 
What Is Christianity?

By Grace Communion International

Copyright 2014 Grace Communion International

Scripture quotations, unless noted, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The "NIV" and "New International Version" are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

### Table of Contents

Introduction

New Life in Christ

Coming to Know God

Do You Believe?

He Lives Within Us

Yes! God Hears

Baptism: Commemorating Commitment

The Basics for New Christians

Foundations of Christianity

The Heart of the Matter – Jesus

Christian Assurance

Reading the Bible

Learning to Pray

The Holy Spirit

Christian Fellowship

Defeating Evil

Serving Christ

About the Publisher

Grace Communion Seminary

Ambassador College of Christian Ministry

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## Introduction

**1. New Life in Christ, by Paul Kroll**

It's easy for those of us who live in democratic and nominally Christian nations to take our Christianity for granted. More than half of Americans call themselves Christian. Some even consider the practice of Christianity be patriotic. It seems easy to be a Christian. We may not be forced to face human tragedy and madness in the profound way Bonhoeffer and his community, the Confessing church, did. But we can be overcome by the world in more subtle ways. For this reason, we all need to ask ourselves a basic question: What is Christianity? When we say, "I am a Christian," what do those words mean for us who were born into a Christian world?

2. Coming to Know God, by Norman Shoaf

Family. Home. Close, tender relationships. People who really care. Embracing those we love, and never having to part. Aren't these the blessings that all of us desire most? But, search as we might, many of us never find them. And no one enjoys them all the time. Relationships break up. People move away. Families lose contact—or never make it in the first place. There are no perfect homes, at least in this world. Whoever we are, wherever we live, we find ourselves always searching, searching—but searching for what? _Loving relationships that last._ This is exactly what God invites us to—an eternal place in his loving, spiritual family. That's what the gospel of Jesus Christ is—an invitation to come into an intimate, lasting relationship with the perfect parent, brother, friend, provider, teacher and protector.

3. Do You Believe? by G. Albrecht

Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and Judea because of continuing threats on the life of Jesus. Now the small band was in the region of Perea, close to Jericho. But even here they could not get away from death. The news came by a messenger: "Lazarus is sick, and near death." But Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in Bethany of Judea, just outside of Jerusalem. For many of the disciples, it seemed foolish to even think of going into such a dangerous area. Jesus waited two days before announcing that they would go back to Judea. Thomas, not known for his cheerful and positive outlook on life, responded, "Great, let's go back into Judea and we can all die with him."

4. He Lives Within Us, by Paul Kroll

"God the Father makes perfectly good sense to me," the student said, "and God the Son I can quite understand, but the Holy Spirit is a gray, oblong blur." Indeed! Certainly not the presence of a personal and powerful God. Such incomplete perspectives are partially due to the fact that the Holy Spirit is just that—spirit. He is like the wind and isn't seen. Those who are led by the Holy Spirit are God's people, said Paul. More than this, they are sons and daughters of God, who are able to call him their Father. By being filled with the Spirit, God's people are able to live in spiritual freedom. No longer enslaved to the sinful nature, they live new lives of impassioned inspiration and oneness with God. This is the radical change the Holy Spirit creates in people at their conversion.

5. Yes! God hears, by Norman Shoaf

If we're concerned about something, God is, too. Scriptures such as 1 Peter 5:7 urge us, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Thanks to the risen Christ's work as our High Priest, we may develop a fuller relationship with our Creator through prayer. "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it," Jesus told his disciples (John 14:14). Just as human friendships deepen through ongoing communication and shared intimacy, we draw closer to our Savior when we invite him into all we do. Here's a look at prayer.

6. Baptism: A Commitment to Christ, by Paul Kroll

Baptism pictures the drama of our union with Jesus Christ and all that he represents in our salvation. In baptism, we respond to the commitment that Jesus made to us, in his death and in his life as our Savior. Those who request baptism are saying they want to be associated with Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way—to belong to Christ. That's what it means to be baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ."

Believers share in the life of Christ. As Christ died, so do the believers. As they share in Jesus' death, they also have a share in his resurrection and eternal life. Believers who are baptized are stating that they, by God's grace, are included in the greatest events of salvation history. This includes the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They dramatize their acceptance of God's gracious offer of salvation.

7. The Basics for New Christians

This is an outline for a nine-session course for new Christians, designed to lead new believers through fundamental elements of what it means to be a Christian. It covers the following areas:

Getting Started:

Selecting and training group leaders

Setting up the meetings

Preparing response cards

Practical details

These are covered in the first chapter.

Subject areas:

Foundations of Christianity

Jesus

Assurance

The Bible

Learning to pray

The Holy Spirit

Christian fellowship

Defeating evil

Serving Christ

These are covered in the following chapters.

This course is designed for the newly baptized, those considering baptism, and even for those who simply want a "refresher" course in the basics. The course is adapted by J. Michael Feazell from _Evangelism Through the Local Church,_ by Michael Green (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1992).

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## New Life in Christ

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a leader in the Confessional Church, had been arrested by the Gestapo in April 1943. A year later, he was jailed in Berlin's Tegel prison. He was hanged by the Nazis at Flossenbürg concentration camp only a few days before the camp was liberated by the Allied armies.

### Christians in crisis

But on April 30, 1944, Bonhoeffer was still very much alive, though imprisoned. He was mulling over the significance of a religion—what it meant to be a Christian in such trying times. Nazi Germany was testing Christian discipleship in a direct and crushing way. We in today's Western society have not been tested in the same way.

Bonhoeffer had seen a tragic appeasement among Christians in Nazi Germany. Most church leaders and their flocks had gone along with the pagan and anti-Christian sentiments at the heart of Nazism. Only a few had spoken out, like those Germans who formed the Confessing Church. Bonhoeffer's own Christian faith as a member of this group was on the line. And so was his life.

It's not surprising that when Bonhoeffer sat down to write a letter to his close friend Eberhard Bethge on that April day in 1944, the meaning of the Christian faith was uppermost on his mind. "You would be surprised, and perhaps even worried, by my theological thoughts and the conclusions that they lead to," he wrote. "What is bothering me incessantly is the question: what Christianity really is, or indeed who Christ really is, for us today" _(Letters and Papers From Prison,_ edited by Eberhard Bethge, page 279).

Christianity in Germany had become, in Bonhoeffer's view, nothing more than pious talk and a sterile repetition of creeds. Those who call themselves Christians "do not in the least act up to it," he wrote (page 279). Bonhoeffer was dismayed at the many German Christians who had sold out.

### What about us?

What happened to Christianity in Nazi Germany should send chills through us who call ourselves Christian. But does it?

It's easy for those of us who live in democratic and nominally Christian nations to take our Christianity for granted. Well more than half of Americans call themselves Christian. Some even consider the practice of Christianity be patriotic. It seems easy to be a Christian.

We may not be forced to face human tragedy and madness in the profound way Bonhoeffer and his community, the Confessing Church, did. But we can be overcome by the world in more subtle ways. For this reason, we all need to ask ourselves a basic question: What is Christianity? When we say, "I am a Christian," what do those words mean for us who were born into a Christian world?

The word _Christ_ is the foundation and basis of the words _Christian_ and _Christianity._ It is logical to assume that Christ would also be the foundation and basis of Christianity, and of each Christian's life. But as Bonhoeffer asked, who is Christ for us today? And where does he fit into our Christianity?

Today, Christianity is often defined by specific religious practices. It's about such things as going to church, ceremonies of various kinds, and giving some financial support. But you don't have to be a Christian to listen to preaching, to go through rituals, or to give money to a church or charity.

Christianity emphasizes correct beliefs, creeds and doctrines. Biblical truth is important to faith. But is Christianity only about believing? Is it about doing good and being a certain way? Christianity for many is primarily about being moral and doing good. That's commendable. However, people of other religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism, to name a few—also try to live good, law-abiding lives. Christianity has no corner on morality.

For many, Christianity is a cause to get involved—to change the world through politics. But is cause-Christianity transforming the world, or is it selling out by putting its faith in the political world? Much of what passes for Christianity falls under the five Cs: causes, ceremonies, churchgoing, conduct and creeds. But is it enough to define the Christianity of the Bible?

Perhaps we can see by now that it's a bit harder to discover what the Christian faith should be about. So what _should_ it be about?

### Chipping to Christ

There's the old story about the sculptor who had just finished a magnificent elephant in marble. When asked how he was able to sculpt such an exquisite piece, he replied, "I just chip away everything that doesn't look like an elephant." In a similar way, we need to chip away everything that passes for Christianity but is not an essential part of it. If we use our hammer and chisel properly, we can discover what the Christian faith looks like at its fundamentals.

Let's begin by offering a basic proposition: Christ is Christianity, or Christ = Christianity.

That is the good news the Gospel of John proclaims. John records Jesus as telling his disciples: "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). According to the apostle John, Jesus Christ kept insisting that _he_ was whatever true religion might be. "I am the resurrection and the life," he told Martha (John 11:25).

Since Jesus is the way, that means Christianity ought to be _the way._ Since Jesus is the truth, that means Christianity ought to be _the truth._ Since Jesus is the life, that means Christianity ought to be the way to _life_ eternal.

### Misunderstood Messiah

The simple solution to finding true Christianity, then, would be to follow Jesus Christ. And to become Christ-like. But it's not as simple as it sounds. We can't just decide to do it.

The apostle Peter thought he knew what it meant to be a dedicated and zealous Christian—a follower of Christ, which the word implies. To him, faith was having a religion of dedication and zeal.

When challenged on his ability to be a Christian, Peter said: "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you" (John 13:37). Jesus said Peter didn't know what he was talking about—and that he would fail. Peter soon did (Mark 14:66-72).

Philip, another disciple, said something about Jesus showing them the Father. "That will be enough for us," he said (John 14:8). Perhaps Christianity was only a mystical experience for Philip.

Thomas, the doubting disciple, was befuddled about the center or way of Christianity. "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" he asked (verse 5).

Jesus wasn't that easy to understand. Not that he didn't speak clearly. He did. The problem was that he announced a good news message that turned common beliefs on their heads— and gave them a surprising dimension. People lacked a spiritual ear with which to hear Jesus' otherworldly message.

For one thing, Jesus didn't seem to act like people thought a religious person should act. He was constantly accused of being irreligious. He was called a drunk and a glutton. He interacted with tax collectors and prostitutes—among the worst social outcasts of the time.

The local religious leaders, the Pharisees, complained that Jesus didn't keep their religious ceremonies or hold to their beliefs. More than that, they felt he was slighting, even attacking, them.

The Pharisees thought: He keeps knocking our religion. He's accusing us of giving up the true faith so we can keep our own traditions. Imagine that? The gall of this—this _upstart._ Does he think he personifies true religion? Yes, in fact, Jesus did think so. He claimed to be the originator, the embodiment, the perfect example and the High Priest of the way, the truth and the life. If you didn't have him at your center, he insisted, then you had a useless religion.

### Christ the center

Jesus gave us the answer to the question: What is Christianity? Christianity is Christ living his life in Christians through the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not merely living religion in us. He is not primarily living doctrine in us. He is not living ceremonies and rituals in us. Jesus is living _himself_ in us. When he does, that means we have his new life in us. We are his.

What, then, is Christianity for us? It is Christ. Who is Christ for us today? He is the center of our lives; he _is our_ life.

No scripture better summarizes what we are as Christians, and what Christianity is, than Paul's statement to the Galatian church. Paul wrote: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

If Christ as our center is embedded in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we shall be Christians indeed. Christianity will not be an empty religion. It will bear witness to and be an example of Jesus Christ to the world.

How can Christ become the center of our lives? It can come about only through God's revelation to us, and his rescue of us. We must first be drawn by God to understand that we must be rescued. Humanity without God leads only to death. This hearing—this understanding—comes by revelation of the Holy Spirit.

At one point, Peter recognized something about who Jesus was—the Son of God. Peter didn't figure it out on his own. Jesus told him, "This was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). The Holy Spirit from God must give us a hearing ear so we can recognize who Christ is—and our need for rescue. The rescue is our transformation through a renewed mind that frees us from conformity to the evil in the world. However, we must respond positively to God's revelatory call and offer of rescue.

Jesus explained it by a farming example. God is a sower scattering the seeds of understanding in human minds. Some seeds never germinate because they fall on hardened minds enmeshed in the world. Such people don't understand what they're hearing.

Other seeds fall on shallow minds. The seeds of understanding germinate and grow to a point, then die. Such people catch a momentary glimmer of the truth, but the light is overpowered by the glitter of worldliness. The worries of life, the desire to make it in the world and to live a life of worldly pleasure—with no place for God—choke out the seeds that bring the revelation of God.

But in some people the seeds of truth grow into magnificent plants. They "hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop," said Jesus (Mark 4:20). Such Christians understand the revelatory call of rescue from God and continue to respond to it. Today, God is calling each of us to a relationship with him that rescues us from the clutches of our society and its values—and saves us to eternal life. The question is: Are you answering God's pleading revelation and rescuing call?

