volume II Issue VI & VII, 1988. Precept Ministries published a devotional study guide inLVAL9 1988 and reprinted the devotionals on oneness published in the 1984 devotional book described above as a free booklet.\par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 The Christian\rquote s Secret to a Happy Life\cf5\ulnone ,\cf0\fs18 Oneness with Christ (chapter 17), Hannah Whithall Smith, Books for the Ages, Ages Software, Albany, Oregon, 1997. \par God\rquote s dealings with man are all designed to bring man into oneness with Himself that Christ\rquote s prayer in John 17:20-21 may be fulfilled. She describes four stages to Christian maturity:\par 1. \ldblquote I alone,\rdblquote 2. \ldblquote I and Christ,\rdblquote 3. \ldblquote Christ and I\rdblquote and 4. \ldblquote Christ only.\rdblquote\par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 One with the Father\ulnone ,\cf5\fs18 William Wilkie, 1998, 2nd edition 2001, free copies available at 989.539.9950 or wwilkie@netscope.com. This is a 35 page monograph on William Wilkie's own personal experience and analysis of John 12-17. People seem to react either negatively or positively to this monograph; however, it makes for lively discussions.\cf0\ul\par \ulnone\par \cf4\ul\fs22 The Two Covenants,\ulnone \cf5\fs18 Andrew Murray, Christian Literature Crusade, 1974. \cf4\fs22 \cf5\fs18 See page 29-30 of this document.\cf0\par \cf4\ul\fs22\par The True Vine\cf5\ulnone\fs18 , Andrew Murray, Moody Press, 1997 (new edition).\cf0\par Jesus used the grapevine as a picture of the Christian\rquote s relationship to Him and the Father. Andrew Murray looks closely at this metaphor described in John 15 in this classic work. He explores the vine analogy in thirty-one gripping chapters. Remember, analogies and metaphors are always imperfect descriptions of a relationship that Christ described as being one with the Him.\par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 Union With God\cf5\ulnone\fs18 , Madame Guyon, Christian Books Publishing House, 1981.\cf0\par It is a simple explanation of her progressive spiritual growth 300 years ago in France. She was imprisoned for nine years because of her beliefs. This book LVAL:reflects the spiritual progression principles the Catholic Church developed from 500 A.D., but in a wonderfully personal way.\par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 Rees Howells: Intercessor\cf5\ulnone\fs18 , Norman P. Grubb, Christian Literature Crusade, 1988.\cf0\par This is remarkable biography of God directed spiritual development seen first hand through Rees Howells\rquote personal experience as an ordinary miner who was transformed by God over several decades. The concluding chapters are an astounding account of God\rquote s work in global events not just individual lives. \par \par \cf4\ul\fs22 One with Christ,\cf5\ulnone \cf0\fs18 Hudson Taylor, Whitaker House, 1997.\fs22\par \pard\fi-360\li360\fs18 Passionately pursued by God, Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Missions in the 19th century, was a controversial figure because of his identification with the Chinese people. This monograph is an analysis of the Song of Solomon and the metaphor of the bride and the bridegroom. It includes a description of six stages of spiritual development.\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\fs20\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx203\cf7\b\fs36 Donations\cf0\par \pard\sa108\qj\b0\fs20 The Spiritual Benchmarks series is sponsored by a network that focuses their time and energy on the identification and nurturing of the next generation. The Editorial Board under the guidance of Acey Martin, Sarae Martin, Jason Wilkie, Bill Wilkie, Thom Wolf, Carol Davis and Debbie Woolery publishes materials and also conducts workshops on the use of these materials.\par If you have or know of people with unique materials that should be made available to a broader audience, please contact us. If you would like to be part of the network that uses these materials for the benefit of the next generation, we would like to talk with you at your convenience.\par \pard Although free, all materials are copyrighted and cannot be copied for resale. If you would like to order materials or additional CDs or donate at {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLItLVALxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?. sbQ@/ tcRA0e ; \cf3                                    NK "www.onebuck.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf9 www.onebuck.org}}}\f1\fs20 , please go to our web site. \par \par \cf5\fs19 When you print a copy or make multiple copies, please send us $1 for each copy in cash or check to the address on the right as a donation. You can also use a credit card on our web sites: \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spiritual-benchmarks.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf9 www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\cf5\f1\fs19 or \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.onebuck.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf9 www.onebuck.org}}}\cf5\f1\fs19 . If you cannot afford the $1, please download the files and share them with a friend\b \b0 who is interested in spiritual growth. Teens, college students, young family members or anyone who is looking for answers about God\rquote s purpose in their lives are candidates.\par \par Ordinary people are looking for real personal transformation that includes the intercessory power and authority for their world that Christ promised in the John 12-17. If \ldblquote Spiritual Benchmarks\rdblquote has value and you use any of the four benchmarking exercises, please share the CD or our web site with others.\cf0\fs20\par \par \pard\sa80\qc\cf7\b\fs28 Spiritual Benchmarks\cf6\b0\fs24\line 471 W. Long Lake Dr.\line Harrison, MI 48625\par 989.539.9950\par wwilkie@netscope.com\par \pard\fi-360\li360\qc\cf0\fs20{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spiritual-benchmarks.com"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf9 www.spiritual-benchmarks.com}}}\f1\fs28\par \pard\qc\fs20\par \cf5\par \pard\cf0\f0\fs24\par \cf5\f5\fs17\par \cf0\f0\fs24\par \cf5\f6\fs23\par } LVALIb <{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fscript\fprq2\fcharset0 Papyrus;}{\f2\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 Myriad Roman;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green255\blue255;\red169\green73\blue7;\red0\green128\blue0;\red1\green96\blue119;\red0\green0\blue0;\red138\green52\blue14;\red0\green0\blue255;\red192\green73\blue20;\red201\green73\blue15;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh1350\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat8\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx6845\pard\intbl\qr\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs80 Universal Disciple\fs24\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh402\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat8\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx6845\pard\intbl\qr The Book of Colossians 1-4\cell\row\pard\sa108\qc\cf0\fs28 The foremost question for the global conversation is...\par \pard\qc "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par \par \pard\sa108\qj\fs20 According to Thom Wolf, there are four major religions that dominate the 21st century. He believes that the Judeo Christian has the best historical response for the next generation and their question:\par "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par Almost a century ago, Roland Alan stirred the 20th century by reminding us of the "spontaneous expansion" of the early church. Now, entering the 21st century, with all the open doors to the gospel, we must re-evaluate just how the apostles were able to go into an area, preach the "good news," gather converts, nurture them and move on in such a way that they could later write back and with such confidence remind them of a core teaching that seemed to be pervasive and so commonly understood by all. \par \pard Even more perplexing is the fact that Paul and the church planting team were often only in city for a fewLVAL= weeks, a few months, or at most a few years. How did they do it? How could they create such radiant persons and such responsible and reproductive leaders? That is the issue Thom Wolf will address in this study guide on the Book of Colossians.\par \par \pard\sa108\qj The Apostle Paul had a pattern or a standard that could be:\par \pard\li315\sa108\qj\tx518\cf2\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Received Personally\par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Remembered Easily\par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Reproduced Strategically\cf0\par \pard\sa108\qj The standard referred to in \cf3\ul 2Ti_1:13\cf0\ulnone is\par \pard\li360\ri390\sa108\qc "Retain the standard (hupotuposis) of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh896\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4161\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs36 Animism\par \pard\intbl\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\tx540\tx720\b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Judeo-Christian\par \pard\intbl\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Han\par \b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Hindu\cell\row\pard\li360\ri390\sa108\qc\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par \pard Colossians gives the \i pattern \i0 in a clear and most complete form. This is probably because Paul is writing forward, addressing principles, not backward, addressing problems. All Paul\rquote s epistles are basically arranged as belief and behavior, instruction and ethics, doctrine then duties, Christ\rquote s fullness then our following. But you can clearly see this belief/behavior structure, for example, in Colossians (1-2/3-4)\cf3\ul Col_1:1\cf0\ulnone , Ephesians (1-3/4-6) \cf3\ul Eph_1:1\cf0\ulnone and Romans (1-11/12-16) \cf3\ul Rom_1:1\cf0\ulnone . It can also be discerned in I Peter, James, and Hebrews\emdash a model used by all the apostolic leadership teams throughout the first generatioLVAL>n church. Our study is on Colossians 1-4 supplemented by Ephesians and Romans.\par \par \pard\sa108\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 1\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Please read Colossians chapters 1-4 \cf3\ul Col_1:1\cf5\ulnone in its entirety. \cf0\par Who are the main characters in Colossians 1-4?\par \par Are they Jews or gentiles?\par \par In Colossians 1-2: \par \pard\li315\sa108 Why is Paul writing to the Colossians?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\li315\sa108 Has Paul ever met the Colossian believers?\par \par Who is responsible for establishing the Colossian Church?\par \pard\sa108\par What are the qualities of this Church described in \cf3\ul Col_1:3-8\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par What are main things that Paul is praying for in \cf3\ul Col_1:9\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par Paul is praying in \cf3\ul Col_1:10-12\cf0\ulnone in order that the church will:\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 2\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Read \cf3\ul Col_1:15-20\cf5\ulnone in the New International Version (NIV). Paul suddenly shifts his focus from the Colossian church to who Christ is. Why do you think Paul is shifting the dialogue? \cf0\par \pard\sa108\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 From \cf3\ul Col_1:15-16\cf0\ulnone in the NIV fill in the blanks below \par 1. Christ is the _____________of the invisible God.\par 2. Christ is the _____________over all creation.\par 3. For by Him _____________things were created.\par 4. Things _______________and on earth,\par 5. Visible and ____________, \par 6. Whether thrones or _________________,\par 7. Or rulers or ____________________, \par 8. ________things were created by Him and for Him.\par \par Do you believe what the above passages attribute to Christ? Why or why not?\par \par \par Lets go on to \cf3\ul Col_1:18-20\cf0\ulnone in the NIV.\par 1. And He is the _________of the body, the church;\par 2. He is the ________________and the_________LVAL?__from among the dead,\par 3. So that in ___________________He might have the ______________.\par 4. Where did God's fullness dwell?\par 5. and through Him to ____________to himself ________things...\par 6. And Christ accomplished these feats? "...by making peace through His ________________, shed on the__ ________________.\par \par What should be your prayer today as you further refine your understanding of who Christ is and what he did for you? Ask someone else in the group to pray for you also.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 3\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa80\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 In \cf3\ul Col_1:21-23\cf0\ulnone\b\par \pard\sa108\b0\tab 1. What was the previous condition of the Colossians?\par \par \tab 2. And the Colossians have now become?\par \par \tab 3. How did Christ accomplish this radical change in behavior?\par \par \tab 4. Christ has brought the Colossians into God's presence in what \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab condition?\par \par \tab 5. Paul challenges them to do three things based upon this \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab relationship. What are they?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 In \cf3\ul Col_1:24-25\cf0\ulnone Paul indicates that he is suffering for a purpose. What is Paul's purpose?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 Suddenly in \cf3\ul Col_1:26-27\cf0\ulnone , Paul begins to disclose the mystery or the message that God has kept secret for centuries. \par \par \tab Who is the mystery for?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tab What is the mystery? \par \pard\sa108\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf5\fs20 So what is the big deal about this great mystery, "Christ in you, the hope of glory?" \cf3\ul Col_1:26\cf5\ulnone (NIV) So the great mystery that God has kept secret from HIS people in Israel for centuries is that Christ can live in us but he can also live in the gentiles. Why does Paul see this mystery as being so important? \cf0\par \parLVAL@d\sa108\par Which is more surprising to the Jews the fact that Christ can live in us or the reality that Christ can also be in the gentiles?\par \par Why is either surprising to the Jews?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 When people talk about having a relationship with God, they can mean one of four things:\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and believes that God exists (Satan has this)\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a willingness to follow Christ's behavioral model\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a desire to be intimate or close to God\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a willingness to give up control of your life and let Christ live "in you" and through you.\par Paul, like all students of the Old Testament, knew that many men had a relationship with God that was external or at best intimate. But we do not have any evidence in the Old Testament of people having "God in Them." Moses and Abraham would be jealous of your relationship to Christ. They only saw God periodically but they never had the promise of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" and available 24/7.\par \par Go ask three friends who are Christians to describe their relationship to Christ and God? Depending upon their response also ask, "Does Christ actually or literally live in you?" Write out their response? \par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\sa108 How would you know that Christ lives in you from \cf3\ul Col_1:29\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \fs28 Model Building: The Rock\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Christ: \i0 Colossians 1 & 2 tells who Jesus is: the Image of the Invisible God, in whom all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form (\cf3 Col_2:9 & \ul Col_2:9\cf0\ulnone ). While this mystery was hidden for ages, now it is disclosed for the restoration of the nations. Thus, we labor to make this known among the nations, and present every person mature in the knowledge of Him (\cf3\ul Col_1:24-29\cf0\uLVALvAlnone ). \par In one way or another, you introduce people to \i who \i0 Jesus is: the Rock to build your life on, God\rquote s Foundation. (\cf3\ul Mat_28:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Co_10:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Eph_2:19-22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Pe_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone .)