ONE
a guide to making disciples in the 21st century
​Many Christians want to make disciples. But few ever feel prepared to do so.
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Perhaps it is a lack of motivation, a lack of clarity, a lack of conviction? One thing is sure, if we are going to partner with Jesus in his great mission to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey (Mat 28:18-20), then we must be equipped to handle the Word of truth faithfully and accurately (2 Tim 2:15). We must be ready to help people fall in love with Jesus to the point they are ready to die with him, and not simply “convert” them to stale religion or denominationalism.
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This discovery and question oriented Bible study is a resource that acts both as a field guide for making disciples, as well as a framework to unify with other Christians in Jesus’ mission.
Making disciples of Jesus is hard work, but I believe it is some of the most rewarding work anyone can do. And everyone can do it! This book will equip you for the journey ahead, the journey of becoming an effective fisher of people (Mark 1:17).
This digital forward book has been designed to fuel disciple making themed around the framework of the "seven ones" of Ephesians 4:1-6:
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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
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This passage serves as a basis for what Paul calls the early Christians in Ephesus to be united on (in the midst of their great ethnic and social divisions between Jews and Gentiles). Because they were prisoners to the Lord, they were to keep the unity of the Spirit (v. 1). This list of seven “ones” is not meant to be exhaustive, but I believe it can be representative of what God calls all Christians to be united on; Body, Spirit, Hope, Lord, Faith, Baptism, and God the Father. These seven "ones" serve as the topics for the main body of biblical studies.
​What the book covers:
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This book is designed to be a resource to help people become disciple makers who make disciple makers. The book is framed around the "seven ones" of Ephesians 4:4-6 to help lay foundations of faith using costly stones.
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✓ Utilizing Bible studies around the seven ones to help people become disciples of Jesus, as well as to partner together with other followers of Jesus to make disciples together.
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✓ Each study is packed with questions that help to plant the seed of the word into the heart, and not simply impart information.
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✓ Several appendices on important issues needed around disciple making.
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✓ Easily shareable content and student worksheets that serve as a primer for Bible study.
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✓ Relevant video content for each study including live conversations of small groups digesting and unpacking the content to further aid you in disciple making.
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✓ Designed to help new disciples as well as those who are more experienced at disciple making.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Biblical Theology?
How to Use the Book
Teacher Tips
1. oneAlignment: creating alignment
oneAlignment: teacher guide
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2. oneFaith: foundations on the word of God
oneFaith: teacher guide
oneFaith: student worksheet
3. oneGod: who is God and what is he like?
oneGod: teacher guide
oneGod: student worksheet
4. oneHope part 1: dead in your transgressions
oneHope part 1: teacher guide
oneHope part 1: student worksheet
5. oneHope part 2: hope in the gospel of Jesus
oneHope part 2: teacher guide
oneHope part 2: student worksheet
6. oneLord: there is one Lord, Jesus Christ
oneLord: teacher guide
oneLord: student worksheet
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7. oneBaptism: raised to newness of life
oneBaptism: teacher guide
oneBaptism: student worksheet
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8. oneBody: in Christ we form one body
oneBody: teacher guide
oneBody: student worksheet
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9. oneSpirit: the one Spirit to drink
oneSpirit: teacher guide
oneSpirit: student worksheet
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Epilogue
Appendix: Who is Jesus?
Appendix: Gospel Presentation
Appendix: Philosophical Starting Places
Appendix: The Sinner’s Prayer
Appendix: The Reliability of the Bible & Manuscript Evidence
Appendix: Baptism: a Biblical Exposition
Appendix: The King & His Kingdom
Appendix: Jesus & Nonviolence
Appendix: Galatians 5:19-21 Exposition - Sin
Appendix: 2 Cor 7:10-11 Exposition - Godly Sorrow & Repentance
Appendix: Resources
Praise for One: a guide to making disciples in the 21st century​
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“There is always a need in the church for resources that will empower God's people to carry out our purpose and mission in the world. Jon Sherwood has deftly provided such a resource for studying the Bible with people who have yet to become followers of Jesus. This is a Bible study resource that strikes the right balance of still having a familiar feel for disciples who are seasoned in studying the Bible with those seeking Christ, while also providing new and in depth explanations, background information, guidance, and thought provoking material to be a worthwhile new resource for those passionate about making disciples.”
Michael Burns, Teaching Minister, DFW Church, author of Crossing the Line and Escaping the Beast
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Using careful research and practical application, Jon expands on ways we can better understand and pass on the gospel of Jesus to more fully reflect the fullness of life and love He offers. Using the backdrop of Ephesians 4:4-6, he calls us toward unity through the basic "ones" of Scripture. His probing questions and video inclusions enhance our clarity in sharing Jesus with others, while also deepening our faith. This is a relevant collection of teachings, illustrations, and applications that will help guide many to a first-time or long-term deepening relationship with Jesus. Well done!
Jeanie Shaw, minister, speaker, and author of The View From Paul's Window
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“ONE is a thorough and in-depth guide for both the novice and the biblically literate Christian who prefer a well-equipped toolbox for teaching others how to become faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus. Jon Sherwood challenges disciple-makers to lead from a place of humility and deep convictions and trains them how to use the scriptures contextually to discern the genuine spiritual needs of both the religious and the unchurched.”
Kim Pullen, founder of Hope for Spouses and author of The Intimacy Manifesto and The Chasm Crosser
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"While Jesus Christ and His message are the same yesterday, today, and forever, Christians are in constant need of discovering new, and rediscovering old, approaches to convey the eternal truths to an ever-shifting world. Failure to evolve in how we will evangelize the world around us will mean failure to save the lost. Jon Sherwood has done every Jesus follower a tremendous service by creating a relevant, easy to implement, and straightforward strategy that will help convert those needing the good news, as well as help unify Christians around the great commission of Christ in the 21st century."
Guy Hammond, Executive Director of Strength In Weakness Ministries and author of Beyond the Margins and Gay & Christian?
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"What I love about this is book is that it appears to possess the practical strengths of other books used for training Christians, but it directly uses a framework from the Scriptures that emphasizes unity — Ephesians 4:3-6. It has an excellent look, cleverly incorporates links to useful media, and contains the humble disclaimers of a self-aware author."
Steve Staten, Organizational Health Coach & Consultant and author of The Art of Breakthrough
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"This book is just the tool we need to help build unity amongst the Christian community. I feel it's a step toward Jesus' prayer for all believers in John 17 and I believe it will have an impact on many for the kingdom and glory of God.”
Michelle Wright, News Anchor/Reporter, Atlanta, GA