Scriptures Reviewed: II Cor. 5:9-11; I Cor. 3:11-15

Discipleship Points: Given our security and confidence in Christ, we should aim to please the Lord. All believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and the works we do here will be tested. The I Cor. 3 verses include the types of materials used in our works; the precious ones will stand and not burn. The program ends with a testimony about a girl Gary met on a tennis court and how this was an answer to prayer!

Scriptures Reviewed: II Cor. 5:1-8; Eph. 1:13-14

Discipleship Points: II Cor. 5 includes many important points re: the life of believers including we have a temporal house and body but long for an eternal home and new body; God has prepared us for this home and His Spirit inside is a guarantee for us; and if we leave this body, we will be present with the Lord. Ephesians 1:13-14 confirms the Holy Spirit is our guarantee and we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures Reviewed: III John 2; I Thes. 3:8, 10-11; Prov. 6:6-11; Eph. 4:28; II Pet. 1:2-4; Matt. 8:16-17; I Pet. 2:24

Discipleship Points: The program covers two areas. First, what are the goals of the program. These include teaching the Word and Christian Doctrine; to present the Gospel as well as explain & defend the faith; and make disciples. The second focus is the biblical mandate and necessity of work. Gary discusses many scriptures re: health and divine healing; these are necessary for any believer to work long and hard.

Scriptures Reviewed: Heb. 10:32-39; James 1:2-4; Hab. 2:4; Gal. 3:11; I Cor. 9:25

Discipleship Points: This program concludes Heb. 10. The writer switches from those who walk, leave the faith and its warnings to encourage believers to resist falling back, remembering the victories in Christ from before, run the race with endurance and remember the just shall live by faith. A contrast is made between believers in the East and those in the West. The former may experience property loss and violence. The latter may be persecuted for their social stances.

Scriptures Reviewed: Heb. 10:31-32; Luke 24:12-46 (referenced verses, some read); Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 16:6-10.

Discipleship Points: The last couple programs centered on those who leave the faith, i.e. once save but walk away/apostates. Gary and Manny talk about sharing our faith and fellowshipping as much as possible. Perhaps someone will not walk away, perhaps someone considering the faith will be strengthened. Both share stories about witnessing.

Scriptures Reviewed: Heb. 10:26-31; II Pet. 2:20-22

Discipleship Points: The program focuses on believers who walk away from the Lord. They harden their hearts, they willfully sin, they despise Jesus, His blood and the Holy Spirit. Their future expectation is judgment and punishment. These verses do not refer to the regular believer nor to backsliders. Backsliders are pulled away and can return. Apostates walk away with no possibility of returning due to their own choice.

Scriptures Reviewed: Hebrews 10:24-27; 13:3

Discipleship Points: Part of the program focuses on the importance of gathering together with other believers. With many distractions in the world, believers need to press in the study the Word, to fellowship, pray and more. The second part of the program looks at those who willfully sin, who are walking away from their relationship with the Lord. The verses here do NOT refer to the regular believer, giving comfort and clarity to the everyday believer.

Scriptures Reviewed: Heb. 10:22-23; Heb. 7:19; Heb. 9:13-14; and II Pet. 1:2-4.

Discipleship Points: The program focused mainly on drawing near to God. Drawing near is based upon what Jesus did, not our actions, feelings, mistakes or lack thereof, etc. Verse 23 leads us to hold fast our confession, hope our hope without wavering...because He is faithful. We, again, see that it is His faithfulness which gives us hope. The program ends with comments on I Pet. 2-4, verses that show we have grace and peace through the knowledge of Him, and we have all things for life and godliness through His promises to us.

Scriptures Reviewed: Hebrews 10:19-25; I Thes. 5:16-19

Discipleship Points: The program summarizes the points from last week's program including establish ourselves by the Word, not by our actions; there are no longer offerings for sin; give thanks in, not for, all things; and God will fight our battles as our fight is not with flesh and blood. Truths from I Thes. include rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all things and quench not the Spirit. Gary shares a story about being led to give thanks when waiting for two contacts.

Scriptures Reviewed: Hebrews 10:15-24; Jeremiah 31:31-34

Discipleship Points: God said He will put His Law in our hearts and minds. This suggests NO external work, activities, penance, et al, on our part. We are to know and be established by His work in our lives, giving us eternal security. Rather than work, do, offer sacrifices, et al, to establish ourselves, let us go into all the world and help others, evangelize and serve the Living God. The program includes a tennis story and a layoff for Manny that God works for good.