Knowledge Challenges

Description: The student will be able to recite the 66 books of the Bible in order. 

Importance: A major step in showing competency with the Bible is to know the books of the Bible and where to find the books when in personal study or public teaching. 

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, recite the books of the Bible in order.

Description: Upon completion of memorizing the 66 books of the Bible, the student will be able to list the books that fit into each part of the Bible, based on the following divisions: Pentatuch, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Gospels, Church History, Letters of Paul, Other Letters. This challenge builds upon the Memorize the 66 Books of the Bible challenge.

Importance: A disciple of Jesus will have a much greater understanding of the Bible if they know the position and purpose of each book in the Bible.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor. Recite the books of the Bible, grouped into the specified sections (e.g., Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus..)

• Description: The student will understand the structure and key themes of the Old Testament, divided into five sections: Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets. They will memorize Genesis 1:1 and Joshua 1:8, and summarize the purpose and significance of each section.

• Importance: The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding God’s covenant relationship with His people, His plan for salvation, and His promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the five sections of the Old Testament. Share one major theme or key event from each section and how it points to God’s faithfulness. Be prepared to recite the two verses from memory.

Sections of the Old Testament:

1. Law (Pentateuch): Genesis – Deuteronomy (Creation, the Fall, and God’s covenant with Israel).

2. History: Joshua – Esther (The story of Israel’s conquest, kingdom, exile, and return).

3. Poetry: Job – Song of Solomon (Wisdom literature that reflects on life, worship, and God’s greatness).

4. Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel (God’s messages to His people about judgment and hope).

5. Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi (God’s calls for repentance and promises of restoration).

• Description: The student will learn the structure and key themes of the New Testament, divided into five sections: Gospels, History, Paul’s Letters, General Letters, and Prophecy. They will memorize John 1:14 and Acts 1:8, and summarize the purpose and significance of each section.

• Importance: The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ, the spread of the gospel, and God’s plan for His church. A disciple of Jesus must understand its structure and message to grow in faith and mission.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the five sections of the New Testament. Share one major theme or key event from each section and how it applies to your life. Be prepared to recite the two verses from memory.

Sections of the New Testament:

1. Gospels: Matthew – John (The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus).

2. History: Acts (The early church and the spread of the gospel).

3. Paul’s Letters: Romans – Philemon (Instructions and theology for the early church).

4. General Letters: Hebrews – Jude (Encouragement and warnings to believers).

5. Prophecy: Revelation (God’s ultimate victory and the hope of eternal life).

Description: The student will have a competent understanding of the gospel. This will include understanding the basic definition of the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also includes an understanding of sin, separation from God, what is required for salvation, and what are the current and future blessings of a believer.

Importance: The Gospel is the eternity-changing message of hope for all of mankind. A disciple of Jesus must first be able to understand the gospel for their own life, and then for the sake of sharing with others. These verses provide a step-by-step biblical explanation of salvation through Christ.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, have a conversation about the gospel. Show an ability to answer basic questions about the gospel and respond to follow up questions with theologically correct answers. 

Description: The student will memorize and recite the following Bible Verses: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:8-9, Romans 10:13, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:1

Importance: God’s word is living and active. Memorizing it allows us to grow and be used by the Holy Spirit. The Romans Road verses give the disciple a biblical pathway to share the gospel. 

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, share all of the verses of the Romans Road in order. 

• Description: The student will understand and explain the doctrine of salvation, including justification, sanctification, and glorification. They will memorize Ephesians 2:8-9 and summarize how salvation is by grace through faith and not by works.

• Importance: Salvation is the heart of the gospel. Every disciple must understand how God rescues sinners, transforms them, and promises eternal life.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and describe the process of salvation using key terms like justification, sanctification, and glorification. Share why salvation is a gift of grace and not something we earn.

Description: The student will be able to recite the 10 Commandments found in Exodus 20:1-17 in order and explain how the 10 Commandments are a reflection of God’s moral law:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.

Importance: A major step in showing competency in God's moral law. can be found In

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, state all 10 Commandments and explain how the 10 Commandments are a reflection of God’s moral law and useful for helping people to see that we do not measure up to God’s righteousness. The 10 Commandments serve as a mirror to our character.

