New Beginnings 5 – 8

NEW BEGINNINGS

LESSON 5

BE FAITHFUL TO A CHURCH

Memory Verse: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).

“²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) ²⁴ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10: 23-25).

Jesus personally laid the groundwork for the Church during His earthly ministry. He foretold its existence, and even set forth the basic form of government which should be followed. “¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. ¹⁸ And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹ And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:17-19).

The concept of the church, in the New Testament sense of the word, was unknown in the Old Testament. There is one scriptural reference which uses the word in the book of Acts: “This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:” (Acts 7:38).

The usage is not an incorrect one, in the general sense. The word ‘church’ means ‘called out ones’. New Testament believers are called out of this present evil world and made citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The Israelites mentioned in <st1:bcv_smarttag w:st=”on”>Acts 7 were a group of people called out of Egypt.

THE CORPORATE CHURCH AND THE LOCAL CHURCH

THE CORPORATE CHURCH

The spiritual church, which is comprised ‘solely’ of believers, is comprised of every one who has trusted Christ as his or her Savior, since Calvary. The vast majority of the Church is already in Heaven. In I Corinthians, the corporate church was referred to as the BODY of Christ. “¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many. ¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? ¹⁸ But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body? ²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body” (I Cor. 12:12-20).

The ‘corporate’ church, and I use the word because it signifies a body, coming from the Latin word ‘corpus,’ which is also where we get our words corporation and corporeal, is also referred to in the book of Ephesians as the bride, or wife of Christ. This designation reveals the regard which He has for His church. “²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. ²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: ³⁰ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. ³¹ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. ³² This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:25-32).

THE LOCAL CHURCH (ASSEMBLY)

Just as we find believers, in general, referred to as the church: “²² But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,” (Heb. 12:22-23). We also find believers, as individuals, identified with ‘churches’, or local assemblies, such as the seven churches of Asia, which are addressed in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation. The Local Assembly – is a group of individuals who profess regeneration through Christ’s work on the cross, who have been baptized, and who generally agree upon the basic teachings of the Scripture. By general consent they are self-governing, and self sufficient, and congregate for the purpose of mutual edification, and the furtherance of the gospel. Note: All of the members of the church of the Firstborn (mentioned in Heb. 12:23) are saved; all professing believers in local assemblies are not necessarily so.

THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

The New Testament Church recognizes only 2 ordinances:

BAPTISM: (by immersion) “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matt. 28:19). And “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

THE LORD’S SUPPER: (Just as there is no Supernatural element in baptism, neither is there one in the Lord’s Supper. It is commemorative only. “²³ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: ²⁴ And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁵ After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ²⁶ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (I Cor. 11:23-26).

WHY SHOULD A BELIEVER BE FAITHFUL TO CHURCH?

1. THROUGH THE LOCAL CHURCH YOU RECEIVE INSTRUCTION

The Lord has given spiritual gifts and leaders to the church. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” (Eph. 4:11). Further, in verses 12-14 we are told ‘why’ these gifted individuals were placed in the church. “¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: ¹⁴ That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Eph 4:12-14).

FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS – In context the word ‘perfecting’ signifies bringing believers to a state of maturity.

FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY – God places men with particular gifts in the assembly, so that they might minister one to another. Truly, we are all in this thing together. Just as a body requires all of its organs functioning properly in order to have physical health; a church requires its members to be spiritually in one accord, both among themselves and with the Lord, in order to properly function.

FOR SPIRITUAL STABILITY – “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men…” (Eph. 4:14).

2. THROUGH YOUR LOCAL CHURCH YOU HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF FELLOWSHIP

Just as God ordained families in the physical realm, He has ordained the Church in the spiritual realm. The family was instituted so that its individual members were provided with care, protection, fellowship, and development; these same needs are provided for by the church, on a spiritual level. “²⁴ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25).

In the context in which it is used; the word ‘provoke’ means to incite by action and word. Just as the Bible teaches us that a man has to be friendly, if he expects to have friends: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24) the Lord, by example, teaches us that in order to be loved, we must first show love. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:10).