\par Paul, himself, demonstrates at least three different ways to present Christ in the 13th, 14th and 17th chapters of Acts. (\cf3\ul Act_13:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Act_14:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Act_17:1\cf0\ulnone ). But all end in Jesus, the Risen One. You may choose chronological story-telling, the gospels, or the epistles, but introduce people to Jesus and His resurrection (\cf3\ul 1Co_15:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf2\fs36 Draw the First Element of the UD Key \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\qc\tx540\tx720\cf1\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i n\tab\f1\fs36\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3816\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4446\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cell\row\pard\ri1440\sa108\qc\cf6\b0\i0\fs28\par \pard\cbpat1\sa108\cf0\fs20 Draw the first element of the Universal Disciple model on a separate piece of paper. You may want to download the PDF file that includes all the graphics at {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \par Describe your view of Christ as the "Rock?"\par \pard\sa108\par How does God's mystery apply to your life?\par \par \pard Let us know how we can pray for you?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Day 1 & 2\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 In Colossians 1 (\cf3\ul Col_1:1)\cf0\ulnone Paul was making the case for Christ and His purpose to make reality the centuries long "mystery of God," Christ in us. Now Paul moves on in his letter to the Colossians to the concern that may have motivated LVALBPaul to write the letter in the first place. Read chapter 2 (\cf3\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone )of Colossians and write out the specific concerns Paul might have had at this time.\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\cf3\ul Col_2:4\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:8\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:16\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:18-19\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:20-23\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\par After reading each of these specific concerns, can you identify and summarize Paul's general concern for both the Colossians and for you today?\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Day 3 & 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf0\fs20 After sharing his concerns, Paul gives us in chapter 2 (\cf3\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone ) some general guidelines for avoiding the problems that the Colossians may have experienced. Please summarize a principle or promise from each verse below.\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:2-3\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:9-10\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:11-12\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:13-15\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:16-17\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:20-23\cf0\ulnone\par \par \pard Are you willing to pray the prayer on the left? Talk to another person about praying for you as well.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Model Building: Offer Your Life\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Conversion: \i0 Colossians 1, 2, and 3.1-4 talk about the personal consequences of receiving the Word or "Christ in us..." (\cf3\ul Col_1:26\cf0\ulnone ), of following Jesus. Transferred from darkness to light, we are to see that no one takes a follower captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Instead, each one is to fully follow Jesus, setting their heart on things above where Christ is (\cf3\ul Col_1:13-14\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\uLVALߜCl Col_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Col_3:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par Through whatever process and time, the person must come to personal commitment, surrender their life to Jesus as Lord and God, and follow Him (\cf3\ul Joh_20:26-31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Act_8:26-40\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_10:8-15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone ). \par God gives new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because you are a new creation in Jesus, you have an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade, you are to be different in all you do, because the Living God is different (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:1-21\cf0\ulnone ). Therefore, Peter lays \i 5 foundation stones \i0 that purify the new believer who has returned to Heaven\rquote s shepherd and life-supervisor (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-2.25\cf0\ulnone ): \par \pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\tx270\cf2\i 1\tab Word \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-23\cf2\ulnone ), \par 2\tab\i Spiritual sacrifices \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:4-8\cf2\ulnone , with \cf3\ul Heb_13:15-21\cf2\ulnone ), \par 3\tab\i Fellowship\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-12\cf2\ulnone ), \par 4\tab\i Witness\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-10\cf2\ulnone ), and\par 5\tab\i Suffering\i0 , with Jesus as our example (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:13-25\cf2\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\qc\tx270\fs36 Draw the First & Second Stage \par of the UD Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3497\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4893\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\cell\row\pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\tx270\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par Read and analyze I Peter 1:1-21. Do you agree that these are the five foundation stones and life purifiers that God has given you? Write a few words about how each may have changed your life?\par \par \cf6\i 1\tab Word \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-23\cf6\ulnone ), \par \par 2\tab\i Spiritual sacrifices \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:4-8\cf6\ulnone , with \cf3\ul Heb_13:15-21\cf6\LVALDulnone ), \par \par 3\tab\i Fellowship\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-12\cf6\ulnone ), \par \par 4\tab\i Witness\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-10\cf6\ulnone ), and \par \par \pard\fi-360\li360\sa108\tx0\tx270\i 5\tab Suffering\i0 , with Jesus as our example (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:13-25\cf6\ulnone ).\par \pard\sa108\tx0\tx270\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \pard\qr Day 1\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 Excited about how far the Colossians have come in their faith and life, Paul now presents them in Colossians chapter 3 with a behavioral standard based upon the assumption that Christ lives in them and is prepared to empower them to live a new life. The first pillar of the "Temple" is taken from Colossians 3:1-17 and relates to our "walk."\par \par Put off or put to death:\par \cf3\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf3\ul Col_3:8\cf0\ulnone\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par Colossians 3:\par 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (NIV)\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Day 2\par \pard\sa1LVALE08\cf0\fs20 The last set of passages should have had a sobering influence. However, these passages are followed immediately by \cf3\ul Col_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone . Read them and list the qualities that all people with Christ in them should manifest. \par \par Put on:\par \par \cf3\ul Col_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par \par Paul concludes in \cf3\ul Col_3:13-14\cf0\ulnone that all believers who have "taken off their old self and put on the new self" will manifest two overarching qualities that will produce unity:\par \par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par Colossians 3:13-14\par 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Model Building: Walk Worthy\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Personally, \i0 the new believer must begin to \i walk worthy \i0 of Christ. To do this, she must \i put off \i0 the old style of living\emdash old vices, and \i put on \i0 the new life in Christ\emdash new virtues. \par \i Walk worthy \i0 is the trigger term for column one, alerting you to the first instructions-set of the \i pattern\i0 . \cf3\ul Col_3:5-14\cf0\ulnone urges the true follower of Jesus to:\par \ul\i put off 5 vices\i0 \ulnone\par 3.5: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/idolatry [sins which \i defile \i0 personally]\emdash \par then 5 more 3.8: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language [sins which \i disrupt \i0 socially]) and \par \ul\i then put on 5 virtues \ulnone\par \i0 3.12: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. \par In Christ, the \i paleo anthropos \i0 with its practices was taken off. The \i neo anthropos \i0 was put on, and is now being renewed in the imaLVALFge of its Creator. The \i image of God \i0 is in every person of every nation throughout all time. Thus, this process of restoration transcends all barriers, all cultures, all times. \i Here, \i0 there is no Greek or Jew, slave or free, barbarian or Scythian. Christ is all, and in all (\cf3\ul Col_3:9-11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\tab Draw the Walking Worthy Pillars \par \tab on the UD Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh2800\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4355\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\fs36\cell\row\pard\ri1440\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\par \cf0\i\fs22 Fill in the entire model including the first pillar.\par \fs36\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\i0 Lesson # 4\par Day 1\par \pard\sa108\sl400\slmult0\cf0\fs28\par \pard\sa108\i\fs20 Socially, \i0 there is a positive response or a negative reaction to the life changes of the new believer (see \cf3\ul 1Pe_4:1-5\cf0\ulnone ): some are attracted, some are repelled. Either way, the personal life transformation (from the \i putting off/putting on\i0 ) impacts the convert\rquote s circle of influence (the \i oikos/\rquote\i0 household\rquote composed of family, neighbors, coworkers, and friends).\par The trigger terms that alert you to this second column of experiences is \i Word \i0 and \i Spirit\i0 : the \i indwelling\i0 \i Word \i0 and the \i filling Spirit \i0 (\cf3\ul Col_3:15-16\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\ul Eph_5:15-18\cf0\ulnone ). The core decision here is\i \ldblquote let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly\rdblquote \i0 (Col 3.16) and\i \ldblquote be filled with the Spirit\rdblquote \i0 (\cf3\ul Eph_5:18\cf0\ulnone )\par What are the four mind sets or attitudes that should be the driving force of our lives from \cf3\ul Col_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone and \cf3\ul Eph_5:19-21\cf0\ulnone :\par \par 1. \cf3\ul Col_3:16\cf0\ulnone T____________________ and _____________________\parLVALG \par \par \par 2. \cf3\ul Col_3:16\cf0\ulnone S__________with ________________in your hearts.\par \par \par \par 3. \cf3\ul Col_3:17\cf0\ulnone T_______________to God for ____________________\par \par \par \par 4. \cf3\ul Eph_5:21\cf0\ulnone S_____________ to one another out of ___________ for Christ.\par \par \par \pard\sa108\qc\cf2\fs48 Teaching\par Singing\par Thanking\par Submitting\par \pard\sa108\qr\fs36 Lesson # 4\par Day 2\par \pard\cf0\fs20 What follows inevitably from attitudes (TSTS) are actions. In \cf3\ul Col_3:18-19\cf0\ulnone fill in the action verb from the verse that follows each category below.\par \cf2\par \pard\sa108\tx270\cf5\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul Col_3:18\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\cf5\fs20 WIVES________________\cell\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul Col_3:19\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par HUSBANDS__________\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_3:20\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_5:22-23\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \fs24 CHILDREN___________\cell\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_3:21\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_5:25-33\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\fs24 FATHERS____________\cf5\fs20\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108LVALH\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_3:22-25\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_6:5-8\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par EMPLOYEE___________\cell\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_4:1\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_6:9\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270 EMPLOYER___________\cf5\fs20\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_4:2-4\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\fs24 INSIDER______________\cf5\fs20\cell\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_4:5-6\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\fs24 OUTSIDER___________\cf5\fs20\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Rom_13:1-2\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par CHRISTIAN___________\fs16\cell\cf3\ul Rom_13:3-5\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par AUTHORITIES_______\cell\row\pard\sa108\tx270\cf5\fs20\par \pard\sa108\cf0 Where do you think that God is going to begin on the action list above? God will not move on this list until you have "Christ in you..." by your decision to give up control or stop being your own god (Genesis 1-3) (\cf3\ul Gen_1:1\cf0\ulnone ) God does not usually move on all areas simultaneously or with the same intensity. Do you know where God shoLVALIuld act first? If not, ask a close friend. They probably know even if they have not shared that information yet.\par 1.\par 2.\par \pard\sa108\tx270 3.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270 Model Building: In Word/Spirit\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 What follows in the \i universal discipleship pattern \i0 is \i identical \i0 in order in both Colossians and Ephesians: \par \ul\i Attitudes\i0 :\ulnone \ul\i\par \ulnone T-S-T-S 4 definite mind sets: \par \ul T\ulnone -eaching \i0 with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs--the group teaches through the emotional port-of-entry in song, according to the local culture\par \ul\i S\ulnone -inging \i0 with gratitude in your heart to the Lord--a radical inner attitude shift to a praising mind set\par \ul\i T\ulnone -hanking \i0 God for all things, and what\i ever \i0 you\i \i0 do in word/deed, doing \i all \i0 in the name of the Lord Jesus--a radical outer articulation, with every experience integrated into the new way\par \ul\i S\ulnone -ubmitting \i0 to one another in reverence of Christ--a culturally revolutionary pattern of mutual reciprocity\par \ul\i Actions\i0 :\ulnone\tab\i\par 5 dual sets: \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx169\f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 t\i0 he same 5 pairs \par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 the exact same order\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 a basic obedience in the Lord \par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 which can be condensed or expanded according to the audience\rquote s needs \par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 with the minority person always first\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 the majority person is always second\par \pard\sa108\i Note carefully\i0 : Colossians is compact. Ephesians is expanded. For example, the \i wife/husband\i0 -set: \cf3\ul Col_3:18-19\cf0\ulnone and \cf3\ul Eph_5:22-33\cf0\ulnone . The apostles, using the outline, the pattern, develop the truth themes according to their audiences\rquote needs. Thus, they remind them of the truths they already know and are atLVALJtached to in Christ. Also, the \i Christian/authority\i0 -set is from \cf3\ul Rom_13:1-10\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Fill in the entire model including the second pillar.\par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\tab\tab\tab Draw the Second Pillar \par \pard\sa108\qc on the UD Key\cf0\fs20\par \pard\sa108\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3623\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4535\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\fs36\cell\row\pard\sa108\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270\cf6\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 5\par Day 1\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 Spiritually, a new disciple often believes that people are the enemy. However, there is a formidable enemy that necessitates we engage in spiritual warfare. Paul in Ephesians 6:12 identifies who the struggle is with in general terms. Please list a phrase that describes the enemy listed by Paul. \par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par 4.