• Description: The student will memorize 10 key Bible verses that describe the attributes of God. These verses showcase who God is and how He interacts with His creation.

• Importance: Memorizing scripture helps disciples internalize the truth of God’s character, allowing them to worship Him in spirit and truth while drawing on His promises in daily life.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and recite all 10 verses from memory. Be prepared to share why each verse matters in understanding God’s nature.

Verses to Memorize:

1. Holy: Isaiah 6:3 – "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

2. Loving: 1 John 4:8 – "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

3. Just: Deuteronomy 32:4 – "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just."

4. Merciful: Psalm 103:8 – "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."

5. Omnipotent: Jeremiah 32:17 – "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

6. Omniscient: Psalm 147:5 – "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."

7. Omnipresent: Psalm 139:7-8 – "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."

8. Eternal: Revelation 1:8 – "I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

9. Unchanging: Malachi 3:6 – "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."

10. Sovereign: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

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1. Description: The student will learn the 10 key attributes of God, including their meanings and corresponding scripture references. They will be able to explain what each attribute means and how it shapes their understanding of who God is. This challenge builds on the previous challenge of memorizing 10 verses about the attributes of God. 

2. Importance: Knowing God’s attributes equips disciples to trust Him more fully, worship Him more deeply, and confidently share the truth of His character with others.

3. Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain each attribute of God, including its meaning and corresponding verse. Be prepared to give examples of how the attribute has impacted your understanding of God’s work in your life.

Attributes and Corresponding Verses:

1. Holy: Isaiah 6:3 – God is completely set apart, pure, and without sin.

2. Loving: 1 John 4:8 – God’s love is unconditional and central to His relationship with us.

3. Just: Deuteronomy 32:4 – God is perfectly fair and upholds righteousness.

4. Merciful: Psalm 103:8 – God shows compassion and withholds deserved judgment.

5. Omnipotent: Jeremiah 32:17 – God is all-powerful, with unlimited ability to accomplish His will.

6. Omniscient: Psalm 147:5 – God knows all things, past, present, and future.

7. Omnipresent: Psalm 139:7-8 – God is present everywhere, at all times.

8. Eternal: Revelation 1:8 – God has no beginning or end; He exists beyond time.

9. Unchanging: Malachi 3:6 – God’s character and promises never change.

10. Sovereign: Romans 8:28 – God is in control and works all things for His purposes.

• Description: The student will understand the concept of the Trinity: God as one being in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They will memorize Matthew 28:19 and be able to explain the role of each person of the Trinity in creation, salvation, and daily Christian life.

• Importance: The Trinity is central to understanding God’s nature and how He relates to us. A disciple of Jesus should know this essential doctrine to deepen their worship and faith.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the concept of the Trinity using scripture (e.g., Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Be prepared to answer basic questions about what the Trinity is and what it is not.

• Description: The student will learn who the Holy Spirit is and understand His role in creation, salvation, and the life of a believer. They will memorize John 14:26 and Galatians 5:22-23, recognizing how the Holy Spirit empowers, convicts, teaches, and guides.

• Importance: The Holy Spirit is essential to living a victorious Christian life. Disciples of Jesus must understand and rely on His work to grow in faith and serve effectively.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in the life of a believer. Be prepared to share practical examples of how you can depend on the Holy Spirit in daily life and recite the two verses from memory.

• Description: The student will learn about the basic spiritual disciplines, including prayer, Bible reading, fasting, worship, service, solitude, and evangelism. They will understand what each discipline is, why it is important, and how it helps a follower of Jesus grow closer to God.

• Importance: Spiritual disciplines are the practices that help believers deepen their relationship with God and grow in Christlikeness. A disciple of Jesus must know and value these disciplines to live a faithful and fruitful Christian life.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and identify the seven basic spiritual disciplines. Explain the purpose of each and give at least one scripture reference supporting its importance. Share an example of how you can incorporate one discipline into your life this week.

Basic Spiritual Disciplines and Supporting Scriptures:

1. Prayer: Communicating with God, seeking His guidance, and interceding for others.

   • Scripture: Philippians 4:6 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

2. Bible Reading/Study: Engaging with God’s Word for instruction, correction, and encouragement.

   • Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."