### What's in a name?

The word _Christian,_ which describes those who follow Jesus Christ, was first used by pagan outsiders, probably as a term of ridicule and abuse. Luke tells us, "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" (Acts 11:26). Pagans in Antioch probably coined the word as a term of derision to mock people who believed in Jesus as the Messiah. (Antioch, in the province of Syria, was the site of major Christian evangelizing work among Gentiles in the A.D. 40s.)

The word _Christian_ appears only twice more in the New Testament (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Once, it's on the lips of a Jewish king who tells the apostle Paul it won't be as easy as he thinks to convince him to be a Christian. In the second instance, the apostle Peter used the word _Christian_ in the context of accusations made by the enemies of the church. (The word _Christianity_ does not appear in the New Testament.)

Only a few references to Christ and Christians occur in the secular literature of the time. The Latin historian Suetonius spoke of an action taken by the emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-54): "Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome" ( _Claudius_ 25.4). _Christ_ would have been a generally meaningless name to the Latin-speaking Romans. It's easy to see why Suetonius confused it with the common name _Chrestos,_ which meant "good" or "kind."

The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the emperor Nero (A.D. 54-68) had "inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace" _(Annals_ xv.44). However, the church in those earliest decades called itself by terms other than Christian. Some of them are described below.

### Names for disciples

The church referred to itself as the group that followed "the Way" (Acts 19:9). This showed that Christianity was more than an abstract philosophy. It was a description of the way to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to fellowship with God.

Christians also called themselves "the believers" (Acts 4:32) and "God's elect" (1 Peter 1:1). The first title explained that the disciples believed in Jesus Christ as Savior. The second pointed to the special place Christians had within God's plan as the heirs of his promises.

The church often referred to its members collectively as "the disciples" – a word that means "people who learn" (Acts 6:2). The early Christians were carrying on Jesus' teachings and following his example. They were a living community that embodied the teachings of their Master. The disciples also called themselves "brothers" (Acts 9:30; 17:14). The name stressed the intimate, familial relationship of the believers to one another.

Another designation for the followers of Jesus was "friends." Jesus had called his disciples his friends (John 15:14-15). It's not surprising, then, that the disciples would call themselves "friends" of Jesus. John used this designation in one of his letters (3 John 14).

"Saints" was the apostle Paul's favorite name for Christians (Romans 1:7; 8:27). The name is also used 13 times in the book of Revelation. The word did not emphasize any special holiness achieved by individual obedience, but rather the individual's special calling to salvation. The perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ was credited to people who were called out by God and separated for his purpose. Such people were holy, or saints, in God's sight.

Christians also called themselves "the congregation," from the Greek _ekklesia._ We use the word _church_ rather than _congregation,_ but they mean the same thing (2 Corinthians 1:1). They define the presence of God's people in the world at large or in a particular place.

The word _Christian_ seems to have had no special significance for the earliest church. If used, the word was but one of a number of self-designations. (The apostolic church apparently did not have a single official name for itself.)

### "Christian" wins out

Eventually, however, the word _Christian_ became the common way to designate the collective church. By the beginning of the second century, the word was used by both outsiders and insiders to refer to the followers of Jesus.

Today, the term _Christian_ has lost some of its meaning because it is so loosely used. It seems everything is Christian. We have Christian churches, schools, political parties, cultural associations, kings and even geographical areas such as the Christian West. That being so, it would be well for us to reflect on what we mean when we call ourselves Christians. A Christian is one who belongs to Jesus Christ, one who is transformed by him, and one in whom Jesus Christ dwells.

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## Coming to Know God

_Christ's gospel invites you to satisfy the restless longing all humans share._

I was about 6 months old when my cousin Rex, then in his early 20s, kissed me on the cheek. I was sitting in my high chair in my family's kitchen in St. Louis, Missouri, and Cousin Rex was about to leave home and head out west to California to find his fortune. According to family legend, he announced, "Well, that'll have to be enough sugar for my coffee until I see you again."

We didn't see each other again for more than 37 years. You know how it is. My dad and mom lost contact with Rex. I was too young to know or care who he was. His branch of the family did their thing, and we did ours. Through the decades, rumor had it that cousin Rex fell on hard times in California, or that he struck it rich. He became a preacher, or he became a bum. **Rex** was the greatest guy you would ever want to know, or he was wild and dangerous.

### Finding Rex

Last year, I looked up Rex. In an emotional phone call, he said hearing from me had made him so happy that he wouldn't be able to sleep. He invited me to come see him at his home in northern Nevada. I did, and I took my wife and daughter with me.

I recognized him as soon as I rolled into his driveway, and he recognized me. Happy days and nights of catching up followed our first bear hugs and kisses. We met his wife, and their children and grandchildren, all of whom lived nearby. Suddenly my 6-year-old daughter had scads of newly discovered cousins to play with!

No family reunion could have been warmer. Rex was gentle, generous and lovable. As we sat in his home, he told us of his adventures as a younger man. His family had grown and flourished. He had built a successful business. He had become friends with a famous actor. Through the years, with a few rough spots here and there, he had maintained a deep faith in Jesus Christ and was an active leader in his church. To my delight and to both our wives' half-grimacing tolerance, we learned that he and I are afflicted with a similar slightly warped (and only slightly funny) sense of humor!

### What we all long for

Family. Home. Close, tender relationships. People who really care. Embracing those we love, and never having to part. Aren't these the blessings that all of us desire most?

But, search as we might, many of us never find them — and no one enjoys them all the time. Relationships break up. People move away. Families lose contact—or never make it in the first place. There are no perfect homes, at least in this world.

Whoever we are, wherever we live, we find ourselves always searching, searching—but searching for what? _Loving relationships that last._ This is exactly what God invites us to—an eternal place in his loving family. That's what the gospel of Jesus Christ is—an invitation to come into an intimate, lasting relationship with the perfect parent, brother, friend, provider, teacher and protector.

### The Healer of hurts

"Come to me," Jesus welcomes (Matthew 11:28). Yet many find it hard to accept this invitation. Their experiences with their own human families and other relationships have been upsetting and sad. Their natural longing for warmth and love has been denied, rebuffed and unfulfilled. They want relationships, yet also distrust them, even fear them.

Seeing the ugliness and injustice and abuse in this world, they cannot embrace the concept of an all-powerful God who knows our weaknesses and troubles and who cares—and who is able to make things different, and yet seemingly does not. The questions seem too tough, the chasms too wide, the hurts too painful for us. Yet this is exactly why God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.

The Bible records how our first parents, Adam and Eve, rejected a relationship based on trust, and humanity has followed that approach ever since. But God still loves the world. He has stepped in to rescue us from sin and death. "God so loved the world," John 3:16 tells us, "that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Jesus came into the world to undo Adam and Eve's tragic failure. They chose death for the human race, but Jesus chose to give us life! The full, abundant, joy-filled, worthwhile life we all desire comes through knowing Jesus Christ our Savior. "Now this is eternal life," Jesus said, "that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3).

Through his death in our place, and through his miraculous resurrection from the dead, Jesus closed the breach. He healed the hurt. He corrected the abuse. Jesus Christ revealed God as a heavenly Father who wants to reunite all of us with him, to gather us around him in a loving, everlasting embrace.

It is no wonder that the apostle Paul declared: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11)! This was not a goal for the distant future—he wanted to know Christ each day of his life, to be in constant relationship with him.

### Coming to know God

"No one can come to me," Jesus said, "unless the Father who sent me draws him'' (John 6:44). He also revealed: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). God calls, and we must respond. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, to realize that we can do nothing to save ourselves. Unless God gives us grace, through his Son, Jesus Christ, we are lost.

But God is more than willing to receive us. We must acknowledge and repent of our sinful state – that when we try to live without him, we are showing a lack of gratitude, and an arrogance about our own abilities. We need to realize that only through Jesus Christ can we be saved (Acts 4:12). Then we will accept and embrace the Son of God as our Savior and Lord. Paul wrote, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

### Growing in knowing

The hardest part of many worthwhile pursuits is taking the first step. It would have been easier, for instance, not to call my cousin Rex. After all, I didn't really know him. How could I be sure that the bad things some family members told me about him weren't true? We might not have gotten along at all. Finding the phone number and calling were needlessly fearsome hurdles for me.

But from the moment we heard each other's voices, we realized we never should have been strangers in the first place. The 37-plus years of separation after the kiss in my family's kitchen were the tragic result of unintentional neglect. We got along famously, joyously. _Together_ was exponentially preferable to _apart._

It's the same with a person's relationship with God. Before we answer Jesus' invitation to come to him, we don't even know him. We may have heard a lot of misinformation about God, from ignorant assumptions to outright lies. We may fear that we just won't get along. It's much easier to simply not think about that hole in every human heart, that spiritual aloneness that cries out for unity with our Maker.

Saying that first prayer, or making that first contact with Christians who enjoy close friendship with Jesus, may be needlessly fearsome hurdles. Jesus stands outside the door and knocks. From the moment you open the door, you realize you never should have been strangers in the first place. However many years you've been apart—perhaps your whole life? – may have been the tragic result of unintentional neglect. Or confused emotions. Or scars inflicted not by God but by some imperfect human.

Christians who enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus Christ affirm, with the apostle John:

#### We live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. (1 John 4:13-16)

Our Christian lives consist of _growing_ in _knowing—_ knowing and relying on the love God has for us. We return that love to God through worship and faithfulness. We follow where he leads. We patiently continue, throughout our lives, our walk with Jesus Christ.

### "Come to me"

A church sign near my home reads, "No Jesus—No Peace; Know Jesus— Know Peace." Christians are born into a loving, spiritual community, and they know peace, thanks to the work of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ invites you to satisfy the restless longing that all human beings share— the longing for _loving relationships that last._

You can _know_ that you know God by placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In one of the most reassuring passages in the New Testament, Paul wrote to the Ephesian church:

#### I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19)

### Growing in Christ

"Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord," wrote the apostle Paul to the young evangelist Timothy. Christ "has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace." Jesus "has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:8-10). Through the gospel, God invites us—calls us—to experience new life through his Son, Jesus Christ, both now and in the world to come, and he invites us to grow, to draw closer.

If you are growing closer to Christ, you will read the Bible as a trustworthy record of God's revelation to humanity. The Holy Spirit will guide you to understand and agree with that revelation. You will want to dig out this Book's every gem of truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And you will want to live by what the Scriptures say.

You will want a closer relationship with your Creator. You will want to get to know God's Son, Jesus Christ. He has erased your sins and made it possible for you to be born again, spiritually, with a new start in life. You will want to submit your life to Jesus.

If God's Spirit is leading you, you will feel a sense of purpose in your life, maybe for the first time. You will enjoy worshiping and serving your Savior, Jesus Christ. You will see the need to pray. You'll be excited about being part of the international, spiritual community of believers — God's church. Despite the challenges and troubles of life, the Holy Spirit will bless you with an inner calm. This is the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

If God is working in your life, you will grasp the meaning of sin, and you will regret your own sinful condition. You will realize that Jesus suffered the consequences of our sins, so that we might escape death, and you will feel gratitude and commitment and faith toward him for having done so. You will come to detest the faithless ways of the world, and you will want to leave those ways behind.

If God is calling you, you will be ready to do the hardest thing a person can do—admit you are wrong. That is, not only have you committed wrong and sinful acts. You _are_ sinful, fallen, and in need of salvation. This is part of repentance. You will want to change your life—to start doing what God knows is best for you. You will appreciate the grace of God in forgiving you and giving you new life through his Son. You will want to praise and worship Jesus Christ in all you think, say and do.

You will want to serve and help others. A Christian does so, in part, by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ—by helping to invite others to come to God, just as you were invited. If God is calling you, you will realize that nothing else matters more than answering that call. Perhaps it is time to do something about it!

### A traveler's guide: book review by Neil Earle

"As it would be cruel to an Amazonian tribesman to fly him to London, put him down without explanation in Trafalgar Square and leave him...to fend for himself, so we are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it."

Such vivid writing characterizes theologian James Packer's million-seller, _Knowing God,_ a book that has been printed in more than a dozen languages and become a source of nurture for many Christians.

The crisp, pungent, witty style I remember from his lectures at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, is there in force. For example, the biblical claim that Jesus was fully divine as well as fully human is, claims Packer, "two mysteries for the price of one—the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus."

Packer knows that most of the questions Christians ask are what he calls "travelers' questions"—which way do I go and how do I get there?

Such practicality keeps this book well read. _Knowing God_ contains theology, but one reason this book is a classic is because Packer makes doctrinal matters accessible to everyday people. In chapter 14, titled "God is the Judge," he probes a head-scratcher: how to reconcile God's mercy with his justice. Later in the book, Packer reassures us that God "will not let us ruin our souls."

"Disregard the study of God," warns Packer, "and you will sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you."

_Knowing God_ has helped thousands of people. It can help you.

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## Do You Believe?

