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Lunch Line suggested Answers are below

LUNCHLINE QUESTIONS

Lesson 2

If a friend says, “We can’t really believe the Bible - it has too many contradictions.” How would you draw them to Christ with your response?

How much of the Bible have you read?

Well, do you think it is possible that if there is a God and He wanted to communicate with us that He would inspire some kind of written revelation?

I encourage you to read the Bible; it is a best seller. Many people have said that it has helped them more than any other book.

It is easy to see that the Bible is verified by archaeology, history, eyewitness accounts and literary criticism all of these things overwhelmingly support claims of the Bible.

What I love about the Bible is that its story connects with our story at our point of deepest need.

Do you think there are specific things in the Bible we should not believe?

(If they reference someone’s writing or speaking against the Bible): You mean that you just believedwhat this guy wrote/said with blind faith?

Attempt to share the Gospel to draw them to Christ and/or ask, “Would you like to have a one on one Bible study to see some answers for yourself?”

Lesson 3

A friend says to you, “Why are there so many religions if there is only one God? How can we know which one is right?” How would you draw them to Christ with your response?

The reason religions are a universal phenomenon is because everyone has been created with a "inner-vacuum" that only God can fill. People have an inherent desire to have a relationship with God.

People somehow know that our relationship with God has been broken or something is wrong, and they want to reestablish it. People understand they do things wrong to others and themselves and they desperately want to find a solution to this problem.

Would you like to know more?

Lesson 4

If a friend says, “What about those who have never heard about Jesus?” How would you respond so that you could draw them to Christ?

What do you think?

Do you think God would just say, “Too bad”?

Since the Scriptures describe God as good and fair, I’m sure he’ll do the right and fair thing.

The Scriptures say that God gets “light” or truth to every person. He can handle it.

What He has made clear is how He’ll judge people who have heard and have decided that they didn’t want any part of Him. So, how about you? You’ve heard about Jesus. What you do know about Him?

Attempt to share the Gospel to draw them to Christ and/or ask, “Would you like to have a one on one Bible study to see some answers for yourself?”

Lesson 5

A friend says, “How can a loving God allow terrorist attacks or tsunamis to kill innocent people?” How would you respond?

Here are different thoughts to consider. Put them into your own words:

Ask them to explain the horrors they have seen: What is your explanation as to why bad things happen?

How do you cope with such terrible things? You mean you don’t think God is a loving God? Does that really satisfy you or give you comfort in any way?

God is not Santa Claus. He has the right and the power to do what He wants and He doesn’t need our permission for anything. Many people want to use God for their own prosperity and ease of life.

God is love and He is also pure justice and rightness. He is a perfect judge. We want what’s best for us and we think God is like us; He is not like us.

God gave us a gift of free choice and the power to make our own decisions; a free will.

Mankind has caused it’s own problems and brought sin into the world.

Sometimes there is trouble and disaster because God wants to warn us of something that is much worse that is coming; eternal suffering and that He has made a way to escape it.

The way is through Him. Even though mankind has destroyed what God made, He gave Himself to save us.

Trouble and bad things that happen make us ask questions like you are asking. God wants these questions asked so that we can find Him.

From God’s perspective, there is something much worse coming but He loves each of us.

These things are warnings of something far worse.

And because He loves you, He wants you to know who He is and that His perspective is eternal and He cares for you.

Because He made us with the ability to make our own choice, God cannot make any of us accept and trust Him. We must choose for ourselves.

God allowed one evil thing to happen that was for you; He came to personally tell us how to change our life and our future as Jesus Christ and to die on the cross for all of us.

He was innocent, falsely accused and unjustly killed. That was an evil thing from a human perspective.

He was innocent and He died at the hands of an angry, threatening, religious people. In His life, his death and resurrection He has provided a way out of this evil world if we will accept God’s conditions. It was what God wanted in order for you to be saved from ....

...continue to give the Gospel...

Study how you can use the idea and key thought of “perspective” on this subject.

Attempt to share the Gospel to draw them to Christ and/or ask, “Would you like to have a one on one Bible study to see some answers for yourself?”

Lesson 6

A friend says, “I hope when I get married, it’s for life. That’s why I’m going to live together with someone first, just to make sure they’re the right one before making that kind of commitment.” How would you respond?

