DISCIPLESHIP Journey

Biblical Knowledge

Build a strong foundation in God's Word.

Biblical knowledge provides a strong foundation for a growing faith. These lessons are designed to help you deepen your understanding of God, His Word, and His mission for your life.

I. Biblical Foundations

1. Memorize the 66 Books of the Bible
  • Description: Be able to recite the 66 books of the Bible in order.
  • Importance: A major step in becoming familiar with the Bible is knowing the books of the Bible and where to find them during personal study or public teaching.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and recite the 66 books of the Bible in order. 
2. The Parts of the Bible
  • Description: After memorizing the 66 books of the Bible, be able to identify the books that belong in each of the following divisions: Pentateuch, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Gospels, Church History, Paul's Letters, and General Letters. This builds upon Memorize the 66 Books of the Bible.
  • Importance: Understanding how the books of the Bible are organized provides a clearer understanding of Scripture and the purpose of each book.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and recite the books of the Bible grouped into their appropriate sections (e.g., Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus...).
3. Old Testament Overview
  • Description: Understand the structure and key themes of the Old Testament, divided into five sections: Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets. Memorize Genesis 1:1 and Joshua 1:8, and summarize the purpose and significance of each section.
  • Importance: The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people, His plan for salvation, and His promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the five sections of the Old Testament. Share one major theme or key event from each section, explain how it points to God's faithfulness, and recite Genesis 1:1 and Joshua 1:8 from memory.

Sections of the Old Testament:
  1. Law (Pentateuch): Genesis–Deuteronomy (Creation, the Fall, and God's covenant with Israel.)
  2. History: Joshua–Esther (The story of Israel's conquest, kingdom, exile, and return.)
  3. Poetry: Job–Song of Solomon (Wisdom literature that reflects on life, worship, and God's greatness.)
  4. Major Prophets: Isaiah–Daniel (God's messages to His people concerning judgment and hope.)
  5. Minor Prophets: Hosea–Malachi (God's calls for repentance and His promises of restoration.)
4. New Testament Overview
  • Description: Understand the structure and key themes of the New Testament, divided into five sections: Gospels, History, Paul's Letters, General Letters, and Prophecy. Memorize John 1:14 and Acts 1:8, and summarize the purpose and significance of each section.
  • Importance: The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, the spread of the gospel, and God's plan for His Church. Every disciple should understand its structure and message in order to grow in faith and mission.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the five sections of the New Testament. Share one major theme or key event from each section, explain how it applies to everyday life, and recite John 1:14 and Acts 1:8 from memory.

Sections of the New Testament:
  1. Gospels: Matthew–John (The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.)
  2. History: Acts (The birth of the Church and the spread of the gospel.)
  3. Paul's Letters: Romans–Philemon (Instruction, doctrine, and encouragement for the early Church.)
  4. General Letters: Hebrews–Jude (Encouragement, correction, and warnings for believers.)
  5. Prophecy: Revelation (God's ultimate victory and the hope of eternal life.)

II. Theology

1. Understand the Gospel
  • Description: Develop a clear understanding of the gospel, including its definition as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Understand the nature of sin, humanity's separation from God, what is required for salvation, and the present and future blessings of every believer.
  • Importance: The gospel is the eternity-changing message of hope for all mankind. Every disciple of Jesus should understand the gospel personally and be prepared to share it with others. These verses provide a step-by-step biblical explanation of salvation through Christ.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and discuss the gospel. Demonstrate the ability to answer basic questions about the gospel and respond to follow-up questions with biblically and theologically sound answers.
2. Memorize the Romans Road
  • Description: Memorize and recite the following Bible verses: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:8–9, Romans 10:13, Romans 8:1, and Romans 5:1.
  • Importance: God's Word is living and active. Memorizing Scripture allows the Holy Spirit to use it in daily life and ministry. The Romans Road provides a clear biblical pathway for sharing the gospel.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and recite the Romans Road verses in order.
3. Understand Salvation
  • Description: Understand and explain the doctrine of salvation, including justification, sanctification, and glorification. Memorize Ephesians 2:8–9 and summarize how salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
  • Importance: Salvation is at the heart of the gospel. Every disciple should understand how God rescues sinners, transforms lives, and promises eternal life.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain justification, sanctification, and glorification. Share why salvation is a gift of grace rather than something that can be earned.
4. Memorize the Ten Commandments
  • Description: Be able to recite the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:1–17 in order and explain how the Ten Commandments reflect God's moral law.

