Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15

The very first thing one needs to do to be a disciple of Jesus is to repent of one’s sins, believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose again, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. If you’ve done that, then you’re already across the starting line to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you haven’t don’t that yet, then you might want to check out what the gospel is all about (below)

Three Things In a Nutshell!

“One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25

One man that Jesus healed knew three things: He knew he had been blind from birth, that Jesus was the one who had touched him to restore his sight, and that he could now see. It was easy for him to share his story, because he had the basic facts in order.

Many people have a hard time sharing the story of how they came to faith in Jesus because they’ve never taken the time to think about what their life was before they came to faith in Jesus, how they came to Jesus, and then how their lives have changed since they’ve come to faith in Jesus. In a way, they know they were lost and can now see, but they haven’t taken the time to think about (and write down) the key events of their conversion in an organized and condensed manner.

Quite interestingly, in his defense of Christianity before King Agrippa, the Apostle Paul also gave a three-part account of his conversion. It looks like this:

1. Paul's life before he knew Jesus: Acts 26:1-11
2. How Paul came to faith in Jesus: Acts 26:12-18
3. How Paul's life was changed: Acts 26:19-23

To help you get a handle on what a three-part testimony is like, please watch how Jesus changed the lives of forty people in our church by watching the four minute video: Changed Lives: The 40 Proof Project.

Do This To Complete the Faith: Discipleship Building Block no.1

To help you better share the story of how you came to faith in Jesus, you can fill in your name, email and answers to the questions below. As a guide, please try to limit yourself to one paragraph for each box. Once you’ve finished with all the boxes, you can then click the Submit box. All submitted testimonies are kept confidential.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

After you’ve come to faith in Jesus, the next thing you need to do to be a disciple of Jesus is to be baptized as a believer. If you’ve already done that, congratulations! If you haven’t been baptized as a believer just yet, then what are you waiting for? You can find out everything the New Testament teaches about baptism by clicking on Get Baptized below.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples." John 8:31b

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17

The Bible plays a crucial role in your discipleship process. In a way, it’s like the instruction manual for the Christian life – without it, you’d be hard pressed to ever be a fruitful disciple for Jesus Christ.

Tasks to Complete:

First, you need to have your own Bible. You can buy one (Amazon.com or a local bookstore) or download a Bible app to your smartphone. At the Harbor Church, people use all sorts of older and newer Bible translations, but most (including the senior pastor) use the ESV (English Standard Version) of the Bible.

Second, you need a Bible reading plan. The Bible is comprised of sixty-six books for a total of 1,189 chapters. If you were to read one chapter a day it would take three years and three months to finish the entire Bible! Seriously, there’s no way you’re going to read it all if you don’t have a scheduled reading plan. Conveniently, you can find dozens of great Bible reading plans online; it doesn’t matter which one you use, as long as it gets you reading on a daily basis.

The YouVersion Bible App (the same one we use Sunday mornings for sermon notes) has MANY great Bible reading plans.

1. Open the YouVersion Bible App
2. Touch "Plans" right on the bottom of the App
3. Scroll down to 'Whole Bible' and select from many different plans or schedules

We highly recommend the "the Bible" reading plan from Bible Project as a great place to start for all ages. If you struggle finding time to read your Bible each day, many plans also offers an audio option. It's great for commuters in your or to listen at night in bed

Third, start memorizing bible verses. The reality is that memorizing Bible verses puts the Word of God not only into your mind, but also into your heart. To complete this task, you only need to memorize ten Bible verses. However, memorizing Scripture should be a life-long endeavor, so don’t stop at these ten.

