Luke 15:11-32 (KJV) - And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

There comes a time in our lives when we feel confident about a decision to make. We think about it, mull it over, ask others about it...then we act. Thinking about the younger son above, I'm sure his decision to ask for his inheritance early wasn't a spontaneous decision. He probably thought about it and believed it was the best decision for his life at that time. However, it is intriguing that the Father didn't say anything to the younger son.

He could have told him, 'No, you'll only waste away your inheritance long before it is due. I will not give it to you for your own good.' How many of us would have said this?!

Knowing most of us, we would have stop this decision LONG before it could even begin, but the father provides the inheritance with no 'fanfare.' The son goes off and spends all of his money and finds himself living worse than he ever had with his father. The length of time it took for the son to spend all of his inheritance wasn't told, but for a mighty famine to arise in the land, it had to be a good while. Even through this, the father patiently waits at home.

When the son does return (ashamed, humbled, and repentant), the father lovingly accepts his son and calls for a feast. Throughout the entire process, the father probably knew what was going to occur, but he patiently waited for his son and allowed his son to learn a very important (and costly) lesson.

There are many times when the Father is very patient with us. We make all types of decisions, believing they are the best for our lives, but lead us down rocky paths. Of course the Lord sees the path we are to take, but He allows for us to travel down it. There are some lessons people have to learn for themselves...the long and hard way. These 'lessons' stay with us a lot longer than being told 'No' at the onset. Even though years and even decades may pass before the realization of our poor decisions, we can look to God and thank Him for His patience, love, and mercy.

Psalm 108:4 (KJV) - For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

This entry is part of the Dear Young Preacher Bible Study.

Preparation: Jeremiah 3-4.

Jeremiah 4:10 (KJV) - Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

With the proclamations of judgment Jeremiah was called to proclaim to the people, Jeremiah seemed torn between the promises of peace and the coming judgment.

Did the Lord deceive the people with promises of peace only to bring a sword unto their soul? Read Deuteronomy 28.

Did the Lord respond to Jeremiah's statement? If so, what did He say? Read Jeremiah 4:11-21.

Do you believe it is OK to tell the Lord how you truly feel (i.e. sharing your heart)? Read Hebrews 4:14-16.

Have you ever stated your honest opinions before the Lord? If your answer is yes, please explain the situation and the Lord's response to you.

When there are things you don't understand or something you'd like to say before the Lord, how can you approach these situations (see Psalm 22, Proverbs 16:2, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 4:14-16)?

In review of Psalm 22:22-31, Psalm 25:1-5, Psalm 147:5, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:17-33, Proverbs 21:30, Isaiah 55:8-9, what are some additional ways we can reconcile our feelings?

In our conversations with the Lord, are there certain 'boundaries' we should be cautious to avoid (review Job 38-42, Isaiah 45:9, Romans 9:19-24)?

Time is a precious gift. Each person receives the same 1,440 minutes each day. Some people have made great use of their time, and others...not so much. There are no returns on time, once it's spent, it's spent, but we don't give it much thought until it's gone. Many times we regret the time we lost because we didn't make the best use of it. We invest much of our time in things that will never give us a great return, but we continue to do them out of habit or desire. Then we feel like we let ourselves (and others) down because we knew better...only to do again...and again.

You don't have to stay on the same path. You can make a decision today…right now to make the most of your time.

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV) - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Take a few moments to think about the greatest investments of time you can make. There are many people and purposes that have an outstanding return when invested in:

1. Spiritual life. A devotion of time to pray, study, and live out Jesus' commands is a great investment of your time. Allow your calling (and talents) before the Lord to be the greatest investment you can make (see Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-28).
2. Personal life. Just as you invest in your spiritual life, you must also invest in yourself. As adults, we sometimes forget that we laughed and played as children. Remember to rest as well! Above all, don't allow your personal life (and desires) to get in the way of your Father's business.
3. Relationships. People sometimes forget to invest their time into the people that are closest to them. Ensure you spend time with your family (as a whole) and each member of your family individually. Each of your family members will need a different type of investment. This may be based on THEIR likes, dislikes, and hobbies. You must also invest your time in your friends, co-workers, and those you meet to and fro...

