experiencing god - shadow mountain community church - …€¦ · appendix of experiencing god...

EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio

© 2014b Equip Biblical Institute 1 [email protected]

Experiencing God

How to know and do the will of God

Name Date Course Grade

Session 1: God’s Will and Your Life .............................................................................................................. 2 Session 2: Looking to God ............................................................................................................................ 5 Session 3: God Pursues a Love Relationship............................................................................................... 8 Session 4: Love and God’s Initiation ........................................................................................................... 11 Session 5: God Speaks through the Bible and Prayer ............................................................................... 14 Session 6: God Speaks through Circumstances and the Church............................................................... 17 Session 7: The Crisis of Belief .................................................................................................................... 20 Session 8: Adjusting Your Life to God ........................................................................................................ 23 Session 9: Experiencing God through Obedience ...................................................................................... 26 Session 10: God’s Will and the Church ...................................................................................................... 29 Session 11: Kingdom People ...................................................................................................................... 32 Session 12: Continuing Fellowship with God .............................................................................................. 35 Session 13: Student Presentations and Term Papers ................................................................................ 38 Session 14: Study Guide for the Final Exam .............................................................................................. 39 Course Description

This course focuses on how to teach the realities of experiencing God and the spiritual disciplines needed by disciple-makers. Topics include spiritual disciplines, personality, spiritual warfare, and discipleship. Students will participate in Bible study, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, solitude, and journaling. Students will create visual projects and applications for making disciples.

Required Textbooks

1. Jeremiah Study Bible. Annotated by Dr. David Jeremiah. Worthy Publishing,

2013. CBD 9781936034895

2. Dr. Henry T. Blackaby. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of

God Member Book. Nashville, TN: LifeWay, 2008. CBD 9781415858387

3. Dr. Donald S. Whitney. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado

Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014. CBD 9781615216178

4. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Edited by Charles Draper. Nashville,

TN: Holman Reference, 2003. CBD 9780805428360

Additional Books for Pastors, Leaders, and Advanced Students

5. Dr. Richard Blackaby. Experiencing God Day-by-Day Devotional and Journal. Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2006. CBD 9780805462982

6. Experiencing God DVD. B00BYIKNQS

Internet Resources

www.4truth.net - www.gotquestions.org

www.helpmewithbiblestudy.org/index.aspx

www.jeremiahstudybible.com

Professors – Click here to receive the Notes for students by email. The intent of this course is to equip you with the Word of God, to

strengthen your character and integrity, and to develop your relational and servant-leadership skills for the glory of God.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.christianbook.com/nkjv-jeremiah-study-bible-hardcover/9781936034895/pd/034895?product_redirect=1&Ntt=034895&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.amazon.com/The-Jeremiah-Study-Bible-Means/dp/1936034891/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408929216&sr=8-1&keywords=9781936034895

http://www.christianbook.com/experiencing-workbook-knowing-doing-member-updated/henry-blackaby/9781415858387/pd/858387?event=ESRCG

http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-member-book-p005084536

http://www.christianbook.com/spiritual-disciplines-christian-updated-anniversary-edition/donald-whitney/9781615216178/pd/216178?event=ESRCG

http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Christian-Donald-Whitney/dp/1615216170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411147561&sr=8-1&keywords=9781615216178

http://www.christianbook.com/holman-illustrated-bible-dictionary-revised-expanded/c-brand/9780805428360/pd/28364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=28364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.amazon.com/Holman-Illustrated-Dictionary-Charles-Draper/dp/0805428364/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408929470&sr=8-1&keywords=9780805428360

http://www.christianbook.com/experiencing-god-day-by-devotional/henry-blackaby/9780805444780/pd/4478X?event=ESRCG

http://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-God-Day-By-Day-Devotional-Journal/dp/0805462988/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408929271&sr=8-1&keywords=.+9780805462982

http://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-God-DVD-Revised-Expanded/dp/B00BYIKNQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405719849&sr=8-1&keywords=experiencing+god+dvd

http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/experiencing-god

http://www.4truth.net/

http://www.gotquestions.org/

http://www.helpmewithbiblestudy.org/index.aspx

http://www.jeremiahstudybible.com/

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Request%20for%20course%20102%20Experiencing%20God%20Notes



Session 1: God’s Will and Your Life

Name Date Points /50

Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutes

Complete the exercises in unit 1 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 1 in Spiritual Disciplines. Review the Appendix of Experiencing God about the names, titles, and descriptions of God. Explore the Topical Index in the Jeremiah Study Bible and the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary.