\par Now take each general phrase listed by Paul in \cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone and list a specific person or position in your own real world that will make this list more relevant in terms of how you should pray.\par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par 4.\par But how does a new believer or mature believer "stand and resist?" In \cf3\ul Eph_6:13\cf0\ulnone Paul list the method of spiritual warfare:\par \par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par 3.\par \par 4.\par \par 5.\par \par 6.\par \par 7.\par \par \pard\sa108\tx270 One very practical way to apply the seven tools of spiritual warfare is to get up every morning and pretend that you are putting on each one of the seven elements above. Actually go through the act of putting each one on to reinforce in your mind the importance of putting on the full armor of God each day. Do it right now.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270 Model Building: Spiritual Warfare\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Spiritually\i0 LVALK, the disciple will be tempted to think that \i people \i0 are the enemy. But that is not so. For such \i were \i0 some of us\emdash fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers\b , \b0 swindlers\emdash but \i we \i0 were transformed by God. Surely others can be also (\cf3\ul 1Co_6:9-11\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Ti_1:12-17\cf0\ulnone , and \cf3\ul Tit_3:1-8\cf0\ulnone ).\par For our \i struggle \i0 is not against other people, but against the rulers, the powers, the world forces of this present darkness, the spiritual\b \b0 forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (\cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone ). And in this ministry we never lose heart, for even if our good news is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, \ldblquote in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the radiance of Christ, who is the image of God.\rdblquote (\cf3\ul 2Co_4:1-6\cf0\ulnone )\par We are to\par \i Watch and Pray\i0 : as a wrestler (\cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone ) for our struggle is against \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx169\cf2\i\f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the rulers\par \f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the authorities\par \f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the powers of this dark world \par \f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.\cf5\i0\tab\tab\cf0\i\tab\par \pard\sa108 Stand and Resist\i0 : as a warrior (\cf3\ul Eph_6:13\cf0\ulnone ) and put on the whole armor of God:\par \cf2 1. Belt of truth\par 2. Breastplate of righteousness\par 3. Shod feet with gospel of peace\par 4. Shield of faith \par 5. Helmet of salvation\par 6. Sword of Spirit\par 7. Prayer of the 4 alls \cf5 \cf0\par \pard\sa108\tx270 In this way, it is the Lord\rquote s Spirit and Words that fight his battles through prayer (\cf3\ul Isa_59:16-21\cf0\ulnone ). We clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the LVALLsinful nature, knowing that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed (\cf3\ul Rom_13:11-14\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sa108 A twelve year old who has offered his or her life is a "priest in the priesthood of believers." (This is a phrase that you may not have heard before. Talk about the "priesthood of believers.") They have all the rights and responsibilities of 50 year old who have also offered their lives. In fact, in prayer they have access to as many of the resources of heaven as the Pastor or Elder of your Church. Age is not a valid excuse for experiencing ineffective prayer or unanswered prayer.\par The passages on spiritual warfare are not a suggestion or recommendation. They look and feel like commands. That means that if we are a "priest," then we are to obey regardless of how competent or incompetent we might feel.\par \pard\sa108\tx270 How is God leading you to watch and pray for others in your world right now? Who do you know that needs you to wrestle for them today? What specific persons of authority by name should you be praying for today?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 5\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270\cf5\fs20 Model Building: Witness\par \pard\sa108\cf0 Thus, we boldly, frankly witness with great joy, even in tribulation, which we know is our destiny (\cf3\ul 1Th_1:2-10\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Th_3:1-13\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Pe_2:11-12\cf0\ulnone ), telling of His excellencies Who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, making us a global people (I Peter 2.9 10).\par So, then, while there will be those who sneer, there will also be those who desire to hear more, and even some who believe and join us (\cf3\ul Act_17:32-34\cf0\ulnone ). You may want to reflect on the Apostle Paul's three different styles of evangelism from Acts 13, Acts 14 and Acts 17. \par Those who believe and join us are those who have come to know Jesus as their Rock, and the universal disciple pattern is \par \pard\fi-540\li540\sa108\tx518\cf2\f2\fs36 n\tab\f1 retained, LVALM\par \f2 n\tab\f1 remembered, and \par \f2 n\tab\f1 reproduced.\par \pard\li360\sa108\tx270\cf5\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Fill in the entire model including the third pillar. \i0 If you need to downloade the large colored key by going to {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \pard\li360\sa108\tx270\i\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\qc\tx270\cf6\i0\fs28 Draw the Entire UD Key\cf0\i\fs20\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3623\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4535\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\fs36\cell\row\pard\li360\sa108\tx270\cf5\b0\i0\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\qc\tx270\cf2\expndtw15\b The Universal Discipleship Pattern\par \pard\sa108\qc\expndtw0\b0\fs24 In faith\par we \i put off \i0 the old and \par \i put on \i0 the new.\cf0\fs20\par \pard\sl216\slmult0\qj\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\f1\fs20 We all \i put off \i0 the old self, the \i paleo anthropos\i0 , corrupted by various deceitful cravings and learned behavior patterns of the cultures, worldviews and social environments we learned from the world. Now, we are learning from Christ, being renewed in the spirit of our minds. We are \i putting on \i0 the new self, the \i neo anthropos\i0 , being restored to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created us all\emdash a renewal in which there is no cultural, religious, ethnic, economic, or gender distinctions, but Christ is all, and in all.\i\fs18\par \pard\sa108\qc\cf2\i0\fs24 In love\par we let the \i Word \i0 richly dwell in us and \par the \i Spirit \i0 fill us.\cf0\fs20\par \pard\qj\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\f1\fs20 Because we now love God, we live out His love for those in our oikos, our circle of influence of our family, neighbors, coworkerLVALNs, and friends. When they join us, we rejoice. But when they cause us to suffer, we never, never consider them our enemy. For such were some of us. But God changed and is changing us. Surely God can change them.\par \pard\qj\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\i\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\qc\cf2\i0\f1\fs24 In hope\par we watch and pray for His return, \par encourage others\rquote renewal, and \par resist evil ourselves. \cf0\fs20\par \pard\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\f1\fs20 We do not \i fight \i0 others, but now we \i fight for \i0 others, for we have been rescued from the Dark Kingdom into the Kingdom of Light, and we know who the real Enemy is. So, we keep an alert \i watch, \i0 confident in the hope of His return to restore all things in the new heavens and the new earth, in which rightness dwells. And we \i wrestle \i0 in prayer for all in authority, and for our friends and families\emdash for their eyes to be opened. And we \i stand \i0 against and resist evil, as \i armored warriors\i0 . In this way, the Lord of all the earth fights for us and for others, to bring His peace to our hearts and to our homes, to our people and to all peoples.\par For there is no other Name given among all humanity for our salvation. God now calls all persons to radically rethink how to live life on this planet. And He has established a standard for humane living: Jesus, the Man. And God has given proof that Jesus is the appointed One, by raising Him from the dead. (\cf3\ul Act_17:29-31\cf0\ulnone ) \par The risen Jesus is the Rock for us to build our lives on\emdash us, and all peoples. However, no longer does God, the Holy Spirit or Christ abide outside of mankind. The New Testament imagery is of "Christ in us, the hope of glory" Colossians 1:26 and Christ as the "Head" of the Body of Christ as represented on the next page. If you have not downloaded the large colored key yet, go to {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdLVALOf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \par \cf4\fs72 Universal Disciple Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh6495\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx6493\pard\intbl\sa108\qc\cell\row\pard\sa108\qc\fs20\par \par \pard\sa108\sl900\slmult0\qc\cf2\b\fs60 Three Pillars Code\cf0\b0\par \pard\sa108\cf2\ul\fs48 Pillar I: Put Off & Put On\cf0\i\fs28\par \ulnone\fs24 Put off 5 vices\i0 \par \cf3\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone : sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/idolatry \par [sins which \i defile \i0 personally]\emdash \par then 5 more \cf3\ul Col_3:8\cf0\ulnone : anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language \par [sins which \i disrupt \i0 socially]) and \par \i Put on 5 virtues \par \cf3\ul\i0 Col_3:12\cf0\ulnone : compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. \par \cf2\ul\fs48 Pillar II: 5 dual sets\i \ulnone \cf0\fs20\par \pard\fi-360\li360\sa108\tx338\cf2\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1 Wife: submit\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Husband: love and give of yourself \par \f2 n\tab\f1 Child: obey\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Father: train\par \f2 n\tab\f1 Employee: work hard\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Employer: be fair\par \f2 n\tab\f0 I\f1 nsider: devoted prayer\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Outsider: wise speech\par \f2 n\tab\f1 Christian: be subject\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sa108\tx720\i0\f2 n\tab\i\f1 Authority: praise good & punish evil.\par \pard\sa108\par \ul\i0\fs48 Pillar III\ulnone\fs20\par \cf0\i\fs24 Watch and Pray\i0 : as a wrestler (\cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone ) for our struggle is against \i the rulers, the authorities. The powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.\i0\tab\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx169\i Stand and Resist\i0 : as a warrior (\cf3\ul Eph_6:13\cf0\ulnone ) and put on the whole armor of God:\par \pard\sa108LVAL                                                                                                                                                      A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`A`B`B`B`B`B`B`B`B`B`B `B aB aB aB aBaBaBaBaBaBa Ba Ba Ba Ba BaBaBaBaBaBaBaBaB aB!aB"aB#aB$aB%aB&aB'aB(aB)aB*a B+a!B,a"B-a#B.a$B/a%B0a&B1a'B2a(B3a)B4a*B5a+B6a,B7a-B8a.B9a/B:a0B;a1B<a2B=a3B>a4B?a5B@a6BAa7BBa8BCa9BDa:BEa;BFaBIa?BJa@BKaABLaBBMaCBNaDBOaEBPaFBQaGBRaHBSaIBTaJBUaKBVaLBWaMBXaNBYaOBZaPB[aQB\aRB]aSB^aTB_aUB`aVBaaWBbaXBcaYBdaZBea[Bfa\Bga]Bha^Bia_Bja`BkaaBlabBmacBnadBoaeBpafBqagBrahBsaiBtajBuakBvalBwamBxanByaoBzapB{a\cf2\i 1. Belt of truth\par 2. Breastplate\par 3. Feet of Readiness\par 4. Shield of faith \par 5. Helmet of salvation\par 6. Sword of Spirit\par 7. Prayer of the 4 alls\i0 \fs28 \fs20 \par \cf0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\qc\cf2\f0\fs72 Bibliography\par \cf5\f1\fs16\par \pard\fi-720\li720\b\fs24 Carrington, P. 1940. \cf2 The Primitive Christian Catechism\cf5 . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.\cf0\par \par Daube, D., and E. G. Selwyn. 1947. \cf2 The First Epistle of St. Peter\cf0 . London: Macmillan & Company. \par \par Davies, W. D. 1967. \cf2\ldblquote The Old and the New Man: II. Paul as Teacher of the Individual.\rdblquote\cf0 In Paul and Rabbinic Judaism: Some Rabbinic Elements in Pauline Theology, 111-46. New York: Harper Torchbooks.\par \par Elliott, J. H. 1990. \cf2 A Home for the Homeless: A Social-Scientific Criticism of I Peter, Its Situation and Strategy. \cf0 Minneapolis: Fortress Press. \par \par Rosner, Brian S., editor. 1995. \cf2 Understanding Paul\rquote s Ethics: Twentieth-Century Approaches. \cf0 Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing.\par \par \pard\sa108\cf5 Wolf, Thom 2004. \cf2 LifeCode: God\rquote s Pattern for EarthLiving.\cf5 San Franciso: University Institute. (forthcoming)\par \par \pard\cf0\b0\f0\par \cf5\f4\fs23\par } LVALIb Q{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Lucida Sans Unicode;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;\red204\green51\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\qr\cf1\lang1033\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs52 Spiritual Benchmarks\super\f1\'e4\f0\par \pard\qr\nosupersub\b0\f2\fs36 Pre-Evaluation Form\cf0\expndtw0\shad0\par \pard\fs24\par Name:\fs32 \fs24\par \par Date:\fs32 \ul\fs24\par \ulnone\par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 Where do you stand with God?\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par What does your life today portray about the character of God?\par \par \par What does God think of you right now?\par \par \par What can you do to change God\rquote s opinion?\par \par \par If you died tonight, stood before God and He asked why you should be allowed to remain with Him in Heaven, your response would be:\cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par \par Relationship with Christ & the Father\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par Sacrificed Life and Lordship\emdash\cf2\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Joh_12:24-26\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Col_1:27\cf0\ulnone . Please describe how you view the sacrificed life. Give some illustrations of how it has become a reality on your life. If this type of relationship is not a reality, what is preventing you from making this commitment? Can we pray that \ldblquote God will do whatever He has to do in your life so that you can commit to the sacrificed life?\rdblquote\par \par \par How do you \ldblquote abide in the Vine?\rdblquote \cf2\ul Joh_15:4-7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par Describe briefly God\rquote s expectations for us in terms of \ldblquote being and doing?\rdblquote Share with us how you balance these often competing perspectives?\par \par \par How are Christ and the Father doing \ldblquote greateLVALRr things than Christ\rdblquote through you? \cf2\ul Joh_14:11-14.\par \cf0\ulnone\par \par What forms of persecution are you currently experiencing? \cf2\ul 2Ti_3:12-15\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Joh_15:18-20\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Joh_16:1-4\cf0\ulnone . How can we pray for you and support you during this persecution?\par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par Prayer Life\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Describe your prayer life.\cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par \par As you look back on the last three months, what form have your prayers taken?\par \par \par Over the last three months, how have you spent your time in prayer? Be specific and provide some examples.\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 1.\tab Prayer for your own needs and the needs of your family.\par \pard\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 2.\tab Intercessory prayer for individuals or categories of people.\par \pard\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 3.\tab Quiet communion listening to God.\par \pard\par \par Under what conditions do you fast & pray?\par \par Please list your unanswered prayers.\par \par \par Please briefly describe the negatively answered prayers.\par \par \par Please list briefly the positively answered prayers.\par \par \par Please list prayers where one or more of the Church leaders might intercede with you.\par \par \par How do you interpret and integrate the following passages into your prayer life?\par \par \cf3\b Lord\rquote s Prayer\par \cf0\b0\par \par \cf2\ul Joh_14:12-14\cf3\ulnone\b \par \cf0\b0\ldblquote I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.\rdblquote\par \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_15:7-8\cf3\ulnone\b \par \cf0\b0\ldblquote If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever youLVALS wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father\rquote s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.