PART I

BASIC STUDIES FOR MAKING DISCIPLES: By Kip McKean

*If you don't have a bible with you, you can look up these scriptures at this site.

Introduction
Discipleship
The Word of God
The Coming of the Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

The First Principles studies are taught around the world addressing the challenges to faith and doctrine in each culture. Kip McKean prepared this study series in 1979 with two purposes in mind: (1) to bring non-believers into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and (2) to provide a basis for the new Christian to fulfill the Great Commission by "making disciples."

Through the years the series has been fine-tuned to meet specific needs. These twelve lessons prepare a person to make their own decision of total commitment to Christ and his Kingdom and celebrate the results.

DISCIPLESHIP

I. Matthew 28:18-20

A. What does Jesus want everybody to become?
B. Which is the more popular term-disciple or Christian?
C. "Christian" The word "Christian" only appears three times in the New Testament. Acts 11:19-26 - It was the name those in the world gave the disciples seven years after the church began.
D. The word "Disciple" occurs over 270 times in the New Testament. Jesus defines the term disciple throughout his ministry.
E. Jesus came to make disciples. Only disciples will be saved.

II. Mark 1:14-18

A. Calling of the first disciples
B. Come follow me (Christ).
C. ...make you fishers of men-Jesus gave these first disciples the real purpose for living.
D. Immediately

III. Luke 9:23-26

A.  If any man...
B. Deny self. Notice Christ in the garden (Matthew 26:36-39, "Not my will, but your will.") Don't give in to moods.
C. Carry the cross-daily.
D. Gain world ... forfeit soul. Lose your life for Jesus ... save it.

IV. Luke 14:25-33

A. If any man...
B. Count the cost (v. 28-30).
C. Consider the alternatives (v. 31-32).
D. Love Christ more than any person (v. 26).
E. Persecutions (v. 27)
F. Everything, not just anything (v. 33)

V. Luke 11:1-4

A. Must learn to pray-disciples saw the strength Jesus received from the Father.
B. Daily personal relationship with God (v. 3).

VI. John 13:34-35

A. Love one another.
B. Be an active part of the fellowship.

VII. Matthew 28:18-20

A. Command-make disciples (given to all).
B. Who is a candidate for baptism? Disciples.
C. You need someone to disciple you to maturity in Christ.
D. This is the only way to save the world:

Conclusion Questions:

A. Am I a disciple?
B. Am I a Christian?
C. Am I saved?
D. What do I need to do to become a disciple?

THE WORD OF GOD

• I. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • A. All Scripture is inspired by God.
    B. It is to be applied to our lives.
    

  II. Hebrews 4:12-13

  • A. The Word is relevant.
    B. The Word cuts (hurts)-compare it to a scalpel.
    C. It is good to be cut because it cuts the "cancer" (sin) out.
    

  III. 2 Peter 1: 20-21

  • A. There is no private interpretation of the Bible.
    B. The Holy Spirit inspired the men who wrote the books of the Bible.
    

  IV. John 8:31-32

  • A. Intellectual belief is not enough-nor can we go by our feelings.
    B. Everyone must hold on to and follow the teachings of Jesus to be a true disciple.
    C. Sincerity does not equal truth.
    D. Religious people can be wrong.
    

  V. Matthew 15:1-9

  • A. Do not go by traditions or creeds.
    B. Worship by traditions (which supersede the Word of God) is worship in vain.
    

  VI. 1 Timothy 4:16

  • A. Watch you life and doctrine closely-they are inseparable.
    B. Which is more important, life or doctrine? Neither-an airplane with only one wing cannot fly.
    C. Why is it so important to learn and to teach and to live the right doctrine? To save yourself and those who hear you.
    

  VII. Acts 17:10-12

  • A. Must check what religious leaders say.
    B. Your challenge: Read and study the Bible every day!
    

  VIII. John 12:48

  • A. Why study the Bible? The Word will judge us.
    B. Decision: Will I live by the Bible or my feelings, traditions, needs, etc.?

THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM

• *Importance of this study:

  A. Produce faith in the continuity of the Word.
  B. Kingdom is the church-importance of the church in the eternal plan of God.
  

  I. OLD TESTAMENT PREDICTIONS OF THE KINGDOM
  (The height of Israel's glory was under the kingship of David approximately 1000 B.C.)

  • A. Isaiah 2:1-4 (750 B.C.)
    B. Last days
    C. All nations
    D. Jerusalem
    E. Daniel 2:44, 7:18 (550 B.C.)
    F. Endure forever
    G. Possess forever
    

  II. NEW TESTAMENT PREDICTIONS OF THE KINGDOM

  • A. John the Baptist (25 A.D.)
    • 1) Kingdom is near (Matthew 3:1-6)

    B.Jesus (30 A.D.)

    • 1) Kingdom is near (Matthew 4:17)
      2) Kingdom will come in the lifetime of some of the disciples (Mark 9:1)
      3) Kingdom will come with power (Mark 9:1)
      4) Kingdom entered by new birth (John 3:1-7)
      5) Kingdom is within you (Luke 17:20-21)
      6) Peter has the keys (Matthew 16:13-19). Church and the Kingdom are the same and will be built on the truth that Jesus is the Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
      7) Joseph of Arimathea was still waiting for the Kingdom when Jesus died (Luke 23:50-51).
      8) Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached first in Jerusalem to all nations (Luke 24:44-49).
      

III. FULFILLMENT OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT PREDICTIONS   *Acts 1 & 2

A. Last days (Acts 2:17)
          *Isaiah 2:2

B. All nations (Acts 2:5)
         *Isaiah 2:2
         *Luke 24:47

C. Jerusalem (Acts 2:5)
        *Isaiah 2:3
        *Luke 24:44-49

D. Eternal kingdom (Acts 2:37-42)
        *Daniel 2:44, 7:18

E. Date of coming approximately 33 A.D. (Acts 1-2)
       *Old testament prophecy
       *John the Baptist ­"is near" (Matthew 3:1-2)
       *Jesus-"is near" (Matthew 4:17)

F. Lifetime (Acts 2:14)
       *Mark 9:1
       *"Some"-Judas died (Acts 1:18-19)

G. Power (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4)
       *Mark 9:1

H. New birth (Acts 2:38)
       *Water and Spirit (John 3:1-7)

I. Kingdom is within you (Acts 2:37)
       *Luke 17:20-21

J. Peter with the keys (Acts 2:14, 38)
       *Matthew 16:19

K.Repentance and forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38)
       *Luke 24:44-49

IV. CONCLUSION

A. The church is the kingdom of God on earth established in approximately 33 A.D.
B. Acts 2:42 As citizens of the kingdom and members of the body (the church), we must be devoted to:

1) Doctrine
2) Fellowship
3) Breaking Bread
4) Prayer

C. Matthew 6:33 We must seek his kingdom first.
*MUST commit to at least Sunday services and Midweek services. (also read Matthew 6:1-34).

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