1 Complete the exercises in unit 1 in Experiencing God.

2 What are the key ideas in “Day 1”?








Spiritual Disciplines

1 What are we challenged to do in the foreword of Spiritual Disciplines? (9)

2 What are the Spiritual Disciplines? (17)

3 What is the purpose of the Spiritual Disciplines? (17)

4 What are the three primary catalysts God uses for conforming us to Christlikeness? (17-18)

1

2

3

5 How are the Spiritual Disciplines like spiritual exercises? (18)

6 How are the Spiritual Disciplines like channels of God’s transforming grace? (19)

7 Why does the Lord expect us to practice the Spiritual Disciplines? (20-21)

8 What is the danger in neglecting the Spiritual Disciplines? (22)

9 What is the freedom in embracing the Spiritual Disciplines? (23-24)




Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutes

Writing journal reflections is an opportunity to experience life change and develop Christian character. Thinking about what you are learning and discussing how to apply it makes learning practical and meaningful. Reflecting on Christian virtues—integrity, honesty, self-control, charity, generosity, diligence, persistence, patience, kindness, compassion, courage, and humility—is a key component of character development.

1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Requests you need to pray? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Things you need to be grateful for? Lessons you need to share with others concerning times of persecution, struggle, suffering, temptation, or trial?

2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?

3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?

Group Activity for Advanced Students – 20 minutes

In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills. The group activity is an opportunity for students to display their thinking visually. Displaying thinking brings ideas to life and engages the whole learning team in the creative thinking process. Over 80% of adults are visual and relational learners. This is a key component to creativity, collaboration, cooperation, and team leadership. Students learn better together.




Session 2: Looking to God



Complete the exercises in unit 2 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 2 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.











1 Why is the intake of God’s Word the most important Spiritual Discipline? (28-29)

2 How can we enhance our hearing God’s Word? (29-31)

3 How can we improve our reading God’s Word? (32-35)

4 How can we improve our studying God’s Word? (35-37)

5 How is the Bible like a fruit-bearing tree (Psalm 1)? (41)

6 What are the benefits of memorization? (42-44)

7 What are the methods of memorization? (45-46)

8 What are the benefits of meditating on God’s Word? (47-51)

9 What are the methods of meditating on God’s Word? (52-55)

10 What are the benefits of applying God’s Word? (56-57)

11 What are the methods of applying God’s Word? (57-61)





As you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character. Be prepared to discuss these applications in class.

1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?




In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.




Session 3: God Pursues a Love Relationship














1 Why is prayer such an important Spiritual Discipline?

2 Why is prayer expected? (66-70)

3 How is prayer learned? (70-77)





As you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.









