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Basic Lessons for New Believers
Volume 1
A New Life In Christ!
By
Pastor Waldo Castro
|
Used by Permission of the author and translated from Spanish by Joyce Schmedel |
A WORD OF CONGRATULATION
I congratulate you very sincerely for having made the most important decision ofyour life; that of receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. This important decisionmarks the beginning of a glorious and victorious walk under the covering of the HolySpirit that now lives in you.
It is really glorious to be a Christian! Life acquires a radical change. We receive ajoy and a peace of which never before we spoke or felt. For the first time, life acquiresa very powerful meaning for us. Now we have a purpose, an identity, and a perfect destinyin Jesus Christ that we can enjoy continually of His presence! We long for everyone tohave a personal encounter with God, and we begin to share with others that which we nowhave known. It is really a glorious experience to know God in this way! Humans weredesigned to have communion with God. When we have this communion, we have a personalencounter with Him. We take into account that there is where we find the real purpose oflife and the true meaning of our existence. This is how we return home a new.
However, the conversion to Jesus Christ is only the beginning of a long walk with God.We are bound to confront experiences that we have never had before. For that reason, wehave prepared these lessons and more, so that they will help you to walk with God. Theseteachings will provide you a solid base for your Christian life. Please answer each one ofthe questions, studying very well the specified text. Try to answer questions according toyour own words. This will help you to understand better what you are studying.
This joy and this peace that you now feel is not all. No, there is more in the presenceof Jesus
Christ in your life. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 5:11, 12. “Andthis is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.He that hath the Son hath life ”.
Eternal life in your relationship with God, and barely you begin. In this way, goforward! I desire much success for you in your Christian life.
May the Lord bless you and prosper you greatly, is my prayer.
In Jesus Christ,
Your friend and servant:
Pastor Waldo Castro
GUIDE FOR THE TEACHER
=1= Congratulations to you for accepting the challenge to disciple a new believer usingA New Life in Christ as your guide. The results of this study can produce eternalfruit.
=2= Let the Bible always be your authority to answer the questions. The student mustsearch the biblical passages for himself, to try to answer the questions based on what theBible says.
Some new believers need a new orientation to find the citations in their Bibles.
=3= This study can be used in many different ways. In the majority of cases, you willhave the student study a lesson a week, encouraging him to do all the homework for eachlesson.
=4= Keep the sessions from being too long.
=5= Encourage the student to answer the questions in his own words. Keep him fromcopying textually the words directly from the Bible. This will help him to analyze themeaning of the studied texts.
=6= Avoid preaching to him. Use questions to discover what the student understands andto stimulate his active participation.
=7= Prepare yourself well for each session. As the teacher, you must be familiar withthe content and key ideas in each lesson.
His preparation must include prayer for the student and the preparation of your heart.
=8= Make sure that the student thinks about the practical implications for his life.Help him to find practical and specific applications.
The homework in the boxes after each lesson is designed with this purpose. Use them.
=9= Help the student to cultivate the habit of prayer. Teach him by praying with him.
=10= You must understand that discipleship is much more than to study the lessons in ANew Life in Christ Volume 1 and 2. Discipleship implies a changedlife for the disciple.
These lessons are only an initial help. The student needs help to continue to searchfor changes in his character, his way of thinking, his habits, etc.
=11= It is of supreme importance that the disciple learns such habits as daily readingof the Bible, prayer, and memorization of Bible verses.
At the beginning of each lesson, take time to review the previous memory verse andquestion him how he is doing in his daily Bible study. Do not continue on if he has notcompleted some of the homework, but encourage him to complete it.
Welcome to the family of God
By trusting in Christ, you gave a beginning to a new life, an adventure with Christ.This book seeks to orient you in what the Bible says about the Christian life. Growth inChrist is a process. Each day we need to feed ourselves and to walk with Christ. While themore time we dedicate to our new relationship with Christ, the more rapid we will progresstoward maturity.
A review of how to walk with Christ
=1= Read the Bible every day to know Christ better.
=2= Talk with God every day by means of prayer.
=3= Permit God to control your life, submitting your will to Him.
=4= Speak about Christ to other people.
=5= Seek communion with other believers.
=6= Seek one or two believers with which you can pray and speak regularly about yoursuccesses and your failures.
=7= Demonstrate your new life by means of your love and interest for others.
The Christ-centered life
The Christian life can be represented with a drawing of a cross. Christ is the centerof our new life. We live in submission to Him.
The vertical life (of the cross) represents our relationship with God by means of theBible (Joshua 1:8) and by prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
The horizontal life (of the cross) represents our relationship with others. We seekcommunion with other believers in the church (Hebrews 10:24-25). To those who are notbelievers, we must testify of Christ. (Matthew 4:19)
Step 1
SAVED
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ To be saved I only need to believe that God exists. ________ Sin causes a separation between God and man. ________ I am saved by attending a church and doing good things. |
The Past Life
=1= According to Ephesians 2:1, what was our condition before Christ would give useternal life?
=2= According to Romans 3:23, has every person sinned? Yes _____ No _____
Then, what was the condition in which we found ourselves before Christ will save us?
=3= The Bible says that we were condemned. Why? (John 3:18)
The Work Of God
=4= In Ephesians 2:4-5, how is God described?
=5= According to this passage, what has God done for us?
=6= According to Romans 5:8, in what form does God show us his love?
=7= Read Ephesians 2:8-9. God decided that he does not save us by works (v. 9). Inwhose works do the people trust, believing that with those works they will be saved?
=8= We are saved by ______________ through _________________. (v. 8)
Grace means ” a gift without merit”, which means that God gives us salvationfreely even though we do not deserve it.
=9= In whom must we have faith to be the children of God? (Galatians 3:26)
=10= Tell in your own words what it is to have faith in Christ.
The New Life
=11= For what purpose did Christ come? John 10:10
=12= What does God offer to whomever accepts Christ? John 1:12
=13= According to John 5:24, what happens with the person that accepts Christ?
=14= According to Ephesians 2:10, for what are we created in Christ?
Notice that we are not saved by works, but to do good works.
=15= Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. To be “in Christ” means having accepted Him asSavior. Then, if someone is in Christ, into what is he converted?
=16= Explain, in your own words, the phrase “old things are passed away; behold,all things are become new.”.
| SUMMARYIn your own words, summarize the content of the study. =1= How was your life without Christ?=2= What did Christ do for you? =3= How must you show, in your daily walk, the new life that God gave you? |
| To DecideIf you already accepted Christ as your Savior, make a note of the date that you did it (if you know the date.) ____________day ____________ month _____________ yearIf you as yet have not accepted Him, do you desire to do it now? ________ Yes ________ No If you accepted Him today, make a note of the date |
| To ReflectThink about your home and all that is your soul. Remember how your sins affected it.
