Disciple Service August 12, 2001

355 days ago I made a commitment--Becoming a Disciple through Bible Study. I joined twelve members of our congregation along with Rev. Dan in reading the Bible every day for about an hour plus meeting two and one-half hours a week for thirty-four weeks. We took on the challenge of studying the Bible within our small group. This course would cover most of the Bible, allow us to develop new and special relationships with everyone taking the class, and invoke in-depth thought and deep discussions before we were through.

I want to share my experience of Disciples Class with you this morning. When I first started I thought that I would learn more about the Bible and try to answer some of the questions I had about my own spirituality. Well, that's what I thought. I came to the realization that God had other plans. The more glimpses of answers only brought on more difficult questions. The more I learned about the word of God the more responsibility He expects out of me towards His word.

I had always been comfortable with my religion. The only thing wrong with my comfort level was, I was making the rules, setting the boundaries, and dictating the terms of my spirituality. The reason that I was so comfortable with my religion was I had the control. Our human nature is to be in control as much as possible in our lives. If you remember earlier I stated God had other plans. He had them for the class and He had them for me. I discovered Disciples place themselves under the power and authority of Scripture. I found myself giving control over to God slowly at first because I was uneasy about having a part of my life not under my control. The more we studied and progressed the releasing of control became more natural and I didn't have to think about, it just started to happened. I found myself opening my heart and letting God take control. Well that was when the hard work really began. The more knowledge we acquire from the Bible also requires increased involvement on our behalf to live out what we learn. Disciples respond to God's call to enter the covenant community of faith and express commitment to that covenant through our prayers, our presents, our gifts and our service. God was going to be expecting a lot more out of me. I mentioned the word comfort earlier. Comfort is a funny thing; we all like to be comfortable. It comes in many forms and fashions. I enjoy a nice big overstuffed comfortable chair, no better yet a recliner that you can just stretch out, now that's comfortable. Well, standing up here today in front of all of you is not the most comfortable thing that I have ever done. I don't speak in public naturally; this is definitely outside my comfort zone. But I told myself before coming in here today that God will direct me, and the Holy Spirit will flow. This is where commitment comes into the equation. A disciple's commitment starts to grow when they turn over control to God and step outside their comfort zone.

Being a part of the Disciples class helped me to recognize talents and gifts that I have to offer. Disciples experience life in Jesus Christ and use their gifts in ministry to others.

And so I stand before you now to encourage you to become a Disciple through Bible Study. Don't let the overwhelming amount reading and the 34 commitment keep you from signing up. The rewards more than out weigh the time spent. Will you ever wait until the last minute and read the whole lesson the night before? Maybe. On the last day of class, will you think 34 weeks wasn't long enough and wonder what you will do next? Probably. Will you experience the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Definitely! Will you take on the challenge and make the commitment to participate in the next Disciple through Bible Study class? Only you can answer that question.