To the Nova ChurchEXPLORING MEMBERSHIP Group

This 4 week class is designed to introduce participants to:

1.Biblical Discipleship – 2 weeks

2.Nova Church Membership – 2 weeks

Following Jesus

is more than an intellectual decision; Repentance = change of direction Acts 3:19 Confession = acknowledging our need John 15:5 Submission = yielding to God James 4:7 Availability = glorifying God Matthew 5:13-16

is difficult; Matthew 7:13-14

is about getting to know God better and becoming more like Jesus; I John 2:5-6; Phil. 2:5-8

Following Jesus

A great definition of a “Disciple” is someone who lives as Jesus lived, loves what Jesus loved, and leaves behind what Jesus left behind;

Following Jesus is about recognizing God’s ownership of all that we are and have AND making it available to use for His glory;

Relationship is Key

Our relationship with Jesus makes us “children of God.” Therefore, the commands of Christ come from a loving Father Who always knows what is best for us;

His commands are never burdensome: I John 5:3; Matthew 11:28-30

What does the “Narrow Gate” mean?

You can’t bring anything in. Anything you have in heaven must be sent on ahead. Matthew 6:19-21

You can’t get in with anyone else. Romans 3:10, 23

You have to be on the list. Luke 10:20; Rev. 13:8; 20:11-15; 21:27

What Happens When We Surrender to Christ?

Our past sins are forgiven; I John 1:9

We become “Children of God;” John 1:12

We receive Eternal Life; John 3:16;

We become home to the Holy Spirit; Romans 8:16

What Didn’t Happen When We Surrendered to Christ?

We didn’t lose the “bent toward sin;” Romans 7:13-25

As long as we live here, there will be a war within our souls between the “sin nature” and the “nature of Christ;”

The winner of those battles is determined by our spiritual discipline or lack thereof;

Who IS the Holy Spirit?

• He IS God!

• He IS the Creator! Genesis 1:2

• He IS the One Who brings conviction about sin, righteousness, & judgment! John 16:8ff

Who IS the Holy Spirit?

• He IS the Spirit of Truth! John 14:16-17

• He IS the Teacher! John 14:26

• He ALWAYS bears witness to Jesus! John 16:13-14

What does the Holy Spirit do?

• He IS the Spirit of Truth! John 14:16-17

• He IS the Teacher! John 14:26

• He ALWAYS bears witness to Jesus! John 16:13-14

• He inspires joyful, celebrative worship; Acts 2:42, 46-47

What does the Holy Spirit do?

• He protects, provides, & prospers the faithful for the mission the Father has given His Church; Romans 12:6; John 14:26

His Relationship with Us

• We are . . .• To live by the Spirit Galatians 5:25

• the dwelling place of the Spirit I Corinthians 6:19

• sealed by the Spirit Ephesians 1:13-14

• given the down payment of the Spirit 2 Cor. 5:5

• to be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:13

• to display the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23

• to discover, develop, & employ our gift(s) of the Spirit I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-13