1. John 3:16

2. Galatians 2:20

3. Proverbs 3:5-6

4. 1 Corinthians 10:13

5. Joshua 1:9

6. Philippians 4:6-7

7. Matthew 7:7-8

8. Acts 1:8

9. Romans 8:28

10. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

For those of you who have read some of the Bible already, we suggest the you circle the books you’ve already read in the Table of Contents in your Bible and then make a plan to read all the books you’ve yet to read. If you’re just starting out, a great place to begin is by reading the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament. Remember, each time you complete the reading of a book, make sure you circle it in the Table of Contents of your Bible so you can keep track of what you’ve read.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Cor. 12:27

The church is where believers in Jesus meet to worship together, learn from the Word of God, and pray for, encourage, and care for each other. It’s a community of believers who are committed to loving God, each other and their neighbors. It’s also where those who haven’t yet come to faith can hear the good news of Jesus and see for themselves what it really means to glorify God.

The Bible describes the local church as the temple of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth, and as the body of Christ. The key for a disciple is to understand that he or she is a part of that body, and as such, has an important role to play in building it up so that God might be praised. For a disciple, being part of, attending, and supporting the church isn’t an option, but rather a responsibility and privilege.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and do good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Heb. 10:24-25

Task to Complete:

Attend church services for ten weeks in a row.

To meet the “church is not all about me” requirement, we ask that you think creatively on how you can encourage others who are part of our church.

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matt. 21:22

Since Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer, it follows that his disciples should be often in prayer as well. In prayer we find humility, dependence and peace as we pour out our concerns, requests, thanks and praises to our Heavenly Father. If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you need to make prayer a priority in your life.

Tasks to complete:

First, you’ll need to memorize the Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-15. Please feel free to memorize this prayer in whatever version you feel is best for you.

This is the Lord's Prayer in the ESV translation:

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." Matt. 6:9-15

Second, you’ll need to buy a prayer journal or basic notebook. If you prefer, you can download a prayer journal app for your smart phone. You might pray everyday, or almost every day, but most likely you haven’t kept track of your prayer requests and the answers to your prayers on a regular basis. This task will help keep your prayers organized as well as help you to deepen your prayer life.

Unless you’re crazy disciplined, you’ll most likely miss a day or two in your prayer journal - especially during the first few weeks you’re keeping track of your prayers. Please, don’t get down on yourself or give up if this happens...because it happens to pretty much everyone. If you miss a day or two, just leave a space blank in your journal and start fresh the next day. Over time, regular daily prayer will become a habit for you, but as you know, habits take time to develop.

Once you’ve completed these tasks, you can fill out the following boxes and click Submit.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Pet 1:14-16

Being a disciple of Jesus means that you’re striving for purity and holiness in all areas of your life – mind, body and soul, everywhere, all the time. You’re not content to obey most of the commandments of God and you’re certainly not comfortable in settling with a, “I guess God made me this way” attitude towards sin in your life. You want to be holy, because God is holy. Being set apart for God is important to you; it’s really as simple as that.

Tasks to Complete:

First, you need to make a commitment to God to live a holy life for him…for the rest of your life. Being set apart for God is important to you because you’re a disciple of Jesus Christ; it’s really as simple as that.

Second, read the book, The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness." Ps. 29:2

Worshipping God is what the disciples of Jesus do best; it’s how to respond to God. They recognize the power, majesty, and holiness of God. They understand that he is a God of love, kindness and compassion. So, they fall on their knees and worship him. They’re well aware that God has spoken the creation into existence and that his glory can be seen in the heavens and on the earth. So, they fall on their knees and worship him. They know that throughout history God has shown himself powerful and purposeful through his mighty acts. So, they fall on their knees and worship him.

They’ve come to the realization that Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, has provided the way for them by his dying on the cross and rising from the dead to be saved from their sins and find eternal life. So, they fall on their knees and worship him.

Task to Complete:

First, read through the Book of Psalms. Did you know that the Book of Psalms was pretty much the Israelites hymnbook? You’re encouraged to not only read through the Book of Psalms, but, as the Holy Spirit leads, to interact with those psalms by falling into worship as you read them.

The second task is to memorize (at least) one worship song. It doesn’t matter if it’s a classic hymn or the very latest song from your favorite Christian artist or band. The key is to choose a song that causes you to... simply worship God.

