NEW BELIEVERS

BY IRENE MCGOUGH

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INDEX :

Page 3 THE GOSPEL IN A NUTSHELL

Page 6 THE GOOD NEWS

Page 8 BASIC STUDY ONE: YOU HAVE A NEW LIFE

Page 13 STUDY 2 - RELATING TO GOD

Page 16 HOW TO FIND A CHURCH

Page 20 A QUICK LOOK AT THE HOLY SPIRIT

Page 24 STUDY 3: WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD

Page 27 STUDY 4: WITNESSING

Page 32 WILL THE REAL JESUS PLEASE STAND UP?

Page 46 JESUS WANTS US TO BE RADICAL BELIEVERS

Page 47 JESUS WANTS US TO BEAR LOTS OF FRUIT

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

"Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (R). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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THE GOSPEL IN A NUTSHELL - God's love in action.

John 3:16.For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten b Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.(NKJ V).

Have you ever thought about why this verse is probably the best known Verse in the Bible among Christians? In this verse we have the Gospel message in a Nutshell. This verse is about God's love in action.

1) God is the source of that love. This verse shows the magnitude of God's love in action

2) God so loved the world: God's love isn't restricted to any one nation or to the spiritually elite.God's love extends to all men and women, boys and girls everywhere.There are no exceptions. God loves you.

3) he gave his only begotten Son:. This shows His sacrificial love.

Jesus the spotless, sinless Son of God died for us almost 2,000 years ago on the Cross of Calvary. God could not look upon sin. A sacrifice had to

be made so that our sins might be forgiven.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

We are all sinners and come short of the glory of God. We are all deserving of the wrath of God, but God in his infinite mercy sent his only Son to die for us and so secure our redemption. Isn't it wonderful. Praise the name of

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the Lord. Glory to his name.

This same Jesus who died on the Cross rose again on the third day.

Joh 2:22 Therefore when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

4) whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. That whoever or as the king James says whosoever means all of us. There is no need for anyone to perish. God has provided a way for all to be saved. But, we must first confess our sins and ask forgiveness of those sins and ask Jesus into our lives.

Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,

Salvation is through Christ and Christ alone. He has made our redemption, our salvation possible by dying for us on the cross of Calvary. What love is this? God's love in action.

If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour and you are reading this today we implore you give your life to Jesus today, he died for you, he paid the penalty for your sins, there is no need for you to perish.

Look at the verse once again. Let's replace a few words. Read those words out loud. o " For God so loved me that He gave His only begotten t Son, that if I believe in Him I shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Pray this prayer with me if the Lord is speaking to you today?

Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus down to die for me on Calvary's cross, thank you for your love for me, I know I am a sinner, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness and I want the Lord Jesus Christ to come into my life today. Thank you Lord Jesus for dying for

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me, I want to live my life for you. AMEN. If you have prayed that prayer you are now a Christian and you have the gift from God of eternal life. I would advise you to get in touch with a local Church where the Gospel is preached and speak to a Pastor or leader.

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THE GOOD NEWS

The word "Gospel" means "Good News." It is the good news about God's love for us, and the wonderful things He has done for us. Open your Bible or New Testament, and you will see some of the great things it says about the Gospel.

HOW TO FIND VERSES IN SCRIPTUREIn the front of your Bible or New Testament you will see an Index or Table of Contents listing all the various books. There are 66 books in total in the Bible. The Old Testament has 39 books and the New Testament has 27 books. Use this to find your way around the Bible. If you see a reference to Romans 8:1 It means, the book of Romans, chapter eight and verse One. Remember to pray for understanding whenever you read God's Word!

When you read scripture the Holy Spirit will help you to understand what you are reading.

1)What is the one word in John 3:16 that describes why God sent His Son for you and me?

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

Surely here we see that God sent Jesus to die for us because He loved us.

2) What was it that separated us all from God before we repented of our sins?

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NIV)

Sin separated us from God.

3a) What is the end result of sin? 3b) What is the gift that God offers?