3. Fasting: Abstaining from food or other comforts to focus on seeking God and growing spiritually.

   • Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18 – "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do... but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face."

4. Worship: Praising and glorifying God through song, prayer, and obedience.

   • Scripture: John 4:23-24 – "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth."

5. Service: Using your time and talents to serve others as an act of love and obedience.

   • Scripture: Galatians 5:13 – "Serve one another humbly in love."

6. Solitude: Setting aside time to be alone with God, free from distractions, for prayer, reflection, or meditation.

   • Scripture: Mark 1:35 – "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

7. Evangelism: Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 – "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

• Description: The student will learn three key reasons why the Bible is trustworthy, including its historical reliability, fulfilled prophecies, and the unity of its message across 66 books. They will memorize 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and understand how to respond to common objections (e.g., contradictions, authorship).

• Importance: The Bible is the foundation of Christian faith. Disciples of Jesus must be confident in its truth and able to defend its reliability to those with questions.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain three reasons why the Bible is trustworthy. Be prepared to answer a common objection to the Bible’s reliability and share why you trust it as God’s Word.

• Description: The student will learn how to respond to three common objections: “How can a good God allow suffering?”, “Hasn’t science disproven God?”, and “Why is Christianity so exclusive?” They will memorize 1 Peter 3:15 and be equipped to respond with biblical truth and humility.

• Importance: Apologetics prepares disciples to give a reason for their hope in Christ while showing gentleness and respect. Addressing objections is key to effective evangelism.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and role-play a conversation addressing one of the three objections. Respond with thoughtful, biblical answers while maintaining a tone of love and respect.

• Description: The student will study evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, including eyewitness accounts, the empty tomb, and the transformation of the apostles. They will memorize 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 and explain why the resurrection is foundational to Christian faith.

• Importance: The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. Without it, there is no hope of eternal life. A disciple of Jesus must know why the resurrection is credible and be able to explain it.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and present three reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is historically reliable. Be prepared to explain its significance for your faith and for sharing the gospel.

• Description: The student will learn how to live as “salt and light” in a secular culture, applying biblical principles to areas like media, relationships, and social justice. They will memorize Matthew 5:13-14 and understand how to balance truth and grace in engaging with the world.

• Importance: Culture influences how people think and live. Disciples of Jesus are called to engage culture in ways that reflect God’s love, truth, and justice while resisting its negative influences.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and discuss three practical ways to live as salt and light in culture. Share how you can engage with cultural issues in a way that honors Christ and reflects the gospel.

• Description: The student will be able to share our core identity as one made in the image of God, memorizing Genesis 1:27. They will be able to explain what it means to be made in God’s image, as well as why this identity should be foundational rather than our gender, feelings, failures, or accomplishments. The student should understand why every human’s value and worth is tied to being an image-bearing creation of God. 

• Importance: In a world that aggressively promotes distorted and destructive views on identity and sexuality, the follower of Jesus must know who they are and where their deepest value comes from. They must also be able to see and share this with others who are confused.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, recite Genesis 1:27 from memory. Show an understanding of what it means to be made in the image of God. Describe how a person’s value is related to this reality, and not to wealth, status, position, or accomplishment. 

• Description: They will also be able to share the REAL Manhood (Rejects Passivity, Expects God’s Greater Reward, Accepts Responsibility, Leads Courageously) and REAL Womanhood (Rejects Worldly Identity, Expects God’s Greater Reward, Acts With Strength and Wisdom, Loves Others Boldly) acronym. They will be able to explain conversationally what each of these descriptions mean. Additionally, they will be able to share the “simple definition” of manhood and womanhood: “You’re a man, than means God made you strong to take care of others.” and “You’re a woman, that means God made you graceful to heal others.”

• Importance: In a world that aggressively promotes distorted and destructive views on identity and sexuality, the follower of Jesus must know who they are, where their deepest value comes from, what to pursue as a man or woman, and what to encourage in others. 

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, be able to share the REAL man and woman acronyms, as well as the “simple definitions”. Show an understanding of what each of these descriptions represent in responding to follow up conversations. 

• Description: The student will learn basic beliefs and practices of five major world religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Secular Humanism. They will be able to summarize how each differs from Christianity in terms of who God is, salvation, and purpose.