3. THROUGH YOUR LOCAL CHURCH YOU MEET TO WORSHIP

The book of Colossians sets forth some things that might be present in a worship service. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). These things might well be present in a worship service; however, these things may well be present without worship. Just as we learned last week that prayer, in order to be effectual, is based upon one’s attitude, so is worship. Remember: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (I Sam. 16:7). I do not care what a service looks like or how it sounds, nor how emotional it may become…God looks upon our hearts.

THE LAW OF ‘FIRST-MENTION’

I probably should have shared this in the lesson on Bible study, but better late than never. The law of ‘first-mention’ is an unwritten tool for Bible study. What I mean by this is that the ‘first-mention’ of a word or topic in the Scripture generally sets the context for its usage throughout the rest of the Bible. Using this method, let’s look at the setting of the ‘first-mention’ of the word ‘worship’ in the Scripture. “¹ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. ² And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. ³ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. ⁴ Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. ⁵ And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” (Gen. 22:1-5).

Looking at the context of the word, it can mean no less than complete submission and obedience to the revealed will of God. How contrary this is to the common concept of worship! The closest thing to a New Testament parallel that I have found is: “¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:17-18). Considering these Scriptures, I believe that I am safe in saying that if you have any priority in your life that supersedes your devotion to Christ, you cannot truly worship.

4. THROUGH YOUR LOCAL CHURCH YOU HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE

The church is the proper avenue through which to serve God. God has given each believer unique gifts and abilities with which to serve the Body of Christ. “⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; ⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; ⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:6-8).

The church’s mission, as set forth in Matthew is to: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matt. 28:19).

The consummation of this mission involves:

Spreading the gospel to the entire world.

Baptizing new believers.

Teaching the newly converted the Word of God.

The joy and satisfaction of laboring in Christ’s name.

Giving of your substance (whether it be money, time, or talents).

What can you contribute to the spiritual vitality of the church that you attend? Search your heart and ask God to reveal your true motives, and help you to submit to His will. If you are harboring anger, bitterness, an unforgiving spirit; ask God to reveal that as well, and to show you what His will is in the matter.

REVIEW

The word ‘church’ means:

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Name 4 reasons why you should faithfully attend church:

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The mission of the church is:

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“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psa. 122:1).

NEW BEGINNINGS

LESSON 6

TRUSTING JESUS TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE

Memory Verse: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14).

Now that you have received the gift of eternal life, the Lord wants to guide you in your daily walk. It is important to realize that He should, and could, do much more than merely reside in your life. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:11).

Confessing Jesus as the Lord of your life means that you are trusting Him to direct your life. Trusting the Lord to direct your life is like driving down the highway with another person. While you are driving, you are in control of the vehicle. But, when you realize that you do not know the right way to go and the other person does, you allow the other person to take control of the vehicle. As a result, you take the route he or she chooses.

Trusting the Lord is like saying to Him: “You direct my life and I will go with You!” A life directed by the Lord in this way will be spiritually fruitful and filled with joy. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4).

1. JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Jesus claimed to be our Lord when He said, “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am” (John 13:13). How did Thomas describe Jesus in the Gospel of John? “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)

Look at how the apostle Paul in his writings described the Lord Jesus.

“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified THE LORD OF GLORY” (I Cor. 2:8).

“Now THE LORD OF PEACE himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all” (II Thess 3:16).

“Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only POTENTATE, the KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS;” (I Tim. 6:15).

2. JESUS CHRIST HAS EARNED THE RIGHT TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE.

Philippians states that Jesus “⁸ …humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.⁹ Wherefore God also hath HIGHLY EXALTED him, and GIVEN him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8-11).

Paul understood that Jesus was worthy to direct his life, and he challenged other believers to do the same with their own lives. “¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).

ONE MIGHT SAY THAT WE ARE CHRIST’S IN A TWOFOLD WAY:

BY RIGHT OF CREATION. We were ‘made’ by Him. “¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col. 1:16-17).

BY RIGHT OF CALVARY. We were ‘bought’ by Him. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). And “¹⁸ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; ¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (I Pet. 1:18-19).

HERE’S AN ILLUSTRATION

There was a young boy who decided to build a boat; he took great time and pains in constructing the boat, until at last it met his specifications perfectly. He often spent time admiring his boat, yet, in spite of its beauty; he really was not certain that it would float. One day after a heavy rain, the ditches in front of his home were filled with rushing water. The boy quickly ran to get his boat, eager to see how it would perform in the water. He placed it in the rushing water and to his delight it performed wonderfully! He ran alongside the ditch watching his boat sweep swiftly along, until suddenly he realized the boat was racing faster than he was. Soon it was out of reach, then out of sight. He searched far down the ditch, but to no avail… his boat was lost.

