Beginning in Christ (Paperback)

Chapter One

The novel Across the Nightingale Floor is a classic hero tale set in an imagined ancient Japan. Cut off by tragedy from his childhood world, Takeo sets out to forge a new life as the adopted son of Lord Shigeru. Shigeru is nothing like the villagers among whom Takeo was raised, but the teenager quickly decides he wants to be just like Shigeru when he becomes a man. It's not just that Shigeru has saved his life. Shigeru also has qualities that Takeo wants: wisdom, patience, kindness, and the skills and honor of a warrior. Takeo commits his life to emulating his adopted father/master and fulfilling Shigeru's goals.

Like Takeo, we were born to bring about significant good in the world. But who can save our lives and then show us how to live them? Jesus can. In this study, you'll meet Jesus as his first followers met him. Whether you have been committed to him for years or are checking him out for the first time, this is your chance to look at him with fresh eyes. Who is he really, and does he embody the qualities of a hero worth following?

CONNECTING WITH GOD'S FAMILY 20 min.

Just as we have all had first impressions of Jesus, so we all have first impressions of each other. Sharing pieces of our stories helps us know each other better, just as the stories about Jesus give us a clearer picture of him. In this study, you're going to connect with Christ and each other at a deeper level. To get the most out of this experience, it's worth taking some time to learn more about one another.

1. Respond to both of the following:

Who was one of your childhood heroes? How was that person heroic to you?

What do you hope to get out of this study?

2. Whether your group is brand new or ongoing, it's always important to reflect on and review your values together. On pages 86-87 is a sample agreement with the values we've found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values-ones you haven't previously focused on or have room to grow in-to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

For new groups: You may want to focus on welcoming newcomers or on sharing group "ownership." Any group will quickly move from being "the leader's group" to "our group" if everyone shares a small role. See pages 89-91 for help on how to do this well.

For existing groups: We recommend that you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. We've come to realize that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member's ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30-44). Session 3 will explain how to set up a rotating schedule.

GROWING TO BE LIKE CHRIST 40 min.

When Simon, Andrew, James, and John first met Jesus, they were already looking for something more in their lives than just fishing (John 1:35-42). They were looking for the Messiah, a King who would free God's people from oppression and usher in God's kingdom of justice. They thought Jesus might be the one. At their first meeting, they addressed him as "Rabbi" or "Teacher" (verse 38). In those days a rabbi wasn't just an academic lecturer, and a student or "disciple" wasn't interested in mere information. A rabbi taught truth to base one's life on. Jesus wasn't someone who made his disciples think, "I want to know what he knows," but someone who made them think, "I want to be like him."

3. Have someone read aloud Mark 1:14-20. If this were all the information you had, what would you say motivated the four fishermen to leave their jobs and follow Jesus?

4. In verse 15, Jesus summarizes his entire teaching. If we deeply understand this verse, we understand the essence of his message.

Read the study note on "the kingdom of God." How would you explain verse 15 in your own words?

5. "Repent" is a scary word for many people today. After all, it asks us to think and act differently. Why is repentance necessary if we want to experience God's kingdom? (You may want to refer to the study note on "repentance.")

6. Read Mark 1:21-39. Here Mark shows a broad picture of Jesus' early ministry. What are the various things he did?

How did people respond?

7. What was the connection between Jesus' actions and his message?

8. Jesus' "authority" amazed people (verses 22, 27). What is authority?

9. Jesus gives us the same invitation he gave his first disciples: Repent. Believe the good news. Follow me. How is this different from merely believing a set of facts about Jesus and about how we get to heaven?

10. If Jesus has authority-to summon followers, to teach how to live a good life, to heal, to free people from evil spirits-what authority do you think he wants you to give him in your life today?

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Luke 5:1-11 presents an expanded version of the day when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John. John 1:35-42 presents Simon and Andrew's first encounter with Jesus, which took place days or weeks earlier. What do these add to your picture of Jesus? What qualities or actions attracted these men to Jesus?

Mark 4:1-34 records some of Jesus' teaching. What do you learn about the kingdom from these stories?

Isaiah 50:4-11 is an Old Testament portrait of a true disciple. Jesus lived this way. What features of this portrait seem most significant to you?

DEVELOPING YOUR GIFTS TO SERVE OTHERS 20 min.

11. Experiencing Christ Together is an opportunity to do what Jesus' first disciples did: follow him around and learn to pattern your life after his. You'll make this a priority to the degree that you're convinced that he has "authority" (Mark 1:27)-that he really is the expert on living a healthy, balanced life.

Jesus had five basic life purposes he wanted his followers to pursue. One is what we call discipleship or "Growing to Be Like Christ." That is, living as a disciple of Christ the Teacher. Are you ready to let Jesus be your personal trainer in how to live? If so, which of the following growth steps are you willing to take on for the next six weeks?

(Continues...)