• Lesson Two in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:5-8

Though salvation and the promise of eternal life may seem like the goal, these are just the first tastes of forever with the Lord.

We have entered into a glorious new relationship, and belief in Jesus is only the beginning. When we put our faith in him, he seals us with his Spirit and enables us to partake in his divine nature (1:4).

But we do not automatically reflect all his traits the moment we become Christians.

Just as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) are characteristics that he produces within us, so are the supplemental principles of faith.

But we cannot be passive just because these traits come from him. Being a partaker of his divine nature means we must participate.

We are required to give all we have to this relationship, making every effort to be spiritually healthy.

So, with a good foundation of faith, we can begin building and growing.

The first trait we should add to our faith is virtue. This word is translated as “excellence” in verse three when referring to God.

So, virtue is a divine attribute that we cannot attain on our own, a goodness that excels basic human goodness.

The classical Greek word meant “a god-like ability to perform heroic deeds.” Goodness that comes from God stands out above all other goodness and can be obtained only with the help of the one who possesses it to begin with.

So, if we want goodness that exceeds what we can attain on our own, we need to let God show us how to be morally excellent by being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

But we can also understand the kind of goodness that excels the world’s by adding knowledge to our virtue.

Reading God’s word teaches us what he calls good and bad, right and wrong.

We can only obey what we know, so this is important.

But the Bible also reveals the type of goodness the Lord possesses. Seeing it demonstrated helps us understand how to follow him better.

So, we learn his ways by listening to his teachings and paying attention to his character. Knowledge added to virtue only makes us more virtuous and faithful as we see the world through his eyes and rely more on him.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson One in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:1-4

When we know Jesus as Christ, Savior and Lord, we receive all his precious promises.

As we grow in our knowledge of him, we will begin to look more like him and less like the world.

John 1:12–13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God (NASB).”

As God’s children, we share his characteristics and have escaped the world’s corruption, which is caused by our sinful nature.

Children share traits with their parents. Some are a product of nature because we are born with them.

Physically, we could look like them, or we may share certain personality traits.

Then, other characteristics come through a growing and nurturing relationship.

As we spend time with our parents, watching and listening to them, we begin walking, talking and doing things the way they do.

As God’s children, we partake in his divine nature. But the more time we spend with him listening and following him, the less we will look like the world and the more we will be like him.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1) and receive the gifts the Father longs to give his children.

First Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” So, take hold of his precious promise.

We gave our children gift cards in their Christmas stockings this year.

The girls spent their cards quickly. But the boys could not decide and ended up walking out of the store with the cards in their pockets and nothing in their hands.

All four thankfully received their cards, but until they purchased something with them, our gift was wasted. We paid the price for nothing.

Receiving Jesus is no different. He paid for the sins of every person in the world. Your life has already been bought. So, what will you do with his purchase? Will you live for the One who died for you? Will you claim the promises he has for those who call Jesus their Savior? He is offering you everything pertaining to life and godliness. Will you take it and use it for his good pleasure?

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Fourteen in the Connect360 unit “Ambassadors for Christ: The Ministry of Reconciliation” focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul began by stating, “For Christ’s love compels us.” The phrase encapsulates the deep motivation behind the ministry of reconciliation.

The love of Christ is not just a theological idea; it is a living, breathing force that drives believers to action.

Paul’s personal testimony about the transforming power of Christ’s love was rooted in the knowledge Christ died for all people, reconciling them to God.

The apostle further explained the love of Christ compels believers to live “for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

It is a sacrificial love—shown in Christ’s death and resurrection—that becomes the central push behind the Christian’s desire to share the message of reconciliation with others.

Moreover, Paul’s use of the term “compels” (Greek, sunechō) speaks to a deep inner driving force, one that controls andmotivates the believer’s every action.

The compulsion comes not from external pressure or obligation but from a heart transformed by God’s love.

The experience of God’s love is so profound, it compels believers to step into the world as ambassadors, representing Christ’s message of hope to a broken and desperate world.

The motivation is also rooted in the theological understanding that humanity is estranged from God due to sin, and the only means of reconciliation is through Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote in Romans 5:10 that “while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.”

This passage (Romans 5:10–11) reinforces the reality that God’s love is not contingent upon human worthiness but is agracious initiative from God to restore the broken relationship. The Christian response to unmerited grace is a desire toshare the message of reconciliation with others, inviting them into the same restored relationship with God.

Experiencing God’s love profoundly and personally changes us forever.

Christ’s love toward us draws our response to him. Christ’s love in us spurs us to care about others. Christ love through us stirs others to know and embrace him.

 To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

Farming as a metaphor emphasizes the importance of patient cultivation. Just as a farmer must sow seeds and tend to them with care, disciple making involves nurturing new believers in their faith.

The work of disciple making is not instantaneous. It is a process of growth that takes time and care.

