Grow-In-The-Lord.pdf
STUDY GUIDE: HOW TO GROW IN THE LORD
ASSURANCE BAPTISM BIBLE STUDY CHURCH ATTENDANCE SOULWINNING TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Basic Steps for Christian Growth” These steps are based from BIBLE Principles, which are taught by thousands of Bible Believing Churches across America AN IMPORTANT WORD TO YOU …
We praise the Lord that you have received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. The Christian life, when lived using God’s Word as a way of life is by far the most rewarding and joy-filled life that any person could ever live. Now that you have received Jesus Christ, this is only the beginning of the life that you will experience as a new Christian. As you “grow in Christ” you will find that life takes on a whole new look and meaning. The Lord wants you to have the “abundant life”. Anyone who trusts Christ as their Saviour can have it by making these life changing principles an important part of their life. Every one of our lessons are designed to show you importance and the value of living the Christian life. These simple lessons are based entirely on Bible teachings from God’s Holy Word, the BIBLE.
The lessons will help you to understand and to apply daily action to your fellowship with Jesus Christ. These lessons will help you in understanding the Christian life style. It is our prayer that you will find a local church and continue to study the Word of God as you seek the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit for continual growth in God’s plan for your life. Please share the contents of these lessons with anyone that might be interested.
I asked Jesus into my heart but I still doubt!
A lot of new Christians find that after receiving Jesus Christ that they have doubts come into their mind about their decision for Christ .These doubts are common to all. There is an enemy named Satan, who will put all the doubts into your mind that he possibly can. Doubts in the beginning are good for us because they cause us to get into the Word of God and find out what God has to say about the assurance we have about our salvation. Your salvation is a fact guaranteed by God’s Word. In fact, we are saved by a “Promise”. This promise was given to anyone who asks Jesus Christ to come into their lives and save them.
Memory Verse:
Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, Shall be saved.”
See what the Word of God tells us:
Not, might be saved, Not could be saved but SHALL BE SAVED!
Our first memory lesson is to Memory Verse: 1 John 5:11-13
(1 John 5:11 KJV) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Reading and answering the following will help you to KNOW for sure that you are saved.
- 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that Satan wants to do something bad to every saved person:
_________________________________
(1 Pet 5:8 KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: - Your enemy the Devil is like a hungry roaring ____________ 1 Peter 5:8
- Remember Satan is always your adversary= (enemy) You must fight the doubts Satan puts in your mind. We can fight Satan by _____________________ 1 Peter 5:9
(1 Pet 5:9 KJV) Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
4. To keep Satan from trying to control our lives we must put on the “whole armor of God.”
Please write out a list from Ephesians 6:10-18 about the armor that God gives us for this battle:
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
4. _____________________________
5. _____________________________
6. _____________________________
(Eph 6:10 KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
5. As you study and Memory Verse: the Word of God you will soon learn to trust God 100% with your salvation and you will learn to refuse to think about the doubts.
Read (2 Corinthians 10:4,5) and list some things you can do to resist the doubts: _______________________________________________________________________
(2 Cor 10:4 KJV) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Can A Person Lose Their Salvation?
1. As you read (John 3:16) you will see what kind of LIFE God has given to you:___________________________________________________________________
(John 3:16 KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. At the moment when you asked Jesus Christ to come into your life you became one of God’s children. Jesus referred to those who became part of His family as his sheep. Christ is the shepherd who cares for his sheep. Memory Verse: what Jesus said about our salvation: (John 10:28-30)
________________________________________________________________________
(John 10:28 KJV) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
(John 10:29 KJV) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
(John 10:30 KJV) I and my Father are one.
- (Romans 8:38,39) List the three things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ:
(1) _____________________________
(2) _____________________________
(3) _____________________________
(Rom 8:38 KJV) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
(Rom 8:39 KJV) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - 1 Peter 1:5 tells us that we are “kept by the _________________ of __________________ ”
(1 Pet 1:5 KJV) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. - We know that our feelings change but God and His Word never change. Salvation is a fact not a feeling. In II Timothy 1:12 the Word says that God is able to keep us. Leave the keeping of your salvation up to God not up to how you feel.