Several months later as he was walking home from school; he passed a resale shop, and what to his amazement did he see?!? It was ‘his’ boat; he knew every inch of it! There was no doubt about it! It was ‘his’ boat. He rushed inside and explained to the manager, that the boat was his, of his making, and that he had lost it. The manager expressed his sympathy but explained that he had purchased the boat himself, and could not merely give the boy the boat. “How much will it cost?” the boy asked. The man named a price of $5.00 dollars, and the boy rushed home to get the money. After paying for the boat, the boy walked home. As he walked, he talked to his boat. “You are mine little boat, you are just what I wanted. I made you, you were lost, and now I have bought you back. I will never let you out of my sight again.”

3. JESUS CHRIST DESIRES TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE

His direction can be experienced on a daily basis as you:

RECOGNIZE DAILY HIS RIGHT TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE. “²³ And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. ²⁵ For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23-25).

CONFESS YOUR SIN CONSISTENTLY AND ACCEPT HIS PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS. “⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (I John 1:8-10). And “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13).

TRUST HIM COMPLETELY AS YOU ALLOW HIM TO DIRECT YOUR:

TIME… “¹⁵ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16).

MONEY… “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (I Cor. 16:2).

ABILITIES… “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).

RELATIONSHIPS… “³⁴ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. ³⁵ Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, ³⁶ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:34-40).

MIND… “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2).

AMBITIONS… “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33).

MORALITY… “¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Cor. 6:19-20).

AN OLD TESTAMENT ILLUSTRATION

“¹³ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? ¹⁴ And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? ¹⁵ And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:13-15).

No one would question Joshua’s courage. His wisdom, however, I would question. Essentially, what he said to the Pre-incarnate Christ was: “Are you for us, or against us?” What the Lord replied was: “I did not come to take sides; I came to take over.” THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE THE BELIEVER FINDS HIMSELF TODAY.

REVIEW

Looking back at the areas covered in # 3, list the areas in your life that you need to surrender to the leadership of the Lord. Make them a matter of prayer in your daily prayer session.

LIST OF AREAS IN YOUR LIFE THAT NEED SURRENDER TO THE LORD

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NEW BEGINNINGS

LESSON 7

WITNESSING, THE BELIEVER’S GREAT COMMISSION

Memory Verse: “¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28:19-20).

THE CHRISTIAN’S DUTY IN WITNESSING

In Lesson 2, we dealt with ‘Our Public Profession of Faith,’ which largely concerns making our commitment to God known to other believers, not exclusively, but primarily. Lesson 7 covers our responsibility of declaring our faith to ‘others,’ most of whom will not be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our memory verse has long been the mainstay behind virtually all missionary efforts. I have often heard sayings such as: “Why should any one have the privilege of hearing the gospel twice, until everyone has heard it once?” This quotation is attributed to Adoniram Judson, the great missionary statesman. David Livingston is credited with the statement, “God had only one Son, and He made Him a missionary.” ‘All nations’ excludes none! God is not a cultural God, He has no concerns over race, creed, culture, and the myriad other trivial things that serve as stumbling blocks to mankind.

OBSERVATION

I don’t have to tell anyone that gossip and rumor mongering are the staff and stay of the Institutional experience. When I first started working in TDCJ, I was told, “You will hear the truth told in prison, it’s just hard to know which version to believe.” I have found this statement to be true. If ‘gospel’ and ‘gossip,’ which sound and look so similar in print, were synonymous, I dare say there would be no one in the system that was not evangelized. You and I should make it a personal goal to refrain from gossip, but to be fervent in presenting the ‘gospel,’ to every creature. “My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (Psa. 45:1).

I like the Psalmist’s phraseology; “…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (Psa. 45:1). Have you ever noticed that a man talks about that which excites him? I used to be a cowboy; I still have a few cowboy friends scattered around the country, some are Christians, some are not. My favorite topic is talking about the Lord, and the Word of God, but somehow, inevitably, when I am around cowboys, eventually our conversation will turn to horses, men we have known, good and bad bosses, wrecks, and near misses, etc. A man will talk about the thing he cares about, and things that hold his interest. I worry about people who do not seem to care about the things of God, and yet insist on calling themselves Christians.