I don’t want to condemn you or insult you. In fact, I really care a lot about you. Your my (friend/relative,etc). That’s why I don’t want to see you get hurt.

Tons of people get married and then get divorced. I think it’s like 50 percent, isn’t it? If you split up, do you think it’ll hurt any less without a piece of paper?

I think you think this is old-fashioned, but I don’t think it’s just a piece of paper. When people get married in connection with a ceremony before a bunch of people and before God, they make vows to stay together until death telling people to pray for them to stay together.

That’s no guarantee, but it does start things out with a much stronger foundation.

You might think this is condemning you but I want to think about the contrast to what you are saying to the wedding vows. They provide a starting point.

The vows say we stick together for better and for worse, in sickness and in health in other words, no matter what, even if feelings change for a while, or if someone else comes along. It means to stay together for life which is what you are looking for, not as long as it feels good.

Let’s look at this another way: Do you think everybody goes to heaven? Is Hitler in heaven? Do you think you’re going to heaven?

Christianity says no one is good enough to go to heaven. All religions teach people must do something to make themselves better or more acceptable to God- except Christianity.

And that’s why Jesus came because He said the only way people can get to heaven is by accepting His free gift of salvation. He said no one could be good enough but He, out of love for us, would pay for our sins....

Lesson 12

A friend says, “But there’s so much evidence for evolution.” How would you draw them to Christ with your response?

Many scientists, in fact, see harmony between their science and their Christian faith.

There’s so much to our world that seems like it was made with the intent of supporting human life. In a sense, it’s so unlikely that there’d be just the right amount of oxygen, just the right temperature, just the right atmospheric pressure, just the right of a lot of other things to make human life possible.

Check this web site www.privilegedplanet.com to see more.

But, I personally am very confident that God exists because of a spiritual decision I made some time ago and the hope He brought into my life...

Lesson 13

A friend says to you, “I’m nervous about sharing my faith—I’m not sure of what to say.” What would you say to them to help them have confidence to witness?

Invite them to meet and go through Student Journey starting in Lesson 1 and it will train and equip them like how you have been trained and equipped to share the Gospel.

But the real question is how can any one make that kind of promise? They can only do it if there’s something supernatural going on in their relationship. If we don’t have God in our lives, everything falls apart sooner or later and He provides the way for things to work for the long-term, in fact, for eternity. His ways bring freedom.

For me, my relationship with God affects everything I do. It changes how I see men, women, marriage and sex. It tells me that sex is something sacred that binds people together and changes them, and why I don’t stand a chance of loving anyone the way I should unless I first get into a right relationship with God. Would you like me to explain that?

Lesson 7

Explain how you would invite a friend to church and what you would say.

Try telling your friend what you like about your church specifically, whether its the music and worship, community and fellowship or the pastors and leadership. Let them know what impact your church has had on your relationship with God and why it has been key for your spiritual life. Ask your youth pastor for more ideas.

Lesson 8

A friend asks you, “Can baptism wash away my sins?” How would you respond?

Use the Spiritual Map and Assurance Chart.

Lesson 9

A friend says, “I don’t think I can afford to tithe!” How would you answer them to help them trust in God?

Tithing is only 10%. God asks us to test Him in Malachi 3:10.

And Jesus said in Matthew 6:26 that the birds find a way to eat and God looks after them, and we are much more than just birds.

Lesson 10

A friend asks you what you think about what is going on in the world and the future. Based upon what we’ve studied, how would you answer them in a way to draw them to Christ?

The spiritual battle between good and evil is reaching an end. If we look around our world, we see turmoil everywhere. We see the rise of false teachers, false religions, the assault against our culture and chaotic events in nature.

All this has been prophesied in the Scriptures, and the Bible clearly shows us what’s next and how to succeed. A key event began “the final countdown” for our world back in 1948, when the Jewish people returned to their homeland.

This was prophesied thousands of years ago, and it started God’s final sequence of events. See your youth pastor for more.

Lesson 11

A friend says, “I would never tell anyone that his religion is wrong.” How would you draw them to Christ with your response?

Christianity isn’t the only religion that thinks it’s the only right way to God, pretty much every religion claims to be right. Why else would anyone believe it? Some religions say there’s only one god. Some say there are millions... like Hinduism. Some religions, like Judaism, say God is personal. Some say god is just an impersonal force... like Buddhism. And they all have different ways to a better next life or heaven. They can’t all be right.