(2 Tim 1:12 KJV) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Let’s learn now how we can KNOW that we are saved!
- (1 John 2:3-5) tells us how we can KNOW Him: _____________________________
(1 John 2:3 KJV) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (5) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. - The reason you love to be around the people of God now is because you are now a part of God’s family and the Holy Spirit of God that now lives in you bears witness with your spirit and with the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost, at the time of salvation sealed your eternal relationship with God.
See, it was God that did all the saving and it is God that does all the keeping us saved!
Memory Verse: I John 3:14: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”
3. When you accepted Jesus Christ, you accepted His Holy Spirit to enter into you.
Memory Verse:
(1 John 3:24 KJV) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
- God has written the Word Of God so that we might know that we are forever saved:
(1 John 5:13 KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. - PLEASE take a few moments and record how you were saved. Be sure to include the date, the time, the place and who led you to Christ. Then every time Satan brings doubts to your mind, re-read what you have written and studied in our lessons.
Our first step of obedience to God after we are saved is for every believer to follow Christ in Baptism. Baptism is the first step of obedience for the new believer in Christ. This step identifies you to the world that you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings. Our lesson will teach you the importance of baptism. The Greek word for baptism is “baptismo” which means to dunk or submerse.
Memory Verse (Mat 28:19 KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
HERE IS WHY WE SHOULD BE BAPTIZED:
“O B E D I E N C E”
- In this lesson we will learn why we should be baptized. It is our love in action to do what ever God asks us to do. God commands us to “go” and do three things in
Matthew 28:18-20.
Take time now to list those things below:
1.____________________________________
2.____________________________________
3.____________________________________
HERE IS WHY WE SHOULD BE BAPTIZED:
“LOVE”
- If we love the Lord we will want to do what He says.Memory Verse:: (John 14:15 KJV) If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Baptism shows others our love in action for God.
HERE IS WHY WE SHOULD BE BAPTIZED:
“J O Y”
- As you read the story in Acts 8:26-40 of the Ethiopian eunuch’s salvation and baptism. You will see how the event of him getting baptized brought rejoicing to his heart.
(a.) One thing was necessary before the eunuch could be baptized:
(Acts 8:37 KJV) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
(b.) We see in our text that salvation must come before baptism.
After he was baptized “…and he went on his way rejoicing.”
(Acts 8:39 KJV) And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.Let’s review the three reasons why we should all get baptized:
(1) Love (2) Obedience (3) Joy
Baptism can only be performed in one scriptural way. In the Bible no one was ever baptized except by immersion of the body under water.
The very word “baptism” means to dip, to plunge, to submerge or to immerse. Nowhere in the Bible is sprinkling of babies or adults taught.
- (Matthew 3:13) tells us how Jesus taught us by example to be baptized:
:(Mat 3:13 KJV) Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. - In Matthew 3:16 it says, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” (Christ could not have come up out of the water until first He was under it.) You can not come up or out of a sprinkling. You don’t sprinkle the dead with dirt, you bury them under the ground.
- In John 3:23 it says why they were baptizing in Aenon, (John 3:23 KJV) And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salem, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.4. Acts 8:38 “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
This Is The Meaning of Baptism:
- Baptism shows our death, burial and resurrection with Christ. Baptism pictures the death of the old man ( the old sinful nature of man ) before we were saved. Burial of the old life, (our old sinful life styles that we lived in – total disregard for God and the ways of God) and the resurrection of a new life to be lived for the Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 6:3-5 shows us how God speaks of baptism.
(Rom 6:3 KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
(Rom 6:4 KJV) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Rom 6:5 KJV) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Spiritual growth can only come as we read and study the Bible. The Bible teaches us that as new babes in Christ we must desire the “milk” of God’s Word.
(1 Pet 2:2 KJV) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The best way to grow in Christ is to develop habits that will helps us to develop our Christian walk for God. One of those habits is daily reading of the Bible. Many Christians rise a little earlier in the morning than usual and spend a few moments reading a chapter of the Word Of God.