Just as a farmer cannot rush the growth of a crop, neither can a disciple maker rush the spiritual development of a believer.

The apostle Paul’s analogy highlights the collaborative nature of disciple making— different individuals may be involvedin various stages of the process, but it is God who causes the growth.

In Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23, Jesus told the Parable of the Sower, where he compared the gospel to a seed that is sown ondistinct types of soil. Some of the seeds fall on rocky ground and do not take root, while other seeds fall on good soil andproduce a great harvest.

This parable illustrates the importance of the soil—the hearts of those who hear the message of the gospel.

The work of farming, therefore, involves not only sowing the seed (the gospel) but also cultivating the soil (the hearts of the hearers) through prayer, teaching and discipleship.

In John 4:34–38, Jesus further emphasized the harvest metaphor when he spoke to his disciples about the spiritual harvest that is ready to be gathered.

He compared the labor of disciple making to the work of farming, calling his disciples to join in reaping what others have sown.

Evangelism is a cooperative task—one that involves sowing the seed of the gospel, nurturing the relationships and then reaping the fruits of God’s labor in due season.

But remember … without a season of sowing, a season of harvest is not possible.

 To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Twelve in the Connect360 unit “Proclaim the Good News” focuses on Mark 1:1-4; Luke 4:42-44; Acts 5:42; 11:19-21

The “good news,” often referred to as the gospel, is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The foundational textsof Mark, Luke and Acts highlight the centrality of this proclamation in the early church and the ministry of Jesus.

In Mark 1:1–4, the gospel introduced as the “beginning of the good news of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,” fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.

John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus is also emphasized, as John called people to repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Similarly, in Luke 4:42–44, Jesus himself proclaimed the good news as he traveled from town to town, teaching andhealing.

Jesus’ mission was clear. He came to preach the kingdom of God, and he emphasized that his proclamation wasessential to the work of God.

In Acts 5:42, we see that the early church continued his mission: “Day after day, in the temple and from house to house,they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

This passage illustrates the ongoing commitment of the early followers of Jesus to proclaim the good news, despite opposition and persecution.

The essence of the good news, as detailed in the New Testament, is summarized in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Matthew 4:23–25 and 9:35–38 recount how Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in the regional synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing the sick of various diseases.

These acts were not only physical but also spiritual demonstrations of the good news that Jesus proclaimed: the kingdom of God had come near, and through Jesus, humanity could experience healing—both physically and spiritually.

Isaiah 53:4–6 speaks prophetically of the suffering servant who would bear the sins of the world, providing a framework for understanding why the good news is indeed “good.” Jesus’ life and sacrifice fulfilled in prophecy,showing that the suffering servant came to take away the sins of the people and reconcile them to God.

The core of the good news is Jesus came to restore humanity’s broken relationship with God, offering forgiveness and eternal life through his death and resurrection.

The good news is the message of hope and redemption. It declares that through Jesus, people can be forgiven, freed from the bondage of sin and given new life.

This message is not just for a select group but is meant to be shared with everyone, regardless of their past, their social status, or their position in society.

Jesus’ invitation to the kingdom is all-encompassing, offering a restored relationship with the Creator to all who believe in him.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Eleven in the Connect360 unit “Discipleship and Ministry Leadership” focuses on Luke 6:12-16; 8:1; 9:1-6; 10:1-17

Jesus’ model of discipleship deliberately was structured to prepare the apostles with leadership skills necessary to establish the church.

In Luke 6:13, we read that Jesus “chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”

The term apostle signifies a commissioned leader who is sent with authority and a mission. Jesus’ investment in the apostles went beyond teaching them spiritual truths—it was a comprehensive leadership development process.

Through his ministry, he prepared them to lead the early Church by modeling leadership, teaching them how to serve and providing them with opportunities for direct ministry experience.

One of the key elements of Jesus’ leadership development strategy was his personal example.

In Luke 22:27, Jesus asked his disciples: “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not theone who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Jesus’ humility and servant leadership style were core components of his discipleship process.

The apostles were not merely taught concepts; they were shown through Jesus’ example how to lead with humility, sacrifice and service.

Furthermore, in passages such as Matthew 16:18–20, Jesus emphasizes the authority he is allocating to his disciples as leaders in the kingdom of God.

He said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (16:19).

Jesus’ declaration indicated the apostles were not merely followers of Jesus, but also future leaders of the Church, entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the early Christian community.

The transfer of kingdom leadership from Jesus to his apostles was a pivotal moment, and Jesus ensured that his disciples were thoroughly prepared for the responsibility.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Ten in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; Hebrews 5:11-13; Romans 16:17-18.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17, the apostle Paul underscored the importance of foundational doctrines in the life of abeliever.

Paul wrote that “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2:13).

The truth of the gospel is central to salvation and sanctification. Believers are called to stand firm and hold fast tothe teachings they have received (2:15).