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in

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Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Can you see that the wages of sin is death? The gift of God is eternal life.

4) Do you know with assurance that you are saved?

Joh 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—(NIV)

Rev 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. (NIV)

Make sure you know that you are saved, if not refer back to page 2.

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BASIC STUDY ONE: YOU HAVE A NEW LIFE When you opened your heart and by faith received Jesus into your life, you became a child of God.

Galatians 3:26 says: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." When you asked Jesus into your life you became a child of God and were adopted into His family. Let's look in the Bible to learn some things that will get you started on the right track.

2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

1. What does the above verse say has happened to you when you became a Christian?

Gal 2:20 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.

2. What does the above verse say about the life you now have?

Mat 18:3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

3. Jesus says that we must come as what to enter the kingdom of heaven. What?

1Pe 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

4. How are we described here and what is it we should seek?

2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

5. The above verse says that there is something that God wants to see us do. What is it?

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Babies grow up and eventually reach maturity. This applies not only to the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm as well. You will begin to understand and appreciate what it means to be "born again" when you see your life changing and becoming a new person.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

6. Who in the above verse is our helper?

John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

7. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth so how will He help you?

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

8. Who is the spirit not of this world, who will help us increase our understanding?

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Rom 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

9. Who does the above verse say helps us to pray and intercedes for us?

Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

10. Who does the above verse say empowers us?

We need to remember that babies are weak, and need nurturing. God knows this, and doesn't expect you to be a spiritual giant overnight. He has sent us a

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helper, to guide us, to help us gain in knowledge, to empower us for service and draw us closer to Himself.

God will begin to bring changes into your life. He does this because he loves you and knows the best kind of life for you to live. For us as believers to learn more of Him we must start getting into a pattern of Daily Bible Reading and Prayer. God will speak to us and make his Word an important part of our lives.

Mat 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

11. What should come first in our lives?

Put simply kingdom values are heavenly values affecting us here and now. He is a righteous God and we his children should seek with His help to become more like Him.

Luk 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

12. What three steps of change are mentioned by Jesus in the above verse?

Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

13a.What does the above verse say that we should not be?

13b.What does it say that we should be?

Phil 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

14. What is the writer confident of in the above verse?

All verses NIV

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Some Steps that will enable you to grow as a Christian

1. Read the Bible every day: The Bible is God’s Word written to man. When we read the Bible, we are nourishing ourselves, we can grow spiritually and learn more of who God is, what He has done and what His plans are for us.

(Psa 119:11 NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

(Psa 119:105 NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

2. Talk to God in prayer: You were created by God that you might have a relationship with him. You are a spiritual being, able to communicate and fellowship with Him. When you pray, you are not only verbalizing your needs and desires, but God will also speak to your heart to bring you comfort, assurance and direction.

(Rom 8:14 NIV) because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

(Rom 8:15 NIV) For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Prayer also includes praise and thanksgiving.

Psa 103:1 Praise the LORD , O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Communing with God also involves worship

(Psa 29:2 NIV) Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness

3. It is important for you to find a Church: When you attend church you can encourage other Christians as well as be encouraged by them.

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(1Pe 3:8 NIV) Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

God has raised up and gifted some to be pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry.

(Eph 4:11-12 NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

So when we attend church regularly, we are being trained up so that we can become more mature in our faith.

4. Share your faith with others - God wants to reach all people and he asks us to be his witnesses and testify to others about what He has done for us and share a little of what He can do for them. You don’t need to know an awful lot to be able to tell someone “Jesus loves You.” God wants to demonstrate His love to the world through us, His followers.

(Mat 28:18-20 NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[1] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus is telling the disciples and us as modern day disciples to share the Good News with others. It is our responsibility to take this to heart and to begin to share with others something of the wonderful love and hope that God has shown us.

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STUDY 2 - RELATING TO GODWe have to realize that the Christian life is not just about going to church and behaving differently towards people, or even a new way of thinking, but it is actually a whole new relationship with the living God. Because He first loved us He gave His Son for us to die for us. Because Jesus Christ died and rose again, shedding His blood as the once for all sacrifice for us we are now privileged to be able to communicate with, and get to know the almighty God! The key to this relationship is our believing that He is there, and that He does indeed love us.