I always recommend to a new Christian to read the Gospel of John at the beginning of the New Testament and read it through. Reading four chapters a day will take you through the entire Bible in one year. No Christian can grow in Christ without developing the Bible reading habit. Those who read God’s Word can be sure to become the spiritual Christians they desire to be.
Remember, every word of the Bible is given by the inspiration of God. That means that every word is “God Breathed.” or “alive from God”.
(2 Tim 3:16 KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The Bible is God’s written word to man. We ought to read every word that God has to say to us so that we might know what God would have us to do with our lives. The Bible tells us how important it is for us to read and study the Word of God.
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
WHERE OUR BIBLE CAME FROM:
- God’s Word was recorded in Heaven even before man wrote it upon pages of a book:
(Psa 119:89 KJV) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.2. The Holy Ghost moved men to record the Word of God on paper:
(2 Pet 1:21 KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.3. The Bible was given to us by God and preserved by God so that we can fully trust every word.
(Psa 12:6 KJV) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.4. The Bible (God’s Word) will last forever:
(Mat 24:35 KJV) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE READING: - We should study to show ourselves approved unto God:
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2. Four reasons we study the Word of God:
(2 Tim 3:16 KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:3. If we don’t study the Word of God, then we remain unlearned in the ways of God, and are not able to teach others the ways of God.
(Heb 5:12 KJV) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.4. Those who are strong in the Lord are those who have studied His Words:
(Heb 5:14 KJV) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.5. Here is how we grow in faith:
(Rom 10:17 KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.6. Studying the Word of God will make us successful in the ways of God.
(Josh 1:8 KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.SEVEN THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Look up the following verses and match them with the results they bring by placing the correct letter in the blank provided: - Keeps me from sin:
Psa 119:116 KJV) Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
2. Builds me up:
Psa 119:105 KJV) . Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
3. Live and not be ashamed:
Psa 119:99 KJV) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
4. Know the truth:
(Psa 119:11 KJV) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
5. Know where I’m going:
Heb 5:14 KJV) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
6. Have understanding:
(Acts 20:32 KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
7. Know right from wrong:
Psa 119:160 KJV) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Memory Verse: (Heb 10:25 KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The single most important item in the life of a new Christian is church attendance. As you attend church you will receive instructions and exhortations on how to live your life for God. Your desire to mature in Christ will increase greatly with church attendance and also decline with lack of attendance. You should make up your mind right now to be faithful to your local New Testament church. Attendance every service; Sunday School, Sunday Morning, Sunday Night and Wednesday night.
There are Sunday school classes for everyone in your family from the youngest to the oldest. The Bible is always the main textbook used. You will find that you will learn many Bible principles and concepts that will help you to mature in Christ so that you can find the joy and happiness the God extended for all of His children to have.
You will soon learn that you are to give God your whole Sunday. That is why we call it the “Lord’s Day.” God will always bless you if you put Him first. It is a wise Christian who will take advantage of every service the church has.
Memory Verse: (Heb 10:25 KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
THE FOUNDER OF THE CHURCH
- (Acts 20:28 KJV) Tells us what price Jesus had to pay to purchase our salvation. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
- (Ephesians 5:32) Tell us who is head of the church: ” For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Savior of the body.”
- It was always God’s plan to build His church through us who love Him and want Him:
(Eph 1:4 KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: - Christ is the only one who has the right to be the head of the church:
(Col 1:18 KJV) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.5. Christ established the church: (Mat 16:13 KJV) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE CHURCH SERVICES?
- (1 Pet 2:2 KJV) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:7. (Jer 3:15 KJV) And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.8. Another reason for church attendance is for FELLOWSHIP with other believers.
Acts 2:41-47 tells us some of the things the early church did together.
“(41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”9. (1 Cor 1:10 KJV) Describes what God wants from every church “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”10. The preaching and teaching of God’s Word will help our faith and trust in God to grow.