Session 4: Love and God’s Initiation














1 Why is worship such an important Spiritual Discipline? (85-86)

2 How is worship focusing on and responding to God? (86-88)

3 How is worship done in spirit and truth? (89-91)

4 Why is worship expected both publicly and privately? (92-94)

5 Why is worship a discipline to be cultivated? (94-94)

6 Why is evangelism such an important Spiritual Discipline? Why is it expected? (99-101)

7 How is evangelism empowered? (101-105)

8 Why is evangelism a discipline? (106-111)




Session 5: God Speaks through the Bible and Prayer














1 Why is serving such an important Spiritual Discipline? (115-117)

2 How should obedience and gratitude motivate service? (118-119)

3 How should gladness and forgiveness motivate service? (119-121)

4 How should humility and love motivate service? (121-123)

5 How are spiritual gifts related to service? (123-125)

6 How is hard work related to service? (125-127)




Session 6: God Speaks through Circumstances and the Church














1 Why must we use our time wisely?

2 How is the wise use of time preparation for eternity?

3 How does giving reflect faith in God’s provision?

4 Why should giving be sacrificial and generous?

5 How does giving reflect spiritual trustworthiness?

6 Why is love the best motive for giving?

7 Why should we give willingly, thankfully, and cheerfully?

8 When is giving an appropriate response to real needs?

9 Why should giving be planned and systematic?




Session 7: The Crisis of Belief














1 Why is fasting such an important Spiritual Discipline? (159-160)

2 What is fasting? (160-162)

3 Why is fasting expected? (163-164)

4 What are the purposes for fasting? (164-178)

5 Which of these purposes is your greatest need right now? (164-178)









Group Activity for Students – 20 minutes

In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills




Session 8: Adjusting Your Life to God














1 Why are silence and solitude such important Spiritual Disciplines? (181-184)

2 What are the reasons for silence and solitude? (185-194)

3 Which of these reasons is your greatest need right now? (185-194)

4 What are the suggestions for silence and solitude? (194-198)




Session 9: Experiencing God through Obedience














1 What is journaling and why is it such an important Spiritual Discipline? (205-206)

2 How does journaling help in self-understanding? (206-208)

3 How does journaling help in meditation and expressing thoughts to God? (208-211)

4 How does journaling help in remembering the Lord’s works and creating a spiritual heritage? (211)

5 How does journaling help in clarifying insights and monitoring priorities? (213-217)

6 What are some ways of journaling? (217-219)




Session 10: God’s Will and the Church














1 Why is learning for life change such an important Spiritual Discipline? (223-224)

2 Why is learning important? (224-230)

3 How does learning take place? (231-232)




Session 11: Kingdom People














1 Why is perseverance such an important Spiritual Discipline? (235-237)

2 What is the role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Disciplines? (237-239)




Session 12: Continuing Fellowship with God














1 What is the role of fellowship in Spiritual Disciplines? (239-242)

2 What is the role of struggle in Spiritual Disciplines? (242-245)










Professor will coach students in preparing for student presentations by creating illustrations, charts, or visuals.

Students are encouraged to invite pastors, church leaders, friends, and family to session 13 to watch student presentations.




Session 13: Student Presentations and Term Papers

Student Presentations


Contribute to a group or individual presentation on a chapter in one of the textbooks. This group project can be a PowerPoint presentation, dramatic skit, role-play, charts, or drawings (15-20 minutes). This will assist student-leaders in developing the creative/critical thinking and teamwork skills essential to effective teaching and servant-leadership.

The presentations are an opportunity for students to learn to work together. Students benefit from group interaction as they communicate, cooperate, and collaborate. The public speaking component of this assignment along with formative feedback helps students gain experience and confidence. Students learn best in professional learning communities.

Term Paper


Type a 10- to 15-page term paper or booklet titled Applications for Leaders from Experiencing God. Be sure to footnote all the ideas, paraphrases, and direct quotes in your paper, whether from books or the Internet. Text should be double-spaced. Font should be Times New Roman 12. Begin with an introduction and conclude with an application or call for commitment. Include illustrations and charts. This will assist student-leaders in developing the creative/critical thinking and writing skills essential to effective servant-leadership.

Writing is a vital skill in ministry. The term paper is an opportunity for students to enhance their writing skills. The term paper is where students collect the ideas of mentors in books to fully develop and utilize them. Students multiply their ministry as they communicate what they are learning to family, friends, and those they minister to in written form. Writing helps clarify ideas. Studies indicate that students benefit from the opportunity to both write and speak in formal settings. Evaluated writing is a key component of learning, communicating, and leading.

How Term Papers Are Graded Papers of 15 pages and zero errors earn 150 points. Papers of 14 pages and with less than 2 errors earn 140 points. Papers of 13 pages and with less than 3 errors earn 130 points. Papers of 12 pages and with less than 4 errors earn 120 points. Papers of 11 pages and with less than 5 errors earn 110 points. Papers of 10 pages and with less than 6 errors earn 100 points. Papers of 9 pages and with less than 7 errors earn 90 points. Papers of 8 pages and with less than 8 errors earn 80 points. Papers with 8 errors or more earn an NC and need to be resubmitted.