Lastly, some of the greatest investment opportunities will come when you least expect it. Each investment will require flexibility and diligence, so don't be become upset if you missed your favorite TV show to invest in someone. You can always tape a show, but not a relationship.

This entry is part of the Dear Young Preacher Bible Study.

Preparation: Read Jeremiah 1.

This section will focus on Jeremiah's life and call as a prophet to the nations. The circumstances surrounding one's calling is just as important as the message they are to deliver. You life and calling is not by accident...

Jeremiah 1:1-3 (KJV) - The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

1. What is Jeremiah's family background?
2. What was to be his calling/'profession?'

Jeremiah 1:4-5 - Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

1. What three things did the Lord accomplish in preparing Jeremiah for God's ordination as a prophet unto the nations?
2. Why would this explaination be important for Jeremiah to understand?

God's calling can come unexpectantly...well, at least for us. It can seem like a total interruption of our life and the things we were planning to accomplish. If you've received God's calling to preach:

Have you ever felt an internal struggle between your personal desires and God's calling? If so, how?

Jeremiah 1:6 (KJV) - Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

1. Why would Jeremiah's age be a factor in being a prophet unto the nations? Consider having a young child within your congregation called as a prophet or preacher unto the nations...
2. Have you ever had any reluctance to assume God's call? If so, how...what...why?

What is God's response to Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 1:7-8 (KJV) - But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

1. Was Jeremiah's age a factor in God's calling him as a prophet unto the nations?
2. What two things would Jeremiah be required to accomplish?
3. How did God reassure Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 1:9 (KJV) - Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

1. How did God equip Jeremiah?
2. How has God equipped you for ministering before Him and His people?
3. If you are unsure of God preparing you, do you believe He will equip you with everything you need to fulfill His purpose?

Jeremiah 1:10 (KJV) - See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

• Within God's purpose for Jeremiah, what six things did God call Jeremiah to do over the nations and kingdoms (see Jeremiah 45:4 and Jeremiah 24:6 as well)?

Jeremiah 1:11-12 (KJV) - Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

1. Besides receiving God's words in thy mouth, what other 'gift' did Jeremiah receive?
2. God confirmed what Jeremiah saw. Is it important for God to confirm and approve of what you see and do in His name? Please explain.
3. What did Jeremiah see? What does it mean (see last section of verse 12 for the answer)?

Jeremiah 1:13-16 (KJV) - And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof is toward the north. Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

• What was the second vision Jeremiah saw? What does it mean?

Jeremiah 1:17 (KJV) - Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

1. What four things are Jeremiah required to do?
2. Why is it important for Jeremiah not to be dismayed at their faces? God also spoke on this issue in verse 8. Could God be preparing him for future situations? How does God reassure you in facing difficult situations?
3. What has God commanded you to do (see Matthew 28:18-20 as well)?
4. Why is it important (for you) not to be dismayed before people when preaching what God commands (see John 12:37-43)?
5. How can seeking the praise of man detour your purpose for God (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4)?

Jeremiah 1:18-19 (KJV) - For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

1. In what three ways does God strengthen Jeremiah against the people of the land?
2. Who is with Jeremiah? Who will deliver him?
3. As preachers of the Gospel, who is with us (see Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:15-26, John 16:13, John 17:20-26)?

1. What will happen if we are ashamed to proclaim God's word (see Luke 9:26)?
2. What should you continue to do in the face of opposition (see Mark 13:13, Mark 13:35-37 (read entire chapter for context); 2 Timothy 4:2, 2 Timothy 4:5)?

This entry is part of the Dear Young Preacher Bible Study.

Within our various denominations and Christian backgrounds, various methods have been established to determine how someone becomes a preacher of the Gospel. Though there is a fundamental answer for this question, it can become diluted through many church processes and personal preferences. Many preachers begin their journeys with excitement for serving the Lord, only to find themselves far from their small beginnings years later.

Please spend a few moments answering the following questions and discussing them among your peers (if in a bible study setting). Please write out your answers as well.