(Rom 10:17 KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
OUR PASTOR
- The word Pastor in the New Testament means “overseer.” God has given us a Pastor to train and nurture us in the Lord.
(Acts 20:28 KJV) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.12. God gave several gifts to the church.
(Eph 4:8 KJV) “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” - The Pastor’s job in (Eph 4:12 KJV) “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying = (the building up) of the body of Christ:”14. Holy Ghost made the Pastor the overseer of the church
(Acts 20:28 KJV) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.15. A Pastor is to take the oversight of God’s flock and lead the flock for God.
(1 Pet 5:2 KJV) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3) Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH - There are three reasons for having a church: (Mat 28:19 KJV) “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:(20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”MY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE LOCAL CHURCH:
- It is our responsibility to attend all of the church services that we may honor & worship God.
(Heb 10:25 KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - We are to support the work of God with our time, talents, and our tithes & offerings:
(1 Cor 16:1 KJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (2) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.20. Some of the responsibilities the early church took upon itself:
(Acts 12:5 KJV) Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
(Acts 14:27 KJV) And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed = (or told everyone) all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
(Heb 2:12 KJV) Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
(Acts 17:11 KJV) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
(Acts 8:4 KJV) Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.PRAYER:Prayer is the most powerful tool the Christian has. When we pray, we are in the very presence of God Himself. The door of prayer is always open no matter what we have done or not done. When we have a need, God is always there waiting to hear from us and to grant our request. Every person who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour should set his or her heart and mind to learn how to pray. Praying is the Christian’s right given to him or her by God. Our help is just a prayer away.
Memory Verse: (Phil 4:6 KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Prayer is more than just talking to God. Prayer is asking. About 30 times in the New Testament the word ask is used to describe prayer.
These verses tells us of the promises of God to those who pray:
(Mat 7:7 KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Mat 21:22 KJV) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Luke 11:13 KJV) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
(John 14:14 KJV) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
(John 16:24 KJV) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Prayer is simply you talking to God and asking God for the things you need which He can supply.
HOW TO PRAY:
A lot of people think we have to fold our hands and kneel, bow our head and close our eyes. However, learning how to pray has nothing do with our physical body.
Prayer has a great deal to do with the attitude of the heart. When we pray, we must learn how important it is for our hearts to be in a right relationship with God.
- We must pray with God’s WORDS abiding in us.
(John 15:7 KJV) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.2. We must pray in Jesus’ name:
(John 14:14 KJV) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. - We must believe that God can answer us when we pray.
(Mark 11:24 KJV) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.4. We should boldly come before God’s throne:
(Heb 4:16 KJV) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - When we bring our requests before God by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving.
(Phil 4:6 KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. - We should pray directly to God and not through some other person.
(1 Tim 2:5 KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
REASONS WHY WE SHOULD PRAY?
- Because God commands it. God tells us to pray all the time.
(1 Th 5:17 KJV) Pray without ceasing. - Prayer is essential in our fight against Satan and our doubts:
(Eph 6:16 KJV) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
WE CAN PRAY ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME
- God says we are to pray privately and He will reward us openly.
(Mat 6:6 KJV) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.The Jewish believers would cover their head with a cloth called the prayer tallit. Many referred to this as their closet. - Every Christian should have a “prayer closet.” or a place to meet alone with God every day and pray. Think of a place and a time you can be alone every day with God and make an appointment to meet Him there every day.
THE BEST TIME TO PRAY
- ALL THE TIME!
(Psa 55:17 KJV) Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. - Daniel prayed on his knees:
(Dan 6:10 KJV) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. - We should pray all the time and as often as we need too.
(Luke 18:1 KJV) And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
We should pray every day with God. We should pray with other Christians at church. We should pray at meal times. We should pray once each day as a family. Anytime there is a need for prayer is the time to pray. Even when we are alone, that is always a good time to speak to God.
THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT CAN HINDER OUR PRAYERS
Every Christian should know that certain things will hinder his or her prayers before God.