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LESSON RESOURCES

LESSON 1 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Deuteronomy 6:4

The Bible teaches that there is only one true God. This one true God holds us accountable to Him through the revelation of creation – Romans 1:18-20.

1 Corinthians 8:4-5

Though people may believe there are other gods, there is only one God.

Other Verses about the Trinity

Matthew 3:13-17

This is the baptism of Christ. Here we notice Jesus in the water, the Spirit is coming down like a dove, and the Father is speaking from Heaven – three distinct persons.

Matthew 28:19-20

This is the Great Commission for every Christian. In it, we are taught to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. There is only one name.

2nd Corinthians 13:14

This verse shows that the One True God is the three in one.

Matthew 18:20; John 3:13

Jesus teaches that He is everywhere at once, another proof that He is God.

John 15:26

The Spirit is said to do something only a person can do: testify or speak.

Psalm 99:5

The one True God is supremely holy, pure, without any evil, and cannot allow sin.

Isaiah 57:15

LESSON 2 BIBLE

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Section B

The list of books of the Bible is in the front of your Bible. The books of the Bible are not arranged in order of the dates that they were written. They are arranged by categories. (History, poetry, prophets, Gospels, epistles, and Revelation)

The Word of God, or the Holy Bible (sometimes called The Holy Scriptures) is not like any other book. The Bible has always been the world’s number one bestseller.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The way in which God gave us the Bible is called “inspiration.” This word means God-breathed, meaning every word was breathed out from God. According to this verse, how much of the Bible is inspired? ALL.

These inspired scriptures are profitable in our lives for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get it right) and instruction (how to keep it right).

Matthew 5:17-18

The Bible would be fulfilled down to each jot (the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet – visible in some Bibles in the letter after Psalm 119:72) and each tittle (the smallest accent mark in Hebrew – visible in some Bibles after Psalm 119:56 and 168). The Bible is indestructible.

Mark 7:1-9

Jesus wants each disciple to follow God’s Word and not man’s traditions. It is our guide.

Luke 16:31

It is sufficient to tell us how to get to Heaven.

If we do not stand firm on the doctrine of the Bible, we are destroying our foundation. If the foundation is faulty, each subsequent doctrine will only be shaky at best. What we believe about each major doctrine, we find in the Bible. If the Bible is corrupted or changed, we no longer have a final authority for our beliefs and practices.

Psalm 138:2

Since Almighty God has all Power, He can easily preserve His Word.

Proverbs 30:5-6

Add not unto His words.

Revelation 22:19

No one should take away from His words.

It is God’s Word. This makes it have authority over our lives. Because God is the author of the Bible, we must take it as the only authority for all we believe and do.

Do you have a good thought or idea you have used for this section? Email it to journeydiscipleship@mac.com

LESSON 3 ASSURANCE

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Knowing about your new relationship with God and being sure of your salvation is so important. Answers to every problem in your life are provided by your salvation.

Assurance of salvation means to know for certain that you belong to God, that you possess eternal salvation. Our assurance (or confidence) is of a subjective nature. Eternal security is objective. Whether we feel saved or not, the Bible objectively states, …whosoever believes in me shall never perish, but have everlasting life.

If I must do something to keep my salvation, I will be motivated by fear of losing my salvation or motivated by guilt that I have not done enough. Neither of these motives will sustain my Christian walk. I must be motivated by the love of Christ.

Before Salvation

Luke 19:10

I was lost, yet Jesus sought me out.

John 3:36

I had the wrath of God abiding on me.

Ephesians 2:1

I was spiritually dead in my sins.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

Understand the Holy Spirit dwells in us.

John 16:7

The Spirit is our Comforter.

John 16:8

The Spirit convicts us of our sin.

Ephesians 1:13

Every Christian is sealed with the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:14

The Spirit is our earnest (guarantee).

John 5:24

The life I have now is everlasting.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation is a gift from God.

Philippians 1:6

God finishes what He begins in us.

1 Peter 1:5

I am kept by the power of God. He has all power.

Your New Relationship with God

Understand our addition to the family of God.

John 3:3

We are born into this family. God promises us that we will never be disowned.

Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5

We are adopted into this family. God promises us that we will never be disinherited.

By accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are saved now and forever – and you can know it for certain! Because you are a believer, you can now become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Here are some practical tips to make your salvation real to you.

Believe God’s Word whether you understand it or not.

Accept Christ alone as your Savior and rest in His completed work.

Stand upon His promises and claim them.

Desire spiritual growth.

Grow in grace and in your knowledge of Christ.

Accept that your life has been changed; you are a new creation in Christ.

Enjoy the inner peace that comes from knowing God.

Have faith in God; it is your victory.

Hear the Spirit’s testimony within.

Trust the facts – not your feelings!

LESSON 4 PRAY?

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Practical Tips

Have a quiet time.

Have a quiet place.

Have a pure heart.

Have a sense of expectancy.

Ephesians 3:14

We are only to bow and worship the one true God.

1 Corinthians 8:4

An idol is nothing (it is man-made).

1 John 5:21

Keep God first in your life. An idol can be anything or anyone you value more than the one true God, even yourself. Do not allow anything or anyone to come before God. What are the idols in your culture?

1 Corinthians 10:19-20

A disciple of Jesus Christ should have nothing to do with idols.

Revelation 21:8

Idolaters shall go to the lake of fire. Pray only to the one true God.

Will my Prayers be Answered?

1 John 5:14

Pray according to His will , not our will. How do you know God’s Will? His will is always in agreement with His Word. You will learn more about this.

Read John 15:7

This is why Daily in the Word is important.

Matthew 21:22

Ask in prayer, believing.

Why is it required to have faith when we pray?

Hebrews 11:6

God’s answers often seem delayed because He knows the best time for everything. God answers all our prayers, but not always the way we want or when we want.

Our faith and trust in our loving Heavenly Father will help us to understand His answers. Our Heavenly Father is all wise, all-powerful and all loving.

1 John 4:16

God is love. God will always do what will ultimately be for your best.

How to Pray

Key Objective: To understand how we can communicate with God daily.

Positions of praying

1 Kings 8:54

We may kneel and pray.

Matthew 26:39

We may fall on our face and pray.

Mark 11:25

We may stand and pray. It is not the position of your body that matters, but the position of your heart.

Romans 8:26

Pray knowing the Holy Spirit helps you.

Divide your time with God into the following parts. Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to teach you. Next, spend time in the Bible reading. Think about what God has said, then spend time in prayer.

Some have used the acrostic 'A-C-T-S' to help them as they pray. These letters represent adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. People who have done anything great for God have spent time with Him in prayer.

“Though a man shall have all knowledge about prayer, and though he understands all mysteries about prayer, unless he prays, he will never learn to pray.” – Chadwick, The Path of Prayer

When should I pray?

Psalm 55:17 Evening, morning, noon

Luke 6:12 All night

Luke 18:1 Always, prayer is communication with God your Father.

John 6:23 Pray before each meal, giving thanks to God.

Romans 12:12 Be instant in prayer - talk to God at any time.

LESSON 5 SIN?

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Key Objective: Understanding the obstacles to knowing God.

Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 59:1-2

You have unconfessed sin. Because communication with God is so important and is so vital to every part of your Christian life, and because all of us deal with sin in our lives every day, we must understand how to deal with sin.

Romans 7:15-25

In this chapter, the great Apostle Paul realized that he had not reached “sinless perfection.” His flesh was still warring against his new nature in Christ. He needed deliverance from his “body of death” – a deliverance that will take place at the rapture.

What is Sin?

Sin is transgression. 1 John 3:4

Sin is trespassing. Ephesians 2:1

Sin is foolish thinking. Proverbs 24:9

Sin is unrighteousness. 1 John 5:17

Sin is omission of duty. James 4:12

Sin is faithless activity. Romans 14:23

Sin is missing God’s mark. Romans 3:23

Definitions of Sins from these Scripture Passages:

