Photo of Barry Sneed

Downstream

Thoughts on disciple making, life transformation, and environments of grace and trust. . . .
Executive Vice President of NavPress


10.19.2012

Disciples in Action Speak

Words are powerful. Words carry with them intention and emotion. They are expressions of the thoughts that we have in our head and the emotions that come from our heart. Words define who we are to others. They also define who others are to us. Words are important.
 
Our words are a reflection of our discipleship. As we mature in our faith, so should our words. As the Holy Spirit works in and through us, our words should speak the message of Christ. Our words should carry the character of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5. Most of all, our words should show that we truly love one another. After all, this is how the world will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35).
 
216216o.jpgDiscipleship is at the core of everything we do at NavPress. It is our hope that as believers we are equipped to walk through life with the people that are around us each day in a way that brings honor to God. The 2:7 series offers approaches for strengthening your own life in Christ and for helping others move closer to God. The series helped me better understand the significance of Bible study, Scripture memory, ways to meditate on Scripture, group interaction, journaling, explaining the Gospel, telling my salvation experience, and many other useful tools.
 
The resource is based on Colossians 2:7 (quoted here from the Message): “You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well-constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.” God used 2:7 in my life as a young adult in ways that are still bearing fruit.
 
As believers we have the responsibility to own our faith. We cannot wait any longer to begin living it out! The words we use will show what is most important to us. A mature faith results in spiritually mature thoughts and words.   My hope is that you will desire to both be a disciple and make disciples, and that you will begin doing so now!
 
Learn more about the 2:7 series by clicking here.
 
See you downstream…
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05.15.2012

School’s Out . . . Quit Studying the Subject and Start Living It!

Living in a dorm while playing baseball in college was an experience that lives in my memory with a lot of stories. One of those stories was life changing for me. One morning while still asleep a knock came at the door. When I finally realized I wasn't dreaming, I rolled out of that fabulous bed and answered the door. To my surprise, a Navigator was standing there. He introduced himself and told me that he wanted to disciple me. My first thought was, I must still be asleep! The next day he gave me something called 2:7. Little did I know that God would use this resource to profoundly impact my life!

The 2:7 series offers approaches for strengthening your own life in Christ and for helping others move closer to God. The series helped me better understand the significance of Bible study, Scripture memory, ways to meditate on Scripture, group interaction, journaling, explaining the Gospel, telling my salvation experience, and many other useful tools.

The resource is based on Colossians 2:7: “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” The Message puts it this way: “You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.” God used 2:7 in my life as a young adult in ways that are still bearing fruit.

New believer/New Member Follow-up
image009.jpgThe 2:7 series is being used significantly in hundreds of churches across the United States, assimilating new believers and new members into their local church. My friend Bill Roberson leads numerous groups of people through the series at Watermark Community Church in the greater Dallas area. He recently sent these photos and comments that I had to share with you.

2-7-closeup.jpgThis morning at Watermark Community Church, a young lady who just graduated from EquippedDisciple2 (2:7, book 2) came up to show me her new tattoo featuring the Bridge Illustration. It’s the real deal, not a temporary wash-off-able. Man, did she inspire me by her no turning back commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some people hand out tracts. Lauren has powered up to the next level – wow!

School’s out! Some people hand out tracts. Lauren is one! See you downstream . . ..

For more information and free downloadable leader’s guides to go along with the series, go to www.2-7series.org

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