1. (Psa 66:18 KJV) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
2. (Mark 11:25 KJV) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
3. (James 4:3 KJV) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
4. (Jer 5:25 KJV) Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.
5. (1 Pet 3:7 KJV) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Write Down Some Things That you Want To Pray To God For:
Name and Prayer Request
Date Asked
Date Answered
1. ___________________________
2. ___________________________
3. ___________________________
Why and How to Win Others To Christ
(Mat 10:32 KJV) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
The most exciting thing is to win someone to Christ. Nothing brings any more joy than telling others what Christ has done in your life. We have unsaved friends and family members who are not saved. What a joy it is to live a changed life before your loved ones and to witness to them. Telling them how they too can know the joy-filled life that only Jesus Christ can give. You can start winning people to the Lord by inviting your friends and family to attend church with you, where they will hear the Gospel.
(Acts 1:8 KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The very last command Christ gave to Christians before He went into heaven was to witness about Him. In every single Gospel, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we are told that we have a responsibility to win others to Christ. In Acts 1:8, Christ promised that we would have power of the Holy Spirit living with us to perform this important task of witnessing.
There are many reasons for winning others to Christ and one reason that stands out above all the rest is the reality of an eternal Hell. Yes, there is a Heaven for the people of God and a burning Hell for those who reject Christ. Certainly it is every Christian’s desire to see their friends and relatives in Heaven for all eternity.
(Rom 1:16 KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Begin now to learn the brief “Gospel Outline” provided below and you will surprise even yourself as you begin to share with others the truth about eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Memory Verse: (Rom 1:16 KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
A SIMPLE OUTLINE YOU CAN USE TO WIN PEOPLE TO CHRIST:
I. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE
(Eph 2:8 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
It is absolutely impossible for man to save himself. Therefore, he must depend on God’s grace …. it is the undeserving favor of God.
II. WE ARE SINNERS
(Rom 3:23 KJV) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Every man has sinned and cannot save himself. God will not live in the presence of sin, therefore we must come to God through Christ.
III. SIN MUST BE PUNISHED AND SINCE ADAM AND EVE FORCED ALL OF MANKIND INTO BECOMING SINNERS, WE MUST BE PUNISHED FOR OUR SIN.
(Rom 6:23a KJV) “For the wages of sin is death;”
The wages (or payment) for our sin is eternal death in Hell which is known as the second death.
(Rev 20:14 KJV) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
IV. WE HAVE A MERCIFUL GOD.
(Rom 5:8 KJV) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Christ died on the cross for our sins 2,000 years ago because He loved us so much he wanted to pay our sin debt. He was the only pure one who could pay for our sin debt. He who knew no sin became us (sinners) before the eyes of a Holy God.
(Rom 6:23 KJV) “…. but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Now for all who will trust Christ, God offers the “FREE GIFT” of eternal life.
- WE MUST RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS OUR PERSONAL SAVIOR.
(John 1:12 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
It is not enough to say we believe Jesus Christ is real. We must receive Him as our only Lord and Savior for only He can save us from our sin. Our attitude about wanting Christ in our lives is more important than some Memory Verse prayer. Fact is: You must WANT Jesus Christ in your life!
(Rom 10:13 KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Will you receive Jesus Christ right now by turning from your own sinful way and trusting Him as Savior and Lord? Pray now, and ask him to save you from your sin.
(NOTE: This brief outline has been used by thousands of people to win thousands of people to Jesus Christ. We pray that this outline will help to teach you to win other to Christ too.
(Prov 11:30 KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Psa 126:5 KJV) They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Please take the time to answer these ten questions to help you review what you have learned.
- Why should we be soul winners according to:
- (Matthew 10:32,33)
(Mat 10:32 KJV) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. - (Mark 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- Who gives us the power to be Christ’s witness?
(Acts 1:8 KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
(Luke 11:13 KJV) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? - How do we glorify God? (John 15:8)
(John 15:8 KJV) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.4. What has God chosen us to do? (John 15:16)
(John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.5. How can we make Heaven rejoice? (Luke 15:17)
(Luke 15:17 KJV) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!6. God likens soul wining unto what? (Matthew 4:19)
(Mat 4:19 KJV) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.7. What does I Peter 3:15 say we are to be always ready to do?
