Cross Training

Discipleship Development Series

fully trained by the master teacher

 
““If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.””
— Luke 9:23

This yearlong study focus on developing as Christ's disciples, imitating Christ. What is a disciple? Jesus said, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40). As we train to be like Christ, we take up our crosses each day and follow him (Luke 9:23), aspiring to continually say, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).

We'll kick off our studies, talking about the four Discipleship Dimensions in detail in the first four weeks. And then, for the rest of the year, we'll work on twelve Marks of the Master, spending four weeks exploring foundational elements of each one. These Marks include Faith, Dedication, Servanthood, Joy, Reverence, Mercy, Integrity, Watchfulness, Fruitfulness, Endurance, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning.

Each week, we'll tackle a different area for spiritual growth, taking our cues from Jesus. We invite you to commit to taking on the five Through the Week Challenges with each lesson, as we try to maximize our progress. These challenges follow a formula designed to address our mind, heart, behavior, and relationships.

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Discipleship Dimensions

How the Lord shapes our lives

  • Truth — The Lord's teachings shape our thinking.
  • Heart — The Lord's values shape our affections.
  • Action — The Lord's actions shape our behavior.
  • Community — Our connection to the Lord shapes all our relationships.

Faith

Shaped by the Lord's reality

  • Belief — See With the Eyes of Faith
  • Trust — Trust in God Completely
  • Loyalty — Stand Firmly With the Lord
  • Sharing — Care Enough to Share Your Faith

Dedication

Shaped by the Lord's commitment

  • Counting the Cost — Consider the Cost of the Cross
  • Wholeheartedness — Give the Lord Your Entire Devotion
  • Establishing Priorities — Reclaim Your Time and Attention for the Lord
  • Availability — Offer Yourself to Serve Others

Servanthood

Shaped by the Lord's service

  • New Eyes — View Service Like Jesus Does
  • Humility — Lower Yourself Like Jesus Did
  • Sacrificial Love — Love Others As God Loves You
  • Showing Honor — Live With Respect for Everyone

Joy

Shaped by the Lord's gladness

  • Receiving the Gospel — Rejoice Always in Jesus’ Good News
  • Hope — Hope in the Lord and His Promises
  • Thanksgiving — Enjoy God’s Blessings Gratefully
  • Evangelism — Share the Good News Joyfully

Reverence

Shaped by the Lord's Majesty

  • Knowing God — Develop a Deeper Relationship with God
  • Fear of the Lord — Fear the Lord with Reverence and Joy
  • Worship — Bow Before the Almighty Creator
  • Holy Living — Set Yourself Apart for God’s Purpose

Mercy

Shaped by the Lord's favor

  • Receiving Grace — Receive God’s Amazing Grace
  • Forgiveness — Forgive Others As God Forgave You
  • Kindness — Love People Enough to Take Action
  • Patience — Be Patient in Difficult Moments

Integrity

Shaped by the Lord's direction

  • The Whole Truth — Embrace the Whole Counsel of God
  • Purity — Maintain Your Heart’s Purity
  • Character — Develop Character Through Trial
  • Courageous Speaking — Speak Up With Boldness

Watchfulness

Shaped by the Lord's Vigilence

  • Spiritual Awareness — See the Spiritual Forces at Work
  • Readiness — Be Ready to Stand Firm
  • Resisting the Devil — Push Back Against Satan’s Schemes
  • Wisdom — Develop Discernment and Skillful Living

Fruitfulness

Shaped by the Lord's Increase

  • Accountability — Accept Responsibility to Bear Fruit
  • Zeal — Fan the Flame of Your Faith
  • Diligence — Work Hard for the Lord
  • Stewardship — Manage God’s Blessings Well

Endurance

Shaped by the Lord's Steadfastness

  • Faithful Witnesses — Find Encouragement in the Stories of Faith
  • Strength in Suffering — Stand Strong in Times of Trial
  • Consistency — Live with Steadiness Before the Lord
  • Burden Bearing — Carry Life’s Heavy Load

Leadership

Shaped by the Lord's Guidance

  • Following Jesus — Get Behind Jesus on Life’s Road
  • Meekness — Stay Moldable as Christ’s Disciple
  • Shining Your Light — Let Christ Be Seen In You
  • Shepherding — Lead Like the Good Shepherd

Lifelong Learning

Shaped by the Lord's Calling

  • Discipleship — Keep Following and Learning Until the End
  • Hungering and Thirsting — Want God’s Goodness and Righteousness
  • Self-Examination — Look Inwardly to What God Sees
  • Seeking Wise Counsel — Listen Carefully to Wise Instruction