\rdblquote\par \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_10:1-17\cf3\ulnone\b \par \cf0\b0\ldblquote\'85if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love\'85Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.\rdblquote\par \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_16:23-24\cf3\ulnone\b\par \cf0\b0\ldblquote In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.\rdblquote\par \par \cf2\ul Jam_1:1\cf0\ulnone\par Read James chapters 1 and 2\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 Bible Study\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 What is your position on the \ldblquote authority of the Bible?\rdblquote\par \par \par How do you go about growing spiritually from God\rquote s word? \par \par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\cf3\b\tab Form\emdash study a chapter, read the whole Bible, character study, word study, etc.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\par \tab Method\emdash Inductive or deductive, general reading, meditate on a passage, etc.\par \par \pard\par \pard\li720 Frequency\emdash daily, weekly, intensive workshops, etc.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\par \tab Amount of time per month\par \par \par \tab Individually or in a group\par \pard\cf0\b0\par \par \tab\par What has God taught you from His Word over the last quarter?\par \par \par What is God teaching you today?\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 Spiritual Gifts and Passions\cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par \par What are your spiritual gifts?\par \par \par How have these manifested themselves over the last year?\par \par \par How are these manifesting themselves in your life today?\par \par \par Do you feel free to say \ldblquote no\rdblquote to opportunities where you might be operating outside of your spiritual gifts?\par \LVALTpar Do your spiritual gifts relate to your spiritual passions?\par \par \ul\b\fs36\par \cf1\expndtw20\ulnone\b0\shad\fs52\par God\rquote s Expressions In Your Life\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Assuming that God expects us to integrate and manifest the Father\rquote s will in all aspects of our life on this planet, how is Christ working in some or all of the following areas:\par \par \cf3\b\tab Family\par \par \par \tab Work \par \par \par \pard\fi720 Church\par \pard\par \par \tab Ministry\par \par \par \tab School\par \par \par \tab Friends\par \cf0\b0\par \par \par If Christ is not manifesting himself through you in a tangible way, what might be the causes?\par \par \par Is there anything else positive in your life that you should share with us so that we can rejoice with you?\par \par \par Is there anything happening in your life that we need to pray about?\par \par \par Is there anything in your life that would inhibit your effectiveness in the Body of Christ or ministry?\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 World View \fs24 (in your own words)\cf0\expndtw0\ul\b\shad0\par \pard\fi360\ulnone\b0\fs20 A world view is the beliefs that a person uses to interpret life and form opinions about his or her humanity, purpose in life, duties in the world, responsibilities to family, interpretation of truth, social issues, etc. Everyone has a world view that dictates their actions even if they cannot describe it. \ul\b\fs24\par \ulnone\b0\fs20 For Christians the Bible is considered their source of \ldblquote absolute truth\rdblquote and guide for their world view. The Bible has specific views about the nature of man, the world, purpose, truth, morality, etc., but so does the secular world. The secular world view is often in conflict with the Biblical one. For example: Where the world theorizes that man evolved, the Bible states that man was created and is ultimately responsible to God. Where the world says that morals are relative, the Bible says they are absoluteLVALU. Where the world says that there is no need of salvation and redemption, the Bible clearly states that all people are in need of deliverance from the original sin in the Garden of Eden. \par The contrast between a secular and Biblical world view is obvious and profound. Both cannot be true.\par \par \pard\qc\b for more info search {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.google.com" }}{\fldrslt{\cf4\ul www.google.com}}}\cf0\ulnone\f2\fs20\par with key words: \ldblquote Christian World View\rdblquote\par \par \pard\cf1\b0\i\par All life on earth was created by God with a design and a purpose\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:1\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:28\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Psa_139:13\par \cf1\ulnone\i\par The Fall and restoration: \ldblquote Who\rquote s in control?\rdblquote\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_3:3-6\cf1\ulnone\i ; Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John \par \par God\rquote s \ldblquote covenant\rdblquote with mankind\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_9:9\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_17:2\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Jdg_2:1-2\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Isa_61:8-10\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Heb_8:7-13\par \cf1\ulnone\i\par Man\rquote s responsibility for planet earth\emdash Gen. 1-2; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:28\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 2Ti_3:16-17\cf1\ulnone\i\par \par All areas of life and work are subject to God\rquote s principles\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:28\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_9:1\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Mat_28:19-20\cf1\ulnone\i\par \cf0\i0\f3\par \f2\fs24 Give a brief description of the \ldblquote worldview\rdblquote that you would share with others.\par \par \par What is God\rquote s purpose for your personal life?\par \par \par Outline 3-5 or more core values and Biblical references from which your worldview is derived:\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 1.\tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720 2.\tab\par 3.\tab\par 4.\tab\par 5.\tab\par \pard\par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par Christ\rquote s Gospel or Good News\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Please give a description in your ovLVALxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?. sbQ@/ tcRA0#-#- "-"- !-!-  - - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- wn words of the Gospel that you share with others.\par \ul\b\fs36\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\ulnone\b0\shad\fs52 Knowing God\rquote s Will\par \cf0\expndtw0\ul\b\shad0\fs36\par \ulnone\b0\fs24 We talk a lot in Church about God\rquote s will. We each must find a way to know his will generally and for our daily living.\par \par How do you go about determining God\rquote s will for your life?\par \par \par What areas in your life is God asking you to be radically obedient?\par \par \par \par From John 12-17 (\cf2\ul Joh_12:1\cf0\ulnone ) what are the Biblical benefits of radical obedience in your life? \par \par \par \par What \ldblquote spiritual fruit\rdblquote do you see in your life?\par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par Personal & Professional Growth\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Where is God challenging you personally?\par \par \par Where is God challenging you spiritually?\par \par \par Where is God challenging you professionally?\par \par \par How can we pray or support you in any of the above three areas?\par \ul\b\fs36\par \par \cf1\expndtw20\ulnone\b0\shad\fs52 Other\par \cf0\expndtw0\ul\b\shad0\fs36\par \ulnone\b0\fs24 Are there other areas where we can support you?\par \par \par Are there other personal or family needs that we should be aware of at this time:\par \par \par \cf3\b Physical:\par \par \par Material:\par \par \par Spiritual:\par \cf0\b0\par \par \par \ul\fs20 __________________\ulnone\tab\b\tab\tab\ul\b0 _____________________\ulnone\tab\tab\ul\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\sub\par \ulnone\nosupersub Disciple\tab\tab date\tab\tab\tab Friend \tab\tab date\tab\cf1\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs48\par \cf5\expndtw0\b0\shad0\f4\fs23\par } LVALIb W{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Lucida Sans Unicode;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;\red204\green51\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\qr\cf1\lang1033\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs52 Spiritual Benchmarks\super\f1\'e4\f0\par \pard\qr\nosupersub\b0\f2\fs36 Post-Evaluation Form\cf0\expndtw0\shad0\par \pard\fs24\par Name:\fs32 \fs24\par \par Date:\fs32 \ul\fs24\par \ulnone\par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 Where do you stand with God?\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par What does your life today portray about the character of God?\par \par \par What does God think of you right now?\par \par \par What can you do to change God\rquote s opinion?\par \par \par If you died tonight, stood before God and He asked why you should be allowed to remain with Him in Heaven, your response would be:\cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par \par Relationship with Christ & the Father\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par Sacrificed Life and Lordship\emdash\cf2\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Joh_12:24-26\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Col_1:27\cf0\ulnone . Please describe how you view the sacrificed life. Give some illustrations of how it has become a reality on your life. If this type of relationship is not a reality, what is preventing you from making this commitment? Can we pray that \ldblquote God will do whatever He has to do in your life so that you can commit to the sacrificed life?\rdblquote\par \par \par How do you \ldblquote abide in the Vine?\rdblquote \cf2\ul Joh_15:4-7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \par Describe briefly God\rquote s expectations for us in terms of \ldblquote being and doing?\rdblquote Share with us how you balance these often competing perspectives?\par \par \par How are Christ and the Father doing \ldblquote greatLVALXer things than Christ\rdblquote through you? \cf2\ul Joh_14:11-14.\par \cf0\ulnone\par \par What forms of persecution are you currently experiencing? \cf2\ul 2Ti_3:12-15\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Joh_15:18-20\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Joh_16:1-4\cf0\ulnone . How can we pray for you and support you during this persecution?\par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par Prayer Life\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Describe your prayer life.\cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par \par As you look back on the last three months, what form have your prayers taken?\par \par \par Over the last three months, how have you spent your time in prayer? Be specific and provide some examples.\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 1.\tab Prayer for your own needs and the needs of your family.\par \pard\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 2.\tab Intercessory prayer for individuals or categories of people.\par \pard\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 3.\tab Quiet communion listening to God.\par \pard\par \par Under what conditions do you fast & pray?\par \par Please list your unanswered prayers.\par \par \par Please briefly describe the negatively answered prayers.\par \par \par Please list briefly the positively answered prayers.\par \par \par Please list prayers where one or more of the Church leaders might intercede with you.\par \par \par How do you interpret and integrate the following passages into your prayer life?\par \par \cf3\b Lord\rquote s Prayer\par \cf0\b0\par \par \cf2\ul Joh_14:12-14\cf3\ulnone\b \par \cf0\b0\ldblquote I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.\rdblquote\par \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_15:7-8\cf3\ulnone\b \par \cf0\b0\ldblquote If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever yoLVALYu wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father\rquote s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.\rdblquote\par \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_10:1-17\cf3\ulnone\b \par \cf0\b0\ldblquote\'85if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love\'85Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.\rdblquote\par \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_16:23-24\cf3\ulnone\b\par \cf0\b0\ldblquote In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.\rdblquote\par \par \cf2\ul Jam_1:1\cf0\ulnone\par Read James chapters 1 and 2\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 Bible Study\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 What is your position on the \ldblquote authority of the Bible?\rdblquote\par \par \par How do you go about growing spiritually from God\rquote s word? \par \par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\cf3\b\tab Form\emdash study a chapter, read the whole Bible, character study, word study, etc.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\par \tab Method\emdash Inductive or deductive, general reading, meditate on a passage, etc.\par \par \pard\par \pard\li720 Frequency\emdash daily, weekly, intensive workshops, etc.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\par \tab Amount of time per month\par \par \par \tab Individually or in a group\par \pard\cf0\b0\par \par \tab\par What has God taught you from His Word over the last quarter?\par \par \par What is God teaching you today?\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 Spiritual Gifts and Passions\cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24\par \par What are your spiritual gifts?\par \par \par How have these manifested themselves over the last year?\par \par \par How are these manifesting themselves in your life today?\par \par \par Do you feel free to say \ldblquote no\rdblquote to opportunities where you might be operating outside of your spiritual gifts?\par LVALZ\par Do your spiritual gifts relate to your spiritual passions?\par \par \ul\b\fs36\par \cf1\expndtw20\ulnone\b0\shad\fs52\par God\rquote s Expressions In Your Life\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Assuming that God expects us to integrate and manifest the Father\rquote s will in all aspects of our life on this planet, how is Christ working in some or all of the following areas:\par \par \cf3\b\tab Family\par \par \par \tab Work \par \par \par \pard\fi720 Church\par \pard\par \par \tab Ministry\par \par \par \tab School\par \par \par \tab Friends\par \cf0\b0\par \par \par If Christ is not manifesting himself through you in a tangible way, what might be the causes?\par \par \par Is there anything else positive in your life that you should share with us so that we can rejoice with you?\par \par \par Is there anything happening in your life that we need to pray about?\par \par \par Is there anything in your life that would inhibit your effectiveness in the Body of Christ or ministry?\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52 World View \fs24 (in your own words)\cf0\expndtw0\ul\b\shad0\par \pard\fi360\ulnone\b0\fs20 A world view is the beliefs that a person uses to interpret life and form opinions about his or her humanity, purpose in life, duties in the world, responsibilities to family, interpretation of truth, social issues, etc. Everyone has a world view that dictates their actions even if they cannot describe it. \ul\b\fs24\par \ulnone\b0\fs20 For Christians the Bible is considered their source of \ldblquote absolute truth\rdblquote and guide for their world view. The Bible has specific views about the nature of man, the world, purpose, truth, morality, etc., but so does the secular world. The secular world view is often in conflict with the Biblical one. For example: Where the world theorizes that man evolved, the Bible states that man was created and is ultimately responsible to God. Where the world says that morals are relative, the Bible says they are absolutLVAL[e. Where the world says that there is no need of salvation and redemption, the Bible clearly states that all people are in need of deliverance from the original sin in the Garden of Eden. \par The contrast between a secular and Biblical world view is obvious and profound. Both cannot be true.\par \par \pard\qc\b for more info search {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.google.com" }}{\fldrslt{\cf4\ul www.google.com}}}\cf0\ulnone\f2\fs20\par with key words: \ldblquote Christian World View\rdblquote\par \par \pard\cf1\b0\i\par All life on earth was created by God with a design and a purpose\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:1\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:28\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Psa_139:13\par \cf1\ulnone\i\par The Fall and restoration: \ldblquote Who\rquote s in control?