#### I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25-26)

They left Jerusalem and Judea because of continuing threats on the life of Jesus. Now the small group was in the region of Perea, close to Jericho. But even here they could not get away from death. The news came by a messenger: "Lazarus is sick, and near death." Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in Bethany of Judea, just east of Jerusalem. For many of the disciples, it seemed foolish to even think of going into such a dangerous area.

Jesus waited two days before announcing that they would go back to Judea. He spoke, as he often did, in figurative language: "Our friend Lazarus is asleep, and I am going to wake him up." As often happened, the disciples tried to understand Jesus' words literally. Jesus then explained, "Lazarus is dead." Thomas, not known for his cheerful and positive outlook on life, responded, "Great, let's go back into Judea and we can all die with him."

They didn't talk much as they walked to Bethany. Their hearts were heavy. They reluctantly followed Jesus into Judea. Jesus did not reassure them that nothing would go wrong. In fact, he knew that he was in the last few days of his own life.

### Martha believed

Hearing that Jesus was coming, Martha left her sister, Mary, to continue preparing food while she went out to meet Jesus as he neared Bethany. Grief-stricken, and still in shock at what had happened, Martha shared her burden with Jesus: "If you had been here, Lazarus would still be alive. But maybe you can still do something. I know God will give you whatever you ask."

Jesus looked into Martha's eyes and said, "Your brother will be resurrected." Martha believed that there would be a future resurrection to life. She had heard Jesus speak of it, and felt that he was comforting her now. "I know, Jesus. I know that he will be resurrected at the last day."

This was the setting for the words Jesus now spoke: Words of comfort that Christians hear at funerals, as corpses await burial. Words that have been preached from tens of thousands of pulpits. Words that millions have memorized. John records them. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies: and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-26).

Jesus did not preach these words at a gravesite, or in an open-air stadium at an evangelistic rally. It was a one-to-one conversation with Martha. He looked at her and explained: "I am life. Life is me. The resurrection—it's me."

Most of us usually end our recitation of John 11:25-26 without including the last sentence. The last sentence is a question that reminds us that Jesus originally spoke these words to Martha. But the last sentence is much more than just a question for Martha. These probing words are a call to all who will follow Jesus. These words are a challenge to you and me: "Do you believe this?"

Here is the gospel. God, in the person of Jesus, came to die that we might live. Jesus was and is God. The second Person of the triune Godhead came in the flesh, lived among us and went to the cross for our salvation.

We struggle with sin. We are helpless in the face of sickness and death. We are captives of time and space, knowing that death will have its way with each of us. We know that our own sin, our sinful condition, sentences us to death. It is inevitable. Each of us, on our own death row, awaits our date with death.

But there is good news. We can be pardoned. We can be rescued from our hopeless condition and the sentence of death. God came from outside of time and space, and entered into it. He came from immortality to mortality. He took a body of flesh and empowered that body with his divinity. To rescue us. To save us. Do you believe?

### "Who am I?"

Martha affirmed a statement of faith remarkably similar to the one voiced by Peter at an earlier time. Jesus had also pressed Peter to make a commitment (Matthew 16:13-16). He asked Peter, "Who am I, Peter?"

Peter responded, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Martha had an equally faith-filled response: "You are the Christ, the Son of God."

Neither Martha nor Peter said anything about what a good example Jesus was. They did not explain that Jesus was a respected teacher of values and ethics. They said nothing about Jesus' prophecies, nor did they speak of his healings. They both affirmed that he was and is the Christ, the Son of God.

Both Peter and Martha knew about Jesus. They had spent time with him, and they had observed him. They watched him and came to know much about him. But Jesus eventually pressed them for a more intimate and lasting commitment. Jesus Christ wanted to know if they believed. He wants nothing less from us. Do you believe?

Perhaps the Jesus you know is a Jesus you know about. You may know about his life and his teachings. You may know his parables. You may have studied what he said about the future. You may be interested in the date of his second coming. Perhaps you have been taught that he came to set us an example, and if you can only do what he did, then you will be good enough to be given salvation.

But, do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the only source of life? Does that belief change your life?

### Come to Christ

You know how the story of Jesus, Mary, Martha and Lazarus ends. After Jesus' conversation with Martha, Mary also left the house to see Jesus. She also told him that if he had been there, surely he wouldn't have let Lazarus die.

Death and grieving were everywhere. Mary and Martha were in tears, their friends were weeping. It was the custom to hire mourners, who wailed and shrieked in the background. The air was heavy with hopelessness. Life was in their midst in the person of Jesus, but death controlled and ruled their attitudes.

Jesus Christ knew that he, too, would soon meet death— and overcome it. He knew that through his own death and resurrection, he would solve the problem for everyone else. He would claim victory for all who would believe in him.

When he came to the tomb and asked them to take away the stone that sealed it, they thought he wanted to see the body. Martha protested: "But he has been dead four days. The body is decomposing and it stinks horribly.'"

The command of Jesus, "Lazarus, come forth!" is high drama. We can almost hear the wailing stop, we can almost see the faces as they peer intently into the face of death. Life was commanding the tomb of death to give up its hold on the dead.

### A call to new life

Jesus calls us to the same new life, from our own spiritual bondage and decay. But before we can have the new life in Christ, the gravestone must be rolled away. We must be willing to look into the jaws of death. We must confront the chains, addictions and beliefs that bind us and come forth.

As he called Lazarus to new life, Jesus sealed his own death warrant. On another day, not many days later, Jesus again took on the forces of death and sin, and overcame them once and for all. He triumphed on the cross, that we may have life. Three days later, he came out of a tomb – but he was raised not just to physical life, as Lazarus was, but to eternal life and a supernatural body.

He showed that he was God in the flesh by rising from the dead. It was the sign he gave to prove that he is Messiah, Redeemer and Lord. He triumphed over death and the grave.

Do you believe?

### Jesus Is God

1. Jesus came to live with us, adding humanity to his divinity, to save us from sin. He was God-man. He was not simply a teacher, a prophet, a reformer, a rabbi, a wise man, a miracle worker, or a moral teacher setting a good example. He was God in the flesh: Emmanuel—God with us.

2. Salvation is through him and by him. Jesus taught that we must come to him, we must follow him. He pointed us to himself. He told us that he is the bread of life, he is the light of the world, he is the resurrection and the life, he is the way, the truth and the life. We must come to the Father by and through him. Only God in the flesh would make those claims.

3. Jesus accepted worship. Thomas, who had been skeptical, upon seeing and believing, fell at Jesus' feet and worshiped. "My Lord and my God," he said.

4. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. He proclaimed that he would return again in glory.

5. Jesus claimed equality with God. To know him, to see him, to believe in him and to honor him was to do the same to God.

6. Jesus forgave sin. He claimed authority over the old covenant law. He had power over natural law. He healed, and he gave life.

7. Jesus is God. He can transform you and me, and our lives. Only God can give us a new life, heal us and forgive us. Because Jesus was and is God, his death on the cross was enough to pay for your sins and for mine. The question is not, "Who was Jesus?" The question is, "Who _is_ Jesus?"

And the next question is: Do you believe?

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## He Lives Within Us

Do you sometimes feel that God is absent from your life?  
The Holy Spirit can change that for you.

The New Testament writers insisted that Christians living in their day were experiencing God's living presence. But is he present for us today? If so, _how_ is he present?

### How God is with us

The answer is that today, as in New Testament times, God can live in us through the Holy Spirit. Here's what we need to know: Are we experiencing the Spirit's indwelling? If not, how may we do so?

Gordon D. Fee, in his book _God's Empowering Presence,_ repeats a student's telling remark about the Holy Spirit. It illustrates our often hazy view of the Holy Spirit's nature and activity: "God the Father makes perfectly good sense to me," the student said. "God the Son I can quite understand, but the Holy Spirit is a gray, oblong blur."

Gray—oblong—blur. Indeed! Certainly not the presence of a personal and powerful God. "The Spirit has become God's specter, if you will," says Fee, "an unseen, less than dynamic, vibrant influence, hardly God very God." Such incomplete perspectives are partially due to the fact that the Holy Spirit is just that—spirit. He is, as Jesus said, like the wind and isn't seen.

### No footprints

As a Christian scholar once said, "The Holy Spirit leaves no footprints in the sand." Being invisible to our senses, he's easily missed and easily misunderstood. On the other hand, our knowledge of Jesus Christ is set on firmer soil. Because our Savior was a human being, God living among us in human flesh, Jesus Christ has a face for us. And God the Son put a "face" on God the Father as well. Jesus insisted that those who had seen him had "seen" the Father as well.

Both Father and Son are with Spirit-filled Christians today. They are present within Christians _through the Holy Spirit._ Because of that, we would surely want to know more about the Spirit, and experience him in a personal way. Through the Spirit, believers experience the closeness of God and are empowered to apply his love.

### Our Comforter

For the apostles, John in particular, the Holy Spirit is the Counselor or Comforter. He is someone called in to help in time of trouble or need. "The Spirit helps us in our weakness," said Paul. "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).

Those who are led by the Holy Spirit are God's people, said Paul. More than this, they are sons and daughters of God, who are able to call him their Father. By being filled with the Spirit, God's people are able to live in spiritual freedom. No longer enslaved to the sinful nature, they live new lives of inspiration and oneness with God. This is the radical change the Holy Spirit creates in people at their conversion.

Their desires are therefore reoriented from this world to God. Paul spoke of this transformation as "the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). The presence of the Holy Spirit is the defining reality of conversion. No Spirit; no conversion; no spiritual rebirth. That's why Paul could say, "If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9). (Since God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, "Spirit of Christ" is simply another way of referring to the Holy Spirit.)

On the other hand, if a person is truly converted, Christ will live in him or her through the Holy Spirit. Such people belong to God because he has made them his with his Spirit.

### Newfound faith

People often think being born into a Christian culture and performing a church's rituals—or accepting its dogmas—are enough. In other words, if you are christened as a Christian and raised as a Christian, you are a Christian. This paradox is pointed up in a story R.C. Sproul tells in _The Mystery of the Holy Spirit._ In 1957, wrote Sproul, he was converted to Jesus Christ. Sproul rushed to share his newfound faith with his fiancée. When he did, however, she expressed confusion. "What do you mean that you've become a Christian?" his fiancée asked. "You have always been a Christian. You were baptized, confirmed, and all the rest."

Sproul had been, until his conversion, a product of the same process as hundreds of millions of Christians. For centuries, people have become Christians by birth and culture, not necessarily by responding to the Holy Spirit. They were Christian in name but not in Christlike spiritual values, because they were not led by the Holy Spirit. True spiritual renewal, however, takes place in our innermost thoughts by the action of the Holy Spirit.

### Spirit-filled life

How can we have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and know that the Spirit of God lives in us? The New Testament writers, especially Paul, said empowerment comes as a result of a person's response to an appeal. The appeal is to accept God's grace in Jesus Christ, forsake old ways of thinking and to begin to live by the Spirit.

That's why we need to be encouraged to be _led_ by the Spirit, to walk by the Spirit, to live by the Spirit. How to do this is spelled out in broad principle in the books of the New Testament. The apostle Paul insisted that Christians need to "stir up" the Spirit to help them live by virtues that include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

When understood in a New Testament context, these qualities are more than concepts or good thoughts. They reflect real spiritual power within believers, as given by the Holy Spirit. This strength is waiting to be put to use in every life circumstance.

When put into action, virtues become the "fruit" or evidence that the Holy Spirit is operating in us. The way to be empowered by the Spirit is to ask God for and then be led by the virtue-creating presence of the Spirit.

As the Spirit leads God's people, the Spirit also empowers the life of the church and its institutions. That's the only way the church as a corporate structure can be empowered—by individual believers living by the Spirit. That means we must be careful not to mistake aspects of corporate church life—such as its programs, ceremonies or beliefs—for the Holy Spirit's dynamic activity _within_ the lives of human beings.

### Christians in love

The most important evidence or quality of the Holy Spirit's work within believers is love. This quality defines the essence of who God is—and it identifies Spirit-led believers. This love is what the apostle Paul and the other New Testament teachers were always concerned about first and foremost. They wanted to know whether individual Christian lives were being empowered and transformed by the love of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual gifts, church service and inspired teaching were (and are) important for the church. To Paul, however, of vastly more importance was the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit's love within believers in Christ.

  * Paul could speak "in the tongues of men and of angels" (1 Corinthians 13:1). But if he lacked love, he said he was nothing but a noisemaker.

  * Paul could also "have the gift of prophecy," be able to "fathom all mysteries and all knowledge" and even "have a faith that can move mountains" (verse 2). But if he lacked love, he was nothing. Not even a storehouse of biblical knowledge, theological orthodoxy or strong beliefs could substitute for the empowerment of the Spirit's love.

  * Paul could even say, "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing" (verse 3). Not even doing good works for their own sake should be confused with the working of the Holy Spirit in love.

