Ratio Christi
The PursuitThis 12-topic discipleship track is designed to help university students investigate faith with a group or mentor.
How It Works: Watch a topic video each week and come ready to talk with a group or mentor, using the discussion questions as a guide. Complete the track in 12 weeks or take more time to cover additional topics at the end of each section.
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Topic #1: Three Angles
Key Points:
- Christian faith proves the faith is compatible with reason.
- Scripture teaches that faith goes beyond mere belief. (Hebrews 11:1)
- Philosophy itself requires that reasonable belief is unavoidable.
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Do you think it’s true that science is a “worldview”? Why or why not?
- What are some things science can know or demonstrate? What are some things science cannot know or demonstrate?
- Why do you think some people who are practicing scientists or self-described naturalists avoid the idea that they have a worldview or that their perspectives are based on assumptions?
- What do you think is the proper role of science in the pursuit of human knowledge?
- Why is it important for all of us to recognize our biases and presuppositions? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #2: Four Assumptions
Key Points:
- Science assumes that nature exists.
- Science assumes nature has an intelligible order that can be known.
- Science assumes the existence and applicability of the laws of logic.
- Science assumes the reliability of our senses to deliver truth about the world.
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Do you think it’s true that science is a “worldview”? Why or why not?
- What are some things science can know or demonstrate? What are some things science cannot know or demonstrate?
- Why do you think some people who are practicing scientists or self-described naturalists avoid the idea that they have a worldview or that their perspectives are based on assumptions?
- What do you think is the proper role of science in the pursuit of human knowledge?
- Why is it important for all of us to recognize our biases and presuppositions? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #3: Four Views
Key Points:
- View #1: If there is conflict, then scientific statements trump religious statements.
- View #2: If there is conflict, then religious statements trump scientific statements.
- View #3: Religious and scientific statements cannot conflict as they are entirely separate domains of inquiry.
- View #4: Religious statements and scientific statements may appear to conflict, but don’t really conflict at the level of the facts when properly understood.
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Why do you think religion and science are often made out to be enemies in our culture?
- Of the four views listed in this topic, which appeals most to you? Explain.
- Why is it important to determine that there actually is a conflict between a religious statement and a scientific statement?
- Do you think it is true that “religion and science are entirely separate domains of inquiry”? Why or why not?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More on Faith & Reason
- How Imago Dei Changes Everything
- Why You Can Rely on the Biblical Canon
- How Christianity Is Unique Among World Religions
- 3 Spiritual Conversation Starters
- 4 Assumptions of Modern Science
- Reading Revelation through Four Lenses
- Is There Really “No Evidence” for God’s Existence?
- Should We Believe in Miracles Today?
- 15 Things Not to Say to an Atheist
- How the Biblical Canon Was Formed
- Resurrection Evidence: 5 Reasons to Believe that Jesus Really Rose
- Hasn’t Christianity Caused More Harm than Good?
- Is the Transmission of the Bible Like the “Telephone Game”?
- The Absurdity of Life Without God
- 6 Fallacies to Avoid in Apologetics
- Are the New Testament Authors Reliable Historical Sources?
- 5 Obstacles to Faith in Christ
- Who Did Jesus Think He Was?
- 4 Views on Religion and Science
- 3 Angles on Faith and Reason
- Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?
- Can We Know Anything for Sure?
- The Dilemma of the Problem of Evil
- The Fine-Tuning of the Universe as Evidence of God
- How the Biblical Canon Was Formed
- If God Is Good, Why Is There Evil?
- Can You Be Good if There Is No God?
- Are There Contradictions in the Bible?
- Archeological Evidence: The Bible – Can You Dig It?
- Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
- Relativism and the Rejection of Absolute Truth
- The Complex Human Body as Evidence of a Creator
- What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls?
- Has the Bible Changed Over the Centuries?
- 5 Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus
- Did Jesus Ever Claim to Be God?
- Did Christians Invent the Story of Jesus?
- How Much Proof Do I Need to Believe?
- Why Is the Old Testament Reliable?
- 3 Things Bill Maher Might Be Wrong About
- Does Life Have Purpose Without God?