    1. You shall have no other gods before Me
    2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.
    3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
    4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
    5. Honor your father and your mother.
    6. You shall not murder.
    7. You shall not commit adultery.
    8. You shall not steal.
    9. You shall not give false
    10. You shall not covet

  • Importance: A major step in understanding God's moral law is becoming familiar with the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:1–17. They reveal God's holy standard, expose our sinfulness, and point us to our need for a Savior.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and recite all Ten Commandments in order. Explain how the Ten Commandments reflect God's moral law and how they help people recognize that we do not measure up to God's righteousness. Discuss how the Ten Commandments serve as a mirror, revealing our true spiritual condition.
5. Memorize Bible Verses on the Attributes of God
  • Description: Memorize 10 key Bible verses that describe the attributes of God. These verses reveal who God is and how He interacts with His creation.
  • Importance: Memorizing Scripture helps disciples internalize the truth of God's character, worship Him in spirit and truth, and draw on His promises in daily life.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and recite all 10 verses from memory. Be prepared to explain why each verse is important for understanding God's nature.

Verses to Memorize
  • Holy: Isaiah 6:3 – "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
  • Loving: 1 John 4:8 – "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
  • Just: Deuteronomy 32:4 – "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just."
  • Merciful: Psalm 103:8 – "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."
  • Omnipotent: Jeremiah 32:17 – "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."
  • Omniscient: Psalm 147:5 – "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."
  • Omnipresent: Psalm 139:7–8 – "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."
  • Eternal: Revelation 1:8 – "I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
  • Unchanging: Malachi 3:6 – "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."
  • Sovereign: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
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6. Understand and Reference the Attributes of God
  • Description: Understand the 10 key attributes of God, including their meanings and corresponding Scripture references. Be able to explain each attribute and how it shapes an understanding of who God is. This lesson builds upon Memorize Bible Verses on the Attributes of God.
  • Importance: Knowing God's attributes equips disciples to trust Him more fully, worship Him more deeply, and confidently share the truth of His character with others.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain each attribute of God, including its meaning and corresponding verse. Be prepared to share examples of how each attribute has shaped your understanding of God's work in your life.

Attributes and Corresponding Verses:
  1. Holy: Isaiah 6:3 – God is completely set apart, pure, and without sin.
  2. Loving: 1 John 4:8 – God’s love is unconditional and central to His relationship with us.
  3. Just: Deuteronomy 32:4 – God is perfectly fair and upholds righteousness.
  4. Merciful: Psalm 103:8 – God shows compassion and withholds deserved judgment.
  5. Omnipotent: Jeremiah 32:17 – God is all-powerful, with unlimited ability to accomplish His will.
  6. Omniscient: Psalm 147:5 – God knows all things, past, present, and future.
  7. Omnipresent: Psalm 139:7-8 – God is present everywhere, at all times.
  8. Eternal: Revelation 1:8 – God has no beginning or end; He exists beyond time.
  9. Unchanging: Malachi 3:6 – God’s character and promises never change.
  10. Sovereign: Romans 8:28 – God is in control and works all things for His purposes.
7. Understand the Trinity
  • Description: Understand the doctrine of the Trinity: one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Memorize Matthew 28:19 and be able to explain the role of each Person of the Trinity in creation, salvation, and the Christian life.
  • Importance: The Trinity is central to understanding God's nature and how He relates to us. Every disciple of Jesus should understand this essential doctrine in order to grow in worship and faith.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the doctrine of the Trinity using Scripture (e.g., Matthew 28:19, John 1:1–3, and 2 Corinthians 13:14). Be prepared to answer basic questions about what the Trinity is and what it is not.
8. Understand the Role of the Holy Spirit
  • Description: Understand who the Holy Spirit is and His role in creation, salvation, and the life of every believer. Memorize John 14:26 and Galatians 5:22–23, recognizing how the Holy Spirit empowers, convicts, teaches, and guides.
  • Importance: The Holy Spirit is essential to living a victorious Christian life. Every disciple of Jesus should understand and depend on His work in order to grow in faith and serve effectively.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in the life of a believer. Be prepared to share practical examples of depending on the Holy Spirit in daily life and recite both memory passages.

III. Spiritual Disciplines

1. Understand the Basic Spiritual Disciplines
  • Description: Understand the basic spiritual disciplines, including prayer, Bible reading and study, fasting, worship, service, solitude, and evangelism. Be able to explain what each discipline is, why it is important, and how it helps followers of Jesus grow closer to God.
  • Importance: Spiritual disciplines are practices that help believers deepen their relationship with God and grow in Christlikeness. Every disciple of Jesus should understand and value these disciplines in order to live a faithful and fruitful Christian life.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and identify the seven basic spiritual disciplines. Explain the purpose of each discipline and provide at least one Scripture reference supporting its importance. Share one practical way to incorporate a spiritual discipline into your life this week.