Think about your future. From having followed the old life, you were headed for the judgment of God. Read Revelation 20:11-15 and meditate, thanking God for His great love. Now that you are in Christ and you are a new creation, your actions have changed. Make note of some things in which you have observed continually these changes in your life during this past week. |
| To GrowIt is important to form habits that help you to grow in your new life. As exercise strengthens the body, there are spiritual disciplines that help you to grow in Christ. These disciplines include the study of the Bible, prayer and memorization of Bible verses. Besides completing these lessons, every day it is important to read a portion of the Bible and to pray to God.This week read in the book of John chapters 1-7, a chapter a day. Pray to God before you read, preparing your heart to receive what He is going to say to you through His Word. After reading the chapter, pray again, conversing with God on what you read. With the help of God, I commit myself to read a chapter daily in my Bible.Date _________________ Memorize Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” |
Step 2
SURETY
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ Now I can be sure that I am saved. ________ God wants me to sin to show more of his love. ________ If I sin and die before confessing it, I will still be salved. |
God Gives Me Security
=1= Read Romans 8:38-39. Once we have accepted Christ, is there anything to separate usfrom the love of God?
Read John 10:27-29 and respond to the questions 2 to 7.
=2= What is it that is offered to us? (v. 28)
=3= Who gives eternal life? (v. 28)
=4= Can you end something that is eternal?
The tense of the verb “give” is present tense. This indicates to us thatalready we have eternal life. Eternal life does not begin when we die, but from the momentthat we accept Christ as our personal savior.
=5= When will we perish? (v. 28)
=6= Does the possibility exist that we can be snatched away from the hand of Christ?(v. 28)
=7= Could someone snatch us from the hand of our Father? (v. 29)
Now read Ephesians 1:13-14 and respond to questions 8 and 9.
=8= What is the work that God did in us? (v. 13)
=9= When are we sealed? (v. 13)
God gives us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that we belong to Him until Christ comesfor us.
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=10= Read 1 John 5:11-12. Do you have eternal life?
How can we know if we have eternal life or not?
God Gives Me A Warning
=11= We see in Romans 8:38-39 that God sees us with eyes of love. However, now that Iam saved, why must I not play with sin? Read Romans 6:1-2
Read Hebrews 12:5-10 and respond to questions 12 and 13.
=12= Since I am a child of God, he disciplines me. Why does he do it? (v. 6)
=13= For what does God discipline me? (v. 10)
God Gives Me An Alternative
It is not Gods desire that you sin. However, human beings that we are, we aresubject to temptation.
That means we still have a struggle against sin.
What happens if you sin?
You do not lose your salvation, but, yes, you lose your communion with God. God, as theloving father that He is, has provided the way out of the temptation and also the mannerin which we must draw near to Him if we sin. We will study this in detail in Step #3.
| To DeepenRead 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. All Christians will be judged. It will not be to know if you are salved, but to judge your works.
If they are pleasing to God, you will receive a reward. If they are not, you will lose the special rewards. (These rewards are not salvation for you still have salvation according to verse 15) |
| To Give ThanksAccording to John 10:28-29 you are in the hand of Jesus Christ and at the same time you are in the hand of the Father. Imagine how your life is protected in these hands! With reason, it says two times that no one can snatch us from there.
To Meditate and to Define To sin is to do, to say, or to think something against the will of God. Even though God loves me, he abhors my sin. #2. |
| To DoThis week pray to God for a family member of yours that has not accepted Christ yet. Petition for his or her salvation.
Note the name of this family member: ____________________________ Memorize in correct order the names of the first 10 books of the New Testament: Read John 8-14 this week (a chapter a day). Memorize John 10:27-28 |
Step 3
VICTORIOUS
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ If we are tempted, we inevitably sin because we are weak. ________ If we sin and we confess it to God, He will pardon us. ________ We have spiritual enemies that tempt us. |
There Is A Struggle
The Bible says that it is not God who tempts us (James 1:13).
Then who are our spiritual enemies?
=1= According to James 4:4
=2= According to Galatians 5:17
=3= According to 1 Peter 5:8
How must we respond to each enemy?
=4= To the world (Romans 12:2)
=5= To the flesh (Galatians 5:16)
=6= To the Devil (James 4:7)
There Is Victory
=7= Who is greater than Satan? (1 John 4:4)
=8= Who lives in the believer? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
=9= Who gives us the victory? (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God, who is in the believer, gives us the resources to overcome in this struggle. Thento avoid falling in temptation, what must we do?
=10= According to Psalms 119:11
=11= According to Matthew 26:41
=12= According to Proverbs 4:14-15
=13= According to 2 Timothy 2:22
There Is Pardon
=14= According to 1 John 1:8, which believer is capable of not sinning?
In sinning, the communion between God and the believer is broken. God is not happy andeven though He loves you, He will not hear your supplications while you dont confessyour sin.
=15= What must we do to be pardoned? (Read 1 John 1:9)
| How must you confess?”
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9To confess is not only to say, “I sinned”. The true confession requires various things: |
=16= According to 1 John 1:9, what happens when I confess my sin?
=a.
=b.
| SUMMARY=1= Who are our spiritual enemies?
=2= What resources do we have to overcome them? =3= If we sin, what must we do to be forgiven? |
| To DeepenAll of us are tempted, but that does not mean that we have to fall in sin. There are three truths in 1 Corinthians 10:13 #1. Temptations are human. It is possible to overcome them. #2. God puts limits on the temptations; we are able to resist them. #3. Before each temptation, God always gives an escape.Meditate on these truths and BE CREATIVE! To Reaffirm The Christian can overcome the temptations from his spiritual enemies. Can you remember a recent case in which you were tempted and overcame with the help of God? |
| To CorrectI must confess my sin to God (Psalms 32:5). However, there are cases when that is not enough. If, with my sin, I have affected another person, I must seek and request forgiveness also from him. (James 5:16; Matthew 5:23-24) Paraphrasing the Apostle John, How can I be well with God, whom I cannot se, if I am bad with my neighbor who I see?To Do This week ask God for some friend, companion, or neighbor who needs to know Jesus Christ. This week I will pray for: __________________________ Now memorize the following 10 books of the New Testament, reviewing the 10 first ones. Read John 15-21 this week (a chapter a day). Memorize 1 John 1:9 |
Step 4
LORD OF ALL
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): __________ I have the right to control my own life. __________ If I yield the control of my life to Christ, He will remove all my diversions. __________ I know how to manage my life; no one else has the right to command me. |
Who is my owner?
One of the titles most used to refer to Christ is “LORD”. Even though theworld today lives in rebellion against God, one day every knee will bow before Christ andevery tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil. 2:10-11)
=1= What does the expression mean, “Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life”?
=2= What right does Christ have over my life?
Colossians 1:16
2 Corinthians 5:15
To whom does my life belong now?
My Answer
=3= If Christ is my owner, how should I respond according to 2 Corinthians 5:15?
=4= Read Galatians 2:20. This verse gives a review of that which is most essential inthe Christian life. Explain the following phrase, “yet not I, but Christ liveth inme.”
To be “crucified with Christ” means that my old life died, o remains behind.Now I have a new life in Christ, with power to overcome sin.
=5= How should you live this new life in Christ? See the second part of Galatians 2:20.
=6= What is a good way to know if Christ is the Lord of my life? Luke 6:46
=7= Why is it so necessary to yield my life to the control of Christ?
/ I cannot serve two lords. One must define if he will serve God or serve the world. You cannot remain neutral with both. (Luke 16:13)
/ Without Christ at the rudder of my life, I am a slave to sin. (Romans 6:16)
/ One day I will have to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account of my life. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
| Who is the most adept at managing my life?Who always desires the best for my life? Jesus Christ _______ I _______
Who knows what is best for my life? Jesus Christ _______ I _______ Who can make my life better? Jesus Christ _______ I _______ |
What Must I Do To Surrender To Christ?