### Real Christians

What is crucial for believers is the active presence of the Holy Spirit, and that we respond to the Spirit. Paul insists that the true people of God—real Christians—are those who have been renewed, reborn and transformed to reflect God's love in their lives. There is only one way this transformation can take place in us. It is through a life led and lived by the love of the indwelling Holy Spirit. God the Holy Spirit is the personal presence of God in our hearts and minds.

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## Yes! God Hears

You don't have to struggle alone in your challenges and trials.

In the darkness, terrifying sounds awakened Moses Carver and his wife. Pounding horse hooves, sounds of men running, then a piercing scream. Marauders had come! Moses Carver jumped up to defend his property, but he was too late.

In a shack some distance from Carver's house, a young slave named Mary was asleep when the masked men burst in. Mary screamed, but the slave stealers grabbed her and her baby, George, and rode off into the night. George Carver later wrote: "I was born in Diamond Grove, Missouri, about the close of the great Civil War, in a little one-roomed log shanty on the home of Mr. Moses Carver...the owner of my mother."

George told how the slave traders kidnapped him and his mother and sold her to new owners. After Moses Carver paid a ransom of $300, George was returned. But he never saw his mother again.

Gifted with a keen mind, George yearned to unlock nature's secrets and use them to help others. As a boy, he wanted to learn his letters in a rough, one-room country school, but the white teacher rebuffed him because he was black.

George washed and cooked for whites to pay for a high school education. He applied to Kansas' Highland College and was accepted. But when he arrived, Highland refused him admittance, again because he was black. Still George persisted in his pursuit of a college education, and in 1896, he earned a master's degree in botany from Iowa Agricultural College.

### A heartfelt prayer...

Cotton had long been the South's primary agricultural crop. But planting cotton decade after decade, without rotating crops, had depleted the soil. Mounting debts plagued farmers. George urged farmers to reinvigorate their soil by planting peanuts and sweet potatoes. After some persuasion, farmers made peanuts and sweet potatoes number one in the South by devoting more and more acreage to these crops.

The trouble? No markets existed for peanuts or sweet potatoes. No one wanted to buy the product, so it rotted in the fields, and farmers lost even more money. This disaster nearly crushed George. Deeply concerned, he prayed to God: "Mr. Creator, why did you make the peanut?"

###...And an inspiring answer

George later wrote that God led him back to his laboratory. There, through hard work and persistence, he discovered that some 300 valuable products could be made—and marketed—from the peanut. Among them were cooking oil, mayonnaise, cheese, shampoo, instant coffee, flour, soap, face powder, plastics, adhesives, axle grease and pickles.

From the sweet potato, Carver derived more than 100 products, such as starch, library paste, vinegar, shoe polish, ink and molasses. As a result of these new products, the demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes soared. Economists and agriculturalists agree: George Washington Carver did more than any other person to revive the South's economy.

When he died in 1943, Carver's epitaph read. "He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world."

### God is concerned

Like Carver, as Christians, we take comfort in knowing that if we're concerned about something, God is, too. Scriptures such as 1 Peter 5:7 urge us, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Thanks to the risen Christ's work as our High Priest, we may develop a fuller relationship with our Creator through prayer. "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it," Jesus told his disciples (John 14:14).

Just as human friendships deepen through ongoing communication and shared intimacy, we draw closer to our Savior when we invite him into all we do.

But doesn't God have more important business than to bother with our ordinary concerns? After all, he's ruling galaxies, supernovas and all the vast universe. He's commanding the angelic hosts. He's overseeing the nations and his church. He's working out his plan of salvation for humanity, right?

Does God really care if you get a good night's sleep? If the grass in your backyard grows? If your old car keeps running? If your children get better grades at school? What business do we have troubling God with questions about— well, about peanuts?

Would God take the time to respond if we asked him about such an "insignificant" item as a peanut? George Washington Carver's experience answers—yes! Remember? God invites us to cast _all_ our anxiety upon him! "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Jesus said (verse 14).

### What's your problem?

Many of you may be facing marriage problems, loneliness, money troubles or poor health. Perhaps you grapple with job difficulties, worries about children, fear of the future or unfulfilled life dreams. You don't have to remain helpless in the face of these troubles!

All power in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus Christ. He can _change the very circumstances_ in your life. He welcomes you to cast all your cares upon him—because he cares for you. Jesus told his friends. "Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find: knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). The door to the throne room of heaven is open to you—thanks to Jesus' saving work on your behalf. And you may enter that throne room through prayer.

### Qualities of Christian prayer

Let's look at several important qualities of Christian prayer.

• _Prayer is an act of worship._ God "fulfills the desires of those who fear him" (Psalm 145:19). But prayer is not just asking God to do what you want or to give you what you want. First and foremost, prayer is an act of worship toward God.

Throughout Scripture, we find the servants of God praising him in prayer. Jesus' sample prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; see below) begins and ends by praising God and asking that his will be done. The Lord's Prayer includes a request for personal needs, but focuses on worship.

Elsewhere, Jesus assured his disciples that God knows what our needs are before we even think to ask him about them. Who, then, does prayer most profoundly change—God or us? When we praise and thank and worship God in prayer, don't we become more conformed to the image of our Savior? Isn't that change in us more important than the physical requests that God also fulfills for us?

Worshipful prayer, by individuals or in groups, in private or in public, unites believers in the love of God.

• _Ask according to God's will._ Someone will respond that we can't know God's will. Wrong—God has made his will clear through his Word. The Bible points to Jesus Christ as the focus and the fulfillment of all things. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega—the first and the last. God has turned everything, including the final judgment, over to him.

The will of God is that we turn to his Son in reverence, repentance, obedience and worship. All our prayers should reflect that we, as Christians, do so.

• _Ask unselfishly._ Do you want God to bless you? Christians use their benefits and blessings to serve others, not just for personal, selfish satisfaction. As James 4:3says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

God wants us to be as concerned about the interests of others as we are about our own (Philippians 2:3-4). God acts powerfully when the faithful unite in prayer about those who are in need.

Remember George Washington Carver and the peanut? He wanted to help others. God's answer to his prayer helped save the economy of the South—and the lives of many poor farmers. Do you need money for education? Ask God to give you the money so you may learn skills that you can use in the service of others.

Is your marriage in trouble? Ask God to give you more love, patience and wisdom so that you may serve your spouse better. Would you like to be married? Ask God to send you a Christian mate so that, together, you may glorify Jesus Christ through the rich experiences marriage provides.

Is someone treating you wrongfully? Ask God to intervene for that person's own good. Think of how you can turn God's blessing not only to your good, but to the good of others.

• _Ask in faith._ Believing prayer connects with Christ's immeasurable power. Because he loves us so, Jesus reaches from where he dwells in unapproachable light into our physical realm to change our life circumstances, in response to faithful prayer. If you lack faith, do what a concerned father did when he asked Jesus to heal his demon-possessed son. When Jesus asked him whether he believed, he cried out, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). Ask God to give you strong, unwavering faith.

• _Ask in Jesus' name._ Jesus gives Christians the privilege of praying in his name. He promised, "My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name'' (John 16:23). To ask in Jesus' name means you ask as one who humbly and totally embraces him as Lord and Savior. When a follower of Jesus makes a request that recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God takes notice and responds. There is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved (Acts 4:12).

• _Be persistent and fervent in prayer._ God hears faithful prayers. Then he decides _how_ and _when_ he will answer. In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus showed that we need to be persistent. Again and again, the widow petitioned a certain judge for justice, until the judge acted (Luke 18:4-5). God is not an unjust judge who does not want to act on behalf of Christians. He wants to respond and help, but he also tells us to seek him with our whole heart and to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

• _Give thanks._ Ingratitude must be one of the most common sins. Do you thank God for all he has already done for you and for future chances to bring him your requests? After he told them to pray continually, Paul told the Thessalonians to give thanks in all circumstances (verse 18). Thank Christ for showing you how to pray. Thank him for hearing you. Thank him ahead of time for answering, knowing by faith that he will. Praise him for being a reliable, generous, loving Savior who wants to help you with every problem and who wants you to be with him in his everlasting kingdom.

### You needn't struggle alone

When our daughter, Lillian, was 10 months old, she developed a high fever. As I held her, her body became convulsed with a seizure and shook violently. Her eyes rolled up into her head. Her tongue flopped out of her mouth, and she uttered the most unearthly cry of agony I ever hope to hear. My wife and I rushed the baby to the hospital, where Lillian's temperature was measured at 106 degrees. The doctors began to talk about subjects like meningitis, spinal taps and brain damage.

I called the pastor of our church, who happened to be conducting a worship service at the time. He immediately asked our congregation to pray for our baby. Thirty minutes later, Lillian's temperature had dropped to 99 degrees and she was sleeping. Lillian is now a happy, healthy child who prays to God regularly, who can read stories about famous leaders like George Washington Carver, who, at bedtime, wants to hear stories about Jesus and who likes to eat peanut butter.

There are billions of people on earth. Lillian is just one. But she means everything to my wife and me. Would God be concerned over one little life like hers, and reach down and answer a fervent prayer from some of his faithful children? If you're not sure of the answer, George and I— and Jesus Christ—can set your mind at ease.

In the middle of the night after Lillian's seizure, I sat rocking my sleeping daughter in front of our TV. Tears of thanks to God streamed down my face as I watched a gospel choir belt out a blistering rendition of the old standard "It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)." I already knew that. Every praying Christian knows that. What God can do doesn't have to be a secret to you, either. You needn't struggle alone. Jesus knows all things and holds all power. He stands ready and willing to help you overcome. He stands ready to hear—and answer—your faithful prayers. He will move mountains for you if necessary!

So learn of the awesome power that answers fervent prayer, and come boldly before the throne of God about every matter in your heart, whether great or small. As the apostle Paul wrote: "Do not be anxious about anything, but _in everything,_ by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus'' (Philippians 4:6-7).

### A timeless example

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is not a substitute for our own thoughts and words. But it is a valuable checklist of what concerns us. We can use it to organize our thoughts as we seek God's help in our lives and the lives of others.

• **Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.** We need to remind ourselves that our Father is the supreme and Holy Lord of the universe.

• **Your kingdom come.** We look to the implementation of God's rule in our lives now, and eventually in all humanity.

• **Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.** The kingdom has come for those who have submitted their lives to God. We need God's help to do his will on earth with the same enthusiasm and willing obedience as it is done in heaven.

• **Give us today our daily bread.** Bread—not cake! Pray for your needs—not your greeds. If God already has provided for your daily needs, remember others less fortunate. Pray for them, too. What can _you_ do to help them? Ask God to present you with opportunities to help others.

• **Forgive us our debts. Is** there something on your mind? Tell God what you are sorry about. Ask for forgiveness.

• **As we also have forgiven our debtors.** If you expect forgiveness, have you forgiven others? Are you harboring a grudge, anger, resentment? Is there someone out there whose feelings you have hurt? What are you going to do about it? Remind yourself of Jesus' instruction in Matthew 5:23.

• **And lead us not into temptation.** God won't lead you into sin. But you need to ask him to lead you away from temptation. We are weak and do not always follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit working in us.

• **But deliver us from the evil one.** A reminder that Satan's evil influence is a fact of Christian life. Satan will try to draw us away, even as he sought to tempt Jesus. We need God's help to resist.

• **For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.** This is a reminder that God is in charge, and he will triumph over all opposition to his sovereign rule. The problems and trials of life are put in perspective by this simple closing.

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## Baptism: Commemorating Commitment

We gathered around a swimming pool anticipating the ceremony about to begin. The baptismal candidate, one of several, stepped into the shallow end of the pool. She walked through the water toward the minister who was about to baptize her.

It was a momentous and memorable day for this young woman, and we all felt some of her excitement. She now understood God's aim in salvation – to save us from our blighted human condition, to make us at peace with him, to give the Holy Spirit as the promised "down payment" on eternal life – and most importantly, she understood that Jesus had done everything necessary to make God's gift a reality for her.

### New life in God

Jesus Christ has a profound role in God's purpose for us. He was sent by God to be the Savior of humanity. By his perfect obedience and his atoning work on the cross, we are saved. Now, the young woman was about to make a public statement that Jesus had saved her. Jesus had made a commitment to her, and she was making one to him. She had accepted Jesus as her Savior, and had accepted his new life. She was saying "I do" to God.

The baptismal ceremony had begun. "Have you repented of your sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?" the minister asked. "Yes, I have," the young woman replied.

"Since you have repented of your sins, and have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I now baptize you into the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," said the minister.

He concluded with an "Amen," and we all whispered the word in agreement. We watched as the minister briefly immersed the young woman under the water. A second later, he lifted her back up to her feet. It was a dramatic moment. The young woman emerged from the watery grave as if she had been resurrected from the dead. The baptism symbolized the fact that she had already become a new person—a born-again child of God.

The minister welcomed the smiling woman into the family of Jesus Christ, and wrapped a towel around her shoulders to help keep her warm. It was a wonderful experience for the young woman and the other people baptized that day. They will remember their baptism as a special event for the rest of their lives. Some might even think of their baptism as a special birthday. It is a public testimony of our new birth, our new life that was brought into existence by the death and resurrection of our Savior.