The will of God is for every believer to be a witness. He told the disciples that He would make them fishers of men. In the little book of Philemon, we read of the communication of our faith. Consider the following verses:“⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8).

“¹⁶ Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. ¹⁷ And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men” (Mark 1:16-17).

“⁴ I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, ⁵ Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; ⁶ That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1: 4-6).

I have to question the genuineness of a man’s friendship, or love, when he says that he comes to know the Lord Jesus, yet makes no effort to win his friends and family. While we may often be at a loss as to how to approach someone; there should be a desire and an attempt, no matter how clumsy it might seem.

“⁴⁰ One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ” (John 1:40, 41).

A man does not have to be a Bible scholar, or a theologian in order to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. The two most effective tools for personal soul winning are:

Your personal account of what God has done in your life. (Do not glorify, or glamorize sin!)

A working knowledge of the Holy scriptures. (Lesson 3 covers the issue of Bible Study, but consider the following verse.)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Tim. 2:15)

1. YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY

THE FIRST PART OF SUCCESSFUL WITNESSING

Your personal testimony is your own account:

1. Of your life before you received Christ. (Deal in generalities, no one needs to hear all of the specifics of our wicked past.)

2. How you came to receive Jesus as your personal Saviour.

3. The positive effects that your walk with Christ has made in your life.

KEYS TO AN EFFECTIVE TESTIMONY

Don’t make it too long and complicated. As Sergeant Joe Friday, of ‘Dragnet’ fame, used to say, “The facts, ma’am, just the facts.”

I cannot over emphasize: Don’t be too graphic in describing your past life; no one wants to be privy to your depravity!

Be sure to give Christ the credit. I sometimes wonder just WHO is being glorified as I listen to testimonies.

2. SCRIPTURE IS THE SECOND PART OF SUCCESSFUL WITNESSING

THE ROMAN’S ROAD

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10).

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Rom. 3:23).

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Rom. 5:12).

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20).

“²⁷ Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:27-28).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).

3. YOUR PERSONAL CONVERSATION IS THE THIRD PART (BUT CERTAINLY NOT THE LEAST PART) OF SUCCESSFUL WITNESSING

I have heard a lot of argument about ‘lifestyle’ evangelism versus ‘vocal’ evangelism; I am persuaded that successful witnessing incorporates the two. If your ‘walk’ does not line up with your ‘talk,’ do everyone a favor: keep your mouth shut. I am sure that you have heard the old saying, “One picture is worth a thousand words,” I assure you, what we do, and how we behave, will speak a lot louder than anything we could ever say.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES CAREFULLY, THEN WITNESS.

“¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ¹⁴ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ¹⁶ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ¹⁷ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:13-17).

By all means we should witness with our mouths.

“¹ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. ² For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: ⁴ That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; ⁵ Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: ⁶ That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” (I Thess. 4:1-7).

Mark it down, a holy lifestyle, accompanied by a Scriptural witness, WILL be used of God!

Bear in mind that salvation rests in a person and not in a plan, or a prayer. Be versatile, allow the other person to talk, then let the Holy Spirit guide you in your use of Scripture.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

What is the one thing that you should be careful to avoid in giving your testimony? (Clue, I cautioned against it several times.)

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Whom do you know who needs to receive Christ in their life?

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How do you plan on using what you have learned today in an attempt to reach him?

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Are you willing to share your testimony with someone this week? ___________________________________________________

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NEW BEGINNINGS

LESSON 8

LOOKING BACK

Memory Verse: “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (I Tim. 4:6).

Our course began with the subject of the believer’s assurance. There may have been an element of presumption by doing so. As we review the subject we will at least make mention of ‘salvation’.

1. SALVATION…THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING THAT GOD DOES IN THE LIFE OF AN INDIVIDUAL

As evident in the following Scriptures: “⁶ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. ⁷ So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ⁸ Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. ⁹ For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. ¹⁰ According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. ¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 3:6-11).

“⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹ For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ¹² For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ¹⁴ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ¹⁶ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ¹⁷ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:9-17).