\rdblquote\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_3:3-6\cf1\ulnone\i ; Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John \par \par God\rquote s \ldblquote covenant\rdblquote with mankind\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_9:9\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_17:2\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Jdg_2:1-2\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Isa_61:8-10\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Heb_8:7-13\par \cf1\ulnone\i\par Man\rquote s responsibility for planet earth\emdash Gen. 1-2; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:28\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 2Ti_3:16-17\cf1\ulnone\i\par \par All areas of life and work are subject to God\rquote s principles\emdash\cf2\ul\i0 Gen_1:28\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Gen_9:1\cf1\ulnone\i ; \cf2\ul\i0 Mat_28:19-20\cf1\ulnone\i\par \cf0\i0\f3\par \f2\fs24 Give a brief description of the \ldblquote worldview\rdblquote that you would share with others.\par \par \par What is God\rquote s purpose for your personal life?\par \par \par Outline 3-5 or more core values and Biblical references from which your worldview is derived:\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\tx720 1.\tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720 2.\tab\par 3.\tab\par 4.\tab\par 5.\tab\par \pard\par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par Christ\rquote s Gospel or Good News\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Please give a description in your LVALxgVE4#yhWF5$ z i X G 6 %   { j Y H 7 &   | k Z I 8 '   } l [ J 9 (   ~ m \ K : )   n]L;*o^M<+ p_N=, q`O>- raP?. sbQ@/ tcRA0// // // // // // // // // // // // // own words of the Gospel that you share with others.\par \ul\b\fs36\par \par \par \cf1\expndtw20\ulnone\b0\shad\fs52 Knowing God\rquote s Will\par \cf0\expndtw0\ul\b\shad0\fs36\par \ulnone\b0\fs24 We talk a lot in Church about God\rquote s will. We each must find a way to know his will generally and for our daily living.\par \par How do you go about determining God\rquote s will for your life?\par \par \par What areas in your life is God asking you to be radically obedient?\par \par \par \par From John 12-17 (\cf2\ul Joh_12:1\cf0\ulnone ) what are the Biblical benefits of radical obedience in your life? \par \par \par \par What \ldblquote spiritual fruit\rdblquote do you see in your life?\par \par \cf1\expndtw20\shad\fs52\par Personal & Professional Growth\par \cf0\expndtw0\shad0\fs24 Where is God challenging you personally?\par \par \par Where is God challenging you spiritually?\par \par \par Where is God challenging you professionally?\par \par \par How can we pray or support you in any of the above three areas?\par \ul\b\fs36\par \par \cf1\expndtw20\ulnone\b0\shad\fs52 Other\par \cf0\expndtw0\ul\b\shad0\fs36\par \ulnone\b0\fs24 Are there other areas where we can support you?\par \par \par Are there other personal or family needs that we should be aware of at this time:\par \par \par \cf3\b Physical:\par \par \par Material:\par \par \par Spiritual:\par \cf0\b0\par \par \par \ul\fs20 __________________\ulnone\tab\b\tab\tab\ul\b0 _____________________\ulnone\tab\tab\ul\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\sub\par \ulnone\nosupersub Disciple\tab\tab date\tab\tab\tab Friend \tab\tab date\tab\cf1\expndtw20\b\shad\f0\fs48\par \cf5\b0\f4\fs23\par }   @v0v0 u0u0 t0t0 s0s0 r0r0 q0q0 p0p0 o0o0 n0n0 m0m0 l0l0 k0k0 j0j0 i0i0 h0h0 g0g0 f0f0 e0e0 d0d0 c0c0 b0b0 a0a0 `0`0 _0_0 ^0^0 ]0]0 \0\0 [0[0 Z0Z0 Y0Y0 X0X0 W0W0 V0V0 U0U0 T0T0 S0S0 R0R0 Q0Q0 P0P0 O0O0 N0N0 M0M0 L0L0 K0K0 J0J0 I0I0 H0H0 G0G0 F0F0 E0E0 D0D0 C0C0 B0B0 A0A0 @0@0 ?0?0 >0>0 =0=0 <0<0 ;0;0 :0:0 9090 8080 7070 6060 5050 4040 3030 2020 1010 0000 /0/0 .0.0 -0-0 ,0,0 +0+0 *0*0 )0)0 (0(0 '0'0 &0&0 %0%0 $0$0 #0#0 "0"0 !0!0  0 0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  0 0  0 0  0 0  0 0  0 0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // //   @eDateCreateDateUpdate FlagsForeignNameIdLvLvExtraLvModule LvPropName OwnerParentIdRmtInfoLongRmtInfoShortTypenievrn leYYIdParentIdName        X0 W0W0 V0V0 U0U0 T0T0 S0S0 R0R0 Q0Q0 P0P0 O0O0 N0N0 M0M0 L0L0 K0K0 J0J0 I0I0 H0H0 G0G0 F0F0 E0E0 D0D0 C0C0 B0B0 A0A0 @0@0 ?0?0 >0>0 =0=0 <0<0 ;0;0 :0:0 9090 8080 7070 6060 5050 4040 3030 2020 1010 0000 /0/0 .0.0 -0-0 ,0,0 +0+0 *0*0 )0)0 (0(0 '0'0 &0&0 %0%0 $0$0 #0#0 "0"0 !0!0  0 0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  0 0  0 0  0 0  0 0  0 0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // x{hUB/ Y Y d YID TitleComments\]YYIDPrimaryKey                        [\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{|}~      !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{|}~      !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`a b c d e fghijklmnopqrstuvwx y!z"{#|$}%~&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{|}~      !"#$%&'()*+,-./01234567Lar,՚@br,՚@Topic Notes66666666666 ar,՚@ar,՚@MSysRelationshipsDDDDDDDDDDB ar,՚@ar,՚@MSysQueries88888888886 ar,՚@ar,՚@MSysACEs22222222220 ar,՚@ar,՚@MSysObjects8888                  ^LVALn @ @^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^G1 F1F1 E1E1 D1D1 C1C1 B1B1 A1A1 @1@1 ?1?1 >1>1 =1=1 <1<1 ;1;1 :1:1 9191 8181 7171 6161 5151 4141 3131 2121 1111 0101 /1/1 .1.1 -1-1 ,1,1 +1+1 *1*1 )1)1 (1(1 '1'1 &1&1 %1%1 $1$1 #1#1 "1"1 !1!1  1 1 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11  1 1  1 1  1 1  1 1  1 1 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0MR28AllowZeroLengthRequired( Title  .Comments  LVAL~b a{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fscript\fprq2\fcharset0 Papyrus;}{\f2\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 Myriad Roman;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green255\blue255;\red169\green73\blue7;\red0\green128\blue0;\red1\green96\blue119;\red0\green0\blue0;\red138\green52\blue14;\red0\green0\blue255;\red192\green73\blue20;\red201\green73\blue15;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh1350\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat8\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx6845\pard\intbl\qr\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs80 Universal Disciple\fs24\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh402\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat8\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx6845\pard\intbl\qr The Book of Colossians 1-4\cell\row\pard\sa108\qc\cf0\fs28 The foremost question for the global conversation is...\par \pard\qc "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par \par \pard\sa108\qj\fs20 According to Thom Wolf, there are four major religions that dominate the 21st century. He believes that the Judeo Christian has the best historical response for the next generation and their question:\par "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par Almost a century ago, Roland Alan stirred the 20th century by reminding us of the "spontaneous expansion" of the early church. Now, entering the 21st century, with all the open doors to the gospel, we must re-evaluate just how the apostles were able to go into an area, preach the "good news," gather converts, nurture them and move on in such a way that they could later write back and with such confidence remind them of a core teaching that seemed to be pervasive and so commonly understood by all. \par \pard Even more perplexing is the fact that Paul and the church planting team were often only in city for a fewLVALb weeks, a few months, or at most a few years. How did they do it? How could they create such radiant persons and such responsible and reproductive leaders? That is the issue Thom Wolf will address in this study guide on the Book of Colossians.\par \par \pard\sa108\qj The Apostle Paul had a pattern or a standard that could be:\par \pard\li315\sa108\qj\tx518\cf2\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Received Personally\par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Remembered Easily\par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Reproduced Strategically\cf0\par \pard\sa108\qj The standard referred to in \cf3\ul 2Ti_1:13\cf0\ulnone is\par \pard\li360\ri390\sa108\qc "Retain the standard (hupotuposis) of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh896\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4161\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs36 Animism\par \pard\intbl\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\tx540\tx720\b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Judeo-Christian\par \pard\intbl\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Han\par \b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Hindu\cell\row\pard\li360\ri390\sa108\qc\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par \pard Colossians gives the \i pattern \i0 in a clear and most complete form. This is probably because Paul is writing forward, addressing principles, not backward, addressing problems. All Paul\rquote s epistles are basically arranged as belief and behavior, instruction and ethics, doctrine then duties, Christ\rquote s fullness then our following. But you can clearly see this belief/behavior structure, for example, in Colossians (1-2/3-4)\cf3\ul Col_1:1\cf0\ulnone , Ephesians (1-3/4-6) \cf3\ul Eph_1:1\cf0\ulnone and Romans (1-11/12-16) \cf3\ul Rom_1:1\cf0\ulnone . It can also be discerned in I Peter, James, and Hebrews\emdash a model used by all the apostolic leadership teams throughout the first generatioLVALvcn church. Our study is on Colossians 1-4 supplemented by Ephesians and Romans.\par \par \pard\sa108\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 1\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Please read Colossians chapters 1-4 \cf3\ul Col_1:1\cf5\ulnone in its entirety. \cf0\par Who are the main characters in Colossians 1-4?\par \par Are they Jews or gentiles?\par \par In Colossians 1-2: \par \pard\li315\sa108 Why is Paul writing to the Colossians?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\li315\sa108 Has Paul ever met the Colossian believers?\par \par Who is responsible for establishing the Colossian Church?\par \pard\sa108\par What are the qualities of this Church described in \cf3\ul Col_1:3-8\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par What are main things that Paul is praying for in \cf3\ul Col_1:9\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par Paul is praying in \cf3\ul Col_1:10-12\cf0\ulnone in order that the church will:\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 2\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Read \cf3\ul Col_1:15-20\cf5\ulnone in the New International Version (NIV). Paul suddenly shifts his focus from the Colossian church to who Christ is. Why do you think Paul is shifting the dialogue? \cf0\par \pard\sa108\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 From \cf3\ul Col_1:15-16\cf0\ulnone in the NIV fill in the blanks below \par 1. Christ is the _____________of the invisible God.\par 2. Christ is the _____________over all creation.\par 3. For by Him _____________things were created.\par 4. Things _______________and on earth,\par 5. Visible and ____________, \par 6. Whether thrones or _________________,\par 7. Or rulers or ____________________, \par 8. ________things were created by Him and for Him.\par \par Do you believe what the above passages attribute to Christ? Why or why not?\par \par \par Lets go on to \cf3\ul Col_1:18-20\cf0\ulnone in the NIV.\par 1. And He is the _________of the body, the church;\par 2. He is the ________________and the_________LVAL DBd__from among the dead,\par 3. So that in ___________________He might have the ______________.\par 4. Where did God's fullness dwell?\par 5. and through Him to ____________to himself ________things...\par 6. And Christ accomplished these feats? "...by making peace through His ________________, shed on the__ ________________.\par \par What should be your prayer today as you further refine your understanding of who Christ is and what he did for you? Ask someone else in the group to pray for you also.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 3\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa80\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 In \cf3\ul Col_1:21-23\cf0\ulnone\b\par \pard\sa108\b0\tab 1. What was the previous condition of the Colossians?\par \par \tab 2. And the Colossians have now become?\par \par \tab 3. How did Christ accomplish this radical change in behavior?\par \par \tab 4. Christ has brought the Colossians into God's presence in what \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab condition?\par \par \tab 5. Paul challenges them to do three things based upon this \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab relationship. What are they?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 In \cf3\ul Col_1:24-25\cf0\ulnone Paul indicates that he is suffering for a purpose. What is Paul's purpose?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 Suddenly in \cf3\ul Col_1:26-27\cf0\ulnone , Paul begins to disclose the mystery or the message that God has kept secret for centuries. \par \par \tab Who is the mystery for?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tab What is the mystery? \par \pard\sa108\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf5\fs20 So what is the big deal about this great mystery, "Christ in you, the hope of glory?" \cf3\ul Col_1:26\cf5\ulnone (NIV) So the great mystery that God has kept secret from HIS people in Israel for centuries is that Christ can live in us but he can also live in the gentiles. Why does Paul see this mystery as being so important? \cf0\par \parLVAL ed\sa108\par Which is more surprising to the Jews the fact that Christ can live in us or the reality that Christ can also be in the gentiles?\par \par Why is either surprising to the Jews?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 When people talk about having a relationship with God, they can mean one of four things:\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and believes that God exists (Satan has this)\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a willingness to follow Christ's behavioral model\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a desire to be intimate or close to God\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a willingness to give up control of your life and let Christ live "in you" and through you.\par Paul, like all students of the Old Testament, knew that many men had a relationship with God that was external or at best intimate. But we do not have any evidence in the Old Testament of people having "God in Them." Moses and Abraham would be jealous of your relationship to Christ. They only saw God periodically but they never had the promise of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" and available 24/7.\par \par Go ask three friends who are Christians to describe their relationship to Christ and God? Depending upon their response also ask, "Does Christ actually or literally live in you?" Write out their response? \par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\sa108 How would you know that Christ lives in you from \cf3\ul Col_1:29\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \fs28 Model Building: The Rock\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Christ: \i0 Colossians 1 & 2 tells who Jesus is: the Image of the Invisible God, in whom all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form (\cf3 Col_2:9 & \ul Col_2:9\cf0\ulnone ). While this mystery was hidden for ages, now it is disclosed for the restoration of the nations. Thus, we labor to make this known among the nations, and present every person mature in the knowledge of Him (\cf3\ul Col_1:24-29\cf0\uLVALflnone ). \par In one way or another, you introduce people to \i who \i0 Jesus is: the Rock to build your life on, God\rquote s Foundation. (\cf3\ul Mat_28:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Co_10:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Eph_2:19-22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Pe_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone .)\par Paul, himself, demonstrates at least three different ways to present Christ in the 13th, 14th and 17th chapters of Acts. (\cf3\ul Act_13:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Act_14:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Act_17:1\cf0\ulnone ). But all end in Jesus, the Risen One. You may choose chronological story-telling, the gospels, or the epistles, but introduce people to Jesus and His resurrection (\cf3\ul 1Co_15:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf2\fs36 Draw the First Element of the UD Key \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\qc\tx540\tx720\cf1\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i n\tab\f1\fs36\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3816\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4446\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cell\row\pard\ri1440\sa108\qc\cf6\b0\i0\fs28\par \pard\cbpat1\sa108\cf0\fs20 Draw the first element of the Universal Disciple model on a separate piece of paper. You may want to download the PDF file that includes all the graphics at {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \par Describe your view of Christ as the "Rock?"