Some areas of my life that I must surrender to Him are:
=8= Romans 12:1
Isaiah 26:3
Ephesians 5:15-16
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
| A Daily Surrender To ChristRomans 12:1 exhorts us to surrender our bodies to Christ. The following prayer can serve as a model for this daily routine surrender.
“Lord I surrender myself to you. |
| To Examine YourselfThere are many things that are not evil in themselves, but they can take the only place that Christ should occupy in our lives.
Mark the following list the things that are obstacles to the work of Christ in your life: What specific areas are lacking in your surrender of control to Christ? To Do Now finish memorizing the following books of the New Testament, reviewing the others you have already learned. |
| Overcoming FearDoes it give you fear to surrender your life completely to Christ? I have here some reasons why people fear to surrender to Christ. Put marks by the reasons that affect you. ________ I fear that Jesus really does not understand my problems. ________ I fear that Christ will make me do something that I dont want to do. ________ I fear that Christ will stop me from marrying a person that will make me happy. ________ I fear that God will remove from me my friends and diversions. ________ I fear I wont be able to complete what He expects of me.Now read 1 Peter 5:6-7. In light of this passage, do you believe that there is a basis for your fears? ______ Yes ______ No To Do Read Acts 1-7 (a chapter a day). Memorize Galatians 2:20 |
Step 5
LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): __________ The Holy Spirit is a “force” of God. __________ The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge of sin. __________ The Holy Spirit inhabits all the children of God. |
The Initial Work Of The Holy Spirit
On ascending to the Father in heaven, Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit (The Spirit ofTruth) to give testimony about Christ. (John 15:26)
=1= According to John 16:8-9, what is the work that the Holy Spirit realizes in thenon-believers?
=2= The Holy Spirit causes the person who accepts Christ to be born again. (John 3:3-8)For you, what does it mean “to be born again”?
Besides, the Holy Spirit does other things in the person that accepts Christ.
=3= According to 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 “we all ______________________into onebody” by the Spirit.
The baptism in the Spirit does not refer to the baptism in water, but of the act thatthe Holy Spirit does in the members of the body of Christ. That is, it means being joinedtogether with true believers in the rest of the world.
=4= According to Ephesians 1:13, we “_______________________with that Holy Spiritof promise”. To be “sealed” with the Spirit means that the new child of Godis a sure possession of God from the moment that he believes.
=5= According to 1 Corinthians 3:16, the Christian is the temple of God and the HolySpirit ______________________ in him. This means that the Spirit really lives andpermanently dwells in the Christian.
| Review Of The Initial Work Of The Spirit / He convinces of sin / He causes the new birth / He baptizes into the Body of Christ / He seals forever / He dwells in our body |
=6= What did Christ promise in regard to spiritual knowledge according to John14:26?
What joy to know that the same Spirit of Christ teaches us!
=7= The Holy Spirit knows us intimately. What other thing does He do for the believeraccording to Romans 8:26-27?
=8= Romans 8:14 says that the Spirit guides the Christian. To be guided by the HolySpirit, the Christian must:
According to Ephesians 5:18
According to Galatians 5:16
To be filled with the Spirit or to walk in the Spirit means that the Christian iscontrolled and guided by Him. The fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23demonstrates that.
| How To Be Filled With The Spirit?/ Upon taking account whether you have sinned, confess it to God. Dont wait for sin to accumulate (1 John 1:9) Besides, it is necessary to accept by faith the forgiveness that God offers you. / Present yourself to God. Permit Him to control your life, submitting yourself to His will. (Romans 6:13) See the prayer at the end of the previous lesson. / By faith, appropriate the fullness of the Holy Spirit. That is to say, believe that He controls you.Begin to act and to live in agreement with this faith. |
A Review Of The Work Of The Spirit In The Believer
He teaches the believer.
He intercedes for the believer.
He guides the believer.
He fills the believer.
He glorifies Christ (John 16:13-14)
| To DiscoverAccording to 1 Corinthians 6:11 Who is the Holy Spirit?
See also Acts 5:3-4 To Reflect Ephesians 1:14 says that the same Holy Spirit is the “surety” (the guarantee) of our salvation. To React Knowing that our body is the temple of the Spirit of God, how must we maintain our temple? See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 |
| To DoThis week share with one person your testimony (how you came to know Christ). Perhaps you can be with the person for whom you have been praying.To Deepen Read Jude 20. What does it mean, “praying in the Holy Spirit”? See question 8. To Grow Read Acts 8-14 (a chapter a day). Memorize 1 Corinthians 12:13 |
Step 6
GOD SPEAKS TO ME
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): __________ Almost all the Bible is of divine origin. __________ Every person that asks for help from God is capable of understanding the Bible. __________ To gain the maximum benefit from the Bible, it is necessary to meditate on it. |
What Is The Bible?
=1= What does 2 Timothy 3:16 say as regards the origin of the Bible?
In your opinion, what is the meaning of “inspired”?
This verse says, that “______________________ scripture is given byinspiration of God.”
?Could there exist some error in it?
=2= In what way is the Bible different from other books? Hebrews 4:12
=3= Explain how the Bible can serve as a sword in your life. (Heb 4:12)
The Purpose Of The Bible
=4= The Bible feeds you spiritually. (1 Peter 2:2)
With what is the Bible compared?
What will happen to the Christian that neglects the reading of the Bible?
=5= The Bible guides you in daily life. (Psalms 119:105)
With what is the Bible compared?
For what does a lamp serve us?
We live in an age of confusion. There are many “teachers”, churches andfriends that want to counsel us. How will we know which has the truth? God gave us theBible precisely for this purpose, to illuminate our minds and to help us to evaluate thecounsel that they give us.
=6= The Bible helps you not to sin. (Psalms 119:11) What does it mean, “Thy wordhave I hid in mine heart ”?
=7= The Bible helps you to grow in the Christian life.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the Bible is useful for:
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Notice: “Reproof” means that the Bible rebukes or corrects us when we havesinned.
He that lets himself be guided by the Bible will be “ thoroughly furnishedunto all good works.”
Be careful of those who say that the bible is not sufficient and encourage you to seekdreams and revelations in addition to the Bible. The Bible is completely sufficient toorient you in your Christian life!
=8= Does it cost you to have faith at times? According to Romans 10:17, what is the wayto increase your faith?
THE CONTENTS OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is a collection of 66 books divided into two parts.
The Old Testament The New Testament
39 books 22 books
The Law (Genesis to Deuteronomy) The Life of Christ (the 4 Gospels)
History of Israel (Joshua to Esther) Growth of the Church (Acts)
Poetry (Job to Song of Solomon) Teachings (the Epistles)
Prophecy (Isaiah to Malachi) Prophecy (Revelation)
| HOW TO GAIN BENEFITS FROM THE BIBLEHearing: Attend a church where they faithfully teach the Word of God. (Rev 1:3)
Study: Are you reading your Bible every day? In a notebook, make a note of what you learn from your daily readings. (See Appendix #2) A good place to begin is in the books of John, Acts, 1 John, and Romans. Meditate in the Word: See TO MEDITATE in the next box. Memorize: A memory verse is assigned in each lesson. It is very important to complete this task because once you have the verse memorized, it is kept in your mind to use it in the future. Obey: Read James 1:22. Review in your own words the thoughts in this verse. =2= =3= |
| To DoHow are you doing with your Biblical reading assigned in each lesson?
