Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF APPENDICES

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Nouthetic Counseling

Why a Biblical Plotline?

CHAPTER 2: THE POWER OF THE WORD

The Misinterpretation and Misrepresentation of the Word

Self-help and Christianity

The North American Christian Psyche and Self-Help

CHAPTER 3: PROSPERITY GOSPEL

The True Focus of Prayer

The Embellished Message

Desensitizing Christianity

CHAPTER 4: A RELIANCE ON CREATED THINGS

Knowing the Promise Keeper

God’s Calling of the Nation Further Enkindles Mission

The Ability to Know God

CHAPTER 5: THE WORD MISUNDERSTOOD

John’s Unique Ministry

Jesus as Rabbi

CHAPTER 6: OUR MESSIANIC UNDERSTANDING

A Messiah for the Oppressed

The Expansion of Hellenism

Understanding the Biblical Messiah

Biblical Horizons

God’s Mission is Revealed in the Story

CHAPTER 7: DISCIPLESHIP – HOW SHOULD WE FOLLOW?

Discipleship Can and Should Work in Today’s Church

A Decision Without Discipleship

Where are the Disciples?

The Connectedness of Church, Serving God & Others, and Discipleship

The Objectives of Discipleship

The Church is the Promoter of Discipleship

CHAPTER 8: DISCIPLESHIP IS FOR EVERYONE

The First Cohort

Cohort 2012

Cohort 2013

Cohort 2014

2015 Survey

CHAPTER 9: COURSEWORK

CHAPTER 10: TOOLS TO PROMOTE BIBLE READING AND STUDY

Good Study Tools

Bible Commentaries

CHAPTER 11: APPLYING THE PLOTLINE

CHAPTER 12: CONCLUSION

APPENDICES

BIBLIOGRAPHY