• Importance: Understanding world religions equips a disciple of Jesus to engage with people of other faiths with love, respect, and truth.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and briefly describe the core beliefs of each religion. Be prepared to discuss one key way Christianity offers hope that is different from these belief systems.

• Description: The student will compare Christianity and Islam, focusing on their views of God, Jesus, salvation, and scripture. The student will be able to share the five pillars of Islam, some background on the prophet Muhammed, and identify the Quran as Islam’s holy book. They will be able to describe what Islam teaches about Christianity.  They will memorize John 14:6 and understand why Jesus is the only way to salvation.

• Importance: Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions. Disciples of Jesus should understand how to lovingly share the gospel with Muslim friends while addressing common questions and objections.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the differences between Christianity and Islam, including listing the 5 Pillars, the Quran, and explaining who the prophet Muhammed was. Be ready to discuss why Jesus’ claim in John 14:6 is essential. 

• Description: The student will learn the biblical basis for global missions, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and God’s heart for all nations. They will study the current state of global evangelism and memorize Revelation 7:9-10, which describes the eternal gathering of believers from every nation.

• Importance: Missions is central to God’s plan of redemption. Every disciple of Jesus has a role in supporting or participating in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the biblical basis for missions and share one specific way you can contribute to global evangelism (e.g., praying, giving, or going). Be prepared to recite the two verses from memory.

• Description: The student will understand the overarching narrative of the Bible, which unfolds through four key themes: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. They will memorize Genesis 1:1, Romans 5:8, and Revelation 21:5, recognizing how God’s story connects throughout scripture and points to Jesus as the central figure of redemption.

• Importance: The Bible is not a random collection of stories but a unified message of God’s plan to rescue humanity and restore creation through Jesus Christ. Understanding this big picture helps disciples see God’s purpose for the world and their role in His story.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and summarize the story of redemption using the four themes. Share how each theme relates to specific parts of the Bible and how the story points to Jesus. Be prepared to recite the three verses from memory.

• Description: The student will learn key Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They will study five specific prophecies, including their original context and New Testament fulfillment.

• Importance: Prophecies about Jesus show the unity and divine authorship of the Bible. They strengthen faith in Christ as the promised Savior and equip disciples to share this evidence with others.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the meaning and fulfillment of five key prophecies about Jesus. Be prepared to discuss why these fulfillments are significant for your faith.

Prophecies and Fulfillments:

1. Born of a Virgin: Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:22-23

2. Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:4-6

3. Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53:3-7 → 1 Peter 2:24

4. Pierced for Our Transgressions: Zechariah 12:10 → John 19:34-37

5. Resurrection: Psalm 16:10 → Acts 2:31

• Description: The student will understand the purpose of the church and its mission to glorify God, edify believers, and make disciples. They will memorize Acts 2:42 and Matthew 28:19-20, learning how the church operates as the body of Christ.

• Importance: The church is central to God’s plan for redeeming the world. Every disciple of Jesus has a role to play in the church’s mission of worship, fellowship, and spreading the gospel.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the church’s threefold mission of worship, discipleship, and evangelism. Share how you see yourself contributing to the church’s mission. Be prepared to recite the two verses from memory.

• Description: The student will learn about the two ordinances instituted by Jesus: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They will memorize Matthew 28:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, explaining the biblical basis, meaning, and significance of each.

• Importance: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are visible expressions of God’s grace and our participation in His covenant community. Understanding these sacraments strengthens faith and unites believers.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and explain the purpose and significance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Be prepared to share how each sacrament reflects the gospel and strengthens the church.

• Description: The student will learn how to apply biblical principles to real-life ethical issues, such as honesty, purity, forgiveness, and justice. They will memorize Micah 6:8 and Ephesians 4:25, recognizing how Christian ethics reflect God’s character and guide decision-making.

• Importance: Following Jesus means living out His teachings in everyday life. Disciples of Jesus must be equipped to make ethical choices that honor God and point others to Him.

Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and discuss how to apply Christian ethics to three real-life situations (e.g., being truthful, forgiving someone, or acting justly). Be prepared to explain how biblical principles guide your choices and recite the two verses from memory.