In our minds, baptism reinforces our decision to accept God's gracious offer of salvation. It is a statement made to ourselves, to the community and to our Creator that we have accepted Christ's commitment to us, and we are responding to him. We acknowledge that he is the source of our life and the reason we exist. In that sense, baptism is the most important landmark and turning point in our lives. It has much in common with another ceremony that marks a milestone in many people's lives—marriage.

We know how important a marriage ceremony is to the couple in love as well as to their families and their friends. The ceremony does not make a man and woman married. Neither the ceremony itself nor its component parts—such as the making of vows, the pronouncement of the minister and the exchanging of rings—creates the marriage.

The reason the couple is getting married is because they have _already agreed_ to commit to each other. The bonding process began long before the couple actually walked down the aisle. However, that doesn't make the marriage ceremony any less meaningful. The ceremony is an outward statement of a couple's intention to make a life together. Marriage is their public commitment to say "I do" to each other.

### Symbol of commitment

Baptism pictures the drama of our "I do" decision for Jesus Christ and all that he represents in our salvation. It is a symbol that reminds us he is our Savior, and we are his beloved. People who ask for baptism are saying they want to be associated with Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way—to belong to Christ. That desire is effective only because Christ already wants to be associated with us! That's what it means to be baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ."

Believers share in the life of Christ. As Christ died, so do the believers. The old self is dead; we are acknowledging that our life is not defined by our past – it is defined by our association with Jesus. As we share in Jesus' death, we also have a share in his resurrection and eternal life. We are stating that we, by God's grace, have a part in the greatest events of salvation history. This includes the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In being baptized, we publicly dramatize that our life is now with Christ.

Baptism is not magic. It is a ritual, a metaphor that symbolizes that we have died to our former life and have been given a new life in Christ. What better metaphor for the individual's inner change than through the cleansing of water?

Author and pastor William Willimon described it well when he said: "To receive the Spirit through Christ is likened to a _birth bath_ in John 3:3-5 and Titus 3:5-7; to a _funeral bath_ and burial in Romans 6:1-11; and to a bride's _nuptial bath_ in Ephesians 5:26. These baths were consummated in anointing and arraying the body in clean, or new, clothing (Galatians 3:27)" ( _Peculiar Speech: Preaching to the Baptized,_ page 58).

### Remembering baptism

I was baptized more than 30 years ago. Many things have happened in my life since then. There were times when I doubted my conversion, and there were times when I, like Jonah, sought to run from God's presence. But one thing could never be changed: I had stated in public that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.

I knew what that meant. I took on responsibilities as a Christian, as well as the promises. I would enjoy the benefits of having a personal relationship with God and would receive the promises of eternal salvation given to me by Jesus. When I was placed under the water, I understood this portrayed the death of my old life and sinning self. When the minister lifted me out of the water, I was being symbolically resurrected to a new life now, the new life in Christ.

I can never forget that I came to understand God's purpose for my life. I can never say: "Well, that was so long ago. I didn't really understand God's message of salvation." Of course I didn't understand it then as well as I do now, but I understood enough: that God was giving me salvation through Jesus Christ. The drama of my baptism ceremony reminds me that, yes, I did understand, and yes, I did declare that I belonged to Jesus.

If God is moving in our lives, a time comes when we see how much we need him. We learn that because of sin, we have cut ourselves off from him and the blessings of knowing him. But we also learn of God's grace given to us through Jesus Christ. We can demonstrate that the Holy Spirit has enlightened our minds about these important truths. We can show we have accepted God's promises and put our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

We can portray our commitment and desire by saying "I do" to God. We can be plunged into the watery grave of baptism, and then rise out of the water to picture the new life we have with Christ.

### Need information about baptism?

Sometimes people don't want to be baptized because they aren't interested in joining a church. That's understandable. We are not baptized into a church or denomination—but into the Body of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you have questions about whether you should be baptized. If you want to contact a minister about baptism or to receive help in spiritual matters, please contact one of our pastors. In the U.S., you may call our toll-free number, **1-800-924-4644,** to find out how to contact a pastor near you. In other nations, see http://www.gci.org/churches for an address near you – or feel free to contact the pastor of another Christian church.

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## The Basics for New Christians

Whenever an event is held to attract new people, or any time new people are invited to begin attending church, plans should already be in place for how you will follow up by providing instruction in the basics of Christianity. It is not appropriate to bring someone to birth, then leave them on the delivery table!

The attached outline is a suggested guide for leading new believers into the meaning of their new walk with Jesus Christ. Please let us know if you find this material helpful.

### Setting up groups

Whatever event you are planning, whether it is a guest service, a small supper party, a church mission, or a citywide mission, always plan for the follow-up ahead of time.

1. Decide on what the follow-up should be: a study group, an inquiry group, and how many groups you think you will need.

2. Prayerfully recruit the leaders.

3. Train them in how to use whatever course material has been chosen, how to lead a small group meeting, how to care for the group pastorally, and how to lead someone to faith.

4. Find out from the leaders what times of day they are available and where the group will be held.

5. Put this information on a response card (if used) or clearly announce it at the meeting or service, so people know how to join.

6. Ensure that the leaders have met together before the **first** meeting of the group, both to get to know each other and to plan ahead.

7. If leaders can act as counselors at the end of the event, this gives them a chance to meet prospective group members.

8. Make sure the groups start as soon as possible after the evangelistic event. Keep in contact with the leaders, and help with the integration of members into Bible study groups at the end of the group. (See section on the role of a Follow-up Coordinator for more details.)

### Response cards

Response cards can be very useful when the invitation is made at a larger service, or at a meeting to find out more about the Christian faith and/or to join a group. These cards need to be designed in a clear, concise way, enabling information to be gathered as easily as possible. They could be included in the service sheet with a tear-off slip or could be printed separately.

To help with the design, think about what information is needed.

1. What is the form designed to do? To give people an opportunity to indicate they have made a decision for Christ, to join a group, to find out more about the Christian faith, to ask for a visit, or to request a book?

2. If people are given the opportunity to join a group, should the description of the group be given verbally, or on the card?

3. Will there be a choice of time and day? The choices should be on the card if possible.

4. Is it intended that people will fill out these cards themselves, or will they be used with a counselor? If the former, it is wise to ask for the minimum of information, whereas if they will be used by a counselor, it is easier to ask for information.

5. What information is needed, apart from name, address, phone, email, and the appropriate box marked? If used in an event that includes more than one church, or if working with young people, it might be good to have space for name of church or school/college to be inserted.

6. Will people be asked to give comments on the meeting? If so, then leave room on the card.

7. How should these cards be returned? In the offering, in a box at the back, to a counselor? Include a return address if used during a larger event.

Example of a response card to be used without a counselor:

Suggestions for counselors when filling in a response card:

1. Be natural as you speak to your new friends. You need to explain why you are asking for the details you need. If you want to invite them to a group, explain clearly what it is. Encourage them to come even if they have not made a commitment, because a group will be able to help answer some questions. However, in some cases it may be that follow-up should be handled individually and not in a group.

2. Ask for name, address and phone, remembering to write legibly.

3. If they go to another church or attend a school or college, put that down on the card.

4. If they want to join a group, find out when. Remember: they haven't come expecting to need to know this information! Help them think through their week. Get one or two preferences, if you are dealing with a few choices of time and day. Assure them that they will be contacted soon with details.

5. If they don't want to join a group but want a visit or more information, either plan to see them again yourself, or indicate what is requested on the card.

6. Offer your phone number, and give them a phone call in the next day or so, even if just to say "hello." Send them a hand-written card to say that it was nice to meet them.

7. Complete other details on the form as needed. There may be space to indicate whether this is a first-time commitment or a rededication. If the groups are divided by age, it may be appropriate to make an educated guess about the person's age after you have parted company. If you find out any details that would be useful to those organizing the placing of people in groups or to the leaders, make appropriate notes on the back of the card before handing it in (e.g., "Needs transportation," "Don't call at home," "Would like to be in the same group as a friend," "Has two young children").

8. Make time to talk and pray together and help them with any difficulties.

9. Hand in the card promptly to the organizers of the follow-up work. Remember to write down the phone number so you can phone them later.

### Notes for leaders of groups

This is a short-term group, lasting for eight or nine weeks, which provides intensive support to help new Christians (and those who are not yet Christians) get rooted in the faith. The aim of the group is to begin the process of "presenting everyone mature in Christ." It is not a lecture or a debate, but a time of informal learning together in someone's home. It will vary in membership, in that some will have newly come to faith, others will have rededicated themselves, others will be thinking seriously, and others will not be sure why they are there!

The course can be for individual as well as for group use. The material tries to cover major aspects of Christian living: the foundations, Jesus, assurance, reading the Bible, learning to pray, the Holy Spirit, Christian fellowship, temptation, and serving Christ. The course should be adapted to whatever order would best suit the group.

The notes for each session are broken down into five sections:

1. Material to help the leader give a short talk on the theme.

2. A verse for members of the group to memorize. This will help them to begin to learn and use Scripture.

3. A passage for group Bible study and some questions to stimulate discussion.

4. Some suggestions about the way the prayer time might be directed. This teaches members to pray with and for other people and to look for answers over the next few weeks in the group.

5. A few books are listed on each week's theme. These can be on loan, or they can be for sale so that members can start a small Christian library for their own use and for lending to others.

### Practical details

Timing

Groups can meet at any time of day. The length of each meeting will vary. In order to allow members of the group to get to know one another and have time for questions, allow between 2 and 2½ hours.

Meeting place

The setting should be informal and relaxed. A room in someone's house is best. Church halls are not ideal locations! Somewhere is needed to enable people to relax, feel unthreatened, and able to raise questions on any issue. One room is sufficient to meet in for the first half of the meeting, but if there is another room (e.g., a kitchen or a study), then the group can split in half for the Bible study time if the group is large.

Size of the group

This will depend on the number of leaders available and the demand for the group. Two leaders for a group of six; three or four leaders for a group of ten to 12.

Refreshments

These are not essential, but it does help people to relax on arrival when offered, for example, a cup of coffee or decaf. As the attendees get to know one another, the leaders could prepare a simple meal or arrange a potluck supper.

Books

Bibles are needed, especially at the first meeting. Make sure you have enough of the same version for each person expected (perhaps they could be borrowed from the church). Members should be encouraged to buy a Bible, but it is best not to assume they own one. (Even if they have one, it may be a translation that is difficult to read.) Bible reading notes should also be available, either as a gift from the church or for sale. Have some books available for sale or create a lending library by getting the group leaders to pool their own books. Have short books that answer questions that non-Christians in the group might be asking.

Course notes

These can be given out each week, preferably at the _end_ of the meeting. These may be helpful to group members if they want to go back to a particular issue on their own.

### The leaders

The people

It is important for the leaders to be able to relate to how a new believer (or an almost-new believer) is thinking, to understand what the problems are, and to be able to be a sympathetic listener and supporter. Leaders do not need to know the answer to every question; one may be more gifted in the teaching role, while another may be better at personal conversation. They need to be themselves (using their different gifts accordingly), to be unshockable, and to be able to encourage group members. People may not have had the experience of running a group for new believers before, but if they have had experience in leading small home groups and therefore know something of the dynamics of encouraging group participation, they can often easily fit into this role.

A group like this takes time — time for meeting and planning with the leaders, time preparing for each meeting, time for the group itself, as well as time with the individuals. Those currently involved in a Bible study group may need to be released from that for the duration of the group. Leaders need to have basic training on how to lead someone to Christ, how to run a small group and how to use the course material.

General responsibilities

Each group will have one leader and two or three co-leaders so that each leader can be pastorally responsible for two or three members of the group. Before the group starts:

1. Arrange to meet to pray and get to know one another.

2. Plan the first evening by sharing the leadership. One will be responsible for hosting (books, coffee), one for teaching, one for Bible study and prayer time.

3. Pray for individual group members, for yourselves, and for the group.

4. Coordinate with the person setting up the group to get the list of those expected and to work out who will be inviting them.

5. Meet weekly during the course to pray and plan.

Pastoral care

Distribute the members of the group among the leaders (after the first meeting), and seek to have at least two unhurried times with each one before the course is over. The first meeting time will be to ensure that they understand the way of salvation, to help them with any difficulties, and to help them begin a regular pattern of Bible reading, prayer and church attendance. The second session will be to see where they are going to be incorporated into the life of the church when the group is ended. It needs to enable them to look ahead to some area of ministry and practical service they may become involved in and also to help with any problems.

No leader should have more than three people to look after: it can be very demanding. Friendships can build up within the group, and even when the group is over, members will often come back to their leaders for advice and encouragement.

### General hints

It is best not to attempt to cover all the aspects of the subject each week, as topics are large. The teaching session should be short — 15 minutes maximum — leaving people wanting to know more and allowing time for questions. The goal is to introduce the topics, not to cover them thoroughly.