(Heb 11:6 NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

1. What does this verse say we must have to please God?

(Rom 10:17 NIV) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

2. What do we base our faith on?

Fill the words in the spaces, it requires you to look at your Bible.

3. (2Co 5:7 NIV) We live by -------, not by-------.

The Lord would have us spend time talking to Him in prayer.

(Heb 4:16 NIV) Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

4. What does this verse tell us to do in our time of need?

(Act 4:24 NIV) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in

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prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.

5. What should we remember when we pray, see above verse?

(Php 4:6-7 NIV) 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.

6. What do these verses tell you?

(Mar 11:23 NIV) "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this----------, 'Go, throw yourself into the------,' and does -------- ---------- in his heart but ------------that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

(Mar 11:24 NIV) Therefore I tell you, ---------- ---------------- ---------for in prayer, ------------that you have -----------it, and it will be yours.

7. Fill in the blanks again in the above verses.

(Jas 4:3 NIV) When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

8. What can stop us receiving what we ask for?

(1Th 5:16 NIV) Be --------always;

(1Th 5:17 NIV) ---------continually;

(1Th 5:18 NIV) ---------- ---------- in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

9. Fill in the blanks above.

(Heb 10:35 NIV) So do not ------------away your-----------------; it will be richly rewarded.

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(Heb 10:36 NIV) You need to---------------- so that when you have done the ----------of God, you will------------- what he has-----------------.

10. Fill in the blanks above

Jesus wants to be our closest friend. He is not afar off and distant. He wants us to seek after Him.

Open your Bible at John chapter 15: 1-15 Read through this passage and with your Bible open answer the following questions.

a) What does He say to do in Verse 4?b) What will this bear? Verses 4-5c) Why do we need to abide in Him? Verse 5d) How does this affect answers to prayer? Verse 7e) What does He call us in verse 15?

When we abide in Him we manifest the fruit of the Spirit, memorize those verses below.

(Gal 5:22-23 NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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HOW TO FIND A CHURCH

This can be a hard decision to make particularly for new Christians. Here are some points to help you. Pray for the Lord’s guidance in this.Be sure the teaching and preaching in the church firmly based on the whole Bible only and its truths?

(2Ti 3:16 NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

(2Ti 3:17 NKJV) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

1) Does this church preach Jesus Christ and His bodily resurrection? Do they teach that there is only one God? Do they teach that salvation is by grace and that you are to confess Jesus as Lord? Do they teach that the Christian life is about relationship with Jesus? Do they believe the Holy Spirit is a person and an important part of the Godhead?

2) Is the church suitable for each member of your family? 3) Ask to read the church's "Statement of Faith." See if it aligns to our statement of faith at http://www.discipleofjesussite.com4) Do you believe you could go to one of the church's pastor with a problem or personal need? 5) Have you been made welcome by people in the church? 6) Are there opportunities provided to meet others in the church? 7) Do you sense that the people are honestly concerned about you as an individual? 8) Does the church seem interested in meeting other's needs, both spiritually and physically? 9) Do they reach out to the near by communities with the gospel of Jesus

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Christ? Do they have a strong missionary program? 10) Is the church geographically accessible to allow you to become as involved as you want to be? 11) Does the style of worship suit you?12) Do you see the fruit of the Spirit in the Christians in this church?

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

It may be that not all of these questions are of equal importance to each member of your family as you consider a church. However, a balance of teaching, fellowship and service are necessary for your healthy Christian growth. God has a church for you. You just have to search for which one.

Some signs of churches to stay away from or to approach very carefully - You don’t want a church that applies continuing pressure to become a member.

- As you search keep in mind that some "churches" that claim to be Christian really are not. There are too many that fall into this category to give a complete list. Two major one I know of are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) and The Watchtower Society (the Jehovah's Witnesses). There are many more, some very large, as the Mormons, some as small as one congregation.

