How can Jerusalem (or my church) Affect "The Whole World"?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 21 to study Chapter 5 of Multiply by Francis Chan.  This chapter is on the 'Global Church', and it challenges small local perspectives of ministry.  In this chapter, Chan specifically references Isaiah 52, and that's where we're going to focus for a bit.

First read the chapter in Multiply a time or two, then read Isaiah 52 through several times.  Hopefully you will be struck with the dissimilarities right off.  On pages 80 and 81 of Multiply, Chan cites Paul's references to this chapter in two places in Romans.  So Paul has used this chapter to support his mission to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus.  Therefore Chan isn't the one responsible for the apparent dissimilarities.  That's what I want us to look at.  So read through Isaiah 52 again a few times.  Then finally with the questions below:

• To whom does the prophet Isaiah address this entry, at least to begin with?
• What is going to happen, what is Isaiah prophesying about?
• This event will fix a problem cited a few times in this chapter.  It's a problem suffered by God Himself.  What is it?
• One of the effects of this event is referred to in verse 15, which is the verse used by Paul (Romans 15:20-21).  Taken in its entirety, what does this verse mean (consider the context of the chapter)?  Is that what Paul means?
• Consider that this text of Isaiah forms part of the only Scripture available to the early church anywhere.  What overall meaning is Paul deriving from this chapter?  How close is that meaning to the one Isaiah had as he wrote?
• How does the event to which Isaiah refers fix the problem suffered by God?
• What will be the effect of this solution on Israel and on the 'nations'/'kingdoms'?
• How does this solution and the effects of it support Paul's use of the passage?

That should give you plenty to work through.  You may also gain an appreciation for the failures of Israel to think globally.  They were somewhat preoccupied with survival much of the time, but you will hopefully see that the mandate was always there.  If it was there for them then, it's there here for us today.

Discipling in Context

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 7 to study the fourth chapter of Multiply by Francis Chan.  This chapter is the first of the second section: Living As The Church.  The chapter focuses on the church as the context in which we disciple others.  While it notes that this isn't easy, Chan points to a passage of Scripture that describes how our Master intended for it to work; God's design for church-life in a sense.

In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul describes how the people of a church are supposed to interrelate and for what purpose.  We're going to spend most of our time in this passage, as it encapsulates well why and how we disciple others within the context of church.

Read the Ephesians 4:1-16 a few times.  Go back and read chapter 4 of Multiply again a few times.  Notice the points of connection with these verses, but also any disconnections.  The chapter uses other verses as well, but no other chunk this big.  Read the Ephesians passage again, critically this time.  Really pick it apart.  Jot down questions and observations.  As you read it a final time, use the questions below to see if any additional light can be shown (perhaps not after reading it for yourself so many times).

• Paul describes the 'manner' of walking (or living) that is worthy of our calling, but what do you think we are called to/from? (you may need to read more than these 16 verses, just saying)
• What does 'bearing with one another in love' mean to you?  See if you can find it worded differently in another translation.
• In verses 4 through 6 Paul lists a series of 'ones'.  What surprises or questions do you discover in the list?
• After the list of 'ones', what contrasting 'many' do you infer in the following verses?
• What differences are there to you in the list of church 'roles' listed in verse 11?
• The job-descriptions of these church positions are 'equipping' and 'building', but consider the goal Paul gives in stages.  Where in this progression of goals do you fit?  And where do you see these goals in our church?
• Right out of the gate, Paul says the purpose to the work of church leaders should result in 'unity of faith' (v. 13).  How do you think of this as the same or different from 'unity of the Spirit' in verse 3 (and consider all of verse three when you compare/contrast the two verses)?
• If the church leaders do their jobs, and if the people are unified in faith, knowledgeable about Jesus, and mature in Christ; what 'no longer' happens?  What would this look like in our church?
• The image of 'building' is used in verse 12 and verse 16.  What do you think connects these ideas (beyond the imagery of construction)?  How might this help you understand the work of church leaders?

There's lots more in this passage that we probably pull out, so feel free to jump in and mix it up; pulling out what you see.  Be sure to then go back and re-read the Multiply chapter.  This passage should illuminate some things in the chapter for you.

What If You're NOT the Pilot?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 24 to study Multiply, Chapter 2: The Command to Make Disciples.  Essentially, we're studying Matthew 28:18-20.  So, while this may be familiar to you, spend some more time with it this week (beyond the time you spend in the chapter of Multiply).

The chapter is broken down into sections where we look at this command in the context of church, our lifestyle, and roles within the church.  It ends with getting out there and doing it, looking for someone to disciple.

I want to stress to you again, this is not another discipleship program.  If you look at it as another program, you will miss the point completely.  The purpose to this study to provide a framework in which you will make disciples for the rest of your life.  The framework simply applies principles from Scripture to create boundaries and a perspective through which to approach your discipling activities covering the remainder of your time here on earth.

In order to help you with this 'framework' here's some thoughts on the Great Commission:

• The verb normally translated, 'go' is actually a passive participle.  It is normally translated as a command because it is possible for participles in Greek to 'borrow' their meaning from the various verbs around them.  But what if this one doesn't, and really is a passive participle referring to a verb describing transiting from one point to another?
• How can you be 'acted upon' and result be moving about from point A to B?
• 'Going' is often a euphemism for 'living your daily life' in Greek and Hebrew.  So what does that do to/for your understanding of the passive participle?
• The 'command' verb in these verses is 'disciple' (or 'make disciples').  If the previous participle forms the 'context' of this command, then what does that mean for your obedience to the command?
• In the carrying out of the command to disciple, are the active participles, baptizing and teaching.  How do these elements help inform your understanding of what goes into obeying the command?
• Why do you think Jesus 'brackets' this command with His authority and then with His constant presence with His disciples?

Sorry, I just couldn't get away from poking around in Bible even though we're reading study material.  It's what I do, just indulge me a bit.  But also read this chapter, probably several times, and be sure to answer the questions.  Really think them through.  Some of them we will not share answers, but some we will (or I will at least ask).

It may also be helpful to read ahead.  You won't ruin any surprises if you do.