There are many bible passages that can be used when making disciples. The following are bible passages we recommend and use. They are grouped into sets and are best used in the order listed. Using the DBS questions format to study these bible passages will give the disciple a better chance of being able to pass on what they have learned.
What bible passages to use?
The stories of hope are often used with people who are interested in knowing more about Jesus. Once the person wants to follow Jesus, then use the has discovered the hope that can be found following Jesus, then read with them the bible passages of the 7 studies for disciples of Jesus. Then after completing these 7 studies, use the Commands of Christ bible study passages. After completing these, you can read the book of Mark (reading about half a chapter each time). And after that, read the book of Acts, to see how the first followers of Jesus lived.
Stories of Hope
These dozen bible passages can be used to introduce people to Jesus. You can use them in the order listed or select a story that will be most helpful to the person or group.
From these stories of hope passages, the reader will be able to see how people who met Jesus, left changed and improved. The people started with out hope, but left with hope.
- 1. The sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50)
- 2. The pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-17)
- 3. A hole in the roof (Luke 5:17-26)
- 4. Two lost children (Luke 15:11-32)
- 5. Death and forgiveness (Mark 15:16-39)
- 6. New life, new purpose (Matthew 28:1-20)
- 7. What soil are you? (Mark 4:1-20)
- 8. An unexpected guest (John 20:19-31)
- 9. Merciful King (Matthew 18:21-35)
- 10. Healings in response to faith (Luke 8:40-56)
- 11. Demon-possessed man & the pigs (Luke 8:26-39)
- 12. How should we live? (Luke 6:39-49)
- 13. The final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46)
- 14. A rich man receives salvation (Luke 19:1-10)
7 Studies for disciples of Jesus
These are 7 bible passages that every believer needs to know and do. These are the essentials that everyone who is a Christian needs to do and know.
1. Repent, be baptised & receive the Holy Spirit – Acts 2: 36-41
2. Follow Jesus, fish for people – Mark 1: 14-20
3. Stay in Jesus – John 15: 1-11
4. Take up your cross – Mark 8: 27-38
5. Meet as a church – Hebrews 10: 24-25; Acts 2: 41-47
6. Seek first the kingdom – Matthew 6: 25-34
7. Love God and obey – Matthew 22: 37-40; John 14: 15-21
Commands of Christ studies
The commands of Christ bible study passages are useful to be used after the 7 studies for disciples. There will be some similarities in themes which will help reinforce what they have already studied. All of the topics are found in the bible passage of Acts 2:36-47 and often used with the 12 functions of the church tool (Watch the 1 minute YouTube video).
1. Repent and Believe
– Command: Matthew 4:17
– Story: Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus receives salvation)
– Additional: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10
2. Be Baptised
– Command: Matthew 28:19
– Story: Acts 8:26-39 (Philip and the Ethiopian)
– Additional: Romans 6:3-4, Matthew 3: 13-16, Acts 2:38
3. Holy Spirit
– Command: Luke 11:13
– Story: John 14:12-26 (The promise of the Holy Spirit)
– Additional: Matthew 3:11, Acts 11:16
4. Jesus Christ is Lord
– Command: Acts 5:31
– Story: Philippians 2:6-11 (Exaltation of Christ)
– Additional: Acts 4:11-12
5. Pray
– Command: Matthew 6:9-13
– Story: Matthew 6:5-15 (Jesus teaches how to pray)
– Additional: Luke 10:2
6. Go … Make Disciples
– Command: Matthew 28:19-20
– Story: John 4:4-42 (The samaritan woman)
– Additional: Luke 10:1-11
7. Love
– Command: Matthew 22:37-39
– Story: Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan)
– Additional: John 15:13, 1 Corinthians 13, John 13:34-35, Matthew 22:37-39, John 14:15, 21:17
8. Praise Through Perseverance
– Command: Matthew 4:10
– Story: Acts 16:25-34 (Paul and Silas in prison)
9. Lord’s Supper
– Command: Luke 22:19-20
– Story: Luke 22:7-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (Institution of the Lord’s Supper)
– Additional: Acts 2:42
10. Give
– Command: Matthew 6:1-4
– Story: Mark 12:41-44 (The widow who gives)
– Additional: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Matthew 6:1-4, Acts 4:34-35
11. Persevere in the Doctrine
– Commandment: 1 Timothy 4:13
– Story: Acts 17: 1-12 (The rampage in Thessalonica)
– Additional: 2 Timothy 3:16, Romans 15: 4
12. Signs and Wonders
– Command: Matthew 10:8
– Story: Luke 5: 17-26 (Jesus heals a paralytic)
– Additional: Acts 4:30, Acts 14: 3
13. Gather
– Command: Hebrews 10:24-25
– Story: Acts 2:36-2:47 (The First Church)
– Additional: Acts 5:42, 17:5-7, 18:7, 19: 9, 20:20; Romans 16: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:31
These different story sets can be used when doing a Discovery Bible Study and the full Pattern of Discipleship meeting.