Are you reading a chapter a day? ________ Yes ________ No In reading the Bible, have you felt that the power of it has touched your heart? ________ Yes ________ No Tell someone what you are learning in your readings. If you have not read your Bible regularly until now, why do you not begin today? With the help of God commit yourself to read a chapter a day in the Bible. Memorize in order the first 14 books of the Old Testament: |
| To MeditateJoshua 1:8 commands us to meditate in the Bible day and night, or all the time. We suggest the following manner of meditating continually in the Bible.
From your daily Bible reading, copy a verse in a small tablet. Carry it in your pocket or purse or put it in a visible place (like on a mirror or the refrigerator) to be able to review it many times during the day. To Think Is the Bible the final authority in your life? Read Acts 17:10-11. What custom do the believers in Berea have that is worthy of imitating? To Grow Read Acts 14-21 (a chapter a day) Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16-17″All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” |
Step 7
I SPEAK WITH GOD
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ To pray, it is important to do it in a church and on your knees. ________ I can pray with confidence because God hears me and promises to answer. ________ It is sufficient to pray only before eating and at bedtime. |
What Is Prayer?
Prayer is to communicate with God. It is as simple and natural as speaking with afriend. You can speak with God with total confidence on whatever theme or need. Prayer isan intimate communication with Him.
=1= What great thing does God offer in Jeremiah 33:3?
To pray is a means to express with frankness all that is in the heart to a friend thatlistens to you with great interest.
How does God promise to respond to prayer?
Are there times when God is too occupied to hear your call? ________ Yes ________ No
=2= Prayer is one of the means for protecting us. What was the counsel that Jesus gaveto his disciples so that they would not enter into temptation? (Matthew 26:41)
=3= What dangers are there to avoid in prayer?
Matthew 6:5
Matthew 6:7
What is your interpretation of the phrase “vain repetitions”?
How Must We Pray?
=4= The Psalms give many reasons to praise God. For example, what motives does Psalms106:1 give you for praising God.
=5= What should you do instead of living with worry? Philippians 4:6
=6= According to Philippians 4:6, with what attitude should you make requests to God?
On praying with “thanksgiving”, you are expressing faith in God for theanswer that He will give you your request. By this, verse 7 says that the Christian canexperience _________________________ in his heart at leaving his burden in the hands ofsomeone that is completely capable of helping him with his problems.
=7= What does it mean, “to pray without ceasing”? (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
If you must pray all the time, are you saying that you can pray in any place, as forexample at work, travelling on the bus, etc.?
| Your Prayer Must Include:Worship to God for who He is. Confession of our sins so that they do not hinder our communion with God. Petitions for personal needs and intercession for others. Thanksgiving. What has God done for you? We must not be ungrateful. Express to Him your gratitude. |
=8= According to John 14:13 we must request______________________________________ in the name of
______________________________.
=9= What more do we learn about how to pray in the following passages?
Psalms 66:18
1 John 5:14-15
Matthew 21:22
=10= What does Ephesians 3:20 say that feeds your faith in God?
| GOD ANSWERS YOUR PRAYERSIn the previous passages, we have seen that God promises to answer our prayers. But, how? Some have said that God has three ways of answering. Sometimes He says, “yes”. There are times when, for our good, He says, “no” and other times when He says, “wait for awhile.” |
| To ThinkWith what attitude can we approach God, according to Hebrews 4:16?
In your opinion, to what is due this level of confidence that we can have with God? “We must pray when we have the desire to pray, because it would be a sin to waste so great an opportunity. We must pray when we dont have the desire to prayer, because it would be dangerous to remain in so unhealthy a condition.” Charles H. Spurgeon To Do Memorize in order the following books of the Old Testament and review those you learned previously. |
| To Do1 Timothy 2:1 commands us to make “prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving for all men.” Do you have a list of prayer petitions that remind you for whom you should pray?Make a list of prayer on a page in your notebook. Your list would include the following categories: / Family members / Friends / Brothers or Sisters in the Faith / Servants of God (your Pastor, etc.) / Government Leaders of your country and community / Persons that have done you damage / Persons that you want to win to Christ / Your goals and personal growth To Grow Read Acts 22-28 (a chapter a day) Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 |
Step 8
A DAILY COMMUNION
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ It is very important to read the Bible and to pray every day. ________ One must try to read many chapters of the Bible each day. ________ God wants to transform me day by day through His Word. |
What Is A Devotional Time?
It is a daily appointment with God. It must be daily because it requires time todevelop a relationship with Him. Maturity does not come “instantly”, but it iscultivated day by day.
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct myprayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3
Some call it, “quiet time” because it is a time of waiting before God, sothat He speaks to us through His Word, and after to respond in prayer.
Its Importance
Of what importance does a devotional time have?
Joshua 1:8
Psalms 63:1
Matthew 4:4
Did you say that a daily appointment with God is a necessity or only a good idea ifI have the time?
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WHEN AND WHERE TO HAVE YOUR DEVOTIONAL Perhaps the best time is in the morning. That permits you to begin the day with God. Men like David and Christ separated a special time in the morning (Psalms 5:2 and Mark 1:35). Obviously that implies that you will have to get up earlier than what your accustomed time, but it is worth it. You must seek a tranquil place where you can spend this time without interruptions. Sometimes to seek this privacy, you will have to get up before others in your house, to shut the door of your room, or to go out on the patio. Now set the same time and place for your devotional. The hour: ___________________________ I will get up at ______________________________ |
What You Must Include In Your Devotional Time
Preparation of your heart:
With what attitude must I present myself before God?
Psalms 139:23-24
Psalms 119:18
Psalms 5:3
Hebrews 4:16
A study of the Word of God
John 5:39 commands us to search (investigate) the Scriptures. This implies notonly to read, but also to study the passage with the purpose of discovering its meaningand what God wants to communicate.
To begin, study short passages (no more than a chapter). It is better to read a shortpassage several times than to read various chapters. In this way you can analyze it well.
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How To Study The Bible Passage: What impressed me most in the passage? What is the principal idea? What does it mean for my life? What will I do today? Also take account of the following questions. They can help you to gain more benefit from the passage. Is there a command to obey? Is there an example to follow? Is there a sin to avoid? Is there a promise that you can claim as yours? |
Buy a notebook today to use in your devotional time. Use the method from the box aboveto study your Bible, making note of your thoughts in your notebook.
Prayer
Pray referring yourself to the Biblical passage you studied. Respond to God, commentingto Him your reaction to the passage. Include in your prayer:
/ Confession to give account of all impurity in your life.
/ Worship God for who He is. (The Psalms can help you to enrich your praise.)
/ Praise God for what he does.
/ Thanksgiving for what God has done for you.
/ Pray for the Petitions that you have on your prayer list.