- The Grace Narrative
- Standing Up for God
- What Is Atheism?
- What Is Theism?
- Slavery in the Bible
- Does the Bible Condone Slavery?
- What Happens to People who Never Hear About Jesus?
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Topic #4: Sin
Key Points:
- The biblical concept of “sin” is about missing a goal of loving God and others.
- Sin is about more than doing bad things; it’s also about self-deception. Genesis 4:7
- Sin is a deep, selfish impulse that drives much of our behavior. James 1:14-15
- Jesus was perfectly sinless, but offered his life for our sins. 1 Peter 2:22-24
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How does this video define sin? How would you define it?
- On a scale of 1 (Mother Teresa) to 10 (Hitler), how bad of a “sinner” are you? How do you think someone else would rate you?
- How have you seen sin derail your life or that of someone you know?
- Read James 1:14-15. Give an example of how sin is a selfish impulse. Where do you think that impulse comes from?
- Do you believe that Jesus was sinless? Why or why not?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #5: Messiah
Key Points:
- The story of Jesus the Messiah goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:15
- Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be wounded so he could heal others. Isaiah 53:5-8
- Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Romans 4:25
- The power of Jesus is available to all who follow him.
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- What, if anything, did you learn about Jesus when you were younger?
- Read Genesis 3:15. How is this a prophecy about Jesus?
- What do you think the Old Testament people of God expected in a Messiah?
- Read Isaiah 53:5-8. How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy? Why did he have to do it?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #6: Trusting Jesus
Key Points:
- Every human being has a basic sin problem that keeps them from God. Romans 6:23
- Jesus provided the only solution to our problem by going to the cross. Galatians 1:4
- The only way to start a relationship with God is by trusting Jesus for salvation. Romans 3:22
A Sinner’s Prayer:
“Jesus, I recognize I’m a sinner. I know that you died on the cross and rose from the dead so that I could have life. I’m turning from my sin now, and I’m turning to you in faith. I trust in you alone to forgive my sin and give me new life. Thank you for this free gift. Amen.”
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Review the definition of sin from the first topic in this track. Why is it important to understand what sin is? Do you agree everyone has a sin problem? Explain.
- Read Romans 6:23. Make a list of the ways sin can bring “death” into our lives.
- In your own words, explain how the death and resurrection of Jesus fixes our sin problem.
- Read Romans 3:22. Do you believe that anyone can be made right with God by trusting in Jesus? Are there any exceptions?
- Have you put your faith in Jesus for salvation? If so, when? If not, are you ready to do it today? See the “Sinner’s Prayer” above.
More on Trusting Jesus
- How Good is Good Enough?
- Resurrection Sunday (Mark 16)
- Holy Week – Palm Sunday
- 10 Sinful Responses to Sin
- The Trinity: God Is Three Persons
- Is It a Sin to Get “Buzzed”?
- Six Principles for Controlling Sinful Thoughts
- 5 Proofs That Jesus Is God
- Resurrection Evidence: 5 Reasons to Believe that Jesus Really Rose
- The Power of Easter
- Can I Believe in Jesus and Not Be Saved?
- Is There Such a Thing as the Unforgivable Sin?
- 7 False Teachings to Avoid
- Are You Ready to Get Baptized?
- After Death Is There a Final Chance to Be Saved?
- Does Baptism Save?
- What If I Can’t Identify My Defining Moment?
- Be Sure You’ll Get to Heaven
- Make Sure You Get Jesus Right
- The Difference Between Good Guilt and Bad Guilt
- Common Baptism Questions
- What Does It Mean to be “Born Again”?
- What Is True Repentance?
- What’s on Your Sin List?
- Getting to the Faith Moment
- Can Christians Lose Their Salvation?
- What Is the Atonement?
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Topic #7: Honoring God
Key Points:
- We can’t honor God out of sheer will power, so we let the Spirit lead us. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
- God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, so we let the Bible guide us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- We weren’t meant to pursue God alone, so other believers help us. (Galatians 6:1-2)
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Read Ezekiel 36:26. Describe the difference between a “stony” heart and a “tender” heart.
