Book Description

DISCIPLE IV: Under the Tree of Life, is the final study in the four-phase DISCIPLE program and is prepared for those who have completed Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. The study concentrates on the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation. Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book leads naturally to an emphasis on worship in the study. Present through the entire study is the sense of living toward completion – toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in Revelation. The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the prod and promise in the Scriptures for DISCIPLE IV: Under the Tree of Life. The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest – home at last. Commitment and Time Involved 32 week study three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings. Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings. Teacher Helps The Teacher Helps provides an outline for an orientation session and process suggestions for each of the weekly group sessions. It does not contain new or additional content for the leader to present to the group. A one-page teaching plan is provided for each session. Weekly group sessions follow a set patter, with designated amounts of time for each step. Suggestions for group activity are specific and clearly related to the Scripture being studied. Ample questions for use in discussion are included. The leader both guides the process and participates in all small- group activities in the weekly group session. Leaders will find detailed information and instructions on making necessary arrangements for and preparing group members to participate in three potentially life-changing experiences at the conclusion of Under the Tree of Life – a video-led worship experience of the book of Revelation in Session 31 and a service of foot washing and a service of Holy Communion in Session 32. In the front of the teacher helps is a section of general information on effectively using the study manual, preparing to lead the weekly group meeting, following the proper schedule and procedure, tips for leading discussion, and suggestions for creating and maintaining a caring climate in the study group. Process suggestions in the teacher helps enable full participation by all members of the group as a result of disciplined daily study. A one-page plan for each of the weekly group sessions follows an established schedule and procedure, with an amount of time designated for each section in the plan. Each session plan includes suggestions for group study of a selected passage of Scripture.