The importance of the Bible in a disciple's life cannot be overemphasized. The Bible is indispensable for the believer's spiritual health and growth. Christians who neglect the Bible simply do not mature and cannot be used of God as he desires. Jesus clearly taught the importance of the Bible in Matthew 4:4 where he makes the assertion that we cannot merely live on physical bread, but we've got to be nourished on spiritual bread if we are going to endure the troubles and trials of this life. There cannot be a real understanding of the Word of God without first d

If we are to be good disciples of Jesus Christ we must also understand God's place for giving. Many people today are satisfied to send their money to television evangelists or radio broadcasts, however, Nehemiah 10:38-39 clearly tells us that our tithes belong in the house of our God. It is clear that the tithes and offerings were to be given directly to the house of God. The local church corresponds to the temple or the house of God. It is the divinely appointed place where the tithes are to be brought collectively and then distributed. The tithe goes to the local church, not a television preacher or other special religious projects. Those special religious projects not sponsored by the local church should be supported by offerings over and above the tithe.

Sooner or later every disciple of Jesus Christ discovers that the Christian life is not a playground but a battleground and that we face a very real enemy who is unbelievably deceitful and powerful. Therefore, in Ephesians 6:11-17 Paul uses military terms to illustrate the appropriate uniform for a believer to have an overcoming life. In Ephesians 6:11 we are told to put on the whole armor of God that we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The idea is that Satan is lying in wait to lead us into temptation through lust, pride, or greed. We should also take notice that the Bible uses the word wrestle to describe our conflict with Satan. It is not impersonal-there is face to fact contact and Satan is very organized in his attacks. There are seven pieces of armor that the believer ought to put on in order to have an overcoming life.

Since the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has indwelt every believer. The Holy Spirit has many ministries, but one of the most exciting is to lead and guide disciples. Galatians 5:16-18 implores us to walk by the Spirit, which will keep us from fulfilling the lust of the flesh. If we walk in the Spirit, letting God control our lives daily, we can expect the Holy Spirit to reveal God's will to us. It is difficult to describe exactly how the Holy Spirit speaks to us and leads us, but nonetheless He does.

Without a doubt, prayer is a very critical point in our journey into discipleship. Quite often when disciples believe they have a basic knowledge of fundamental Christian doctrines, they become overconfident, self-satisfied, and thus suffer from doctrinal egotism. As a result, they do not recognize the need for the basics of the Christian life, such as regular prayer and Bible study for spiritual well being and not just for theological or doctrinal study. However, Philippians 4:6 admonishes us to "be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Regardless of how much believers know about the Bible or its doctrinal truths, they must pray if they are to grow and be of service to God. Moreover, Jesus tells us in Mark 11:17 that the temple of God was/is designed to be a house of prayer and if we are following Jesus' example we must begin to place a much heavier emphasis on the power of prayer.

The Word of God clearly states that Jesus came into this sinful world so that we might obtain and attain an abundant life. Every single disciple of Jesus Christ has been given the opportunity to live an abundant life. However, there are certain prerequisites that must be met prior to obtaining this abundant life.

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Approximate Pages = 28 (250 words per page double spaced)