Galatians 5:19-21

Adultery and fornication - sexual sin, idol worship, homosexuality

Uncleanness - sexual lust, impure motives

Lasciviousness - an unstopping lust, shamelessness

Idolatry – worship of false gods, giving honor to any but the one true God

Witchcraft – using drugs, sorcery, deception, calling upon spirits

Hatred - hostile, opposing God, blaming God, hateful

Variance - strife, contention, debating

Emulation - jealousy, rivalry

Wrath - boiling anger, mad enough to kill, an angry drunk

Strife - putting yourself first, dividing others to put yourself first

Sedition - division, rebelling

Heresy - believing false beliefs or making your own false beliefs

Murderers – killing

Envying – desiring the possessions of another

Drunkenness - drunk, intoxicated

Reveling - rioting, drunken feasts

Colossians 3:5, 8-9

Fornication - sexual sin, idol worship, homosexuality

Uncleanness - sexual lust, impure motives

Inordinate affection - evil, sinful passions

Evil concupiscence - craving forbidden sin

Anger - a violent temper, a desire to punish, vengeance

Idolatry - worship, seeking wisdom or answers from false spirits or gods, giving honor to any but the one true God.

Covetousness - greediness, a desire to have more than is needed

Wrath - boiling anger, mad enough to kill, an angry drunk

Malice - a desire to injure, wickedness, not ashamed to break laws, trouble, evil

Blasphemy - speaking evil of God, swearing using God’s name

Filthy communication - foul speaking, obscene speech, false doctrine

Lie – deceiving

Psalm 51:2

Lord, wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.

To Overcome Sin, You must be filled with the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19

At salvation, the Holy Spirit moves in and indwells us. He will never leave us. He has purchased us for His possession; our bodies become His temple. You will never receive “more” of the Holy Spirit. Filling has to do with Him receiving “more” of you. This is accomplished as we yield our lives to His control.

Ephesians 5:18

God does not want us to always simply “seek forgiveness.” He would rather that we try to avoid the temptation. Being filled with the Spirit is a must if we are going to overcome sin.

To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled by Him. The filling of the Spirit is a repeated experience (or at least should be). It is commanded by the Scriptures, and is, therefore, a must for a Christian who desires God’s blessings upon his life.

There are two primary prerequisites to being filled with the Spirit:

Confession of known sin.
Yielding our members to be instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:6-14).

How do I know if I am filled with the Spirit?

The filling of the Spirit is not meant to be something so mysterious that you never really know if you are “filled.” The Scriptures give us indicators that demonstrate a life that is Spirit-controlled in Galatians 5:22-24:

Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance. When these are present, that is a good indicator of a life that is “filled” with the Spirit.

Some more Simple instructions for dealing with Sin:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Do not allow sinful thoughts to linger in your mind.

2 Corinthians 2:11

Be aware of the traps of Satan (unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.).

Romans 13:14

Do not go to places or be with people that make it easy to sin.

Psalm 139:23-24

Keep your life open and clean before God.

“Obey every impulse of the Holy Spirit.”

Dealing with Habitual sins:

Admit the problem.

Give and leave it with God.

Avoid tempting situations.

Claim the Scriptures for victory.

Be accountable to your discipler.

Remember, you have a personal adversary that is committed to causing you to stumble. His goal is to find and exploit your weaknesses. Once a particular sin becomes a habit, the feelings of guilt and failure become overwhelming. Also, power in prayer is lost. Do not become a casualty due to habitual sins.

Notice the following truths from Romans 6:

1. Because of God’s grace, I yield to Him (vs. 12-14).

2. Because I yield, I am free (vs. 16-17).

3. Because I am free, I serve Him (vs. 18-21).

4. Because I serve, I bear holy fruit (vs. 22).

Have a good thought or idea for this section? Send them to journeyd i scipleship@m ac.com. Thank you

LESSON 6 HOLY?

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Section A

How to be Holy

Key Objective: To understand the importance of purity.

4 Keys to Spiritual Growth

Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2; Hebrews 11:6)

Prayer and Devotional life

Obedience to God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)

Develop a Heart of Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Revelation 7:2)

1 Peter 1:15-16

God is holy and has called us to be holy also. Your salvation is instant. But your holiness is a process of growth. We call this process sanctification. As you grow spiritually, you will mature in order to reproduce disciples.

Romans 12:1-2

“Present yourself” this means you give all your life to Him. You have done this if you are serious about discipleship. “Living sacrifice” means your life is for service to Christ, to disciple. It means you are ready for His use anytime, anywhere, and in any circumstance. “Not conformed” means you are not like the world’s way of thinking, talking, and living. “Being transformed” means the change begins in your thinking.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 11:3

Remember we are in warfare. The enemy tells you lies. Only accept in your mind what God’s Word allows. Your holiness or purity of life will come from God changing you, not by you changing yourself. You must be faithful to your Daily in the Word. It is powerful. The Spirit of God will change you from the inside working its way out. (Philippians 2:13)

Romans 8:29

God's purpose is that you be formed into the image of Christ. As you grow in Christ you will be more like Him.