1. What is a 'calling' to the ministry?
2. If you have received this calling, can you explain how you first received it?
3. Does someone within your church body or denomination confirm your calling? If so, how?
4. Does your church or denomination provide an outlined process for being able to preach the Gospel? If so, what is it?
5. Have you been denied the opportunity to preach (or become an Elder or Pastor) because of some life circumstance (i.e. age, marital status - divorce)?
6. Have you experienced any frustrations within this 'process?'

Being a preacher of God's Word is a calling of great trust and responsibility - as they are given the very words of God to speak to His people. Sadly, there are many people within our fellowship that see their calling as a stepping stone toward worldly success, financial gain, and exploitation. Today, our churches are littered with false doctrines, corrupt preachers, and worldly traditions that fail to illuminate our Father and His Son Jesus. By God's infinite grace, the church has continued throughout the centuries, but the call to proclaim God's Word faithfully has remained.

Far too many preachers today are taught incorrectly and build weak structures on faulty foundations that bring God no true glory. Dear Young Preacher is being written to provide a biblical perspective (and guide) of discipleship for those that have received God's call to proclaim His Word. It seeks to build a solid structure of faith by drawing biblical principles and concepts from the book of Jeremiah.

A complete survey of Jeremiah will not be conducted within Dear Young Preacher. We will only focus on the sections/scriptures that address principles related to preaching and the preacher's life (though Jeremiah is called to be a prophet to the nations). As we progress through the chapters, the discussion questions will develop applicable principles and lessons for our lives as preachers of the Gospel.

Lord willing, Dear Young Preacher will be a great resource for you and will guide you toward a life of faithfulness in Christ Jesus.

Dear Young Preacher will be written using the King James Version (KJV).

Topics

Is your church TRULY focused on discipleship?!?!

Think back to the services, bible studies, events, and sermons given over the past few months or year. How have they supported Jesus' command/commission to teach (and make) disciples of all nations?

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Before you blow this off because your church holds a lot of events, think about how those events have supported Jesus' command in teaching the 'nations' to observe everything He commanded? For many churches, fellowships, and denominations, any extended teaching is reserved only for those who are 'called' to preach the Gospel (in some capacity).

But what about the rest of the congregation?!?!

Sadly, the focus of FAR TOO MANY CHURCHES has been:

• Larger attendance
• Larger buildings
• Greater positions
• More money

The structure within most churches today does not support any type of discipleship...even though they 'say' they do:

• Bible Study
• Sunday School
• Men's Ministry
• Women's Ministry
• Leadership Meetings
• Marriage Ministry
• Singles Ministry
• Sunday Sermons
• New Believer's Courses
• Discipleship Courses

How are these supporting the teaching and training of disciples? For any one person (and depending on their position), they may need to study and read at least five different sets of material weekly, not including any personal studies. Plus, there are few churches that will ensure those in attendance truly understand the material.

If you look across your church RIGHT NOW, you'll find that there are very few members growing in the Word and fulfilling Jesus' command. The people continue being spoon-fed for decades with little (if any) change.

What people knew at age 20 is about the same when they're 50.

We (as the collective church) have to move beyond worldly church 'successes' and traditions built on false standards. Far too many leaders are busy keeping up with the Christian 'Joneses' that they are missing the mark of discipleship.

The responsibility of discipleship lies upon us. What are we doing about it?!

There comes a time when we have to break away from the standards of tradition and the callings of worldly success and take a stand. WE have to take a hard look at what we are doing today and ensure our focus is on Jesus' commands and not our own desires or traditions.

A focus on discipleship may not be popular, but living as a disciple isn't about popularity.

Is your church TRULY focused on discipleship?!?!

New 'opportunities' and responsibilities come to us all the time. The things you have to accomplish today (and tomorrow), may need to be done in unison with others. What to do?! Many times you may find yourself stretched and pulled without any sense of purpose or accomplishment. Sure, you’re doing 'stuff,' but what does this 'stuff' mean in the BIG scheme of life (before the Lord).

