Lesson 4: The Care of a New Disciple

Recap It is so important that as soon as a new disciple is added to the church, the eldership together with the membership surrounds the new Christian. Every new disciple should have one or more Christians to mentor him, go through a course of study to establish his faith and join a Care team. When the whole church gets into this ministry, there is a culture of a growing church, not just leaving it to the leadership. By the way, do you know who our last 5 new converts are and what have you done to mentor, encourage and help them grow in faith? Please add this into your Christian activity.

Introduction When a person has heard the gospel, considered carefully its implications he becomes a new disciple when he submits himself in baptism - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. This is a great transformation as stated in Ephesians 2:12 - That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Having moved from a godless lifestyle or superstition with false gods, to be filled with the life building word of God - John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Introduction The Bible tells us how the new disciples were cultivated in the early church right at the beginning. Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

1. Continue steadfastly in the Apostles' Doctrines A.1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. B. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. C. Matthew 22:29 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

2. Fellowship A.1 John 1:3 - That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. B.2 Corinthians 8:4 - Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. C.1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine

3. Breaking of Bread A.Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. B.Psalms 122:1 - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. C.1 Samuel 20:18 - Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine 2. Fellowship

4. Prayers A.Luke 11:1 - And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. B.Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. C. 1 Timothy 2:8 - I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1. Apostles’ Doctrine 2. Fellowship 3. Breaking of Bread

5. Generosity 1. Apostles’ Doctrine 2. Fellowship 3. Breaking of Bread 4. Prayers A.1 Corinthians 16:2 - Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. B. 2 Corinthians 8:2 - How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. C. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Discussion Questions 1. Which of the 5 activities of new disciples is most important? Explain. 2. What other activity/activities do you think is important in cultivating a new disciple? ><