Other verses to emphasize:

Mark 12:30

2 Peter 3:18

Specific Relationships

1 Timothy 5:1-2

How should you relate to these people, keeping moral purity in mind?

Older men As Fathers

Younger men As Brothers

Older women As Mothers

Younger women As Sisters 1 Corinthians 7:1 Why?

Note: A lifetime of trouble is avoided if these instructions are obeyed.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7

This is God’s will.

Mark 10:6-9

Marriage and the producing of children is God's wonderful plan. God planned for you to only know one intimately, your spouse. Hebrews 13:4 And God made sexuality strong to bind the husband and wife together for life.

1 Peter 2:11

Abstain from lust which wars against the soul.

1 Corinthians 6:13-20

Getting involved in sex outside of marriage requires some form of deception (being dishonest, false kindness, specially chosen words may be used, gifts may be given, wrong actions may be allowed) all to get or to keep what you want. Because this is for selfish reasons, the relationship will be full of guilt, rejection and emptiness. God intended physical intimacy only for marriage. Only with your spouse can you have a holy, guilt-free and purposeful physical relationship. No one else.

Hebrews 13:4

If you are married, be faithful to your spouse. If you have an unbelieving spouse follow these instructions: 1 Peter 3:1.

LESSON 7 CHURCH

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The Local Church

Key Objective: To understand God’s plan for the church.

See the Additional Study on the 1st Century Church below at the end of this page.

2 Corinthians 11:4,15.

Remember, Satan has another Jesus, another spirit, another gospel, and his own disciples.

Satan’s churches teach many false things like “works for salvation.” The Bible is not one authority, plus many more lies. It is our only authority.

Bible Believing churches started from our Lord’s disciples. Bible Believing churches never “protested” from within any religion. We are not Protestants. Disciples from Bible Believing churches have made disciples and started other Baptist (though not always known by that name) churches since Christ’s first disciples.

What the Local Church is Not

It is not just a building. Although we may meet in a building, we worship God in spirit and truth.

It is not to be connected to governments. It is to be self-governing and obey laws that do not conflict with the Word of God. We call this church an autonomous church.

It is not to be controlled by other churches. However, we may cooperate with other Baptist churches to start churches.

It is neither to be isolated from the world, nor should it imitate the world. Rather, the church should be involved in evangelism and discipleship. The motivating factor for this is the understanding that we will give an account to God for our lives.

It is not to make schools or other good things its priority, but rather teaching and preaching the Word of God.

It is not to save the world from destruction. Although the church is to promote all that is good, and the church is to care for its own in time of need, the greatest need is for the Gospel because it tells all how to escape the coming judgment.

What is the Local Church?

A true New Testament Bible-believing local church is a group of saved and discipled men and women who assemble together for worship and ministry with the leaders God has given them under the Word of God.

What does the Bible say about church leaders who stop following the Word of God?

1 Timothy 6:3-5

If any man teach otherwise. . . from such withdraw thyself.

What are the qualifications for pastors?

1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1: 5-9

How should you regard your church leaders?

Hebrews 13:17 Obey and Submit

Who is the Chief Pastor of your Church?

1 Peter 2:25; 5:4 Jesus Christ

What does the Bible call the church in relation to its pastor?

1 Peter 5:2-3 A Flock

What is the purpose of the church leadership?

Ephesians 2:20

Apostles (Christ’s first disciples) and prophets (men who spoke as God gave them the words to say) were in local churches until the Bible was completed around 90 A.D. Then, they were no longer needed.

Ephesians 4:11

There are two responsibilities in the local church for the leader to fill today. “Pastors” are the shepherds of the local church. “Teachers” are also Disciplers. You are training for this position in your local church!

Ephesians 4:12

The Leadership of the local church is to “perfect the saints, for the work of the ministry.” Saints are believers. The work of the ministry is making disciples. “Perfect the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.” To edify is to mature or build up. The leadership of the local church is to mature you to make disciples.

