“Ministry Moment” Promoting PRUMC Disciple Bible Study Chris Gabriel, August 20, 2017

Have you ever been “bambuseled”? Perhaps not, since I just made up the word. It means the sense of abuse you feel when you have been bamboozled into buying or doing something that didn’t live up to the promises it made. Maybe you were sold a device that said it would take 10 shots off of your golf score. Maybe you tried a cream that promised to remove years of wrinkles. Maybe you were excited to enjoy a special craft product or curated experience that turned out to be just repackaged and tired old stuff. In each case, perhaps you were disappointed, hoodwinked, conned. Bambuseled.

I’ve been bambuseled, so I appreciate the importance of making you a promise that I am absolutely 100% sure will be true no matter who you are. Disciple Bible study will change your life. I know, because it changed mine.

Maybe you are a spiritual seeker looking for answers to all of the big questions. Why are we here? What is our purpose? The answers are in the Bible.

Maybe you are a pragmatic doer trying to be effective and productive in your life. The Bible is the owner’s manual from the God who made you.

Maybe you are hoping to find comfort and truth. The Bible is the Good News and reading it reveals the meaning of the Christian message.

Disciple also will make you part of a marvelous community of believers young and old with a wealth of experiences and perspectives to share. You will benefit from thoughtful teachers who will bring the Old and New Testaments to life. I have experienced every one of the six programs, and I can assure you that Disciple is Peachtree Road at its best.

For anyone who has not taken Disciple, the first program – Disciple One – is an essential investment in your faith that you can’t afford to miss. Over nine months, Scripture will come alive to you as the revealed Word of God. The drama and wisdom of the Old Testament. The inspiration of Jesus in the New Testament. You will share laughter and tears with a new group of friends. At the end, you will celebrate each other during an emotional ceremony where everyone receives a list from the class of their unique spiritual gifts. It is inspiring in every way.

Honestly, I have been nervous thinking about what to say this morning that would convey how strongly I feel about Disciple. It is an amazing program, the heart of this church, and the foundation of my life as a follower of Jesus Christ. I can’t recommend it more strongly.

In closing, I come before you today with props representing the two most important moments in my own faith journey. This Bible is inscribed with the date on which I first felt God’s presence at age 11. This Disciple book represents the day 15 years ago when I signed up for Disciple One. I have been thankful for doing so ever since. Please don’t wait. Representatives from the program will be outside after the service. Sign up and make this a day that your life changes.