FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Pillars of the Church Series
Lesson 1: Discipleship (1 Th. 2:1-8)
Sis. Min. Bridgitt Bradley-Brown
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Religions and Cults: A Comparison
What is a Cult?
The term "cult" first appeared in English in 1617, derived from the French culte, meaning "worship" or "a particular form of worship" which in turn originated from the Latin word cultus meaning "care, cultivation, worship," originally "tended, cultivated,"
Lewis defines Cult as 'any religious movement which claims the backing of Christ or the Bible, but distorts the central message of Christianity by
  • An additional revelation, and
  • By displacing a fundamental tenet of faith with a secondary matter (Confronting Cults p.4)
What is a Cult?
Every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following five characteristics:
  • 1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members
  • 2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society.
  • 3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma.
  • 4. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds and recruit people.
  • 5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society.
The church of Christ is built on the Truth
The church of Christ is built on the Truth and supports the truth (Matt. 16:18, 1 Timothy 3:15, Ephesians 2:20-22).
"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" Matt 16:16
"...on this rock I will build my church" Matt 16:18
First Missionary Baptist Church
The Pillars of the Church: Lesson 1 - Discipleship
The Great Commission commands all Christians to make disciples. Every believer has spiritual gifts to help others grow in Christ. Let's look to the book:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Lesson presented by Min. Bridgitt Bradley-Brown
What Is Discipleship?
A Church Culture
Not just a program but the spirit of the church. Every member helps others become more like Christ.
Begins at Home
Parents and grandparents actively disciple their children. This ripples through the entire church.
Everyone's Role
We ALL help one another grow in godliness using our unique gifts and resources.
Gifts That Support the Body
Ephesians 4:11-12
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
(1 Th. 2:1-3)
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a [cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
(1 Th. 2:4-8)
Three Crucial Ingredients

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Christian Motive
Pleasing God from the heart
2
Christian Manner
Evident love for others
3
Christian Message
The gospel of God
Effective discipleship requires all three elements. When you're clear on the gospel, show love for others, and aim to please God, He will use you to help others grow.
The Christian Message: The Gospel
God's Message
The gospel comes from God, not man. To reject it is to reject the living God who gave it.
Salvation by Grace
"By grace you have been saved through faith... not of works." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Good News for Sinners
The gospel freely forgives all sins of those who believe in Christ.
Why is it important to get the gospel right?
How is Satan attacking the gospel in our day?
The Heart of Discipleship
Personal Investment
Discipleship requires investing your life in others, just as Paul did with the Thessalonians.
Community Growth
When we disciple one another, the entire church grows stronger in faith and love.
Spiritual Transformation
The goal is transformation into Christ's image through message, manner, and motive.
7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. (1 Th. 2:7-8)
The Christian Manner: Love
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Gentle Care
"We proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children."
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Sacrificial Time
Love requires sacrifice and inconvenience, just like caring for a baby.
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Shared Life
"We were well-pleased to impart not only the gospel but also our own lives."
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Emotional Connection
Paul showed deep feelings for converts and let them know it verbally.
Three Crucial Ingredients

1

2

3

1
Christian Motive
Pleasing God from the heart
2
Christian Manner
Evident love for others
3
Christian Message
The gospel of God
Effective discipleship requires all three elements. When you're clear on the gospel, show love for others, and aim to please God, He will use you to help others grow.
Have you ever met a people-pleaser? How did you know?
Definition: People-pleasing is when you sacrifice your well-being and authenticity to make others happy.
Jan 4, 2021
How can a person who is inclined to be a people-pleaser become a God-pleaser? What steps should he or she take?
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men , but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a [cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men , either you or others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. (1 Th. 2:4-6)
The Christian Motive:
Pleasing God
Seeking God's Glory
"We speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts."
Enduring Trials
Paul faced opposition yet continued with steadfast joy.
Pursuing Sound Doctrine
"Our exhortation does not come from error." Truth leads to spiritual health.
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
(1 Th. 2:1-3)
Integrity Before God
1
Moral Purity
Paul's exhortation did not come from "impurity." Effective discipleship requires purity beginning at the thought level.
2
Financial Integrity
Paul did not come "with a pretext for greed." Christians must be honest in all financial dealings.
3
Truthful Communication
"Neither did we use flattering words." Avoid all deception and manipulation when discipling others.
What can you do to help FMBC move toward a culture of discipleship? What would you need to change to do this?
Life in Christ. The Holy Trinity.

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Apostles and Saints
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Scriptures
3
Patristic Experience and Writings
4
Liturgical and Sacramental Life
5
Ascetical and Communal Parish Life
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Acquisition of Spiritual Virtues, Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The pillars supporting our spiritual temple: Work, Health, Finances, Friendships, Family of Origin, Outreach/Missions, Single Life, Parenting, Marriage
God's Process to Make Overcomers
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God Leads. God's Word.
Jn 18:37, Jn 10:16
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You hear. Jesus authors faith.
Ro 10:17, He 12:2, He 11:1
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Faith opens the door to grace.
Ro 5:1-2, Ep 2:8
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Grace gives you power to do God's work.
1Co 15:10, Ja 1:22, 2:17, Jn 1:7
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You yield to God's grace
Ro 6:13
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Christ grows in you and the flesh dies.
Ro 6:19, 2Co 3:18
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Repeat.
Christ is the Foundation of the church. We can't just build any way we want to on this Foundation. We must listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit and build according to that leading.