Sing to the Lord
Music lifts up your spirit and helps to create an environment of worship in your owndevotional. Sing choruses and hymns regularly not only in your devotional time but allduring the day. Ephesians 5:19. If you prefer, you can whistle or hum the choruses.
Put in practice what you have learned
James 1:22 warns us of being “doers of the word, and not hearers only”. Toread the Bible without applying it to your life is like seeing your face in a mirror andleaving without cleaning the stains that the mirror showed you. You will not have feltthat you read the Bible if you are not available to submit yourself to what it says.
Meditate and Memorize
Copy one verse of the passage you read on a paper or in a small notebook to meditate onduring the day. Try to memorize it. From this procedure, God will help you to resist sin.
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REVIEW: A SIMPLE PLAN FOR YOUR DEVOTIONAL TIME =1. Prepare your heart: =2. Study the bible, taking notes; =3. Pray to the Lord: =4. Sing to the Lord: Sing a chorus or a hymn. The music lifts your spirit and helps you to praise God. =5. Apply what you have learned. What will you do today to put it into practice in your life? =6. Meditate and Memorize: From the passage you read, copy one verse on which you can meditate and memorize. |
| Practical Suggestions:=1. Take the time that is necessary for your devotional. Dont try to rush it.
=2. Give priority to your daily appointment with God. Try not to miss this appointment. If you miss one day, dont be discouraged, but dont miss the following day. =3. Try to read a daily chapter. Some times it is better to read less to be able to study it well. =4. Mark your Bible, underlining key verses to be able to find them later. =5. Try to put key verses in your own words to understand them better. =6. If you have trouble concentrating, read out loud or standing up. Dont have your devotional lying on your bed. You could fall asleep. Ask the power of God to help you concentrate. =7. Set aside a notebook to make note of the results of your Bible study, your prayer petitions, etc. |
| To ThinkHebrews 4:12 compares the Bible with a sharp two-edged sword.
At times the Bible reading makes us uncomfortable because it penetrates our lives to show us what we are and what we have to correct. Have you given thanks to God at some time for this very necessary characteristic of the sacred Scriptures? To Do Memorize in order the following gooks of the Old Testament, reviewing those you learned previously. |
| A Plan Of Biblical ReadingIt is suggested to begin your readings in the New Testament. Read daily from one book until you finish with it. We suggest that you begin to read the books in the following order: John Acts 1 John Romans James PhilippiansNote: At the end of reading a book, before you begin another, read one Psalm or one chapter in Proverbs. To Grow Read 1 John 1-5, Psalms 1 and 5 (a chapter a day) Memorize Joshua 1:8 |
| Appendix #3 contains a review of how to have your devotional time. Cut out the page and put it in your Bible. It will serve as a guide to help you to gain the most benefit from your daily appointment with God. |
Step 9
MY CHURCH
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ The church is a material building. ________ The church is the community of all believers. ________ I dont have to congregate with other believers as long as I continue reading the Bible in my house and listen to Christian programs on radio or television. |
What Is The Church?
The Lord Jesus Christ says in Matthew 16:18, “ I will build mychurch ”.
Christ spoke in the future tense. (I will), and he spoke of the church as something ofhis (my church). This church that Christ is going to build already exists and continuesgrowing. It is the visible manifestation of Christ in the world today.
In a sense, the church is universal, but it has, at the same time, a localmanifestation. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 13:1)
The Universal Church
The universal church is the supernatural organism of which Christ is the head andformed by all the people that have been born again from Pentecost unto the Rapture of thechurch.
=1= With what is the church compared? 1Cor 12:27
=2= Who composes this body (the church)? The church is composed of all the believers inJesus Christ, those that have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. (1Cor 12:13)
=3= What has God given to the members of the church? Romans 12:4-8
=4= Who is the head of the church? Ephesians 4:15
=5= According to Ephesians 1:12, for what purpose does the church exist?
=6= What is the mission of the church? Matthew 28:18-20
The Local Church
The local church is a group of born-again people, baptized and organized to glorifyGod, to edify mutually, and to proclaim the gospel.
=7= Read Hebrews 10:24-25. Does the Bible teach that the believer in Jesus Christ mustbe a member of a local church? _______ Yes ________ No Why?
What does the phrase mean, “ to provoke unto love and to goodworks ”.
=8= What other things did the Jerusalem church do together? Acts 2:42
=9= To be a member of the church, you must help it. In what ways could you help yourchurch?
Galatians 6:1-2
Galatians 6:10
1 Peter 4:10
2 Corinthians 9:7
| In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-7, the Bible establishes requirements for the leaders that govern the church. Read these passages. Even though you dont think you will be a leader, still, each Christian should aspire to have the characteristics mentioned in these verses. |
=10= Since the leaders are placed by God, what should be the correct attitude towardthem?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Hebrews 13:17
=11= What is one of the responsibilities of the church toward its members, according toGalatians 6:1-2?
=12= To correct a deviant brother, with what attitude must it be done?
The church, by being a family, has the responsibility of watching out for the wellbeing of its members. There are moments when discipline is necessary to preserve thetestimony and the purity of the church. It is an act of love and concern toward themembers of the church. Discipline is one of the things that God uses “to stimulate usto love and good works”.
| To DoTo deepen your communion with your brothers and sisters in the church, begin this week inviting one of them to your house.
To Discover God has given to each believer a spiritual gift. Romans 12, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Corinthians12 speak about the gifts. For example, some of the gifts mentioned there are: Do you know which are your gifts? If your answer is no, then you can know it through prayer, through serving in a church, and through asking your brothers and sisters to tell you what abilities they observe in you. |
| To ThinkMake a list of the excuses that some brothers give for not attending church.
What is the true reason why some brothers do not go to church? Hebrews 10:25 To Intercede Make a list of the leaders of your church and pray each day this week for one of them. To Grow Read Romans 1-4 (read each chapter for two days in order to understand it better.) Memorize Hebrews 10:24-25 |
Step 10
TO TESTIFY
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ It is important to evangelize others because the majority of people are on their way to hell. ________ I can evangelize my family members and friends with success. ________ To be able to share my faith, it is better to wait to take a course. |
One of the privileges of the believer is to testify of his faith in Christ. To testifyor to evangelize means to share with another person the plan of salvation, so that theperson comes to accept Christ.
The Need To Testify
As we saw in the first lesson, humanity is trapped in the clutches of sin . “Thereis none righteous, no, not one For all have sinned, and come short of the glory ofGod.” (Romans 3:10, 23)
=1= Matthew 7:13 speaks of two gates that represent two different destinies in life.According to this verse, what destiny awaits the majority of people?
=2= What does John 3:18 say as to the ones that have not trusted in Christ?
=3= In contrast, the believer is____________________________________________________________
2 Corinthians 5:17
=4= Being a new person in Christ, God entrusted you with a special mission, naming youHis ambassador. As an ambassador, what is the mission with which God has entrusted you,according to 2 Corinthians 5:20?
=5= Read Matthew 5:14-16. Besides an ambassador, Christ calls you_____________________________
v. 14
=6= For you, what does it mean when it says that we are, “the light of theworld”?
=7= To the contrary, what does it mean to put your “light under a basket”?(v. 15)
=8= How brilliant is your light? Understanding that you are a light in the world, markwith an X the affirmations that best describe your life.