A. HEARING THE WORD OF GOD

From the text we may infer that salvation must begin with hearing the Word of God. The Scripture makes plain that nature reveals the existence of God in cases such as in Psalm 19. “¹ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. ² Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. ³ There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalms 19:1-3). However, while we may know of God’s existence by natural revelation, saving faith can only be imparted by the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Eph. 2:8). The preceding verse tells us that the essential element required for salvation is “…faith…”, and that “…faith…” is “…the gift of God:” (Eph. 2:8). Romans tells us how this ‘gift’ is imparted. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

B. BELIEVING WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

The book of Romans tells us that after hearing about God, the responsibility rests on us to ‘believe’ what we have heard. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Rom. 10:14).

C. RESPONDING TO WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

Having heard about God (bear in mind that the Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth of the Gospel) the necessity remains for man to submit his will to that of God, and in surrender to ‘call upon the name of the Lord.’

2. FOLLOWING SALVATION WE CONSIDER THE BELIEVERS NEED OF ASSURANCE

A. THE THREE-FOLD NATURE OF MAN: BODY, SOUL, AND SPIRIT

In our study we looked at the three-fold nature of man: body, soul, and spirit. We found that the SPIRIT OF MAN, being dead, needed ‘quickening’. “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit” (I Cor. 15:450. the SOUL OF MAN, being depraved, needed cleansing. “¹¹ But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. ¹³ For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:11-14). We also discovered that MAN’S BODY COMES INTO THIS WORLD DYING, and decaying; the finalization of the process of salvation will be man’s corruptible body being changed into an incorruptible one.

B. THE THREE-FOLD NATURE OF SALVATION

We also looked at the three-fold nature of Salvation.

JUSTIFICATION: Past- when we were pardoned from the PENALTY of sin.

SANCTIFICATION: Present- we saw our daily deliverance from the POWER of sin.

GLORIFICATION: Future- we see our ultimate deliverance from the PRESENCE of sin.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (II Tim. 2:19). What a comfort it is to know that God knows my relationship with Himeslf, no matter how I may feel about it at any given time. However, if one is to be a fruitful Christian, and withstand the pull of worldly affairs, and the lusts of the flesh, and snares of the Devil, he had better have the sure knowledge that he is a child of God. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,…” (I John 5:13).

3. THE NEED FOR A BELIEVER TO MAKE HIS FAITH PUBLIC

Most of the study on our public profession of faith centered on the Believers Baptism. And, indeed, it is right that it should do so. However, baptism is merely the outward testimony of our change of allegiance; we are also instructed to “…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (I Pet. 3:15).

The essence of what the Scriptures teach us about baptism is this:

Baptism is a total immersion of the believer in water. (This is our means of identifying with the death and burial of Jesus Christ.

The act of a believer rising from his watery ‘grave’ is identification with the resurrected life of the Lord Jesus. Our obedience to the example which Christ set for us is imperative if we are to succeed in our Christian life.

NOTE: There is absolutely no supernatural element involved in believer’s baptism. The supernatural element of baptism is set forth in: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (I Cor. 12:13).

4. THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING THE BIBLE

We found in our studies that the Word of God is profitable. “¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17).

IT IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE. (DOCTRINE, n. L., to teach.) In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. The doctrine of the gospel is based upon the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles.

IT IS PROFITABLE FOR REPROOF. (REPROOF’, n. from reprove.) Blame expressed to the face; censure for a fault; reprehension. Those best can bear reproof, who merit praise. “He that hateth reproof is brutish” (Prov. 12).

IT IS PROFITABLE FOR CORRECTION. (CORRECTION, n. L.) The act of correcting; the act of bringing back, from error or deviation, to a just standard, as to truth, rectitude, justice or propriety; as the correction of opinions or manners.

IT IS PROFITABLE FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. (INSTRUC’TION, n. L. instructio.) The act of teaching or informing the understanding in that of which it was before ignorant; information.

NOTE: Remember the illustration of the hand. If one holds an object with the thumb and one or two fingers, the grasp is weak, whereas when one holds an object with all of the fingers on the hand, the grip is much stronger. In our previous lesson we compared the five digits on the hand to five means of learning the word of God, they were: [1] HEAR; [2] READ; [3] STUDY; [4] MEMORIZE; and [5] MEDITATE. “¹ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psa. 1:1-2).