Pastors and Church Leaders:

Inspire people to have a heart for God.

Include people in a loving church family.

Instruct the people from the Word of God. (Discipleship)

Involve the people in the ministries of the local church.

Impact a region with the Gospel.

How do I find the local church God wants me to be in?

Pray
Observe the church and see if it obeys the Word of God.
Do they teach what the Bible says?
Does it fulfill God’s Mission of making disciples?

What are the distinctives of a Bible Believing Church?

The Bible is our final authority
We are not bound by tradition, board decisions, papal decrees, or any other extra-biblical books (book of Mormon, Watchtower publications, etc.)
The autonomy of the local church
Each church is self-governing and self-propagating. The church answers directly to Christ, the Head of the Church.
The priesthood of each individual believer
Each believer has access directly to God. There is only one Mediator he must go through – Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).
Two ordinances (the Lord’s Supper and baptism)
We do not practice sacraments (something that conveys saving grace).
Saved membership only
We do not place infants on our roll. Each member, regardless of age, must give a testimony of salvation (a conversion experience).
Two officers (the pastor and deacon)
We do not have separate elders, bishops, or other officers for church government.

Separation of church and government

The church is not separated from the state (she is active as a voice in policy-making decisions and should vote, etc.). The state is separated from the church (the state has no power to enforce unbiblical statutes upon the church nor does she have the right to have a state-sponsored church).

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LESSON 8 BAPTISM?

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Be Baptized

Key Objective: To understand the importance of baptism.

Additional Study on the 1st Century Church

God has a very specific plan for reaching out to a world of lost people

His plan is the multiplication of disciples through disciple-making local churches that only teach and preach the Word of God. Notice God’s plan in action:

Jesus had finished three and a half years of teaching and training His disciples in 33 A.D.

33 A.D.

Matthew 28:18-20

We call this the Great Commission. Jesus had finished three and a half years of teaching and training His disciples. He died on the cross and rose from the grave. Then Jesus again gives His disciples clear instructions: go and make disciples.

Acts 1:1,8

Jesus told us to be witnesses to the farthest places in the world. Christ is the One working, and He has a plan: first, Jerusalem; then Judea and Samaria; then to the uttermost parts of the world. Notice the mathematical words in the following verses.

Acts 2:41

After Peter preaches a message we have an addition of 3,000 souls.

Acts 2:42-47

They obey the command of Christ to teach them to observe all things.

Acts 4:4

In chapter 3, Peter preaches again and the result was 5,000 men.

Acts 4:12

We see the message they are preaching.

Acts 4:32-35

We see the sacrifice for the thousands of new disciples. We believe they sold their possessions to disciple full-time.

Acts 5:1-2,10

Here we see subtraction due to sin in the life of the believers.

Acts 5:14

We see more addition because we never stop witnessing. In Jerusalem multitudes believed after hearing the Word of God from Christ’s first disciples. Notice the action is addition.

Acts 5:42

We see what they did with these new believers - they discipled them.

Acts 6:1

In less than two years after the resurrection, we see the result of preaching, soul winning and discipleship: disciples multiply.

Acts 6:7

The first disciples of Jesus Christ obeyed the commands in John 13 and Matthew 28 to “...love one another as He had loved them…” and to “teach them to observe all things…” They sacrificed to meet with all these new believers and disciple them. The result: the disciples multiply greatly. When disciples multiply, the Word of God increases.

Acts 7:59

After Stephen preaches a message, he is killed for his faith (subtraction) at the command of Saul. When disciples multiply, Satan attacks.

34 A.D.

Acts 8:1

Persecution scatters the disciples (division) from Jerusalem except for the Apostles. Why is this important that we know the Apostles did not leave?

Acts 8:4

The disciples were scattered everywhere preaching the Word. They could proclaim the Word of God because they had been discipled.

Acts 9:4

Saul receives Christ and one disciple is instructed by God to contact him.

38 A.D.

JUDEA, GALILEE AND SAMARIA

Acts 9:31

Groups of disciples multiply, and churches start in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and multiply. This means that people became believers and they began to be discipled under the leadership of mature disciples, forming a church in that location: a local church. This is God’s plan in action.

41 A.D.

Churches are multiplying everywhere by multiplying disciples. We are able to look closely at one: the church at Antioch.