________ I like to speak about Christ because He has changed me.
________ At times I shine, but most times my light is dim.
________ I dont know how to testify of Christ.
________ It gives me definite grief to speak of Jesus.
________ Until now, my light has shined very little.
=9= Matthew 28:19-20 contains what we call the great commission. What does Christcommand us to do in this commission?
| HOW TO WITNESS: PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS=1. Permit Christ to change your life. Remember that His words will be worth little if your behavior does not support it. Matthew 5:16
=2. Use the Bible. It is the Word of God. It is a powerful weapon that clears up confusion in the mind of the sinner. Hebrews 4:12 =3. Trust in the Holy Spirit to help you to witness. He convicts the world of sin, preparing them to listen when you present the plan of salvation. (John 16:8) You cannot convince anyone. God himself does the work in the person. =4. Pray constantly for your friends that have not accepted Christ. Look for opportunities for sharing with them. =5. Look at the unconverted with compassion, understanding that he lives enslaved by sin. The unbeliever is not your enemy, but he is a victim of the enemy (Satan). =6. Witness with an attitude of humility. (1 Peter 3:15) Understand that if not by the grace of God, you also would be in the same condition. =7. Be courteous. Take care that the unconverted feel that you have a true desire to help him, not to condemn him. =8. Be natural. The majority of contacts that you have are your family members and friends. Dont be afraid to share with them. Take advantage of these opportunities. =9. Obtain some good tracts and begin to distribute them. Ask your pastor how to acquire them. =10. Be courageous. Even though not everyone will accept your message, remember that you are a carrier of the good news that brings eternal life. (Romans 1:16) Besides, the majority of people are more open than they appear. |
| To ThinkDoes it give you grief to speak to others of Christ? Read Romans 1:16.
Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? To Write For which persons do you feel responsible for sharing the gospel? Make a note of their names below: Friends and Companions: |
| To MemorizeDo you feel insecure because you dont know what to say to those that you want to evangelize? It is very common to feel this way. To have more confidence:
=1. Study the “Plan of Salvation” in Appendix #4. To Do When will you begin to witness? This week share the plan with one person you made note of in your list. Dont wait for more time. If you dont have the plan memorized, you can share John 3:16. If you want to know how to give a personal testimony effectively, Appendix #5 contains some practical suggestions to help you share with others what Christ has done in your life. To Grow Read Romans 5-8 |
Step 11
THE ORDINANCES
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ I must be baptized to go to heaven. ________ Baptism and Holy Communion help me to be more holy. ________ The elements of Holy Communion symbolize the blood and the body of Christ. |
Baptism
=1= Before ascending to the Father in heaven, Jesus commanded us to make disciples inall nations. According to Matthew 28:19-20, when someone is made a disciple of Christ,what is the first step that he must complete?
Baptism is not optional, but it is a command to be obeyed by each believer.
=2= Baptism is not required to be saved, but it is the result that already I am saved.We see the case of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. Read the passage. According toverses 36 and 37, what is the only requirement for baptism?
Having believed in Christ, the eunuch wanted to give witness of his new faith. How didhe do it?
We see that baptism is a way of giving a public testimony that I am saved.
=3= According to Acts 2:41, after having received the word (the gospel),they “ were_________________________________________ and__________________________the same day .about three thousand souls.”
These three thousand persons were baptized, identified themselves with the church inJerusalem. In this way, also we identify ourselves publicly with the local churchthrough baptism.
| Some people have wrong concepts about baptism. Therefore it is important to know that: =1. Baptism does not save us. =2. Neither is it a step toward salvation. =3. Baptism does not make us more holy, although it does motivate us to live in holiness. |
Holy Communion
Holy Communion was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ the night that he was deliveredto death. It is something sacred and very special, but it is not a sacrament or somethingmagic.
=4= Please read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. According to verse 26,
What do we announce?
Until when?
This passage teaches us the meaning of Holy Communion. It reminds us of the sacrificeof Christ on the cross for us, and it is a reminder of the Second Coming of Christ.
=5= What does it mean to do this, “in memory of me”?
=6= According to verses 24 and 25, what does the bread and the cup symbolize?
The bread
The cup
=7= Now, read 1 Corinthians 11:27-31. Verse 28 says that before participating incommunion, each one must examine himself. For you, what does this action mean?
=8= 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 emphasizes another aspect of the Lords Supper which iscommunion. What is it to have communion?
| REVIEW=1. Holy Communion is a reminder of the sacrifice of Christ until his coming. =2. It is an act of obedience and a moment of communion with Christ and with our brothers and sisters in the faith. |
| To ReflectRead Romans 6:1-4. At first sight, this passage appears to speak of baptism in water. However, here the word, “baptism” is actually used to speak of our identification with Christ. On accepting Christ we identify ourselves with Him in His death, His burial, and His resurrection. In this way, we are new persons in Christ. Baptism in water symbolizes this transformation that occurred at the moment of our salvation. Going down into the water symbolizes our identification with Christ in his death and burial. Rising up from the water symbolizes our resurrection to a new life.To Obey If you have already accepted Christ, have you obeyed following Him in baptism? If you have not been baptized, speak today with the pastor of your church. |
| To ReflectSome people have wrong concepts. Therefore, it is important to know that:
=1. Holy Communion is not a sacrament or something magic. To Remember According to Hebrews 10:10-12, how many times does Christ offer his body in sacrifice for sins? To Grow Read James 1-5; and Psalms 27 (a chapter a day) Memorize Matthew 28:19 |
Step 12
THE FAMILY
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ The principal responsibility of a husband is to love his wife. ________ The respectful conduct of a wife can win her husband to Christ. ________ Even though the parents may not be believers, one must always respect them. |
The Christian Family
The Christian home is a center of help, protection, and mutual encouragement. By meansof the home, material needs are attended to, and also children are taught what they needto know to confront life. On the other side, if Christ does not reign in the home, farfrom being a refuge, it is converted to a war zone of frustration.
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The plan of God for the family in Genesis “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18 / It was God who created Eve as a spouse for Adam. In such a way, the idea of forming the home came from the same God. / It describes the wife as a “help meet for him” or an adequate help. As much as the wife, so also the husband, they mutually complete each other. United they are better than separate. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:24-25 / That is, they separate themselves from their parents to form their own separate home. Only in this way can they learn to depend on one another. / To be “one flesh” implies to live in union, not in competition, as best friends. sharing their intimate thoughts. / Sex inside marriage is not a cause of shame, but instead it is a gift of God to the couple for their good. The children that will come are blessings from God. |
Your Responsibility Inside The Home
=1= What commands does God give to the husband in the following passages?
Ephesians 5:25
Colossians 3:19
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, do you believe you fulfill these?
If not, what areas should you change?
What kind of love does Christ have for His church?
This love is the model to follow in your relationship with your wife.
=2= What commands does God give to the wife?
Ephesians 5:33
1 Peter 3:1-2
=3= What does God demand of fathers and mothers in Ephesians 6:4?
(what they must not do)
For example, what do parents do that frustrates children or makes them angry?
(what they must do)
=4= According to Deuteronomy 6:6-7, in what situations and places must you instructyour children?