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER

As we studied the lesson on prayer, we determined that successful prayer is based, for the most part, on our attitude. John Maxwell, known for his role in developing leaders, made this statement: “All other things being equal, attitude makes the difference.” We used an acrostic to help develop the right attitude for prayer. ACTS

A stands for Adoration

C stands for Confession

T stands for Thanksgiving

S stands for Supplication

Adoration. Our first act in approaching God should be to acknowledge His Supremacy

Confession. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Ps 66:18

Thanksgiving. The sin of ingratitude is mentioned often in the Scripture; we should be careful not to be guilty in this area.

Supplication. SUPPLICA’TION, n. L. supplicatio.

1. Entreaty; humble and earnest prayer in worship. In all our supplications to the Father of mercies, let us remember a world lying in ignorance and wickedness.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEVERS COMING TOGETHER FOR FELLOWSHIP AND WORSHIP

As we studied the lesson on the Church, we learned that the Church of Jesus Christ is manifest in two ways: the Corporate Church, or, the Supernatural, and all inclusive‘body’ of Christ; and the local assembly, or visible group of believers in a given area. The Corporate Church- every individual who has received Christ, since His resurrection, are a part of the unique group known as the Church. The vast majority of this great membership is already in Heaven. “²² But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,” (Heb. 12:22-23).

The Local Assembly – is a group of individuals who profess regeneration through Christ’s work on the cross, who have been baptized, and who generally agree upon the basic teachings of the Scripture. By general consent they are self-governing, and self sufficient, and congregate for the purpose of mutual edification, and the furtherance of the gospel. The New Testament church recognizes only two ordinances; these two ordinances are baptism (by immersion in water), and the Lord’s Supper (sometimes referred to as Communion).

7. TRUSTING JESUS TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE

Probably the most important place that a believer can reach is the place where, by faith, he is totally reliant upon God. There is no quick-fix for our inherent unbelief. In our lesson we learned that [1] Jesus Christ is recognized throughout the Bible as Lord (even the demons acknowledged His lordship); [2] He has earned the right to direct our lives at immeasurable cost; [3] He desires to direct our life (I heard a missionary use this analogy one time. “Faith accepts that God loves us and wants the very best for us. God is omniscient, and therefore knows what is best for us. God is also omnipotent, and therefore is capable of doing whatever is necessary to achieve what is the very best for us.)

His direction can be experienced on a daily basis as we: [1] Recognize daily His right to direct our lives; [2] Confess our sins consistently and accept His promise to forgive us; [3] Trust Him completely as we allow Him to direct our lives in every area.

8. THE BELIEVERS RESPONSIBILITY TO WITNESS TO OTHERS

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me” (Isa. 43:10). This verse in Isaiah, in context, refers to Israel. He chose them to evangelize the world, to make known unto the gentiles the existence and nature of Jehovah. Sadly, they failed due to pride, racism, and a propensity for idolatry. In the New Testament age, the responsibility to act as God’s ambassadors falls upon the Church. This is where you and I come in. “¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:18-20).

A. THE CHRISTIAN HAS A DUTY TO WITNESS

Adoniram Judson made this statement: “Why should anyone have the privilege of hearing the gospel twice, until every one has heard it once?” The scripture tells us that the heavens declare the handiwork of God, and this statement is true. However, the revelation of God in nature is only sufficient to send the world to Hell; only through the gospel can a man come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

B. THE TWO MOST EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR A SOUL WINNER

Your personal account of what God has done in your own life. (Do not glorify, or glamorize sin!)

A working knowledge of the Bible. (You do not have to be a theologian, but you should memorize the Roman’s Road, and other key scriptures.)

C. KEYS TO AN EFFECTIVE TESTIMONY

Don’t make it too long and complicated. Remember the immortal words of Joe Friday, of Dragnet fame,“The facts, ma’am, just the facts.”

I cannot overemphasize: Do not be too graphic about your past! No one wants to be privy to your depravities, we all have our own to deal with!

Always be sure to give Christ the credit. I sometimes wonder just who is being glorified as I listen to testimonies.

IN CLOSING

I am aware that this is far from being an exhaustive treatment of the Christian’s responsibilities, but hopefully it will provide a foundation for you to build upon. May God richly bless your every effort on His behalf.

(First printing, May 2007; Revised, January 2008)