1. Try to facilitate a varied meeting each week. It may include worship songs (perhaps recorded music). Allow people to share experiences and talk about difficulties. Have a shared meal or go to a concert or some event once in the course of the group's life. Be friends.

2. The course notes are given as suggestions. Change the material according to the needs of the group (e.g., use different Bible passages, or change the order).

3. To facilitate good discussion in a group, ask questions that require more than a yes/no answer (e.g., What do we mean by this? How does this relate to our lives today? Has anyone experienced this?).

4. After a discussion, summarize; either have one of the leaders list the main ideas so that all can remember them, or ask one of the group to do so.

5. The leaders may feel apprehensive and out of their depth, but often the group members are even more terrified at the first meeting.

### The first meeting

Welcome

This is important. The leaders may know who is expected, but the visitors don't know what to expect. Aim to make people feel at ease. Have the room ready (drinks or snacks ready, chairs set in circle, books available). Allow ten minutes for informal chatting.

Who is there?

The leaders need to begin to get to know the group. It is a good idea for leaders to introduce themselves, briefly explaining what brought them to Christ, and then asking the others present to say what brings them to the group and what they hope to gain from it. This may take a long time, but it gives valuable information to the leaders. They discover where in their spiritual pilgrimage the people think they are.

This proves helpful in dividing the group up into subgroups for the Bible study part of the evening, where it helps to have a mix of those who are already committed and those who are not yet sure. This needs to be a relaxed time of sharing, and the leader needs to welcome each contribution so that from the outset people get the feeling that anything they want to say is okay. This section may well take up most of the first evening.

Talk

This sharing time will probably be followed by a short talk on laying the foundations, or on assurance. Remember not to assume any knowledge of the Bible and try not to use "jargon" phrases that are unfamiliar to the guests.

Questions

Some groups will be silent, others not. Questions can form an important part of the meeting, since they can help the leaders see where people are on their spiritual journey. Questions also allow a chance for problems to be aired.

Verse learning

This can occur before the Bible study.

Bible study and prayer time

See that the Bible study groups are small enough to enable everyone to take a full part. This may require subdivision into two groups for this part of the meeting, each under one of the leaders. If necessary, have questions about the Bible passage copied onto separate sheets for the convenience of the group members.

Prayer time is usually best in the smaller groups at first in order to encourage people to pray out loud and for one another.

End of meeting

This is a good time to hand out course notes and Bible reading material. Mention the book table and invite everyone to meet at the "same place, same time" next week.

When the meeting has finished, the leaders will want to debrief, plan next week, and sort out who is pastoring whom.

Follow-up

Visit those who did not attend the first meeting, giving them the notes of the meeting and a warm invitation to the next. Or put a note in the mail, or give them a phone call. In some cultures, a visit is best.

### Subsequent meetings

These will be slightly different in that there is no need to have that extended time of sharing at the beginning. Allow a few minutes for catching up on news over the past week, sharing answers to prayer, and having fun together. You may want to go out to a theater, a sports event, or a picnic together later in the week.

### At the end of the course

Leaders need to be in touch with the person who set up the group so that the handover to a regular home fellowship group in the church can be smooth. They need to:

1. Encourage group members to attend worship services regularly.

2. Inform a pastor of their church.

3. Encourage members to do some form of service in the church, using the gifts God has given them.

4. Keep in contact with members who will need continued love and support even though the group has ended.

5. Write a brief assessment of each person to give to the leader of the small group they are joining, and to the pastor. Although this written assessment should not be shared with the person, do not write anything that you'd be embarrassed to say in front of them. Confidential matters are best communicated verbally, not in writing.

6. The biggest danger of "fall out" is between the time the group ends and before the person gets settled in a new set of Christian friendships. Help the person make new friends in the church.

This series has been adapted from Michael Green, _Evangelism Through the Local Church_ (Thomas Nelson, 1992.)

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## Foundations of Christianity

### Getting acquainted

This is the first meeting of the group. We all need to get acquainted so that we can be open with one another in the weeks ahead. What brings us here?

### Teaching section

If we are going to lay a satisfactory foundation for the house of Christian living, there are four preliminary questions we need to ask and answer from the Bible, which is the handbook of Christianity. We will be using it each week.

What is Christianity?

There is great confusion here. It is not a religion, but a revelation and a rescue. It sets out to reveal to us what God is like —Creator (Genesis 1:1), holy (Isaiah 6:3), love (1 John 4:8). It shows us the lengths God is willing to go in order to rescue us (John 3:16; Mark 10:22-34). Christianity is not a matter of church-going, ceremonies, creeds or conduct, though it embraces all four. Christianity is Christ.

Who is Jesus Christ?

He is a human, like us. He was born, lived, suffered and died —very human. But he was more-than-human. He was, as his name _Jesus_ means, "God to the rescue" (Matthew 1:21). He was the fulfillment of all God had been showing his people Israel for centuries (Hebrews 1:1-4). He is God's "Word," his message to us in the terms of a human life (see John 1:1-4, 14, 18).

What did he come for?

To liberate us from the mess we had gotten ourselves into. The Bible is frank about our sinfulness (Romans 3:23; Jeremiah 17:9), which matters because he is "light and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). All humans have this disease of sin or self-centeredness. It spoils lives, imposes a bondage, alienates us from God, and will be fatal if it is not dealt with (John 8:34; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2). Jesus' death on the cross dealt with the guilt of sin (1 Peter 3:18). His rising from the tomb released the endless power of his Spirit to come and live in the lives of believers (Philippians 4:13, 19).

How do I get in touch?

If we want a relationship restored, there are four steps we need to take. As simple as ABCD — but tough to take:

A: There is something to _a_ dmit: that I am not in touch with him, that I am on my own self-centered path, and that I need a radical change in the way I think—a change that the Bible calls repentance. What is more, I need a new power to break the chains of all selfishness.

B: There is something to _b_ elieve: that God cares enough about me to come and find me. He did it by coming to this earth, by dying on the cross to take responsibility for my wrong deeds, and by rising again to a new life that he is willing to share with me.

C: There is something to _c_ onsider: the cost of discipleship (see Luke 14:25-33). It will involve putting Jesus first in my life, not being ashamed to be known as his follower, and allowing him to get to work cleaning up our lives. We will need to spend time regularly with him and with his followers.

D: There is something to _d_ o: to invite this risen Jesus Christ to come and inhabit the life he made, and for which he died (Revelation 3:20). If we ask him in, he will come. He has promised. Until then we remain out of touch.

If you like, there are three sides to becoming a Christian: the believing side (faith), the belonging side (baptism), and the divine side (welcoming his Spirit into our lives). Note Romans 8:9 —you are a Christian only when the Holy Spirit has been welcomed aboard. When better to begin, than right away? There is no middle ground in allegiance to Jesus Christ. It's a powerful either/or! See Ephesians 2:1; Matthew 7:24-27; 25:46; 1 John 5:12.

### Verse to learn

Learn Revelation 3:20: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Luke 19:1-10.

1. Why do you think Zacchaeus felt the need to meet Jesus? Why do we?

2. Why did Jesus bother about Zacchaeus? How long do you think it was since anyone had gone to dinner with Zacchaeus?

3. Did Zacchaeus have to straighten up his life before Jesus would enter his home?

4. What does Jesus bring when he comes into someone's life?

5. What difference did Jesus' visit make to Zacchaeus?

### Bookshelf

Copies of Bibles and New Testaments in a modern version, and copies of some introductory Bible reading notes (such as _Come Alive to God_ ), together with:

Michael Green, _Come, Follow Me._

Michael Green, _The Day Death Died._

C.S. Lewis, _Mere Christianity._

David Watson, _Is Anyone There?_

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## The Heart of the Matter – Jesus

### Teaching section

Jesus was fully human

Born in a humble family, attested by secular sources, he shared a human body (he was tired, hungry, thirsty— John 4:6; Matthew 4:2; John 19:5). He shared human experiences (he grew up in a big family, worked for a living and knew the force of temptation — Matthew 12:46; Mark 6:3; Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus was more than human

Jews were the last people in the world, with their strict monotheism, to allow that any human being could be one with God. Yet many were convinced. Why?

1. They listened to his teaching (Matthew 5:44; Acts 20:35; John 7:16). Nothing like it had appeared before or since.

2. They watched his behavior. It was utterly sinless. His own claims (John 8:28) and the evidence of his friends (1 Peter 1:18-22; 1 John 3:5; Hebrews 4:15), his enemies (Luke 23:13-16; 47; John 8:46), and onlookers (Matthew 27:4, 19, 54) show that his life was utterly unique, a moral miracle.

3. They witnessed his miracles. If recorded of someone else, they would be bizarre. With Jesus they fit. Never for selfish ends, never to show off, they were signs, dramatic illustrations, of who he was. Feeding the crowd (John 6), raising the dead (John 11:43-44), healing disease (Luke 4:39), and controlling nature (Mark 6:47-52) highlight his claims and stand or fall with them. "The only Christ for whom there is a shred of evidence is a miraculous figure making stupendous claims" (C.S. Lewis).

4. They assessed his claims. He claimed to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12), to accept worship (John 20:26-29), to be the final Judge of everyone (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:31-46), to be the only bridge between God and humans (Matthew 11:27; John 14:6). They could not believe he was deluded or a deceiver. Could he be what he claimed?

5. They saw him die. He went there voluntarily (Luke 9:51). His innocence, his concern for his murderers, and the way he died convinced them that he had come to give his life a ransom for the world's sin, that he was the Suffering Servant of God foreshadowed in the Old Testament (Mark 10:45; Isaiah 53) — that he was indeed "Jesus," God the Savior (Matthew 1:21).

6. They met him after he had risen. Jesus and his followers based their convictions about him on his resurrection (Matthew 12:39-41; Romans 1:3-4). The evidence is compelling: the empty tomb (all four of the Gospels), the resurrection appearances (1 Corinthians 15:3-11), the emergence of the church with its special practices (baptism and the Lord's Supper) all rooted in the Resurrection, and the experience of believers ever since (1 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:19-20).

Jesus demands a verdict

There are only three options — he was a deceiver (Matthew 27:63) or crazy (John 8:52) or "my Lord and my God" (John 20:28). The one thing that is not open to us is to say he was just "a good man." The challenge was well understood by Pilate, though he made the wrong choice: "What shall I do with Jesus?" (Matthew 27:22). The wise response is to "receive him" and so to accept that we belong in the family of God (John 1:12-13).

### Verse to learn

Matthew 16:16: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Philippians 2:1-13.

1. What does this passage tell us about Jesus before his birth?

2. What does it mean that "he made himself nothing" (v. 7) and "humbled himself" (v. 8)?

3. Look up Isaiah 45:22-23. There, it is "at the name of God" that every knee will bow. What is that saying when it is applied to Jesus, as it is verse 10?

4. What difference should the example of Jesus make to us in practical behavior?

5. When did your knee bow and your tongue confess that Jesus is Lord?

### Prayer time

It might be good for members to choose a verse that has been especially meaningful to them tonight, mention it, and pray that God will make it true for them or thank him for it.

### Bookshelf

Richard Bewes, _The Resurrection — Fact or Fiction?_

John Drane, _Jesus and the Four Gospels._

Michael Green, _Why Bother With Jesus?_

Val Grieve, _Your Verdict._

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## Christian Assurance

### Teaching section

When we have come to know Christ (Philippians 3:10), received him (Revelation 3:20; John 1:12), or come to him (John 6:37) — they are all pictures of Jesus and ourselves getting in touch — we need to know where we stand. You cannot build a satisfactory house on an insecure foundation.

Scripture anticipates — and answers — the questions that assail us:

Can I be sure I am accepted? (John 6:37).

Will God hold my past failures against me? (Romans 8:1).

When I fail, do I get thrown out of the Christian family? (1 John 1:9).

Can I keep it up? (2 Corinthians 12:9).

How can I overcome temptation? (1 Corinthians 10:13).

One of the most pressing early problems is doubt. How can I be sure I am accepted? Here are three grounds for a quiet confidence, which will grow with experience:

What the Father promises us (1 John 5:10-12).

What the Son achieved for us (1 John 4:10; 1 Peter 3:18).

What the Spirit does in us (1 John 4:13).

What does the Spirit begin to grow in the garden of our lives, once he has been planted there? Gradually we shall find clear marks of his presence if we have asked him to be active in us. They will not all come at once or in any special order, but they _will_ come! And it will all be wonderfully new. The first letter of John tells what they are:

A new desire to please God (2:5).

A new assurance of pardon (2:1-2).

A new willingness to face opposition (3:13).

A new delight in the company of fellow Christians (3:14).

A new generosity of spirit (3:17).

A new experience of victory over temptations (4:4; 5:4).

A new discovery of answers to prayer (3:22).

A new understanding and set of priorities (5:20-21).

We are not meant to guess or hope that we belong; we are meant to be sure of it (5:12-13).

### Verse to learn

Learn 1 John 5:12: "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Acts 9:1-22.

Much of the story of Saul's conversion was unique, but much applies to every person who discovers Jesus for himself.