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Rom. 8:29

Disciples of Jesus are intent on conforming to the image of Jesus. That means that they want to be like Jesus. They want to act like him, think like him and do the things that he did. They want to imitate his love, compassion and care. They want to live a humble and sacrificial life like Jesus. They want to embrace the purpose and will of Jesus. They’re not content to know things about Jesus, they want to their lives to be transformed by Jesus so that they can be like Jesus.

"He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

Task to Complete:

You must read (or reread) the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

You would think that in order to conform to the image of Jesus, a disciple would need to know as much about Jesus as he or she possibly could. And you would be right. One great way to start finding out about Jesus – what he thought, how he responded, interacted and cared for people, what he prayed about, what he taught, how he healed, and his driving will, power, obedience and purpose – is to read the four accounts (gospels) of his life.

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Rom. 12:5

Membership at The Harbor Church means that you’re not just attending the church, but that you’re actually a part of it. It means you belong. It means that you’re not on the outside looking in, but rather a real active and valued member of our loving, caring and safe church family.

Beyond that, it means that you agree with our teaching, that you’re committed to using your gifts, talents and resources to see our church flourish. It also means that you identify The Harbor Church as your church home.

Task to Complete:

If you are a new Christian or maybe just new to The Harbor Church, and are interested in membership, our Growth Track course is for you. This class is divided into three sessions called Discover, Deepen and Dedicate, all of which focus on learning about different parts of your faith and The Harbor Church. This class is highly recommended if you want to be a member of The Harbor Church. You can sign up to find out when the next Growth Track is below.

To start your membership process, you can find out more by clicking the button below.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4:1

As Christians, we’ve been entrusted to be good stewards of all that God has given us. Since we’ve been born again, crucified with Christ and bought with a price – the blood of Jesus – we’re no longer our own (1 Cor. 6:20). This means we need to be good stewards of everything that God has blessed us with, such as the mystery of gospel (1 Cor. 4:1, 9:16-18; Col. 1:25) and our spiritual gifts (1 Pet 4:10) as well as our bodies, finances and even our time.

Tasks to Complete:

First, read: 2 Cor. 8:3, 9:7; 1 Tim. 6:18. After a careful look at your finances and a lot of prayer, determine how much you want to include in your yearly budget to give to your local church as well as other organizations that will help further and impact the kingdom of God.

You can give online to The Harbor Church below.

Second, read: 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 3 John 2. Look in the mirror. Really. You’ve been bought with a price and now your body isn’t yours anymore; it’s God’s. Figure out a plan to to keep your body the fittest it can possibly be.

Finally, read Eph. 5:15-17. God gives each of us 168 hours to live each week. Look at your day planner and carve out some time to give back to God by volunteering at or through your local church or some other organization that will show the love of God to your neighbors or even the world.

To find out different ways to serve at The Harbor Church, click the button below.

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Acts 2:42

The disciples of Jesus were together a lot – maybe even every day. They didn’t just see each other on Sunday mornings; they met in homes during the week to study the Word of God, hang out, eat and pray together. They saw their church family as…a family, and wanted to be with them more than just one morning a week.

At The Harbor Church, we have Life Groups that meet together each week (or every other week) so that people can do what the early disciples did – do life together.

Tasks to Complete:

The task for all who are taking part in our Discipleship Program is to join a Life Group – You can find out more about Life Groups below.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Disciples of Jesus aren’t content to watch other people do stuff at church. They understand that God has gifted them and called them into service. They know that they are valuable servants of Jesus and look for ways to use their passions, experiences, education, spiritual gifts and talents in the local church.

Task to Complete:

If you are already serving in your local church, great! If you are still looking for a place to serve at The Harbor Church, you can find more information below.

If you’ re just not sure how or on which service team to serve, we recommend that you simply pick a service team and start serving.

Remember, where you start off serving isn’t always the place you end up serving. Over time, God will lead you to the best way to use your gifts, talents and experiences.

"To each one given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Cor. 12:7

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Cor. 12:4-7

Spiritual gifts are not learned or inherited abilities, skills or talents but rather specific supernatural gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to each believer enabling him or her to participate in and be used by God for the common good and building up the church to the glory of God.

