Introduction
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
The “Becoming Series” is designed to help you grow in your understanding to the Word of God. I have tired to avoid “churchy” terms whenever possible. Jesus was The Great Communicator. So I try to take myself out of the picture and allow Him to speak directly to you. I pray that you will take to time to read each of the Scripture references. I want you to determine as best you can their meaning. If you are taking this series as part of a class or a small group; discuss you questions and concerns with the class or group leader. If not and you have questions, you may email me. The address is as follows;
This series is in four parts; Becoming A Christian, Becoming A Disciple, Becoming a Disciple Maker and General Baptist Doctrine. The series is designed to take a new convert and/or seekers from a basic understanding of Christian faith; to growing into a Christian that lives by faith; to becoming a disciple maker. The last section covers the tenants of General Baptist Doctrine.
It is important for you to complete each lesson prior to meeting with your class or small group. And, please don’t wait until the last minute to do so. You need to have time to “THINK” about the material. Too often in today’s society we are not encouraged to think; but instead are taught to absorb the ideas and attitudes.
You should also understand that learning is a never-ending opportunity to grow. I hope you find this opportunity to be a blessing.
Rev. Dale Hartlein
TEACHERS NOTES
Praise God for your commitment to use you gift of teaching for His glory! I love to teach. But, even more than that, I love to watch others grow as they discover God’s Word. I am sure you do too.
The “Becoming” series is designed to draw the lost to Christ and to encourage believers into a deeper relationship with our Lord. The series has four parts; Becoming a Christian, Becoming a Disciple, Becoming a Disciple Maker and General Baptist Doctrine. As a teacher it is important for you to encourage your students to continue in their study until they have completed the entire series.
Many lesson writers express what they think into their lesson plans. And, I will say, it is impossible not to do that to some degree. However, my goal is this series is to let the Scriptures speak to the student. So, I encourage you to adopt that attitude as you teach. You will notice right away there are tons of Scripture references and I strongly suggest that you take time to explore each and every one to them. Have the students complete the chapter and homework assignment prior to class-time. This works well in small groups.
Of course, your guidance will be necessary from time to time, but please allow the students plenty of time to express their views, question, and concerns. There is no rush to complete the material. It is much more important that the students are comfortable with each lesson than to rush to complete the material. Each lesson builds toward the next so to move on before the student is ready may be counterproductive.
Again, God bless you for your willingness to serve. I am sure the He will!
Rev. Dale Hartlein
TO THE PUPIL:
Welcome to this study! You may be a young Christian who wants to know more about the Bible and the way of life. If so, welcome! You may be a young church member who wants to know more about the Bible so you can fulfill your own responsibilities in the church. If so, welcome! And it may be that you are an older church member who wants to strengthen the ties that bind you with Christ and the church. If so, welcome! Or you may be that person who is curious about God and all that church stuff. If so, welcome! There is, I hope something for each of you here.
I am sure that someone will read this who is not a Christian. To those who do so, I pray you read earnestly and think prayerfully. You need Christ and the church; Christ and the church need you. Within these pages are many, many verses from God’s Word and these verses are for you too. Read them with an open mind and let them speak to you. Know that the Holy Spirit draws us all toward God but we must make the last step to God.
Read in faith and accept the way of hope they offer you. In all the world you will never find a better friend than Jesus of Nazareth. Follow the instructions you find here and accept Jesus Christ.
I pray that the Lord will bless you in this study and it will be something you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Rev. Dale Hartlein