There are many things we do out of obligation, coercion, obedience, and desire. In the midst of a myriad of things-to-do, we must take a moment to reflect on the things we are doing and ensure they are in line with the life we are called to live as children of God. The many things we want to do may seem good, but we must ask ourselves if they will fulfill the ultimate purposes placed upon our lives. These purposes may be God-inspired or self-willed, yet 'stuff' can often get in the way. To be honest, if we're not careful we can categorize our God-given responsibilities as 'stuff' and file it away in our stack of life. I believe within each of us, we know what is 'right' and wrong; what is important and most important; and good and the most excellent, yet we allow coercion, pride, worldly desire to drown out the things that should be the most important in our lives. You can have the life you want to live before God, but it must come with some hard decisions.

Mark 8:34-35 (KJV) - And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Through prayer and reflection, you may find that many of the things you're doing need to be trimmed from the top of your to-do list. There are things at the bottom that must receive first place and others that need to be placed back on the list.

Spend a few (long) moments reflecting on your responsibilities and set yourself up for a lifetime of faithfulness. Remember, "for with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37 KJV).

There may come a time in your life or ministry when you feel you must be constantly giving something or constantly doing something. You feel that if you're not 'moving' then you're not being a faithful servant to God. So, you begin doing 'stuff' for the sake of doing stuff and you find that you're just as far along as you were before. So, you keep doing 'stuff' for the sake of doing stuff again...hoping that (sooner or later) things will change (as you desire)...

Many people believe that if the content (or ministry) isn't fresh, then it isn't relevant.

You may have given into this idea and continue to develop and start things that seem good, but are not within God’s will for you. As the writer in Ecclesiastes states, 'to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven' (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV). Every season is not an opportunity to do something for the sake of doing something…even if it seems good...

Proverbs 19:2 (AMP) - Desire without knowledge is not good, and to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark.

There may come a time in your life when ministry opportunities seem slower, ideas are stagnant, and the path is unsure. This may be your 'opportunity' to do something (or even nothing) for the benefit of something else. (Selah)

James 1:2-4 (KJV) - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

See, the world believes in steady progress (and movement) and I believe God does as well, but the world and God has different ways of realizing their purposes. The world wants progress at any and all costs, however God desires progress that is within His will. Far too many people take the world's approach to ministry and have brought destruction and strife to everything around them.

Brothers and Sisters, doing things for the sake of doing things may bring a heavier cost to your life and ministry than you can ever imagine. The next time the desire comes upon you to do something just because you need to show progress, make sure it is God speaking and not your flesh, the world, or satan.

John 8:31-32 (KJV) - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 13:35 (KJV) - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Those that were to believe in Jesus had the opportunity to be identified as disciples. As seen in the scriptures above, disciples share two common traits:

1. Evidence of learning and studying.

The translated definition for disciple is a pupil or learner.¹ In John 8, as the Jews began to believe in Jesus, it seemed that believing in Him was just the beginning (toward discipleship). It was those that would continue in His word (studying and living) that would be counted as His disciples.

2. Living out what is read and taught.

As we see in those scriptures above, living out what is read is what identifies you as a disciple of Christ. Loving others is seen as evidence of being a disciple as it is one of our greatest commandments (Matthew 22:34-40) .

So what about the term 'Christian?!'

As the Bible illustrates, the term 'Christian' was first used to identify the disciples in Antioch:

Acts 11:26 (KJV) - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

The translated definition for Christian is a follower of Christ.²

Is there a problem with this?!

As the term Christian is used today to identify followers of Christ, it often isn't associated with the evidence of teaching, speaking, or living. Now, there are people that display evidences of discipleship as listed in the scriptures above, but the issue here people being identified as Christians without showing any trait of being a disciple. However, a change must be made...

See, there's more to living as a disciple than just saying I'm a Christian. It's about being a student of Jesus' teachings and commands and living them out. We must be disciples...disciples of Christ.

1 - Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for mathētēs (Strong's 3101)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2008. 29 Nov 2008. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? Strongs=G3101&t=KJV

2 - Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for Christianos (Strong's 5546)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2008. 29 Nov 2008. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? Strongs=G5546&t=KJV