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16. What does this verse say that scripture does for us? Share a scripture verse that has been “useful” for you.
- Share a teaching from the Bible that surprised you when you first heard it. Did you obey it? Why or why not?
- Read Galatians 6:1-2. Share a time when another believer helped you on to the right path.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #8: Five Habits
Five Habits:
- Reading the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16
- Praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Connecting. Hebrews 10:25
- Giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
- Mentoring (disciple-making). Matthew 28:19-20
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Give yourself a grade on each of the five habits above. Which one are you most eager to improve? Why?
- How often do you read the Bible every month? How often do you want to do it? Check out our reading plans.
- Describe your prayer life. How connected do you feel with God right now?
- List all of the ways to connect with other believers. Which environments are most helpful for you, and why?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do you think Paul meant by “excel in giving”? Click here to become a giver at pursueGOD.org.
- Is there someone in your life who could use your help? Do you think they would go through a discipleship track with you someday? Why or why not?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #9: How to Pray
Key Points:
- Pray to grow close to your father, like you’re in an actual relationship with him. Matthew 6:9
- Pray to get in step with your king – for his will to be done and not yours. Matthew 6:10
- Pray to lean on your provider because you need what only he can offer. Matthew 6:11-13
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Do you ever feel like prayer is complicated? Explain.
- Read Matthew 6:7-8. What would you say is the essence of “Gentile” or pagan prayer? How is Christian prayer different?
- Describe a time God has seemed distant to you. What is it about God – or us – that can make God seem distant when we pray?
- Read Matthew 6:9, What does it mean to address God as a father?
- Does your experience with your earthly father help or hinder you in approaching God as your heavenly Father? Explain.
- Read Matthew 6:10. What does it mean for God’s kingdom to come? What does that look like in this world?
- When you pray “Your will be done,” what are you actually saying to God?
- Read Matthew 6:11-12. If God already knows our needs, why pray for daily food?
- If Jesus already paid for all our sins on the cross, why pray, “Forgive us our sins”?
- Read Matthew 6:13. What inner battles – spiritual, mental, or emotional – do you face on a regular basis? How can prayer prepare you for those battles?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More Life Topics
- Posts not found
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Topic #10: Helping Others
Key Points:
- Jesus wants his followers to go “full circle” and help others pursue God. Matthew 28:19-20
- Christian maturity comes after we start discipling someone, not before. Ephesians 4:12-13
- The greatest thing you can do in your life is to help someone pursue God. 2 Timothy 2:2
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Who is helping you pursue God? How are they doing it?
- Define “full circle” faith in your own words. Where are you on the circle?
- How do most churches define “spiritual maturity”? How does this video define it?
- Do you think you can help someone else pursue God? Why or why not?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #11: The Process
Key Steps:
- Disciple-making is simply a series of conversations.
- Your job is to help people discover truth, one topic at a time.
- God makes the seed of truth grow in the heart and mind of the seeker. 1 Corinthians 3:7
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Who first shared their faith with you? How did they go about it, and why was it helpful to you?
- Do you find sharing your faith difficult? Why or why not?
- What does it mean that truth must be discovered? What’s the alternative? Explain.
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:7. How do you see this principle at work in your own story of faith?
- Do you feel qualified to make disciples? If not, what would qualify you?
- Make a list of a few people who might be interested in going through this track with you. Begin praying for those people.
Topic #12: Next Steps
Next Steps:
- Cover more training topics (below).
- Practice with the topics in this discipleship track.
- Pray for God to open a door for disciple-making.
- Follow up with your trainer after you’ve started discipling.
- What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
- Who in your life can you invite into a discipling relationship? Which discipleship track would be best for them?
- Read John 15:16. Do you think the disciples would have ever mobilized if Jesus hadn’t been so direct about it? Explain.
- Imagine that you’re discipling someone a year from now. What does your follow up relationship look like with your trainer? How often are you still connecting?
- What are some roadblocks that might keep you from helping someone pursue God? How can you eliminate those roadblocks?
- What are some training topics (see toggle below) that you’d like to cover with your mentor?
More on Making Disciples
- Posts not found
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