(1 Pet 3:15 KJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:8. Is it the job of every Christian to be a soul winner?
(Mark 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.9. Basically we should tell an unbeliever five things to win them to Christ.
What are they?(These are the five main points of the Gospel Outline.)
a. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
b. (Romans 3:23)
c. (Romans 5:8)
d. (Romans 10:9-10)
e. (Romans 10:13, John 1:12)
10. What was the main reason for which Christ came to earth?
(Luke 19:10) for the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.If you will be loyal to these teachings you will surely grow in your daily walk with Christ.
(Malachi 3:10 KJV) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
God has designed a wonderful program to finance the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is God’s will that all men should hear the truth of the Gospel. In order for that to happen churches must be built, missionaries must be sent to other countries, evangelists must be sent to local churches to evangelize the Gospel and many other ministries but be financed to get the Gospel to a lost and dying world.
The way these needs are met is by the returning of the tithes and the giving of the Offerings to the local New Testament Church. Here we are taught that God expects us to return one-tenth of our total income back to Him through the local New Testament church.
The church is where the treasury for God’s work is collected. Tithing and giving or offerings to God is worship. It is not about just giving money to some program or ministry. It is our way of being obedient to his Word and it is attached to worship. By every Christian returning at least one-tenth tithes to God’s treasury and giving from their hearts, offerings above the tithe, we can carry out God’s financial program.
(1 Cor 16:2 KJV) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Here God teaches us that our giving to God ought to be done on Sunday, the first day of the week. Tithing is the scriptural way of giving to God. The amount of the offerings is a free-will offering because no one is forced to give a certain amount. This offering is suppose to come from one’s heart. Every Christian ought to begin to return the tithes and give the offerings the very first week they are saved.
Why should we give our tithes unto the Lord? It is God that gave us our jobs and health to work. It is God that has given us our homes and every material thing that we possess. Giving to God guards our hearts from loving things more than God. Giving is obeying the Word of God. Giving is the way we receive the blessings of the joy-filled Christian life.
(Luke 6:38 KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Here God definitely teaches us that the way to receive God’s blessings in our incomes is to give. Every Christian should learn to give for God wants to bless us greatly and He does this through the amount that we give to Him based on the attitude of our hearts when we gave it. We are to give to God with a joyful heart:
(2 Cor 9:7 KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
NOTICE AS YOU ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR GIVING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS TO GOD.
- Abraham gave to God:
(Gen 14:17 KJV) And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.(18) KJV) And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.(19) And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:(20) And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. - Jacob also gave a certain amount to God.
(Gen 28:20 KJV) And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,(21) So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:(22) And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.3. Moses in the law commanded Israel to give:
(Lev 27:30 KJV) And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD. (31) And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.(32) And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. (33) He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.(34) These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.4. Today we are not under law but under grace. We are no longer bound by the law but we give our tithes to show and prove our love for God.
(2 Cor 8:24 KJV) Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.5. The Corinthian church collected their offering on Sunday: First day of the week:
(1 Cor 16:1 KJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (2) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. - Israel robbed God by not tithing and by not giving their offerings to God:
(Mal 3:8 KJV) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.7. God removes his blessings from those who disobey Him: Our money becomes a curse when we think more of our money than we do of God:
(Mal 3:8 KJV) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.8. The Church is God’s New Testament storehouse. God promise to bless those who will tithe:
(Mal 3:10 KJV) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.9. Here is a rule to live by:
(2 Cor 9:6 KJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. - We should always give ourselves first to God, then our riches: and in that order:
(2 Cor 8:5 KJV) And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.11. Gods blessings always come from God through His obedient children:
(Luke 6:38 KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. - It is one of the greatest privileges God has given to us to be able to give tithes and offerings. Giving is the only way God’s work can continue in this world. God want us to give to Him joyfully?
(2 Cor 9:7 KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.