They share in the family what they learn in their devotional time. Read the Bible andpray together for their particular needs.
=5= What commands does God give to children in Ephesians 6:1-2?
=6= There are some rules that promote harmony in the home. They apply to the husband,the wife, and the children. What are they?
Ephesians 5:21
Philippians 2:3-4
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SPECIAL SITUATIONS If Your Family Is Not Christian =1. Love them. It is important not to despise your unconverted family members. They sin because as yet they do not know Christ. You also lived in that way. Remember, “ while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) Demonstrate your love for them with concrete acts. =2. Win them to Christ through your good witness. “ wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” 1 Peter 3:1-2 Even though these words are directed to women, they can apply to any Christian that has unconverted family members. The witness that you give is vital for the conversion of your family. Instead of criticizing and pressuring them, show them you faith by your works. (Mat 5:16) If You Live In An Illegal Situation Even though it is common in our environment to find couples living in a free union, the Bible calls this “fornication”. Are you married legally? If not, you should fix your situation as soon as possible. Seek the counsel of your pastor. If You Are Single If you have not maintained purity, confess your sin to God and ask him to help you to live in holiness. Perhaps your situation requires that you seek counseling from a mature Christian or a pastor. |
| To DiscussThe Bible speaks of submission of the wife to the husband. Do you believe that this gives the man the right to be “macho”? Why?
To Reflect There are many things that can threaten unity in the home. Make note of some of them here. To Do One of the threats to family unity is too little time that we dedicate to be with the members of our family. Even though we love them, there are times when they dont feel our love. What will you do today to show in a concrete way your love toward your wife or your husband? This week, what activity can you do with your children so that they feel your love? |
| To StudyLove is central in the Christian home. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul defines true love. Make a note on a separate page the characteristics of love according to this passage, or underline in your Bible the words that most call your attention.
To Grow Read Philippians 1-4; Psalms 37, 51, and 139 (a chapter a day). Memorize Philippians 2:3-4 |
Step 13
AFTER JESUS
| Write TRUE (T) or FALSE (F): ________ The Christian influences much of his own spiritual growth. ________ Communion with the body of Christ is not important. ________ It is possible to enjoy continual communion with God. |
Basic Habits To Order Your Life
In the previous lessons, you have been given significant steps to firmly establish yourwalk with Christ.
Identify the basic habits of the Christian life.
____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________
These habits are absolutely necessary for your growth. Dont stop practicing them.
It is important to organize your life, dedicating time to what is really important.This is called, “establishing priorities“. In John 17:1-26, Jesus speaksof three things that must characterize the life of the Christian.
/ Consecration to Jesus Christ.
/ Consecration to other Christians.
/ Consecration to the work of Christ in the world.
=1= What type of relationship does Jesus want to have with you?
John 17:3
John 17:13
=2= John 17:11 describes the relationship that Jesus wants Christians to have amongthemselves.
“ keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me________________________, as we are.”
=3= John 17:23 “ that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world mayknow _______________________ and hast _______________them, as thou hast loved me.”
Then, the love and unity among Christians is a strong witness to the world of the loveof God. It authenticates our message. See also John 14:34-35.
Walk By Faith
=4= Paul says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7) How is faithdescribed in Hebrews 11:1?
=5= Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him:for he that cometh to God must believe___________________, and that he is_____________________of them that diligently seek him.”
=6= Think for a moment about the significance of “walking by faith” andmeditate on what it says about faith in the box below.
| Faith is not a mere blind experience but better still the certainty that God is faithful and that He is going to fulfill all that He has said. To have faith in God implies not having faith in our own resources, but to rest in the resources of God. To walk by faith is to put in practice daily what the Lord is teaching you. Because of that it is very important to maintain and to guard intimate communion with Him. |
=7= How does Jesus describe His relationship with those who belong to Him in John15:4-5?
Our relationship with Christ is compared to a grapevine, Christ being the plant webeing the branches.
=8= Why is it vital to maintain a relationship with Christ?
=9= What do you believe Jesus means by the phrase, “abide in me” ( v. 4)
=10= According to John 15:10, how can you abide in His love?
A Commitment
=11= Read the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 Do you want to follow after the Lord?
________ Yes ________No
=12= Are you willing to deny your own desires and with joy follow the will of God inyour daily life?
________ Yes ________ No
Go forward with the patterns and habits that you have learned. Put in practice what theLord shows you each day. Look to Him jealously for your intimate relationship with God.
| To DoAre you using the plan for your devotional time presented in lesson 8? ________ Yes ________ NoDaily, at what hour are you alone with Christ? Continue reading your Bible using the plan from lesson 8. How are you going to develop your relationship with other Christians? How will you demonstrate before the world that Christ lives in you? To Deepen Read John 15:16. The desire of Jesus is that those of His bear much fruit and that their fruit will remain. There are two types of fruit. What are these fruit according to Galatians 5:22-23 and Matthew 28:18-20? To Grow Read 1 Thessalonians 1-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1-3 (a chapter a day). Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 |
APPENDIX #1
WHO AM I IN CHRIST?
I am a new creation (2Cor 5:17)
I am a son of God (Joh 1:12 Rom 8:14-15 Gal 3:26; 4:6)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Col 1:14)
I am forever free from condemnation (Rom 8:1)
I have been set free from the power of sin (Rom 6:1-)
I have the right to enter without shame to stand before the throne of God to find mercyin times of need (Heb 4:16)
I am righteous in Christ, completely forgiven (Rom 5:1)
I am a servant of righteousness (Rom 6:18)
I am a saint (Eph 1:1 ; 1Cor 1:2 Phil 1;1)
I am the salt of the earth (Mat 5:13)
I am the light of the world, bearer of the truth (Mat 5:14)
I am a friend of Christ (Joh 15:15)
I am chosen by Christ to bring Him fruit (Joh 15:16)
I am made a servant or a slave of God (Rom 6:22 Eph 3:1; 4:1)
I am a temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1Cor 3:16; 6:19)
I have been bought for a price, therefore I belong to God. I am not my own master. Ilive for Christ (1Cor 6:19-20 ; 2Cor 5:14-15)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1Cor 12:27 Eph 5:30)
I am reconciled with God and I am a minister of reconciliation (2Cor 5:18-19)
I have been crucified with Christ and yet not I, but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20)
I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be a saint without spotbefore Him (Eph 1:4)
I am an heir of God, born again in Christ to do His work (Eph 2:10)
I am holy and just (Eph 4:24)
I am a citizen of heaven (Phil 3:20 Eph 2:6)
I am a pilgrim in this world in which I live temporarily (1Pet 2:11)
I am a child of light, not of darkness (1The 5:5)
I have been rescued from the dominion of Satan and translated into the kingdom ofChrist (Col 1:13)
I am an enemy of the devil (1Pet 5:8)
I am born of God, and the devil has no authority to touch me (1Joh 5:18)
Christ himself lives in me (Col 1:27)
I am chosen of God, holy and loved (Col 3:12 ; 1The 1:4)
I have received very great and precious promises of God (2Pet 1:4)
I will be like Christ when He returns (1Joh 3:1-2)
By the grace of God I am what I am
Adapted from Victory over Darkness by Neil T. Anderson
THE TWENTY “I CANS”
Someone has said that success comes with the “I can”, and failure with the”I cant”. To believe that one can have success in growing and in Christianmaturity, does not require more strength than to believe that one cannot have success. Inthis way, because you dont believe that yes you can walk by faith in the Spirit,that yes you can resist the temptations of the world, from the flesh, and from the devil,and that yes you can achieve maturity as a Christian. The following list taken from theWord of God takes you from the mud of the “I cants) to seat you with Christ inheavenly places:
=1. Why have I been saying I cant when the Bible says that I can do all things inChrist that strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)?