\par \pard\sa108\par How does God's mystery apply to your life?\par \par \pard Let us know how we can pray for you?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Day 1 & 2\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 In Colossians 1 (\cf3\ul Col_1:1)\cf0\ulnone Paul was making the case for Christ and His purpose to make reality the centuries long "mystery of God," Christ in us. Now Paul moves on in his letter to the Colossians to the concern that may have motivated LVALgPaul to write the letter in the first place. Read chapter 2 (\cf3\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone )of Colossians and write out the specific concerns Paul might have had at this time.\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\cf3\ul Col_2:4\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:8\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:16\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:18-19\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:20-23\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\par After reading each of these specific concerns, can you identify and summarize Paul's general concern for both the Colossians and for you today?\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Day 3 & 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf0\fs20 After sharing his concerns, Paul gives us in chapter 2 (\cf3\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone ) some general guidelines for avoiding the problems that the Colossians may have experienced. Please summarize a principle or promise from each verse below.\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:2-3\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:9-10\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:11-12\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:13-15\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:16-17\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:20-23\cf0\ulnone\par \par \pard Are you willing to pray the prayer on the left? Talk to another person about praying for you as well.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Model Building: Offer Your Life\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Conversion: \i0 Colossians 1, 2, and 3.1-4 talk about the personal consequences of receiving the Word or "Christ in us..." (\cf3\ul Col_1:26\cf0\ulnone ), of following Jesus. Transferred from darkness to light, we are to see that no one takes a follower captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Instead, each one is to fully follow Jesus, setting their heart on things above where Christ is (\cf3\ul Col_1:13-14\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\uLVAL DBhl Col_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Col_3:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par Through whatever process and time, the person must come to personal commitment, surrender their life to Jesus as Lord and God, and follow Him (\cf3\ul Joh_20:26-31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Act_8:26-40\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_10:8-15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone ). \par God gives new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because you are a new creation in Jesus, you have an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade, you are to be different in all you do, because the Living God is different (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:1-21\cf0\ulnone ). Therefore, Peter lays \i 5 foundation stones \i0 that purify the new believer who has returned to Heaven\rquote s shepherd and life-supervisor (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-2.25\cf0\ulnone ): \par \pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\tx270\cf2\i 1\tab Word \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-23\cf2\ulnone ), \par 2\tab\i Spiritual sacrifices \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:4-8\cf2\ulnone , with \cf3\ul Heb_13:15-21\cf2\ulnone ), \par 3\tab\i Fellowship\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-12\cf2\ulnone ), \par 4\tab\i Witness\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-10\cf2\ulnone ), and\par 5\tab\i Suffering\i0 , with Jesus as our example (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:13-25\cf2\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\qc\tx270\fs36 Draw the First & Second Stage \par of the UD Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3497\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4893\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\cell\row\pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\tx270\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par Read and analyze I Peter 1:1-21. Do you agree that these are the five foundation stones and life purifiers that God has given you? Write a few words about how each may have changed your life?\par \par \cf6\i 1\tab Word \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-23\cf6\ulnone ), \par \par 2\tab\i Spiritual sacrifices \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:4-8\cf6\ulnone , with \cf3\ul Heb_13:15-21\cf6\LVALviulnone ), \par \par 3\tab\i Fellowship\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-12\cf6\ulnone ), \par \par 4\tab\i Witness\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-10\cf6\ulnone ), and \par \par \pard\fi-360\li360\sa108\tx0\tx270\i 5\tab Suffering\i0 , with Jesus as our example (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:13-25\cf6\ulnone ).\par \pard\sa108\tx0\tx270\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \pard\qr Day 1\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 Excited about how far the Colossians have come in their faith and life, Paul now presents them in Colossians chapter 3 with a behavioral standard based upon the assumption that Christ lives in them and is prepared to empower them to live a new life. The first pillar of the "Temple" is taken from Colossians 3:1-17 and relates to our "walk."\par \par Put off or put to death:\par \cf3\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf3\ul Col_3:8\cf0\ulnone\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par Colossians 3:\par 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (NIV)\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Day 2\par \pard\sa1LVAL j08\cf0\fs20 The last set of passages should have had a sobering influence. However, these passages are followed immediately by \cf3\ul Col_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone . Read them and list the qualities that all people with Christ in them should manifest. \par \par Put on:\par \par \cf3\ul Col_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par \par Paul concludes in \cf3\ul Col_3:13-14\cf0\ulnone that all believers who have "taken off their old self and put on the new self" will manifest two overarching qualities that will produce unity:\par \par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par Colossians 3:13-14\par 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Model Building: Walk Worthy\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Personally, \i0 the new believer must begin to \i walk worthy \i0 of Christ. To do this, she must \i put off \i0 the old style of living\emdash old vices, and \i put on \i0 the new life in Christ\emdash new virtues. \par \i Walk worthy \i0 is the trigger term for column one, alerting you to the first instructions-set of the \i pattern\i0 . \cf3\ul Col_3:5-14\cf0\ulnone urges the true follower of Jesus to:\par \ul\i put off 5 vices\i0 \ulnone\par 3.5: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/idolatry [sins which \i defile \i0 personally]\emdash \par then 5 more 3.8: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language [sins which \i disrupt \i0 socially]) and \par \ul\i then put on 5 virtues \ulnone\par \i0 3.12: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. \par In Christ, the \i paleo anthropos \i0 with its practices was taken off. The \i neo anthropos \i0 was put on, and is now being renewed in the imaLVALkge of its Creator. The \i image of God \i0 is in every person of every nation throughout all time. Thus, this process of restoration transcends all barriers, all cultures, all times. \i Here, \i0 there is no Greek or Jew, slave or free, barbarian or Scythian. Christ is all, and in all (\cf3\ul Col_3:9-11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\tab Draw the Walking Worthy Pillars \par \tab on the UD Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh2800\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4355\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\fs36\cell\row\pard\ri1440\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\par \cf0\i\fs22 Fill in the entire model including the first pillar.\par \fs36\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\i0 Lesson # 4\par Day 1\par \pard\sa108\sl400\slmult0\cf0\fs28\par \pard\sa108\i\fs20 Socially, \i0 there is a positive response or a negative reaction to the life changes of the new believer (see \cf3\ul 1Pe_4:1-5\cf0\ulnone ): some are attracted, some are repelled. Either way, the personal life transformation (from the \i putting off/putting on\i0 ) impacts the convert\rquote s circle of influence (the \i oikos/\rquote\i0 household\rquote composed of family, neighbors, coworkers, and friends).\par The trigger terms that alert you to this second column of experiences is \i Word \i0 and \i Spirit\i0 : the \i indwelling\i0 \i Word \i0 and the \i filling Spirit \i0 (\cf3\ul Col_3:15-16\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\ul Eph_5:15-18\cf0\ulnone ). The core decision here is\i \ldblquote let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly\rdblquote \i0 (Col 3.16) and\i \ldblquote be filled with the Spirit\rdblquote \i0 (\cf3\ul Eph_5:18\cf0\ulnone )\par What are the four mind sets or attitudes that should be the driving force of our lives from \cf3\ul Col_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone and \cf3\ul Eph_5:19-21\cf0\ulnone :\par \par 1. \cf3\ul Col_3:16\cf0\ulnone T____________________ and _____________________\parLVALl \par \par \par 2. \cf3\ul Col_3:16\cf0\ulnone S__________with ________________in your hearts.\par \par \par \par 3. \cf3\ul Col_3:17\cf0\ulnone T_______________to God for ____________________\par \par \par \par 4. \cf3\ul Eph_5:21\cf0\ulnone S_____________ to one another out of ___________ for Christ.\par \par \par \pard\sa108\qc\cf2\fs48 Teaching\par Singing\par Thanking\par Submitting\par \pard\sa108\qr\fs36 Lesson # 4\par Day 2\par \pard\cf0\fs20 What follows inevitably from attitudes (TSTS) are actions. In \cf3\ul Col_3:18-19\cf0\ulnone fill in the action verb from the verse that follows each category below.\par \cf2\par \pard\sa108\tx270\cf5\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul Col_3:18\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\cf5\fs20 WIVES________________\cell\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul Col_3:19\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par HUSBANDS__________\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_3:20\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_5:22-23\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \fs24 CHILDREN___________\cell\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_3:21\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_5:25-33\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\fs24 FATHERS____________\cf5\fs20\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108LVALm\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_3:22-25\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_6:5-8\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par EMPLOYEE___________\cell\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_4:1\cf0\ulnone or \cf3\ul Eph_6:9\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270 EMPLOYER___________\cf5\fs20\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_4:2-4\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\fs24 INSIDER______________\cf5\fs20\cell\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Col_4:5-6\cf0\ulnone\fs20\par \pard\intbl\sa108\tx270\fs24 OUTSIDER___________\cf5\fs20\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh481\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx3554\clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx7216\pard\intbl\sa108\cf3\ul\fs16 Rom_13:1-2\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par CHRISTIAN___________\fs16\cell\cf3\ul Rom_13:3-5\cf0\ulnone\fs24\par AUTHORITIES_______\cell\row\pard\sa108\tx270\cf5\fs20\par \pard\sa108\cf0 Where do you think that God is going to begin on the action list above? God will not move on this list until you have "Christ in you..." by your decision to give up control or stop being your own god (Genesis 1-3) (\cf3\ul Gen_1:1\cf0\ulnone ) God does not usually move on all areas simultaneously or with the same intensity. Do you know where God shoLVALv1nuld act first? If not, ask a close friend. They probably know even if they have not shared that information yet.\par 1.\par 2.\par \pard\sa108\tx270 3.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270 Model Building: In Word/Spirit\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 What follows in the \i universal discipleship pattern \i0 is \i identical \i0 in order in both Colossians and Ephesians: \par \ul\i Attitudes\i0 :\ulnone \ul\i\par \ulnone T-S-T-S 4 definite mind sets: \par \ul T\ulnone -eaching \i0 with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs--the group teaches through the emotional port-of-entry in song, according to the local culture\par \ul\i S\ulnone -inging \i0 with gratitude in your heart to the Lord--a radical inner attitude shift to a praising mind set\par \ul\i T\ulnone -hanking \i0 God for all things, and what\i ever \i0 you\i \i0 do in word/deed, doing \i all \i0 in the name of the Lord Jesus--a radical outer articulation, with every experience integrated into the new way\par \ul\i S\ulnone -ubmitting \i0 to one another in reverence of Christ--a culturally revolutionary pattern of mutual reciprocity\par \ul\i Actions\i0 :\ulnone\tab\i\par 5 dual sets: \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx169\f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 t\i0 he same 5 pairs \par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 the exact same order\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 a basic obedience in the Lord \par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 which can be condensed or expanded according to the audience\rquote s needs \par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 with the minority person always first\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 the majority person is always second\par \pard\sa108\i Note carefully\i0 : Colossians is compact. Ephesians is expanded. For example, the \i wife/husband\i0 -set: \cf3\ul Col_3:18-19\cf0\ulnone and \cf3\ul Eph_5:22-33\cf0\ulnone . The apostles, using the outline, the pattern, develop the truth themes according to their audiences\rquote needs. Thus, they remind them of the truths they already know and are atLVALotached to in Christ. Also, the \i Christian/authority\i0 -set is from \cf3\ul Rom_13:1-10\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Fill in the entire model including the second pillar.\par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\tab\tab\tab Draw the Second Pillar \par \pard\sa108\qc on the UD Key\cf0\fs20\par \pard\sa108\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3623\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4535\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\fs36\cell\row\pard\sa108\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270\cf6\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 5\par Day 1\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 Spiritually, a new disciple often believes that people are the enemy. However, there is a formidable enemy that necessitates we engage in spiritual warfare. Paul in Ephesians 6:12 identifies who the struggle is with in general terms. Please list a phrase that describes the enemy listed by Paul. \par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par 4.\par Now take each general phrase listed by Paul in \cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone and list a specific person or position in your own real world that will make this list more relevant in terms of how you should pray.\par 1.\par 2.\par 3.\par 4.\par But how does a new believer or mature believer "stand and resist?" In \cf3\ul Eph_6:13\cf0\ulnone Paul list the method of spiritual warfare:\par \par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par 3.\par \par 4.\par \par 5.\par \par 6.\par \par 7.