1. Saul of Tarsus was intelligent, religious, virtuous, enthusiastic and sincere. Surely a person like that needs no conversion, then or now?

2. Later on Saul called his conversion "an example" (1 Timothy 1:16). In what ways is this true?

3. Was any "Ananias" a help to you in your discovery of Jesus?

4. What differences began to be seen in Saul's life to convince him and others that the change was real?

5. What struck you most in this story?

### Prayer time

God has no stupid children. He wants us to talk to him as naturally as we talk to each other. Many of you will not have joined in a time of open prayer before. Praying silently is just as valuable as praying aloud, but if we pray out loud, it helps us to concentrate our prayers and it enables others to say "Amen." It can be just a one-sentence prayer of thanks, of request, or praying about some thought from the Bible study. Incidentally, it helps your concentration if you pray out loud when you are alone.

### Bookshelf

Michael Green, _Come, Follow Me._

Michael Green, _New Life, New Lifestyle_

Michael Green, _World on the Run_

John Stott, _Becoming a Christian_

John Stott, _Being a Christian_

John White, _The Fight_

A biography or two about the power of God to change lives (e.g., Charles Colson, _Born Again_ ) would also be helpful.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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## Reading the Bible

### Teaching section

What is the Bible?

Christians find that one of the great ways of developing their discipleship is the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by some 40 different authors in three languages over a period of more than a thousand years. It contains a wide variety of literary genres, yet it has an amazing unity of outlook and purpose. This is because it is a uniquely "God-breathed" book (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:21) designed to give the truth about God to people of all ages (Matthew 5:18;Mark 13:31). It is not primarily a history book or a textbook or a handbook of ethics, though it contains elements of all three. It has a single main theme: God's intervention into our world to rescue us from our self-centeredness. In a word, it is about salvation.

Why read it?

See what it claims to do for us. It is a mirror (James 1:22-25) to show us what we are like. It is a sword to be used in temptation (Ephesians 6:17). It is a hammer to break us down (Jeremiah 23:29). It is sweet as honey, nourishing as milk or meat (Ezekiel 3:3; 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14). It can cleanse us, guide us, give us peace and wisdom (Psalm 119:9, 105, 165; Proverbs 4:4-6). No wonder we cannot grow without it (Psalm 119:162; Joshua 1:8-9; 2 Timothy 3:14-17). It is a prime way of keeping in touch with the Lord (John 15:7).

How to read it?

Get a Bible you can value: a modern translation is probably best. Get some Bible reading notes to help you (e.g., _Daily Bread,_ or _Daily Notes_ ). Later branch out on character studies, word studies, studies of great themes or of a whole book. But keep it regular.

Apply it to yourself. Look for a promise to claim, a command to obey, new light to rejoice in, a warning to heed, a prayer to use, and/or an example to follow. Ask yourself: (a) What did this mean to the original recipients? and (b) How does it apply to me? Then turn what you have found into prayer and thanksgiving.

### Verse to learn

Learn Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Acts 8:26-40.

1. What was the traveler doing as he rode along? Why did he need help?

2. How did Philip help him? What might be the modern equivalent of the help Philip offered?

3. What effect did his dawning understanding of God's truth have on the Ethiopian's life?

4. What effect should a fresh understanding of the Bible have on us as we expose ourselves to it?

5. Where does the Holy Spirit come into all this?

At the end of this session there is a practical outline for spending time each day in Bible study and prayer. Try to use this every day for the coming week, in conjunction with the Bible reading notes, and we will discuss next time what we have found helpful and any problems we have encountered.

### Prayer time

Take a verse or a phrase from a verse in Acts 8:26-40 and turn it into a prayer, first for yourself and then for a friend.

### Bookshelf

William Barclay, _Introducing the Bible._

E. Heike and P. Toon, _NIV Bible Study Guide_

Paul Little, _Know Why You Believe_

John Stott, _Understanding the Bible_

_Daily Bread_ and _Daily Notes_ Bible reading notes.

### Daily quiet times

Turn to God

Find a quiet place and time when you can be alone, and then try to set aside the business and distractions of the day in order to focus your mind on God, his truth and his goodness. Remember that he loves you and wants to communicate with you, and that he is not trying to make the whole thing difficult! He is with you and only wants to see you open yourself to him.

Turn to the Bible

Using the Bible reading notes you have been given, open the Bible at the passage for the day. Read it through carefully, preferably twice — once to get the feel of it, and once more carefully to pick up the details. Ask yourself what new truths this passage teaches you and what particular relevance it has to your own life. See if there is a promise, a warning, an example, a prayer you could use.

Turn to your notebook

Without spending too much time, jot down in a notebook the main truths and lessons that have struck you from the passage as you think about it and mull it over.

Turn to your notes

At this point — and not sooner — have a look at the Bible reading notes you are using, as they will probably help you with background information, difficult questions, and suggestions for personal application. Read them through, and if necessary make more notes in your notebook.

Turn to prayer

Remember, this is a conversation with a Friend! Turn your heart to God and (silently or out loud) talk over with him the Scripture passage you have been studying, thanking him for new light and praying for help to implement any suggestions for your daily life that you may have received. Then you can turn to other needs, personal matters, family, friends, work, the needs of the church, and other issues on your mind. This may not take long to begin with, but the list of people you care about is likely to grow, so you may need a separate page or two in your notebook to jot down people you don't want to forget to pray for.

Turn to the day

Choose from the Bible passage a few words you have found helpful, and take them with you into the day. You may find yourself returning to them as the day wears on, and that will lift your eyes to the Lord.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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## Learning to Pray

### Teaching section

Prayer

There is a big difference between knowing _about_ a person and knowing a person. A person who never prays can know a lot about God, but only a prayerful person can know God (Psalm 73:25-26; John 10:27-30). We are called to an ever-deepening life of knowing the Lord who loves us and wants us to share our whole lives with him (1 Thessalonians 5:10).

Any mature relationship involves "give" and "take." Because of who God is, we receive far more than we can ever give, but he asks us to offer:

_Praise_ — appreciating and enjoying him for what he is (Psalm 96:7-8).

_Confession_ — getting rid of blotches on the page (Psalm 32:3-5; 51:1-2).

_Thanks_ — for his gifts, his rescue, and his answers to prayer (Psalm 103:1-5).

_Meditation_ — reflecting on his Scriptures (Joshua 1:8).

_Ourselves_ — willingly, gladly for his service (Romans 12:1-2).

Prayer is not twisting the arm of God. Rather, it is cooperating with him in his purposes for the world. In prayer we discover his mind (Ephesians 5:10, 17) and join in his purpose (Matthew 9:38; 10:5). Praying and working go together (James 2:18-26).

Learning to pray

Though prayer is as natural as speech, like speech, it has to be learned.

1. _Learn by doing._ Make regular times for prayer (Daniel 6:10). Pray alone (Mark 1:35) and with others (Matthew 18:20) because, as in a family, we do not learn to speak in isolation. Learn to pray brief "arrow" prayers as needs arise (Matthew 14:30; Nehemiah 2:4-5).

2. _Learn from Jesus,_ starting from his great "pattern" prayer (Luke 11:1-13) and going on to his meditation in John 17.

3. _Learn from books_ — e.g., Michel Quoist's _Prayers,_ and above all else, the Psalms. Hymn and song books can be an inspiration, too.

4. _Learn from the Holy Spirit,_ who is given to us to help us pray (Romans 8:15-16, 26-27).

Unanswered prayer

If your prayers aren't getting answered: Do you actually pray (James 4:2)? Do you mean it (Matthew 7:7)? Are your goals selfish (James 4:3)? Is there unconfessed sin in the way (James 4:8)? Do you persevere in prayer (Luke 18:1-8)? Are you seeking God's will (Mark 14:36)?

Remember that answers do not always come in the form we expect or at the time we demand; we may be meant to answer our own prayer (Matthew 14:15-16); the answer may be no; and sometimes, if he appears not to answer, maybe he wants us to start loving him for who he is, not for what we can get out of him!

### Verse to learn

Learn John 15:7: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Colossians 1:3-14.

1. What are the main things for which Paul thanks God in the lives of these people he had never seen?

2. Why is thanksgiving such an important part of prayer?

3. Paul is not slow to ask God for things in prayer — but what are the main things he asks for? How should we pray for our friends?

4. Paul prays that they may know God's power. What sort of things will that power do?

5. What are the main marks of Christian discipleship in this passage?

### Prayer time

Go back over some of the particular matters concerning prayer that struck you during the Bible study or the teaching section, and wrap your time of prayer around those things.

### Bookshelf

Brother Andrew, _God's Smuggler_

Richard Foster, _Celebration of Discipline_

O. Hallesby, _Prayer_

J.I. Packer, _Knowing God_

John White, _People in Prayer_

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## The Holy Spirit

### Teaching section

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has always been part of the Triune God. Now, as the Spirit lives in human beings, the Spirit is the life of God among us. The Spirit was there at the beginning (Genesis 1:2-3, 2:7). In the Old Testament the Spirit led people for special tasks: in particular, various prophets, priests and kings of Israel were gifted by the Spirit. The Old Testament looked for the day when the Spirit would be widely available (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Jeremiah 31:31-34) — when the Messiah came (Isaiah 11:1-16; 61:1-11; Joel 2:28-32).

Jesus was uniquely filled with the Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34; 7:37-39). He promised that the Spirit, his "other self," would come and live in believers after his death (John 14:15-18; 16:7-15). That happened at Pentecost (Acts 2). In contrast to Old Testament days, the Spirit now lives in all believers; he does not withdraw from us, but remains with us; and he is no longer impersonal but marked with the imprint of Jesus.

The fruit of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit enters our lives at conversion (Galatians 4:6). He then sets to work getting good fruit to grow in the garden of our lives (Galatians 5:22-24). As the branches stay in the vine, the sap of God's Spirit slowly but surely produces fruit (John 15:1-5). _We_ cannot make these fruits of character, but we can prevent them if we grieve or quench the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

The gifts of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a great giver. He inspired the Scriptures to be written (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), he participated in the incarnation of Jesus (Luke 1:35; 4:14, 18), and he gave new life to men and women under sentence of death (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 37:1-14). He also equips the people of God to live the life of heaven here on earth (1 Corinthians 12:4-13; Romans 12:3-13). His supreme aim is to make us like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Questions about the Spirit

1. Who has the "baptism" of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3, 13; cf. Romans 8:9)?

2. Can we tell the Spirit what gifts he must give us (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)?

3. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:5)?

4. What is the supreme spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 13)?

5. What would it be like to be "filled" with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-20)?

6. How can we be filled with the Spirit (Acts 5:32; Luke 11:13)?

### Verse to learn

Luke 11:13: "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is 1 Corinthians 12:1-13.

1. How does verse 3 link Jesus and the Holy Spirit?

2. What do you learn from the variety of gifts and their unified source?

3. What do verses 8-10 teach about the kind of ministries we should be exercising in our churches?

4. What is meant by being "given the one Spirit to drink" (see John 7:37-39)?

5. Does this passage give any support to the idea that there are two kinds of Christian — ordinary and "Spirit-filled"?

6. Will you ask the Spirit to fill you and equip you for service with whatever gifts he sees are needed? "Ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full."

### Prayer time

Get each member of the group to write down two things he or she wants the Spirit to do in him or her. If they are willing, ask them to share these things with the other members of the group. The group should then pray for one another.

### Bookshelf

Billy Graham, _The Holy Spirit._

Michael Green, _I Believe in the Holy Spirit._

Philip Keller, _A Gardener Looks at the Fruits of the Spirit._

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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## Christian Fellowship

### Teaching section

Christian living is not an isolated affair but a matter of belonging with others in God's alternative society, the church. The church has a bad image in many people's eyes, but the Bible presents something much better than the stereotype.

Images of the church in the New Testament

Each of these images emphasizes a different aspect of Christian belonging. What do those images imply?

The family of God (Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 2:17-19).

The bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:1-3; Ephesians 5:25-33; Revelation 21:2-8).

The temple of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).

The colony of heaven (Philippians 3:17-21).

The body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-28; Romans 12:1-14).

God's army (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Functions of the church

Worship — our responsibility to God.

Fellowship — our responsibility to one another.

Witness and Service — our responsibility to the world for which Christ died.

Read 1 Peter 2:1-12 and see how all three functions interlock.

The unity of the church

Jesus prayed for his followers to be one (John 17:20-21), and they (more or less) managed it in the early days. In due course, human frailty and particular emphases led to denominations. But God hates division in his people. Despite appearances, there _is_ a God-given unity among all Christians (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must seek to bring that unity into better expression.

The New Testament does not divide the clergy from the laypersons. It does not know anything of denominations. And it is very clear that nominal membership is not enough. The church is a one-class society, transcending all barriers of sex, education, class and nationality (Ephesians 2:14-18; Galatians 3:28). It knows no differing status among Christians, only differing functions (Ephesians 4:11-12). Love is the bond that should unite us all (Colossians 3:14).