Everyone who comes to faith in Jesus receives at least one spiritual gift immediately upon their conversion for which they’re responsible for and privileged to use (1 Pet 4:10-11). Although we’re encouraged to seek after spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1), they’re only granted as God so wills and desires. Sometimes believers receive spiritual gifts in response to their desire for them, by the laying on of hands or even at a direct and gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 10:44; 1 Cor. 14:1a; Rom. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:6). Please keep in mind that our zeal for spiritual gifts should always be focused not on ourselves but rather for the building up of the church. (1 Cor. 14:1, 12-13).

Tasks to Complete:

First read the four New Testament passages that describe spiritual gifts: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4:11-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Next read chapters 12, 13, and 14 of 1 Corinthians.

Finally, work through the Spiritual Gifts Quiz below. Take your time and try to determine which spiritual gift(s) you have.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17

Jesus told his disciples, specifically the ones that had a fishing business, that they would become fishers of men. Of course, they already knew how to catch fish; Jesus was now going to teach them to catch men – meaning that he would train them to bring people to faith in Jesus. And really, that’s the key; disciples need to be trained to share their faith, because for most of us, it’s just not intuitive.

Tasks to Complete:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

First, pray that God would give you a love for the lost.

Second, understand that you’ve been called and empowered to be a witness for Jesus. You should memorize Acts 1:8.

Third, attend a Simple Gospel workshop at The Harbor Church. The next workshop, "How to Share your Faith 101." The next workshop date TDB.

Fourth, make a list of people you want to see come to faith (pick up your Multiplying Disciples card on the Connect Table to help you get started.)

Fifth, share a simple gospel message with at least three people (it doesn’t matter if they are on your list or not.)

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

The disciples of Jesus heard over and over again that they were to love God and love their neighbors. So how is it that, according to a recent Pew Research poll, only 31% of Americans say they know all or most of their neighbors? But hold on, we’re not called to simply know the names of our neighbors, or to say that we love them, but to actually show them love.

Task to Complete:

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Rom. 15:2

First, to be a disciple of Jesus who really loves his or her neighbors, you’ll need to start by knowing the names of all your close neighbors. If you’re like 69% of Americans, that’s going to take a bit of effort.

Second, come up with a plan to love your neighbors. You can be creative, methodical, but most importantly, be you. Remember, as a disciple of Jesus, you’re called to love your neighbors, not just wave at them now and then.

Here are a few examples of loving your neighbors:

• Make a list of neighbors and pray for them by name.
• Bring over an apple pie when someone moves into your neighborhood- or even if they've been your neighbors for years.
• Invite a few neighbors over for a Saturday brunch.
• Invite your neighbors to church.
• Host (or coordinate) a neighborhood block party.
• When it snows, shovel a neighbors driveway.
• When you see a neighbor in their yard, literally walk over and...talk to them!

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." Luke 6:40

Part of a master tradesmen’s responsibly is to train an apprentice. If that process continues generation after generation, then the mastery of the trade will continue for generations to come. In a way, that’s pretty much what Christians are called to do; not make apprentices, but disciples, fully trained to go on to make other disciples, who in turn can make other disciples.

A disciple of Jesus isn’t alone in his or her walk with Christ; he or she is actually walking holding someone’s hand, leading the way. As a disciple of Jesus, you should be in a discipling (apprenticeship) relationship with someone who wants to be a disciple.

Oh, be careful on this one. Simply meeting with someone to talk over their week, read a book or pray together on a regular basis is great – it shows a lot of pastoral care and love, but it’s not really intentional discipleship with the goal of making a disciple who can then go on to make a disciple.

Task to Complete:

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men,[a] who will be able to teach others also." 2 Tim. 2:2

The bottom line is that you need to find a willing apprentice who wants to be discipled. Ask God to connect you with someone (or maybe even two people) who have a desire to be fully trained to be a disciple. If no one comes to mind, you can contact the church office for a list of people who have already signed up to be discipled.