\par \par \pard\sa108\tx270 One very practical way to apply the seven tools of spiritual warfare is to get up every morning and pretend that you are putting on each one of the seven elements above. Actually go through the act of putting each one on to reinforce in your mind the importance of putting on the full armor of God each day. Do it right now.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 4\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270 Model Building: Spiritual Warfare\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Spiritually\i0 LVALp, the disciple will be tempted to think that \i people \i0 are the enemy. But that is not so. For such \i were \i0 some of us\emdash fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers\b , \b0 swindlers\emdash but \i we \i0 were transformed by God. Surely others can be also (\cf3\ul 1Co_6:9-11\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Ti_1:12-17\cf0\ulnone , and \cf3\ul Tit_3:1-8\cf0\ulnone ).\par For our \i struggle \i0 is not against other people, but against the rulers, the powers, the world forces of this present darkness, the spiritual\b \b0 forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (\cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone ). And in this ministry we never lose heart, for even if our good news is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, \ldblquote in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the radiance of Christ, who is the image of God.\rdblquote (\cf3\ul 2Co_4:1-6\cf0\ulnone )\par We are to\par \i Watch and Pray\i0 : as a wrestler (\cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone ) for our struggle is against \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx169\cf2\i\f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the rulers\par \f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the authorities\par \f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the powers of this dark world \par \f0\fs24\bullet\f1\fs20\tab the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.\cf5\i0\tab\tab\cf0\i\tab\par \pard\sa108 Stand and Resist\i0 : as a warrior (\cf3\ul Eph_6:13\cf0\ulnone ) and put on the whole armor of God:\par \cf2 1. Belt of truth\par 2. Breastplate of righteousness\par 3. Shod feet with gospel of peace\par 4. Shield of faith \par 5. Helmet of salvation\par 6. Sword of Spirit\par 7. Prayer of the 4 alls \cf5 \cf0\par \pard\sa108\tx270 In this way, it is the Lord\rquote s Spirit and Words that fight his battles through prayer (\cf3\ul Isa_59:16-21\cf0\ulnone ). We clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the LVALqsinful nature, knowing that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed (\cf3\ul Rom_13:11-14\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sa108 A twelve year old who has offered his or her life is a "priest in the priesthood of believers." (This is a phrase that you may not have heard before. Talk about the "priesthood of believers.") They have all the rights and responsibilities of 50 year old who have also offered their lives. In fact, in prayer they have access to as many of the resources of heaven as the Pastor or Elder of your Church. Age is not a valid excuse for experiencing ineffective prayer or unanswered prayer.\par The passages on spiritual warfare are not a suggestion or recommendation. They look and feel like commands. That means that if we are a "priest," then we are to obey regardless of how competent or incompetent we might feel.\par \pard\sa108\tx270 How is God leading you to watch and pray for others in your world right now? Who do you know that needs you to wrestle for them today? What specific persons of authority by name should you be praying for today?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 5\par \pard\sa108\qr\tx270\cf5\fs20 Model Building: Witness\par \pard\sa108\cf0 Thus, we boldly, frankly witness with great joy, even in tribulation, which we know is our destiny (\cf3\ul 1Th_1:2-10\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Th_3:1-13\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Pe_2:11-12\cf0\ulnone ), telling of His excellencies Who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, making us a global people (I Peter 2.9 10).\par So, then, while there will be those who sneer, there will also be those who desire to hear more, and even some who believe and join us (\cf3\ul Act_17:32-34\cf0\ulnone ). You may want to reflect on the Apostle Paul's three different styles of evangelism from Acts 13, Acts 14 and Acts 17. \par Those who believe and join us are those who have come to know Jesus as their Rock, and the universal disciple pattern is \par \pard\fi-540\li540\sa108\tx518\cf2\f2\fs36 n\tab\f1 retained, LVALr\par \f2 n\tab\f1 remembered, and \par \f2 n\tab\f1 reproduced.\par \pard\li360\sa108\tx270\cf5\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Fill in the entire model including the third pillar. \i0 If you need to downloade the large colored key by going to {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \pard\li360\sa108\tx270\i\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\qc\tx270\cf6\i0\fs28 Draw the Entire UD Key\cf0\i\fs20\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3623\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4535\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\fs36\cell\row\pard\li360\sa108\tx270\cf5\b0\i0\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\qc\tx270\cf2\expndtw15\b The Universal Discipleship Pattern\par \pard\sa108\qc\expndtw0\b0\fs24 In faith\par we \i put off \i0 the old and \par \i put on \i0 the new.\cf0\fs20\par \pard\sl216\slmult0\qj\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\f1\fs20 We all \i put off \i0 the old self, the \i paleo anthropos\i0 , corrupted by various deceitful cravings and learned behavior patterns of the cultures, worldviews and social environments we learned from the world. Now, we are learning from Christ, being renewed in the spirit of our minds. We are \i putting on \i0 the new self, the \i neo anthropos\i0 , being restored to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created us all\emdash a renewal in which there is no cultural, religious, ethnic, economic, or gender distinctions, but Christ is all, and in all.\i\fs18\par \pard\sa108\qc\cf2\i0\fs24 In love\par we let the \i Word \i0 richly dwell in us and \par the \i Spirit \i0 fill us.\cf0\fs20\par \pard\qj\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\f1\fs20 Because we now love God, we live out His love for those in our oikos, our circle of influence of our family, neighbors, coworkerLVALss, and friends. When they join us, we rejoice. But when they cause us to suffer, we never, never consider them our enemy. For such were some of us. But God changed and is changing us. Surely God can change them.\par \pard\qj\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\i\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\qc\cf2\i0\f1\fs24 In hope\par we watch and pray for His return, \par encourage others\rquote renewal, and \par resist evil ourselves. \cf0\fs20\par \pard\tx720\tx2020\tx2220\f0\fs18\par \pard\sa108\f1\fs20 We do not \i fight \i0 others, but now we \i fight for \i0 others, for we have been rescued from the Dark Kingdom into the Kingdom of Light, and we know who the real Enemy is. So, we keep an alert \i watch, \i0 confident in the hope of His return to restore all things in the new heavens and the new earth, in which rightness dwells. And we \i wrestle \i0 in prayer for all in authority, and for our friends and families\emdash for their eyes to be opened. And we \i stand \i0 against and resist evil, as \i armored warriors\i0 . In this way, the Lord of all the earth fights for us and for others, to bring His peace to our hearts and to our homes, to our people and to all peoples.\par For there is no other Name given among all humanity for our salvation. God now calls all persons to radically rethink how to live life on this planet. And He has established a standard for humane living: Jesus, the Man. And God has given proof that Jesus is the appointed One, by raising Him from the dead. (\cf3\ul Act_17:29-31\cf0\ulnone ) \par The risen Jesus is the Rock for us to build our lives on\emdash us, and all peoples. However, no longer does God, the Holy Spirit or Christ abide outside of mankind. The New Testament imagery is of "Christ in us, the hope of glory" Colossians 1:26 and Christ as the "Head" of the Body of Christ as represented on the next page. If you have not downloaded the large colored key yet, go to {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdLVALtf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \par \cf4\fs72 Universal Disciple Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh6495\trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrt\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrr\brdrw10\brdrs\clbrdrb\brdrw10\brdrs \cellx6493\pard\intbl\sa108\qc\cell\row\pard\sa108\qc\fs20\par \par \pard\sa108\sl900\slmult0\qc\cf2\b\fs60 Three Pillars Code\cf0\b0\par \pard\sa108\cf2\ul\fs48 Pillar I: Put Off & Put On\cf0\i\fs28\par \ulnone\fs24 Put off 5 vices\i0 \par \cf3\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone : sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/idolatry \par [sins which \i defile \i0 personally]\emdash \par then 5 more \cf3\ul Col_3:8\cf0\ulnone : anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language \par [sins which \i disrupt \i0 socially]) and \par \i Put on 5 virtues \par \cf3\ul\i0 Col_3:12\cf0\ulnone : compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. \par \cf2\ul\fs48 Pillar II: 5 dual sets\i \ulnone \cf0\fs20\par \pard\fi-360\li360\sa108\tx338\cf2\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1 Wife: submit\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Husband: love and give of yourself \par \f2 n\tab\f1 Child: obey\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Father: train\par \f2 n\tab\f1 Employee: work hard\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Employer: be fair\par \f2 n\tab\f0 I\f1 nsider: devoted prayer\par \f2\tab n\tab\f1 Outsider: wise speech\par \f2 n\tab\f1 Christian: be subject\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sa108\tx720\i0\f2 n\tab\i\f1 Authority: praise good & punish evil.\par \pard\sa108\par \ul\i0\fs48 Pillar III\ulnone\fs20\par \cf0\i\fs24 Watch and Pray\i0 : as a wrestler (\cf3\ul Eph_6:12\cf0\ulnone ) for our struggle is against \i the rulers, the authorities. The powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.\i0\tab\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx169\i Stand and Resist\i0 : as a warrior (\cf3\ul Eph_6:13\cf0\ulnone ) and put on the whole armor of God:\par \pard\sa108LVAL\cf2\i 1. Belt of truth\par 2. Breastplate\par 3. Feet of Readiness\par 4. Shield of faith \par 5. Helmet of salvation\par 6. Sword of Spirit\par 7. Prayer of the 4 alls\i0 \fs28 \fs20 \par \cf0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\qc\cf2\f0\fs72 Bibliography\par \cf5\f1\fs16\par \pard\fi-720\li720\b\fs24 Carrington, P. 1940. \cf2 The Primitive Christian Catechism\cf5 . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.\cf0\par \par Daube, D., and E. G. Selwyn. 1947. \cf2 The First Epistle of St. Peter\cf0 . London: Macmillan & Company. \par \par Davies, W. D. 1967. \cf2\ldblquote The Old and the New Man: II. Paul as Teacher of the Individual.\rdblquote\cf0 In Paul and Rabbinic Judaism: Some Rabbinic Elements in Pauline Theology, 111-46. New York: Harper Torchbooks.\par \par Elliott, J. H. 1990. \cf2 A Home for the Homeless: A Social-Scientific Criticism of I Peter, Its Situation and Strategy. \cf0 Minneapolis: Fortress Press. \par \par Rosner, Brian S., editor. 1995. \cf2 Understanding Paul\rquote s Ethics: Twentieth-Century Approaches. \cf0 Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing.\par \par \pard\sa108\cf5 Wolf, Thom 2004. \cf2 LifeCode: God\rquote s Pattern for EarthLiving.\cf5 San Franciso: University Institute. (forthcoming)\par \par \pard\cf0\b0\f0\par \cf5\f4\fs23\par } LVAL#b v{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fscript\fprq2\fcharset0 Papyrus;}{\f2\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 Myriad Roman;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green255\blue255;\red169\green73\blue7;\red0\green128\blue0;\red1\green96\blue119;\red0\green0\blue0;\red138\green52\blue14;\red0\green0\blue255;\red192\green73\blue20;\red201\green73\blue15;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh1350\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat8\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx6845\pard\intbl\qr\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs80 Universal Disciple\fs24\cell\row\trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trrh402\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw60 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw60 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat8\clbrdrr\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8\clbrdrb\brdrw60\brdrs\brdrcf8 \cellx6845\pard\intbl\qr The Book of Colossians 1-4\cell\row\pard\sa108\qc\cf0\fs28 The foremost question for the global conversation is...\par \pard\qc "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par \par \pard\sa108\qj\fs20 According to Thom Wolf, there are four major religions that dominate the 21st century. He believes that the Judeo Christian has the best historical response for the next generation and their question:\par "How can I best live life on planet earth?"\par Almost a century ago, Roland Alan stirred the 20th century by reminding us of the "spontaneous expansion" of the early church. Now, entering the 21st century, with all the open doors to the gospel, we must re-evaluate just how the apostles were able to go into an area, preach the "good news," gather converts, nurture them and move on in such a way that they could later write back and with such confidence remind them of a core teaching that seemed to be pervasive and so commonly understood by all. \par \pard Even more perplexing is the fact that Paul and the church planting team were often only in city for a fewLVALw weeks, a few months, or at most a few years. How did they do it? How could they create such radiant persons and such responsible and reproductive leaders? That is the issue Thom Wolf will address in this study guide on the Book of Colossians.\par \par \pard\sa108\qj The Apostle Paul had a pattern or a standard that could be:\par \pard\li315\sa108\qj\tx518\cf2\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Received Personally\par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Remembered Easily\par \f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs20 Reproduced Strategically\cf0\par \pard\sa108\qj The standard referred to in \cf3\ul 2Ti_1:13\cf0\ulnone is\par \pard\li360\ri390\sa108\qc "Retain the standard (hupotuposis) of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh896\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4161\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\f2\fs24 n\tab\f1\fs36 Animism\par \pard\intbl\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\tx540\tx720\b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Judeo-Christian\par \pard\intbl\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Han\par \b0\i0\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i\f1\fs36 Hindu\cell\row\pard\li360\ri390\sa108\qc\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par \pard Colossians gives the \i pattern \i0 in a clear and most complete form. This is probably because Paul is writing forward, addressing principles, not backward, addressing problems. All Paul\rquote s epistles are basically arranged as belief and behavior, instruction and ethics, doctrine then duties, Christ\rquote s fullness then our following. But you can clearly see this belief/behavior structure, for example, in Colossians (1-2/3-4)\cf3\ul Col_1:1\cf0\ulnone , Ephesians (1-3/4-6) \cf3\ul Eph_1:1\cf0\ulnone and Romans (1-11/12-16) \cf3\ul Rom_1:1\cf0\ulnone . It can also be discerned in I Peter, James, and Hebrews\emdash a model used by all the apostolic leadership teams throughout the first generatioLVAL&xn church. Our study is on Colossians 1-4 supplemented by Ephesians and Romans.\par \par \pard\sa108\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 1\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Please read Colossians chapters 1-4 \cf3\ul Col_1:1\cf5\ulnone in its entirety. \cf0\par Who are the main characters in Colossians 1-4?\par \par Are they Jews or gentiles?\par \par In Colossians 1-2: \par \pard\li315\sa108 Why is Paul writing to the Colossians?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\li315\sa108 Has Paul ever met the Colossian believers?\par \par Who is responsible for establishing the Colossian Church?