The church is both universal (Matthew 16:18) and local (for example, Colossians 1:2). It is both invisible and visible. Repentance and faith are the gateway into God's invisible church (1 Peter 2:4), and baptism is the mark of members of the visible church (Acts 16:30-31). If you have not been baptized, you should request it (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:26-27). And you should participate in the family meal, the Lord's Supper, which Jesus commanded for his followers in memory of his death, as a means of growing in his grace, and as a foretaste of heaven (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

### Verse to learn

Learn 1 Corinthians 12:27: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Romans 12:1-13.

1. What does true worship involve?

2. The church is Christ's body on earth. What implications flow from this? Do you see them in your local church?

3. If "each member belongs to all the others" (verse 5), what does this mean for our relationships?

4. According to Paul, we all have different gifts and abilities. What do each of you think you have? What do others in the group think you have? How is it being used for the common good in your church or college group?

5. Examine the practical fruit mentioned in this passage, which flows from wholehearted surrender to the Lord. Is anything holding you back from "presenting your body as a living sacrifice"?

### Prayer time

Get into pairs. Pray over the use of each other's gifts. Then think of one thing you would like to see happen in your church. Pray for it and commit yourself to do so each day throughout the coming week.

### Bookshelf

Paul Stevens, _Liberating the Laity._

Frank Tillapaugh, _Unleashing the Church._

David Watson, _I Believe in the Church._

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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## Defeating Evil

### Teaching section

Temptation is a universal experience, and it increases rather than decreases after we have become Christians. This is to be expected, because we have changed sides. Temptation comes at us through:

1. "The world" — i.e., society, which leaves God out (1 John 2:15-16).

2. "The flesh" — i.e., our own fallen nature (Romans 7:21-23).

3. "The devil" — i.e., the anti-God force of evil (1 Thessalonians 3:5).

Genesis 3 gives a wonderfully clear insight into the way temptation operates. Don't miss the important truths it has to teach.

Why should there be temptation?

Because we have a great outside enemy, Satan: not a figure of fun with a tail and horns, but the concentration of evil, one of God's creatures who rebelled against God and wants to wreck all that is good in God's world. Does this seem incredible? Jesus clearly believed the devil existed (Matthew 4:1-11). Experience points the same way (1 Peter 5:8-9).

How does temptation come?

It often comes carefully disguised (Genesis 3:1). It never wears its true colors. It seeks to catch us by surprise. Satan cannot create — only spoil.

Satan attacks through:

1. The body — twisting its proper desires (v. 6).

2. The mind — causing doubt about God's goodness (v. 1), his word (v. 1), his holiness (v. 4).

3. The ambition — the itch to be top dog (verses 3-4).

All these temptations are designed to reach our will, and result in disobedience (v. 6). However, only when we yield does temptation turn into sin.

What are the results?

When we give in to temptation:

it makes us feel guilty (vv. 7, 9-10).

it often affects other people (v. 6).

it makes God seem unreal and unwelcome (vv. 8-9); see Isaiah 59:1-2.

it produces fear and moral cowardice (vv. 10-12).

it brings God's judgment (vv. 14-19).

Where is the answer?

Verse 15: Jesus, "the woman's seed," crushed the serpent's head on the cross. He endured the full force of temptation and overcame it. He is alive and lives within us as conqueror (Colossians 2:15). He offers us his moral power to turn our defeats into victories (Romans 8:37).

Things to remember

a. Temptation is not sin. Yielding to it is.

b. Jesus was tempted more than we are, but he never gave in (Hebrews 4:15).

c. Because Jesus won the war, he can win our battles, too (Hebrews 2:18).

d. There is always a way through — if you will take it (1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask for his strength when temptation strikes.

e. You can lose a battle — many battles — and still win the war. Take heart; he hasn't finished with you yet (1 John 3:2-3).

Things to avoid

a. Don't flirt with the world — society, films, magazines, talk, attitudes, ambitions that dull your love for Christ.

b. Don't spare the flesh — that selfish "you" needs to be kept on the cross daily so that the Spirit of Jesus can shine through you (Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:13).

c. Don't compromise with Satan. Resist him (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Have nothing to do with the occult — occult books and practices need to be discarded (Acts 19:18-20). There is nothing so miserable as a half-hearted Christian life.

### Verse to learn

Learn Philippians 4:13: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Luke 4:1-13.

1. What temptations were presented to Jesus? How would those temptations be translated into our day?

2. Is there anything significant about the time and place when temptation struck?

3. Jesus quoted various scriptures when handling these temptations (they came from Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:13; 6:16). What do you learn from that?

4. In Eden (Genesis 3), humanity fell. In the desert, Jesus overcame. What comparisons and contrasts do you see in these two events?

5. The first and the last words of the passage are highly significant.

### Prayer time

The group may care to share areas of weakness in their own lives, where temptation is particularly attractive, and pray for one another. God looks for holiness in us and offers us his Holy Spirit.

### Bookshelf

Michael Green, _I Believe in Satan's Downfall._

C.S. Lewis, _The Screwtape Letters._

Jackie Pullinger, _Chasing the Dragon._

John White, _The Fight._

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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## Serving Christ

### Teaching section

The whole ministry of Jesus was one of service. He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). He found this theme in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 40-55. There, three themes predominate: obedience (Isaiah 44:1), witness (Isaiah 43:12) and endurance (Isaiah 43:1-6). Israel failed these tests. How do you make out on them?

This was the pattern of leadership Jesus adopted: service, not status. He told his followers to do the same (John 13:12-17; Mark 10:43-44; Luke 22:24-27). Every Christian is called to serve. Every Christian has a ministry. It is impossible to be a Christian without becoming a minister of Christ. Don't use the word "minister" only for clergy and missionaries. It includes you!

There are three main words for "servant" in the New Testament, and all three are applied to every Christian.

The first means "slave" (1 Peter 2:16; Revelation 1:1). It describes the total surrender of every part of our lives —home, work, love life, ambitions, and everything else — to Jesus, who gave all that he had for us. Ponder Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. In ancient society the slave had no rights but was totally at the command of his master. The New Testament writers chose this word _slave_ to describe their relationship with Jesus. How does it fit you?

The second means "worship leader" (the word from which we get _liturgy_ ). It speaks of our worship (Acts 13:2). _Worship_ is a big word. It includes our giving (2 Corinthians 9:12), our faith (Philippians 2:17), the proper doing of our jobs (Romans 13:6), even evangelism (Romans 15:16). How important is worship to you? What does it cost you? Does it spill over into telling others about your Lord? If not, it will grow stale.

The third means "helper"; our word _deacon_ is derived from it. It is widely used of practical help of all kinds. It describes our relationship with fellow Christians and with those who as yet are not (2 Corinthians 4:5). Prison visiting and personal service (Philemon 13; Acts 19:22), handing out soup, and preaching are all called by this word, _service_ (Acts 6:1, 4). We should not separate the sacred from the secular; everything belongs to God.

"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ" (1 Corinthians 4:1). Ask yourself how faith has made a difference in your life, wholeheartedness, worship and practical service.

### Verse to learn

Learn Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God —this is your spiritual act of worship."

### Bible study section

The Bible passage for study is Acts 5:40 - 6:8.

1. What motivated these people to want to serve the Lord? How about you?

2. How many forms of service are mentioned here?

3. Are the "spiritual" jobs more important than the practical ones?

4. What spiritual qualifications were necessary for those who wanted to serve lunches? Apply this to your church or group.

5. How was it that the disciples "multiplied" in Jerusalem?

6. What service are you now engaged in which you would not be if you were not a Christian?

7. What new area of fellowship and service is each of you going to commit yourself to now that this short course has ended? Be specific!

### Prayer time

Members of the group should share with one another the areas in which they feel themselves called to serve Christ (see question 7 above) and pray for one another as they move from this group to new areas of fellowship and service.

### Bookshelf

David Watson, _Discipleship._

Biographies such as Charles Colson's _Born Again._

This entire series has been adapted from Michael Green, _Evangelism Through the Local Church_ (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1992.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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## About the Publisher...

Grace Communion International is a Christian denomination with about 50,000 members, worshiping in about 900 congregations in almost 100 nations and territories. We began in 1934 and our main office is in North Carolina. In the United States, we are members of the National Association of Evangelicals and similar organizations in other nations. We welcome you to visit our website at www.gci.org.

If you want to know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, we offer help. First, we offer weekly worship services in hundreds of congregations worldwide. Perhaps you'd like to visit us. A typical worship service includes songs of praise, a message based on the Bible, and opportunity to meet people who have found Jesus Christ to be the answer to their spiritual quest. We try to be friendly, but without putting you on the spot. We do not expect visitors to give offerings—there's no obligation. You are a guest.

To find a congregation, write to one of our offices, phone us or visit our website. If we do not have a congregation near you, we encourage you to find another Christian church that teaches the gospel of grace.

We also offer personal counsel. If you have questions about the Bible, salvation or Christian living, we are happy to talk. If you want to discuss faith, baptism or other matters, a pastor near you can discuss these on the phone or set up an appointment for a longer discussion. We are convinced that Jesus offers what people need most, and we are happy to share the good news of what he has done for all humanity. We like to help people find new life in Christ, and to grow in that life. Come and see why we believe it's the best news there could be!

Our work is funded by members of the church who donate part of their income to support the gospel. Jesus told his disciples to share the good news, and that is what we strive to do in our literature, in our worship services, and in our day-to-day lives.

If this e-book has helped you and you want to pay some expenses, all donations are gratefully welcomed, and in several nations, are tax-deductible. If you can't afford to give anything, don't worry about it. It is our gift to you. To make a donation online, go to www.gci.org/participate/donate.

Thank you for letting us share what we value most — Jesus Christ. The good news is too good to keep it to ourselves.

See our website for hundreds of articles, locations of our churches, addresses in various nations, audio and video messages, and much more.

Grace Communion International  
3129 Whitehall Park Dr.

Charlotte, NC 28273-3335

1-800-423-4444

www.gci.org

### You're Included...

We talk with leading Trinitarian theologians about the good news that God loves you, wants you, and includes you in Jesus Christ. Most programs are about 28 minutes long. Our guests have included:

Ray Anderson, Fuller Theological Seminary

Douglas A. Campbell, Duke Divinity School

Elmer Colyer, U. of Dubuque Theological Seminary

Gordon Fee, Regent College

Trevor Hart, University of St. Andrews

George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

Jeff McSwain, Reality Ministries

Paul Louis Metzger, Multnomah University

Paul Molnar, St. John's University

Cherith Fee Nordling, Antioch Leadership Network

Andrew Root, Luther Seminary

Alan Torrance, University of St. Andrews

Robert T. Walker, Edinburgh University

N.T. Wright, University of St. Andrews

William P. Young, author of _The Shack_

Programs are available free for viewing and downloading at www.youreincluded.org.

### Speaking of Life...

Dr. Joseph Tkach, president of Grace Communion International, comments each week, giving a biblical perspective on how we live in the light of God's love. Most programs are about three minutes long – available in video, audio, and text. Go to www.speakingoflife.org.

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### Grace Communion Seminary

Ministry based on the life and love of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Grace Communion Seminary serves the needs of people engaged in Christian service who want to grow deeper in relationship with our Triune God and to be able to more effectively serve in the church.

Why study at Grace Communion Seminary?

 Worship: to love God with all your mind.

 Service: to help others apply truth to life.

 Practical: a balanced range of useful topics for ministry.

 Trinitarian theology: a survey of theology with the merits of a Trinitarian perspective. We begin with the question, "Who is God?" Then, "Who are we in relationship to God?" In this context, "How then do we serve?"

 Part-time study: designed to help people who are already serving in local congregations. There is no need to leave your current ministry. Full-time students are also welcome.

 Flexibility: your choice of master's level continuing education courses or pursuit of a degree: Master of Pastoral Studies or Master of Theological Studies.

 Affordable, accredited study: Everything can be done online.

For more information, go to www.gcs.edu. Grace Communion Seminary is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, www.deac.org. The Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

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## Ambassador College of Christian Ministry

Want to better understand God's Word? Want to know the Triune God more deeply? Want to share more joyously in the life of the Father, Son and Spirit? Want to be better equipped to serve others?

Among the many resources that Grace Communion International offers are the training and learning opportunities provided by ACCM. This quality, well-structured Christian Ministry curriculum has the advantage of being very practical and flexible. Students may study at their own pace, without having to leave home to undertake full-time study.

This denominationally recognized program is available for both credit and audit study. At minimum cost, this online Diploma program will help students gain important insights and training in effective ministry service. Students will also enjoy a rich resource for personal study that will enhance their understanding and relationship with the Triune God.

Diploma of Christian Ministry classes provide an excellent introductory course for new and lay pastors. Pastor General Dr. Joseph Tkach said, "We believe we have achieved the goal of designing Christian ministry training that is practical, accessible, interesting, and doctrinally and theologically mature and sound. This program provides an ideal foundation for effective Christian ministry."

For more information, go to www.ambascol.org

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