Basic Spiritual Disciplines and Supporting Scriptures:
  1. Prayer: Communicating with God, seeking His guidance, and interceding for others.
    • Scripture: Philippians 4:6 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
  2. Bible Reading and Study: Engaging with God's Word for instruction, correction, and encouragement.
    • Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."
  3. Fasting: Abstaining from food or other comforts to focus on seeking God and growing spiritually.
    • Scripture: Matthew 6:16–18 – "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do... but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face."
  4. Worship: Praising and glorifying God through song, prayer, and obedience.
    • Scripture: John 4:23–24 – "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth."
  5. Service: Using your time and talents to serve others as an act of love and obedience.
    • Scripture: Galatians 5:13 – "Serve one another humbly in love."
  6. Solitude: Setting aside time to be alone with God, free from distractions, for prayer, reflection, and meditation.
    • Scripture: Mark 1:35 – "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
  7. Evangelism: Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
    • Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20 – "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

IV. Apologetics

1. Defend the Truth of the Bible
  • Description: Understand three key reasons why the Bible is trustworthy, including its historical reliability, fulfilled prophecy, and the unity of its message across 66 books. Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and be able to respond to common objections (e.g., contradictions and authorship).
  • Importance: The Bible is the foundation of the Christian faith. Every disciple of Jesus should be confident in its truth and prepared to defend its reliability when questions arise.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain three reasons why the Bible is trustworthy. Be prepared to answer a common objection to the Bible's reliability and share why you trust it as God's Word.
2. Address Common Objections to Christianity
  • Description: Learn how to respond to three common objections: "How can a good God allow suffering?", "Hasn't science disproven God?", and "Why is Christianity so exclusive?" Memorize 1 Peter 3:15 and be equipped to respond with biblical truth, gentleness, and humility.
  • Importance: Apologetics equips disciples to give a reason for the hope they have in Christ while responding with gentleness and respect. Addressing common objections is an important part of faithfully sharing the gospel.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and role-play a conversation addressing one of the three objections. Respond with thoughtful, biblical answers while demonstrating love and respect.
3. Defend the Resurrection
  • Description: Study the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, including eyewitness accounts, the empty tomb, and the transformation of the apostles. Memorize 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 and be able to explain why the resurrection is foundational to the Christian faith.
  • Importance: The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. Without it, there is no hope of eternal life. Every disciple of Jesus should understand why the resurrection is historically credible and be able to explain its significance.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and present three reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is historically reliable. Be prepared to explain its significance for your faith and for sharing the gospel.a

V. Cultural Engagement

1. The Christian's Role in Culture
  • Description: Understand how to live as "salt and light" in a secular culture by applying biblical principles to areas such as media, relationships, and cultural issues. Memorize Matthew 5:13–14 and learn how to balance truth and grace while engaging with the world.
  • Importance: Culture influences how people think and live. Every disciple of Jesus should engage culture in ways that reflect God's love, truth, and justice while resisting its negative influences.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and discuss three practical ways to live as salt and light in today's culture. Share how you can engage cultural issues in a way that honors Christ and reflects the gospel.

VI. Identity

1. Understand Our Identity as God's Image Bearers
  • Description: Understand our core identity as those made in the image of God. Memorize Genesis 1:27 and be able to explain what it means to be made in God's image and why this identity should be foundational rather than our gender, feelings, failures, or accomplishments. Understand that every person's value and worth are rooted in being an image bearer of God.
  • Importance: In a world that increasingly promotes distorted views of identity and sexuality, every follower of Jesus should know who they are and where their deepest value comes from. They should also be prepared to lovingly share this truth with others who are searching for identity.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and recite Genesis 1:27 from memory. Explain what it means to be made in the image of God and describe how every person's value is rooted in this reality rather than in wealth, status, position, or accomplishments.
2. Understand Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
  • Description: Learn the REAL Manhood acronym (Rejects Passivity, Expects God's Greater Reward, Accepts Responsibility, Leads Courageously) and the REAL Womanhood acronym (Rejects Worldly Identity, Expects God's Greater Reward, Acts With Strength and Wisdom, Loves Others Boldly). Be able to explain each characteristic conversationally and share the following simple definitions:
    • Manhood: "You're a man. That means God made you strong to take care of others."
    • Womanhood: "You're a woman. That means God made you graceful to heal others."
  • Importance: In a world that increasingly promotes distorted views of identity and sexuality, every follower of Jesus should know who they are, where their deepest value comes from, what to pursue as a man or woman, and how to encourage these biblical qualities in others.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and share the REAL Manhood and REAL Womanhood acronyms along with the simple definitions of manhood and womanhood. Demonstrate an understanding of each characteristic and be prepared to explain how they apply in everyday conversations.