=2. Why have I been suffering need when I know that God supplies all my needs accordingto His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19)?
=3. Why have I been afraid when the Bible says that God has not given me a spirit ofcowardice, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. (2Tim 12:7)?
=4. Why have I failed in faith to complete my calling, knowing that God has assigned mea measure of faith (Rom 12:3)?
=5. Why have I been weak when the Bible says that the Lord strengthens me in my lifeand that I will endeavor and act because I know God (Psa 27:1 Dan 11:32)?
=6. Why have I permitted Satan to have supremacy in my life when He that is in me ismore powerful than he that is in the world (1Joh 4:4)?
=7. Why have I accepted defeat when the Bible says that God always guides me in victory(2 Cor 2:14)?
=8. Why have I been lacking wisdom when Christ is my only wisdom and God gives mewisdom in abundance when I ask for it. (1Cor 1:30 Jam 1:5)?
=9. Why have I been deprived when I can remember the love, the goodness, and thefaithfulness of God and I can have hope (Lam 3:21-23)?
=10. Why have I been worried and anxious when I can cast out all my anxiety on Christthat cares for me (1Pet 5:7)?
=11. Why have I been bound knowing that there is freedom where the Spirit of the Lordis (Gal 5:1)?
=12. Why have I felt condemned when the Bible says that I am not condemned because I amin Christ (Rom 8:1)?
=13. Why have I felt alone when Jesus says that He is always with me and that he willnever leave me neither abandon me (Mat 28:20 Heb 13:5)?
=14. Why have I felt cursed or that I am a victim of bad luck when the Bible says thatChrist redeemed me from the curse of the law so that I can receive His Spirit (Gal3:13-14)?
=15. Why have I been discontent when, in the same way as Paul, I can learn to becontent in whatever circumstance (Phi 4:11)?
=16. Why have I felt that I dont have courage when Christ was made sin for mybenefit so that I could be made the righteousness of God in Him (2Cor 5:21)?
=17. Why have I had a persecution complex knowing that no one can be against me whenGod is for me (Rom 8:31)?
=18. Why have I been confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledgeby means of His Spirit that dwells in me (1Cor 4:33 ; 2:12)?
=19. Why have I felt myself a failure when I am a conqueror in everything by means ofChrist (Rom 8:37)?
=20. Why have I permitted the pressures of life bother me when I can have courage toknow that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (Joh 16:33)?
Taken from Victory Over Darkness by Neil T. Anderson p. 96-99
APPENDIX #2
PLAN OF BIBLICAL READINGS
Begin to read in the New Testament, reading a chapter daily in a book until you finishit. Read the following books first:
John
Philippians
Acts
James
1John
1 and 2 Thessalonians
Romans
Ephesians
Note: At the end of reading a book and before you begin another book, read some Psalms orProverbs.
APPENDIX #3
Preparing Your Heart
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct myprayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psa 5:3
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the wayeverlasting.” Psa 139:23-24
”
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit withinme.” Psa 51:10
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thylaw.” Psa 119:18
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb 4:16
A SIMPLE PLAN FOR YOUR DEVOTIONAL TIME
Prepare Your Heart
Examine yourself and confess your sin.
Ask God for understanding.
Study The Bible Making Notes: Use the plan in the box, “How to study theBible”.
Pray to the Lord:
/ Pray referring yourself to the passage studied (in other words, refer itpersonally to your life), commenting on it with God.
/ Confess your sin.
/ Praise and worship God for who He is.
/ Give thanks to God for what He has done
/ Make requests to God using your list of prayer requests.
Sing to the Lord: Sing a chorus or a hymn. Music to God lifts up your spirit and helpsyou to praise Him.
Apply what you have learned: What will you do today to put what you learned intopractice in your life?
Meditate and Memorize:
From the passage you read, choose a verse on which you can meditate and memorize it.Make note of it on a small piece of paper or a card and carry it with you during the day.
APPENDIX #4
THE PLAN OF SALVATION
There are many ways to present the gospel. We can use of them, but always there is abasic content that a person has to understand to be saved.
The following plan of salvation is based on “The Four Spiritual Laws”:
God loves you, and He has a plan for your life. Joh 3:16
The love of God. Joh 10:10b
The plan of God for your life
Man is a sinner and is separated from God. Rom 3:23
All are sinners. Rom 6:23
The consequence of sin is spiritual death or separation from God. Eph 2:8-9
We cannot save ourselves.
Christ is the only provision to save us. He died in our place and raised from the dead.Rom 5:8
Christ died in our place. Joh 14:6
Christ is the only way. 1Cor 15:3-6 Christ is raised.
We must receive Christ as our Savior. Joh 1:12
Receive Christ to be a son of God. Rom 10:9
By faith invite Him to enter your life.
APPENDIX #5
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY
One of the most effective ways to evangelize is by means of your own personaltestimony. It is important to think about how to present your testimony in a brief form,simple but interesting and convincing. To that end, you must write your testimony onpaper. In this way you can polish it until it can be an effective tool for evangelism.
Outline to prepare your personal testimony:
=1. “Before receiving Christ, I lived and thought in this way ”
How was your life before knowing Christ? In the before, include as many good aspects(for example, the desire to succeed, to educate yourself, your concern for others, to be aworker, etc.) as the bad aspects (egotism, inferiority complexes,
to do well at any cost, the bad genes, avarice, etc.). Be honest and avoid”embellishments or exaggerations” only to make your testimony more dramatic.Boil it down to what will be the most interesting possible.
=2. “In this way, I received Christ ”
How did you receive Christ? You must include what you understood at the moment ofreceiving Christ (the clear and brief plan of salvation), and that you prayed. You canexplain where and with whom you accepted Christ. Describe what you felt, but put anemphasis on the Bible as the authority. (For example: “Bill shared with me what theBible says .”)
=3= “After accepting Christ ”
How have you changed your life after accepting Christ? Mention two or three personalbenefits of being a Christian.
Additional Suggestions:
=A. Prepare your testimony to present it in a casual manner, like conversation. Avoidpoetic phrases. Use a simple, common type of
vocabulary.
=B. Share, dont preach.
=C. Avoid religious words and phrases. Use your normal vocabulary.
=D. Include a little humor and things of human interest. When a person laughs or smiles,it reduces the tension and increases attention.
=E. One or two graphic descriptions increases interest. Do not just say, “I grew upon my parents farm.” Describe some detail of the farm
briefly, so that the person that listens to you canvisualize it.
=F. Simplify and eliminate unnecessary details.
=G. Many people exist that dont know the date of their conversion to Christ.
=H. It is common that many possibilities exist of when you had been converted. If this isyour case, dont worry about it. The important thing is that now you have the conviction that you are aChristian.