\par \pard\sa108\par What are the qualities of this Church described in \cf3\ul Col_1:3-8\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \par What are main things that Paul is praying for in \cf3\ul Col_1:9\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par Paul is praying in \cf3\ul Col_1:10-12\cf0\ulnone in order that the church will:\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 2\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 Read \cf3\ul Col_1:15-20\cf5\ulnone in the New International Version (NIV). Paul suddenly shifts his focus from the Colossian church to who Christ is. Why do you think Paul is shifting the dialogue? \cf0\par \pard\sa108\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 From \cf3\ul Col_1:15-16\cf0\ulnone in the NIV fill in the blanks below \par 1. Christ is the _____________of the invisible God.\par 2. Christ is the _____________over all creation.\par 3. For by Him _____________things were created.\par 4. Things _______________and on earth,\par 5. Visible and ____________, \par 6. Whether thrones or _________________,\par 7. Or rulers or ____________________, \par 8. ________things were created by Him and for Him.\par \par Do you believe what the above passages attribute to Christ? Why or why not?\par \par \par Lets go on to \cf3\ul Col_1:18-20\cf0\ulnone in the NIV.\par 1. And He is the _________of the body, the church;\par 2. He is the ________________and the_________LVALy__from among the dead,\par 3. So that in ___________________He might have the ______________.\par 4. Where did God's fullness dwell?\par 5. and through Him to ____________to himself ________things...\par 6. And Christ accomplished these feats? "...by making peace through His ________________, shed on the__ ________________.\par \par What should be your prayer today as you further refine your understanding of who Christ is and what he did for you? Ask someone else in the group to pray for you also.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 3\par \pard\sb108\cf4\b\f3\fs28\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa80\cf5\b0\f1\fs20 In \cf3\ul Col_1:21-23\cf0\ulnone\b\par \pard\sa108\b0\tab 1. What was the previous condition of the Colossians?\par \par \tab 2. And the Colossians have now become?\par \par \tab 3. How did Christ accomplish this radical change in behavior?\par \par \tab 4. Christ has brought the Colossians into God's presence in what \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab condition?\par \par \tab 5. Paul challenges them to do three things based upon this \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab relationship. What are they?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 In \cf3\ul Col_1:24-25\cf0\ulnone Paul indicates that he is suffering for a purpose. What is Paul's purpose?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108 Suddenly in \cf3\ul Col_1:26-27\cf0\ulnone , Paul begins to disclose the mystery or the message that God has kept secret for centuries. \par \par \tab Who is the mystery for?\par \pard\sa108\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tab What is the mystery? \par \pard\sa108\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 1\par Day 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf5\fs20 So what is the big deal about this great mystery, "Christ in you, the hope of glory?" \cf3\ul Col_1:26\cf5\ulnone (NIV) So the great mystery that God has kept secret from HIS people in Israel for centuries is that Christ can live in us but he can also live in the gentiles. Why does Paul see this mystery as being so important? \cf0\par \parLVALzd\sa108\par Which is more surprising to the Jews the fact that Christ can live in us or the reality that Christ can also be in the gentiles?\par \par Why is either surprising to the Jews?\par \par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203 When people talk about having a relationship with God, they can mean one of four things:\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and believes that God exists (Satan has this)\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a willingness to follow Christ's behavioral model\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a desire to be intimate or close to God\par \f0\fs24\bullet\tab\f1\fs20 Knowledge of God and a willingness to give up control of your life and let Christ live "in you" and through you.\par Paul, like all students of the Old Testament, knew that many men had a relationship with God that was external or at best intimate. But we do not have any evidence in the Old Testament of people having "God in Them." Moses and Abraham would be jealous of your relationship to Christ. They only saw God periodically but they never had the promise of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" and available 24/7.\par \par Go ask three friends who are Christians to describe their relationship to Christ and God? Depending upon their response also ask, "Does Christ actually or literally live in you?" Write out their response? \par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\sa108 How would you know that Christ lives in you from \cf3\ul Col_1:29\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \fs28 Model Building: The Rock\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Christ: \i0 Colossians 1 & 2 tells who Jesus is: the Image of the Invisible God, in whom all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form (\cf3 Col_2:9 & \ul Col_2:9\cf0\ulnone ). While this mystery was hidden for ages, now it is disclosed for the restoration of the nations. Thus, we labor to make this known among the nations, and present every person mature in the knowledge of Him (\cf3\ul Col_1:24-29\cf0\uLVAL{lnone ). \par In one way or another, you introduce people to \i who \i0 Jesus is: the Rock to build your life on, God\rquote s Foundation. (\cf3\ul Mat_28:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Co_10:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Eph_2:19-22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Pe_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone .)\par Paul, himself, demonstrates at least three different ways to present Christ in the 13th, 14th and 17th chapters of Acts. (\cf3\ul Act_13:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Act_14:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf3\ul Act_17:1\cf0\ulnone ). But all end in Jesus, the Risen One. You may choose chronological story-telling, the gospels, or the epistles, but introduce people to Jesus and His resurrection (\cf3\ul 1Co_15:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf2\fs36 Draw the First Element of the UD Key \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb60\sa108\qc\tx540\tx720\cf1\f2\fs24 n\tab\b\i n\tab\f1\fs36\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3816\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4446\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cell\row\pard\ri1440\sa108\qc\cf6\b0\i0\fs28\par \pard\cbpat1\sa108\cf0\fs20 Draw the first element of the Universal Disciple model on a separate piece of paper. You may want to download the PDF file that includes all the graphics at {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf7 www.universal-disciple.com/udkey.pdf}}}\f1\fs20 You must be connected to the internet.\par \par Describe your view of Christ as the "Rock?"\par \pard\sa108\par How does God's mystery apply to your life?\par \par \pard Let us know how we can pray for you?\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Day 1 & 2\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 In Colossians 1 (\cf3\ul Col_1:1)\cf0\ulnone Paul was making the case for Christ and His purpose to make reality the centuries long "mystery of God," Christ in us. Now Paul moves on in his letter to the Colossians to the concern that may have motivated LVAL|Paul to write the letter in the first place. Read chapter 2 (\cf3\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone )of Colossians and write out the specific concerns Paul might have had at this time.\par \par \pard\li360\sa108\cf3\ul Col_2:4\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:8\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:16\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:18-19\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:20-23\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\par After reading each of these specific concerns, can you identify and summarize Paul's general concern for both the Colossians and for you today?\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Day 3 & 4\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf0\fs20 After sharing his concerns, Paul gives us in chapter 2 (\cf3\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone ) some general guidelines for avoiding the problems that the Colossians may have experienced. Please summarize a principle or promise from each verse below.\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:2-3\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:9-10\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:11-12\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:13-15\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf3\ul Col_2:16-17\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\sa108\tx203\par \pard\fi-180\li180\sa108\tx203\cf3\ul Col_2:20-23\cf0\ulnone\par \par \pard Are you willing to pray the prayer on the left? Talk to another person about praying for you as well.\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 2\par \pard\qr Model Building: Offer Your Life\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Conversion: \i0 Colossians 1, 2, and 3.1-4 talk about the personal consequences of receiving the Word or "Christ in us..." (\cf3\ul Col_1:26\cf0\ulnone ), of following Jesus. Transferred from darkness to light, we are to see that no one takes a follower captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Instead, each one is to fully follow Jesus, setting their heart on things above where Christ is (\cf3\ul Col_1:13-14\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\uLVAL }l Col_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Col_3:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par Through whatever process and time, the person must come to personal commitment, surrender their life to Jesus as Lord and God, and follow Him (\cf3\ul Joh_20:26-31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Act_8:26-40\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_10:8-15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone ). \par God gives new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because you are a new creation in Jesus, you have an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade, you are to be different in all you do, because the Living God is different (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:1-21\cf0\ulnone ). Therefore, Peter lays \i 5 foundation stones \i0 that purify the new believer who has returned to Heaven\rquote s shepherd and life-supervisor (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-2.25\cf0\ulnone ): \par \pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\tx270\cf2\i 1\tab Word \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-23\cf2\ulnone ), \par 2\tab\i Spiritual sacrifices \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:4-8\cf2\ulnone , with \cf3\ul Heb_13:15-21\cf2\ulnone ), \par 3\tab\i Fellowship\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-12\cf2\ulnone ), \par 4\tab\i Witness\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-10\cf2\ulnone ), and\par 5\tab\i Suffering\i0 , with Jesus as our example (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:13-25\cf2\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\qc\tx270\fs36 Draw the First & Second Stage \par of the UD Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh3497\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4893\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\b\i\cell\row\pard\fi-270\li270\sa108\tx270\cf0\b0\i0\fs20\par Read and analyze I Peter 1:1-21. Do you agree that these are the five foundation stones and life purifiers that God has given you? Write a few words about how each may have changed your life?\par \par \cf6\i 1\tab Word \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22-23\cf6\ulnone ), \par \par 2\tab\i Spiritual sacrifices \i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:4-8\cf6\ulnone , with \cf3\ul Heb_13:15-21\cf6\LVAL~ulnone ), \par \par 3\tab\i Fellowship\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-12\cf6\ulnone ), \par \par 4\tab\i Witness\i0 (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:9-10\cf6\ulnone ), and \par \par \pard\fi-360\li360\sa108\tx0\tx270\i 5\tab Suffering\i0 , with Jesus as our example (\cf3\ul 1Pe_2:13-25\cf6\ulnone ).\par \pard\sa108\tx0\tx270\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par \pard\qr Day 1\par \pard\sa108\cf0\fs20 Excited about how far the Colossians have come in their faith and life, Paul now presents them in Colossians chapter 3 with a behavioral standard based upon the assumption that Christ lives in them and is prepared to empower them to live a new life. The first pillar of the "Temple" is taken from Colossians 3:1-17 and relates to our "walk."\par \par Put off or put to death:\par \cf3\ul Col_3:5\cf0\ulnone\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf3\ul Col_3:8\cf0\ulnone\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par _____________________________\tab\tab ____________________________\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par Colossians 3:\par 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (NIV)\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Day 2\par \pard\sa1LVAL08\cf0\fs20 The last set of passages should have had a sobering influence. However, these passages are followed immediately by \cf3\ul Col_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone . Read them and list the qualities that all people with Christ in them should manifest. \par \par Put on:\par \par \cf3\ul Col_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par _____________________________\par \par Paul concludes in \cf3\ul Col_3:13-14\cf0\ulnone that all believers who have "taken off their old self and put on the new self" will manifest two overarching qualities that will produce unity:\par \par 1.\par \par 2.\par \par Colossians 3:13-14\par 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)\par \par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\fs36 Lesson # 3\par Model Building: Walk Worthy\par \pard\sa108\cf0\i\fs20 Personally, \i0 the new believer must begin to \i walk worthy \i0 of Christ. To do this, she must \i put off \i0 the old style of living\emdash old vices, and \i put on \i0 the new life in Christ\emdash new virtues. \par \i Walk worthy \i0 is the trigger term for column one, alerting you to the first instructions-set of the \i pattern\i0 . \cf3\ul Col_3:5-14\cf0\ulnone urges the true follower of Jesus to:\par \ul\i put off 5 vices\i0 \ulnone\par 3.5: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/idolatry [sins which \i defile \i0 personally]\emdash \par then 5 more 3.8: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language [sins which \i disrupt \i0 socially]) and \par \ul\i then put on 5 virtues \ulnone\par \i0 3.12: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. \par In Christ, the \i paleo anthropos \i0 with its practices was taken off. The \i neo anthropos \i0 was put on, and is now being renewed in the imaLVALge of its Creator. The \i image of God \i0 is in every person of every nation throughout all time. Thus, this process of restoration transcends all barriers, all cultures, all times. \i Here, \i0 there is no Greek or Jew, slave or free, barbarian or Scythian. Christ is all, and in all (\cf3\ul Col_3:9-11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \pard\ri2340\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\tab Draw the Walking Worthy Pillars \par \tab on the UD Key\par \trowd\trgaph108\trleft-108\trqc\trrh2800\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw75 \trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clcbpat9\clbrdrr\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6\clbrdrb\brdrw90\brdrs\brdrcf6 \cellx4355\pard\intbl\li360\sb60\sa108\tx540\cf1\fs36\cell\row\pard\ri1440\sa108\qc\cf6\fs28\par \cf0\i\fs22 Fill in the entire model including the first pillar.\par \fs36\par \pard\sa108\qr\cf2\i0 Lesson # 4\par Day 1\par \pard\sa108\sl400\slmult0\cf0\fs28\par \pard\sa108\i\fs20 Socially, \i0 there is a positive response or a negative reaction to the life changes of the new believer (see \cf3\ul 1Pe_4:1-5\cf0\ulnone ): some are attracted, some are repelled. Either way, the personal life transformation (from the \i putting off/putting on\i0 ) impacts the convert\rquote s circle of influence (the \i oikos/\rquote\i0 household\rquote composed of family, neighbors, coworkers, and friends).\par The trigger terms that alert you to this second column of experiences is \i Word \i0 and \i Spirit\i0 : the \i indwelling\i0 \i Word \i0 and the \i filling Spirit \i0 (\cf3\ul Col_3:15-16\cf0\ulnone & \cf3\ul Eph_5:15-18\cf0\ulnone ). The core decision here is\i \ldblquote let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly\rdblquote \i0 (Col 3.16) and\i \ldblquote be filled with the Spirit\rdblquote \i0 (\cf3\ul Eph_5:18\cf0\ulnone )\par What are the four mind sets or attitudes that should be the driving force of our lives fr