Discipleship City Words

When attending a First Steps Discipleship Seminar you repeatedly hear the word "specificity". We must be specific in our prayers, in applying God's word, and in relating to new or renewed believers. First Steps attendees in the Texas Capitol City of Austin emerged with another "city" word … "authenticity".

An essential element of discipleship is "common temptations". This aspect establishes credibility and authenticity with the disciple. When we teach new believers about their new life in Christ, it is critical to establish the reality that trials, temptations and hardship are right around the corner. Satan does not like those who commit to love and follow Jesus. The reality is that he will hurl his same ole tired schemes in front of new believers. Those first few weeks can be very trying.

We can help new and renewed believers by specifically and authentically communicating that their new found life will not only be filled with love, joy, peace, patience and kindness; it will be accompanied by ups, downs, trials, tribulations and temptations. Authenticity is one key to establishing a firm foundation in Christ Jesus. A pretentious picture perfect portrayal of the new life is Christ is deceptive at best. Pretentiousness damages the testimony of the church, and sets up failure for new or renewed believers.

Austin is a city known for its skepticism of Christianity. Authenticity, realism, factual presentation of Christ and the Christian life are essential to winning the city. Northwest Fellowship (NWF) of Austin is not a pretentious congregation. Pastor Trey Kent is a man that has literally been delivered by the Word of God. His humility and Christ-centered life is reflected in the congregation he leads. Pastor Trey, the congregation, and even the facilities at NWF, reflect the authenticity found only in lives that have been truly transformed by Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Forty-five folks, mainly from NWF, attended the First Steps Discipleship Seminar on Saturday, June 13th at NWF in Austin. Two local pastors interested in First Steps One-On-One Discipleship were among the crowd. Twenty concerned parents also attended the Disciple Your Child Seminar. Children also see through the façade. They are perplexed by duplicity, and are more likely to relationally connect when we practice authenticity.

Specificity and Authenticity: Key Discipleship words for winning any city.

Limited Time Offer?

You’ve heard it a thousand times in those pesky commercials: "Offer only valid this weekend", "Limited time offer", "Offer only valid to the first 100 callers", etc… ad nauseam! Maybe, I just destroyed my own credibility. Maybe, some offers do have expiration dates. Maybe, some chances are not worth taking.

The chance not worth taking has to do with your child. If there is one offer you cannot miss out on, it is the chance to teach your child to know, love and follow Jesus. What on earth is more important? Is there any sale, any job, or any task that exceeds the God given responsibility of raising a Godly child?

The Jews call it bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah. These are the "his and her" versions of the age of accountability. It is that time frame in which children become accountable to God. It is a limited window of opportunity you have to teach and influence your child. Once they cross that threshold; once they become of age, the returns on your efforts begin to diminish. This is really a limited time opportunity, and you dare not fall asleep on the job.

"Hand Off" is the title for our Discipling Your Child Seminar this weekend. We’ll be holding the First Steps One-On-One Adult Discipleship Seminar, and “Hand-Off” the Discipling Your Child Seminar at NorthWest Fellowship in Austin this Weekend!

Don’t miss it! Check the schedule on-line and sign-up today! Limited time offer…

www.hismoralbanner.com/firststeps