VII. World Religions

1. Understand Major World Religions
  • Description: Understand the basic beliefs and practices of five major world religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Secular Humanism. Be able to summarize how each differs from Christianity in its understanding of God, salvation, and life's purpose.
  • Importance: Understanding world religions equips disciples to engage people of other faiths with love, respect, and truth while confidently sharing the hope of the gospel.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and briefly describe the core beliefs of each religion. Be prepared to explain one key way Christianity offers hope that differs from each of these belief systems.
2. Compare and Contrast Christianity and Islam
  • Description: Compare Christianity and Islam, focusing on their views of God, Jesus, salvation, and Scripture. Be able to explain the Five Pillars of Islam, share basic background on the prophet Muhammad, identify the Qur'an as Islam's holy book, and describe what Islam teaches about Christianity. Memorize John 14:6 and understand why Jesus is the only way of salvation.
  • Importance: Islam is one of the world's largest religions. Every disciple of Jesus should understand how to lovingly share the gospel with Muslim friends while responding to common questions and objections.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the differences between Christianity and Islam, including the Five Pillars of Islam, the Qur'an, and the role of the prophet Muhammad. Be prepared to explain why Jesus' statement in John 14:6 is central to the Christian faith.
3. Understand Global Missions
  • Description: Understand the biblical foundation for global missions, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and God's heart for all nations. Study the current state of global evangelism and memorize Revelation 7:9–10, which describes the eternal gathering of believers from every nation.
  • Importance: Missions is central to God's plan of redemption. Every disciple of Jesus has a role in supporting or participating in the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the biblical foundation for missions. Share one specific way you can contribute to global evangelism (such as praying, giving, or going), and be prepared to recite the assigned memory passages.

VIII. The Story of Redemption

1. Understand the Story of Redemption
  • Description: Understand the overarching story of the Bible through four key themes: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Memorize Genesis 1:1, Romans 5:8, and Revelation 21:5, recognizing how God's plan unfolds throughout Scripture and points to Jesus Christ as the central figure of redemption.
  • Importance: The Bible is not a random collection of stories but a unified account of God's plan to redeem humanity and restore creation through Jesus Christ. Understanding this overarching story helps disciples see God's purpose for the world and their place in His redemptive plan.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and summarize the story of redemption using the four themes: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Explain how each theme is reflected throughout Scripture and how the entire story points to Jesus Christ. Be prepared to recite the three memory verses.
2. Understand Prophecies About Jesus
  • Description: Study key Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Learn five significant prophecies, including their original context and New Testament fulfillment.
  • Importance: Messianic prophecies demonstrate the unity and divine authorship of Scripture. They strengthen faith in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and equip disciples to share this evidence with others.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the meaning and fulfillment of the five key prophecies about Jesus. Be prepared to discuss why these fulfilled prophecies strengthen confidence in Jesus as the promised Messiah.
    Prophecies and Fulfillments
    • Born of a Virgin: Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:22–23
    • Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:4–6
    • The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53:3–7 → 1 Peter 2:24
    • Pierced for Our Transgressions: Zechariah 12:10 → John 19:34–37
    • Resurrection: Psalm 16:10 → Acts 2:31

IX. Church and Ordinances

1. Understand the Church and Its Mission
  • Description: Understand the purpose of the church and its mission to glorify God, edify believers, and make disciples. Memorize Acts 2:42 and Matthew 28:19–20, and learn how the church functions as the body of Christ.
  • Importance: The church is central to God's plan for proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Every disciple of Jesus has a role in the church's mission of worship, discipleship, fellowship, and evangelism.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the church's mission of worship, discipleship, fellowship, and evangelism. Share how you can contribute to the church's mission and be prepared to recite both memory passages.

2. Understand the Church Ordinances
  • Description: Understand the two ordinances instituted by Jesus: baptism and the Lord's Supper. Memorize Matthew 28:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:24–25, and be able to explain the biblical basis, meaning, and significance of each ordinance.
  • Importance: Baptism and the Lord's Supper are visible expressions of the gospel and our identification with Christ and His church. Understanding these ordinances strengthens faith, encourages obedience, and reminds believers of Christ's saving work.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and explain the purpose and significance of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Be prepared to describe how each ordinance points to the gospel and strengthens the church.

X. Ethical Living

1. Understand Christian Ethics
  • Description: Understand how to apply biblical principles to real-life ethical issues such as honesty, purity, forgiveness, and justice. Memorize Micah 6:8 and Ephesians 4:25, recognizing how Christian ethics reflect God's character and guide everyday decisions.
  • Importance: Following Jesus means living out His teachings in everyday life. Every disciple of Jesus should be equipped to make ethical choices that honor God and point others to Him.
  • Demonstration of Competence: Meet with your mentor and discuss how to apply Christian ethics to three real-life situations (e.g., being truthful, forgiving someone, or acting justly). Be prepared to explain how biblical principles guide your decisions and recite both memory passages.
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