Why a Free Web Site on Discipleship?
This web-site has grown out of a desire to help my Christian brothers around
the world. This site is guided by the following principles:
- The Bible is the inspired word of God
- Every believer is called to be a disciple
- Materials must provide Biblical guidance
- Materials must be attractive in their design
- Materials must be relevant to everyday life
- Materials must be offered free of charge
- Discipleship materials are needed in every major language of the world
Freely you have received, freely give
This website and the materials contained in it are the work of Doug Smith,
Escondido, California, USA. Doug has been a Christian since 1966 and has
been greatly helped in his personal growth by The Navigators, Campus Crusade for
Christ and the Billy Graham Association. These materials reflect an
orthodox, evangelical perspective.
All verses in these studies are from the New International Version (NIV) of
the Bible. Any other version used in the studies have source
identification with the verse. The following abbreviations are used:
- KJV King James Version
- NKJV New King James Version
- NASV New American Standard Version
- RSV Revised Standard Version
Multiple Languages
It is the intent of the virtual Discipleship Resource Center
to provide discipleship materials in many of the major languages of the world. Such a
task is far beyond the resources and skill of the web site's host. So
partners are needed who have an interest and ability to translate these
materials. I will gladly share source material with anyone having the
interest and desire to collaborate.
A Work in Progress
This web-site is a work in progress. New
materials are added as they are developed. These materials are original
work. Consequently, the development cycle is slow but constantly moving
forward. Please be patient if the material you need is not available.
Statement of Faith
While the virtual Discipleship Resource Center
is not aligned with any particular church, there is core set of beliefs that represents
traditional, orthodox, evangelical Christian belief. The following set of
statements represents the guiding beliefs behind the studies on this site.
We believe that...
- The Scriptures,
both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error
in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the
salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and
life.
- In one God,
Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three
persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- hat Jesus Christ
is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins
according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead,
ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is
now our High Priest and Advocate.
- That the ministry of the Holy Spirit
is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during
this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell,
guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.
- That man
was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and
only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual
life be obtained.
- That the shed blood of Jesus Christ
and His resurrection provide the only ground for
justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive
Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus become children of God.
- That water baptism and the Lord's Supper
are ordinances to be observed by the Church
during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of
salvation
- That the true Church
is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus
Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in
the Body of Christ of which He is the Head.
- In the bodily resurrection
of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy
with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious
punishment.
The virtual Discipleship Resource Center is intended to be a repository of Christian Discipleship Resources provided free of charge.
These materials may not be reproduced, in whole or in part for profit.
However, a person may copy, translate or otherwise distribute any portion of
these materials charging only for the cost of reproduction.
Send mail to respond@vdrc.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2015:
virtual Discipleship Resource Center
Last modified: 30 April 2009