Running the race, finishing the course: Exploring biblical concepts on being a disciple of Christ

I have been involved with 'local church' for many years and one of the noticeable things in church is that some, hopefully a minority, see becoming a Christian as the end rather than the start of an exciting journey as a disciple of Christ. This is not through lack of teaching but probably a misconception. But The Apostle Paul tells us 'if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old things have passed away and the new has come'. Being a Christian is not only about going to church on Sunday, it is a personal relationship with God and Christ, and it is a new life which must be nurtured in order to grow. The Bible teaches that every Christian, without exception is called to be a disciple of Christ. This book is a collection of bible studies I have had the privilege of teaching since the 1980s, exploring biblical concepts on being a disciple of Christ. These include five main foundational themes: (i) the 'Fatherhood of God'; (ii) 'Experiencing the Fatherhood of God' individually and personally; (iii) Being transformed through relationship with God and Christ; (iv) Reaching out to others and setting an example for others to follow; (v) Staying on course in our journey as disciples of Christ. These bible studies, which have been presented in an informal approach, have been well received wherever I have shared them. My original intention in writing this book in 2017 was to put these bible studies together into one volume. I gave out free complimentary copies to family and close friends, some of whom passed them on their friends and others. And the feedback I got was very positive and many have encouraged me to publish it so it is widely available. My prayer is that this book will help you re-evaluate and grow your relationship with God as a disciple of Christ. Becoming a Christian is not the end, you are a new creation in Christ. It is the start of a new life and the start of an exciting journey. You can and must re-write the story of your life, your testimony as a Christian (disciple of Christ), and it can be as beautiful as you want it to be.