Acts 11:19-20

Seven years after the disciples are scattered from Jerusalem starting Bible-believing local churches, a local church starts in Antioch. This church is our pattern to follow. The Word of God now focuses on this church and not the Jerusalem church.

Acts 11:21-23

A great number believes upon Christ in Antioch with Barnabas as Pastor.

Acts 11:24-26

More people receive the Lord in Antioch. Addition begins again. The believers are taught (disciples) and first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 11:29

They take an offering for the first Jerusalem disciples. Jerusalem disciples are reaping rewards from discipleship.

Acts 12:1-2

We have subtraction again because of spiritual warfare.

Acts 12:24

Multiplication of the Word of God is the same as multiplying disciples.

44 A.D.

TO THE UTTERMOST

Acts 13:2, 14:23, 16:5,

Three years later, the church at Antioch sends missionaries (division) who go and start churches. Those churches start other churches and so on.

Acts 13:38-39, 48-49

Their message, the response, and the result: the Word is through disciples.

Acts 14:21-26

They start more churches and return home to report.

Acts 15:35-39

They start adding multipliers and we have division again.

Acts 15:41

God’s Plan works because there are churches established.

Acts 16:5, 30-31

More are sent to start churches that in turn start churches. They are adding more multipliers. Their message is seen.

Acts 16:7,10 17:16

It is the Spirit of Christ in charge of all evangelism, discipleship, and ministry.

Acts 18:22-23, 28

They are adding more multipliers.

Acts 18:24-26

We see a well known preacher influenced by faithful from disciplers.

56 A.D.

Acts 19:10

In about 23 years, all of Asia heard the Gospel (we call this area Asia Minor today; the central city was Ephesus) from leading people to Christ, multiplying disciples, and starting local churches that make disciples.

Acts 19:20

The Word of God grows through disciples multiplying and churches multiplying.

Acts 20:7

The disciples met the first day of the week.

Acts 20:28-30

Warnings are given about those who hurt and steal disciples.

Acts 20:32

The Word of God is what builds us up.

Acts 21:16

This is the last verse in the Bible that uses the word disciple. It refers to disciples as an “old” disciple or one who had been faithful for many years.

64 A.D.

Colossians 1:23

In about 35 years after the resurrection, everyone in the known world heard the Gospel through leading people to Christ, multiplying disciples, and starting local churches that made disciples. The plan of God is the same today for you and me.

The Lord’s Supper is only for people who have trusted Christ as Savior.

You are to examine yourself, judge yourself, and purify yourself before taking part in the Lord’s Supper in your local church. Jesus wants you to examine your motives and your following of Him. He wants you to be truthful with yourself as to what is really in your heart for Him.

He wants you to cleanse yourself by confession of sin and repentance of sin. This is not for salvation, but for communing and staying close to Him. The consequences are severe to disobey this.

As a disciple you must live a life worthy of following. Your disciples will follow your example. It is vital that we are saved and walking in obedience to God’s Word as we participate in the Lord’s Table. God wants your heart to be for Him. He wants you to keep Him on the throne of your life.

There are those who will teach unbiblical doctrines about this special ordinance. Some will teach that you actually “receive” Christ during (what they would call) this sacrament as the cup and the bread literally changes into the body and blood of Christ.

These people do not understand the phrase, “In remembrance of Me…” There were no cameras to take snapshots for future keepsakes. Jesus did not choose to be remembered by a miracle, but rather by a meal, because people eat often. The Lord’s Supper is one of remembrance. It is symbolic; there is no saving power in either the juice or the bread.

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LESSON 9 GIVING?

Stewardship

Key Objective: To know how to be a good steward.

More for....What are the reasons for my giving?

1 Timothy 6:7

We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:10

So we will not have many sorrows.

How Do I Give?

Give without show. (Matthew 6:1-4)

Give in relation to your ability. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

Give willingly. (1 Chronicles 29:3-9)

Give liberally. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

Give proportionately. (Malachi 3:10)

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LESSON 10 FUTURE?

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Section A

What’s Next

Key Objective: To view the world from God’s perspective.

Satan has fought against God since the day he rebelled. You are now in this battle for the souls of men and women all over the world. We may see this battle end very soon.

2 Timothy 2:3

You are a soldier in a war. This is a spiritual war.