Professor will coach students in preparing for and improving student presentations.

Professor will coach students in reviewing for the final exam.

Professor will coach students in revising the term paper.




Session 14: Study Guide for the Final Exam


The final exam is worth 150 points. The exam is a review of the key applications to develop long-term memory and experience transformational life change. By reviewing the study guides each year students will be able to refresh their memories and retrieve what they have learned.

Applications for Leaders from Experiencing God

God is inviting you to experience Him in an intimate love relationship through which He reveals to you His will, His ways, and His work.

1 God’s Will and Your Life

God’s goal is to conform you to the image of His Son.

The question is not “What does God want me to do for Him?”

The question is “What is God doing?”

2 Looking to God

Constantly look to God, listen to God, and wait to see what His directives are going to be.

If what you are thinking makes sense to you, it is probably not from God.

Often God will ask you to do what you failed to do in your own strength—so you will do it in His strength.

3 God Pursues a Love Relationship

No matter what the circumstances are, God’s love never changes.

The cross is God’s final, total, and complete expression that He loves you.

When we obey God, it says, “I love You.”

4 Love and God’s Invitation

God invites us to become involved with Him.

Don’t ever underestimate what God can make of you.

God never gives suggestions; He gives commands.

5 God Speaks through the Bible and prayer

Scripture has to be your guide for knowing when God is speaking.

God does not want us to trust in a formula.

Prayer is conversation; it’s us in communion with God.

6 God Speaks through Circumstances and Spiritual Markers

To know when God is speaking you have to spend time with Him.

Just because a door seems closed to you does not mean it is closed to God.

Ask God to help you understand what part of the body He has placed you in.

7 The Crisis of Belief

When God speaks, it will cause a crisis of belief.

No storm where the Master is present will ever overcome you.

Unbelief shuts down the activity of God—nothing is impossible with God.




8 Adjusting Your Life to God

The safest place in all the world for your children is the center of God’s will.

It is impossible for you to stay where you are and go with God at the same time.

The call of God requires major adjustments.

9 Experiencing God through Obedience

The greatest way to engage in spiritual warfare is to obey whatever God tells you to do.

Do not ever blame anyone else for your disobedience.

You have all the power of heaven available to you to obey anything God tells you to do.

10 God’s Will and the Church

God is the One who builds the church.

God has a specific assignment for each and every church.

God makes the body interconnected.

11 Kingdom People

God’s strategy for taking the good news to the ends of the earth is through making disciples.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, there is no limit to what God can do.

I must ask myself, Is my life bringing honor to Christ?

12 Continuing Fellowship with God

Open your eyes to see what God is doing all around you.

The greatest movement and working of God we see today is in the marketplace.

God is at work where you go to work every day.




Course Evaluation and Debriefing

1

What made the course awesome for you? What learning activities did you enjoy most? What assignments were most helpful? How did this course help you experience life transformation?

2

How have you applied what you learned during this course? What difference is it making? How did this course strengthen your relationship with Jesus and fellow believers?

Group Activities – 60 minutes

Encourage students to debrief and share what they have learned in the course.

Discuss how to recruit new students who would benefit from EBI Leadership Training.

Make a list of prospective students who would benefit from EBI Leadership Training.

Students are encouraged to invite their pastors, church leaders, and friends to the next course.

Distribute promotional materials and syllabus for the next courses.

Register students and order books for the next course.

Transfer of Credits to Southern California Seminary

Transfer Credits: To transfer credits from Equip Biblical Institute to Southern California Seminary, students must present a complete portfolio. The portfolio consists of the questions, journal reflections, term papers, and exams for each course. Upon successful completion of the courses, students may transfer up to 66 units into the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. If the portfolio for a course is not complete, the credits may not be transferable.

Transformational Learning Tip: By reviewing this portfolio once a year as part of a commitment to life change—you will exponentially increase your memory and ability to apply this material to your life, family, and ministry. Based on best practices for learning and neural science key concepts are repeated in multiple courses to support the life-long learning process.


experiencing god - shadow mountain community church - …€¦ · appendix of experiencing god...

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