Teaching provides the foundation for spiritual growth. Through greater knowledge of God via sound doctrine, believers are sanctified, grow in holiness and are conformed to the image of Christ

In Hebrews 5:11–13, the author addressed the lack of spiritual maturity in the recipients of the letter.

The author lamented they should have progressed beyond basic teachings to deeper truths but were still in need ofelementary doctrine.

The author explained that “anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching aboutrighteousness” (5:13).

This highlights the necessity of progressing from foundational doctrines to more advanced understanding, which iscrucial for spiritual growth. To know God fully, believers must not only receive the basic tenets of the faith, but alsomature in their understanding of God’s will as revealed in Scripture.

Romans 16:17–18 warns believers against those who promote division and teach contrary to the doctrine that has been handed down.

The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned” (16:17).

False teachers distort the gospel, and their influence can hinder spiritual growth.

It is essential believers be grounded in sound doctrine, so they can identify and reject teachings that are not in line with the truth of Scripture.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Nine in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on John 15:6-10; Hebrews 12:10; Acts 13:2-3; Colossians 4:2-4.

Foundational Habits of Discipleship

Bible study serves as the bedrock of spiritual growth. Engaging with Scripture not only deepens one’sunderstanding of God’s nature, but also fosters a personal relationship with him.

Regular study of the Bible equips individuals with knowledge and wisdom, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges. Systematic study methods encourage believers to observe, interpret and apply biblical texts actively.

This practice cultivates critical thinking and allows individuals to discover personal insights, which can lead totransformative experiences in their spiritual lives.

Prayer is another foundational habit that profoundly influences spiritual development. It is through prayer thatindividuals communicate with God, express their thoughts and feelings, and seek guidance.

Philippians 4:6 states: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, withthanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Moreover, various forms of prayer—such as intercessory prayer, contemplative prayer and corporate prayer—enhance spiritual growth by encouraging individuals to engage with God and the community.

These practices not only strengthen one’s faith, but also foster a sense of belonging within the body of believers.

Worship is integral to spiritual disciplines, as it focuses on honoring and glorifying God. Engaging in corporate worship, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:24–25, encourages believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.”

Worship creates a communal atmosphere where individuals can experience God’s presence collectively, reinforcing their faith. Personal worship through music, art or nature can lead to profound spiritual experiences.

Engaging in worship helps believers express gratitude, reflect on God’s goodness and realign their priorities,thereby facilitating deeper spiritual growth.

Serving others embodies the principle of love and is a crucial aspect of spiritual development. Jesus exemplifiedthis through his life, teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).

By serving, individuals not only obey Christ’s command, but also experience the joy of putting others beforethemselves. Acts of service can take many forms, from leading in the congregation to volunteering in local communities to participating in global missions.

Engaging in service cultivates empathy, humility and a sense of purpose, all of which are vital components ofspiritual maturity.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Eight in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Ephesians 5:21-6:4; Matthew 12:46-50; 19:27-30.

Discipleship is a lifelong journey that ideally begins in biological families and concludes with spiritual families. These two environments are not mutually exclusive, but interdependent, working together to shape the spiritual formation of believers.

The family—both biological and spiritual—plays an essential role in the faith development of individuals, especially as they seek to follow Christ.

Family dynamics dramatically impact our self-perception and our worldview. In the context of family we embrace values, clarify roles and responsibilities, and navigate life from childhood to adulthood.

Earthly and spiritual families provide the foundation for faith formation and contribute to spiritual growth throughout a believer’s life.

The importance of family in faith development is highlighted in Scripture, beginning with the commands given to Israel in the Old Testament.

In Deuteronomy 6:1–9, the Israelites are instructed to love the Lord with all their heart, soul and strength, and to teach God’s commands diligently to their children.

This directive underscores the family’s role in the spiritual formation of the next generation. Parents are entrustedwith the responsibility of passing on faith to their children by modeling it in their lives and teaching it in everyday moments.

The command to love and serve God is not just a personal pursuit but a communal and generational one, with faithpassed from parent to child, fostering spiritual growth from an early age.

In the New Testament, the concept of family expands to include the spiritual family of the church.

In Ephesians 5:21–6:4, Paul offered instructions to both husbands and wives, and parents and children, regarding their roles within the household.

The familial relationship is presented as a model of mutual submission and love, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church.

This passage emphasizes the role of parents in nurturing their children in the Lord and highlights the importance of honoring one’s parents as a means of spiritual growth (Ephesians 6:1–3).

While earthly families play a crucial role in the initial stages of faith formation, it is important to recognize that all families are imperfect, and not all children are raised in homes where spiritual guidance is provided.

This is where the spiritual family, the church, becomes crucial for continued faith development.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here. 

