Some "things" for this week...

• Something that one church has written which helps clarify the Bible’s distinction between deacons and elders. Worth reading!
• Something that made for a touching and appropriate parable.
• Something that is one of the coolest tools to assist in verse memorization – a verse card maker! Try it!
• Something that summarizes the essential truths of discipleship! These biblical axioms really ought to be at the heart of our disciple-making efforts at church. Don’t be surprised if you see these reappear in another venue. Foundational Tenets of Christian Discipleship (by Dennis Rogers): Listed below are some core foundations of biblical discipleship. Though not exhaustive, this list highlights what Scripture teaches about what it means to be a follower of Christ.

1. Christian discipleship is the ongoing transformation of an individual's becoming like Jesus in character and purpose as he grows in intimacy with Him (see Matt. 5:48; Eph. 4:13-15; Phil. 2:5).

2. Christian discipleship addresses every dimension of life. It is concerned not only with doing the right thing in every circumstance but also with doing the right thing for the right reason (see Phil. 1:27).

3. Christian discipleship is progressive in nature. When someone stops growing in intimacy with Christ, he ceases to be healthy in his discipleship (see John 15:4).

4. Christian discipleship is a work of grace. It is the Holy Spirit who transforms life, not someone who tries to be good. The term disciplined grace describes this process. While God transforms, a believer's spiritual practice creates the transforming environment in which the Holy Spirit works (see Phil. 2:13; 1 Tim. 4: 7-8).

5. Christian discipleship always manifests itself in ministry to others. Every Christian has been spiritually gifted for the purpose of service (see 1 Pet. 4:10).

6. Christian discipleship was intended by Christ to be reproductive. Those who follow Jesus' life and teaching will be prepared to eagerly share their faith experiences and to invest themselves in the spiritual nurture of others (see Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:2).

7. Christian discipleship is centered in the life of a local church, where the fellowship of other disciples encourages, teaches, and safeguards the believer's discipleship process (see Heb. 10:24-25).