• Lesson Seven in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Colossians 1:9-11; 28b-29; 4:2-4; Ephesians 4:11-16; James 1:2-4

Preparation for spiritual growth is addressed specifically in Ephesians 4:11–13, which highlights the notation thatleaders with a variety of roles are gifts to the church.

And, they are “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

This Scripture underscores the importance of members of the church being equipped for service and understandingone’s place of significant service within the body of Christ.

“Every member a minister” is more than a motto, it is a truism.

The task of the leaders is to equip individual members of the body to know and assume their position of service in thechurch.

The unique callings to specific ministry areas can be discerned by discovering spiritual gifts, areas of concern,previous experiences or supernatural desires.

Leaders should seek out followers and guide them to explore and embrace their “works of service.”

Followers should submit themselves for training and placement. Preparation encompasses both formal teaching, such as biblical or doctrinal studies, and informal learning through life experiences and mentoring.

Notice three outcomes of effective preparation: unity in the faith, knowledge of the Son of God and maturity in Christ.

Believers are built up and the church is strengthened when all are contributing to the kingdom enterprise of disciple making.

Serving one another provides opportunities for believers to develop their gifts, demonstrate love and grow in humility. In serving others, believers are shaped more into the likeness of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45).

Ministry also fosters a sense of accountability within the church community, which is essential for spiritual maturity.

Spiritual growth is a dynamic and multifaceted process influenced by a variety of experiences and environments.

While the ultimate source of growth is the Holy Spirit, certain experiences such as prayer, the hearing of the word,participation in ministry, and enduring trials all contribute to a believer’s maturation.

Similarly, the church community and obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit provide environments in whichbelievers can grow in faith and continue to pursue maturity in our walk with him.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Six in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.

Spiritual growth is a natural and essential part of the Christian journey. From the moment a person is reborn in the Spirit, a supernatural process begins, leading the believer from spiritual infancy to full maturity in Christ.

This journey involves stages of growth—infancy, childhood and adulthood—shaped by the believer’s commitment to God, their surrounding environment, and their willingness to surrender to the process.

The consequences of stunted growth are significant, both for the individual and the body of Christ. Therefore,believers are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, continually striving toward maturity in him.

By understanding the stages of spiritual growth, the influence of external factors, and the need for intentionalsurrender, believers can cultivate the spiritual growth necessary to fulfill their calling in Christ and contribute to the flourishing of the church.

The goal of Christian ministry is to present every believer mature and complete in Christ, a transformation that takes place through the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s cooperation.

Spiritual maturity involves becoming more like Christ, reflecting his character, adopting his mindset, and engaging in his work of reconciliation. The destiny of every believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ, and this process requires intentional growth, learning and service.

As the church continues to fulfill its calling, the goal remains clear: to help each believer grow into their God-given purpose, reflecting the fullness of Christ in their lives.

While spiritual growth is a supernatural process, it is not without external influences.

The environment in which a believer grows plays a significant role in either nurturing or hindering theirdevelopment. The church community, mentors, spiritual leaders and even cultural influences all impact spiritualgrowth.

In the initial stages of spiritual growth, believers need strong spiritual leadership and sound teaching to help them navigate the stages of faith.

As 2 Thessalonians 1:3 suggests, faith and love grew in the Thessalonian church and was cultivated through constant prayer, encouragement and mutual support.

Similarly, the presence of a supportive Christian community can accelerate a believer’s growth, providing a safespace for questioning, learning and practicing the faith.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Five in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Mark 1:4-5, 9-11; Acts 8:9-13; 34-39.

Baptism is an act of obedience central to the believer’s identity as a follower of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commissions his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism, then, becomes the first step in discipleship, a public declaration of one’s allegiance to Christ and a sign of submission to his authority.

This obedience to the command of baptism signifies the believer’s decision to live according to God’s will and purpose.

As Paul wrote in Romans 6:3–4: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptizedinto his death?

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Baptism is the believer’s declaration of having died to the old self and been raised to new life in Christ.

It is the first step in the journey of obedience to God, which includes living according to his word, bearing fruit of theSpirit, and engaging in ministry. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their allegiance to Jesus and their intention to follow him in all aspects of their lives.

A 73-year-old man recently was baptized. When asked about his decision to follow Christ and be baptized hereplied: “I was sprinkled as a child, received Jesus as my Savior at age 21, and been disobedient until now. I need to beobedient.”

Choosing to fully follow Christ in believer’s baptism was a significant moment in his life. What a day of celebrationit was for him and his family.

Just a word of caution on this point. An axiom of faith life is “disobedience leads to doubt.” When followers of Jesus fail to act obediently in the area of baptism, doubt in other areas can creep into their life.

Jesus’ emphasis on baptism as a marker of discipleship is not accidental, it is intentional. Guiding believers intobaptism contributes to greater confidence in their faith and followship.

Disciple makers should and must make baptism a priority.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.