- Do they teach the Trinitarian concept of God?

- Do they claim to be the only church/denomination that has the "truth," the only way to heaven? A true Christian church will not make such a claim.

- Be careful of terminology. Some groups, like the Mormons, use Christian terms, but have redefined the words to fit their non-Christian beliefs and teachings.

Visit a church a number of times before deciding to join and it may help to try out several different congregations.

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When you interview the pastor of a church you are interested in order to get answers to the above questions, also ask the following. As you discuss these issues look for how the Bible is used to support what is said.

- What is your testimony about how Jesus Christ has changed your life?

- Can a person be a pastor, or in other leadership positions, in this church and be involved in homosexuality or adultery or fornication or divorce or drunkenness or other public sins ? (1 Thess 5:22)

- What are the reasons that would cause a pastor, or others in top leadership, to lose their church job?

- Do you see the Bible as the inspired word of God ?

- How can we spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ?

(Joh 3:16 NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

(Rom 10:9 NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.(Rom 10:10 NKJV) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

- What is the role of good works in our salvation? (Eph 2:10; Phil 2:13; James 2:17-26)

(Eph 2:10 NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

(Php 2:13 NKJV) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

(Jas 2:17 NKJV) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.(Jas 2:18 NKJV) But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

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(Jas 2:19 NKJV) You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

(Jas 2:20 NKJV) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?(Jas 2:21 NKJV) Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?(Jas 2:22 NKJV) Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?(Jas 2:23 NKJV) And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.(Jas 2:24 NKJV) You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.(Jas 2:25 NKJV) Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?(Jas 2:26 NKJV) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

What is the gospel?

(1Co 15:1 NKJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,(1Co 15:2 NKJV) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.(1Co 15:3 NKJV) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,(1Co 15:4 NKJV) and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

You want a church that believes – you must have faith in Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. You want them to believe that you can only be saved by the grace of God

I would advise you also to seek a church that believes the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still in operation today.

(1Co 12:31 NKJV) But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a

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more excellent way.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE HOLY SPIRIT

Joh 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

The Holy Spirit is our helper

Joh 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

The Holy Spirit leads us into understanding more of the things of God.

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Rom 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and indeed He intercedes for us.

Joh 1:33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

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Jesus is the baptizer with the Holy Spirit.

Act 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

We can be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

The Holy Spirit is our empowerer

Act 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Someone can lay hands on you for you to receive the power of the Spirit

Act 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Jesus Himself laid aside the full power of His deity when He became the God Man and was anointed by the Holy Spirit prior to His Earthly Ministry

Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.

The Holy Spirit can fall upon men

Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

When the Spirit came upon men and women in the book of Acts in most cases we are told they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit .

Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in

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believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We as believers are part of the Kingdom of God, this world is not our home. The Holy Spirit helps us to live righteous lives. He gives us hope, peace and joy.

1Co 2:13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

The Holy Spirit gives us Godly Wisdom, He teaches us as we read the Word.

1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

All who have the holy Spirit indwelling them (all Christians) are no longer their own person, to do what they will but they are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

No- one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of promise. He has sealed believers.

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

We as believers are not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The Holy Spirit keeps us.

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Tit 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews us, He sanctifies us.

Heb 2:4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

The Holy Spirit gives gifts, signs wonders and miracles follow.

1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead.

Jud 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

We are to pray in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit builds us up as we do so.

(Act 2:42 NKJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

What are some activities that the early believers shared in Acts 2:42?

(Col 3:1 NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Name some actions that should be happening in your life now.

( Heb 10:25 NKJV) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

What should we not neglect?

(Joh 13:35 NKJV) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

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How can we show that we are Christ's disciples?

(1Jn 3:18 NKJV) My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

This verse says we should not just talk love. How should we love?

(Gal 6:10 NKJV) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Who should we especially do good to?

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STUDY 3 : WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD

(1Pe 2:9 NKJV) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;(1Pe 2:10 NKJV) who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1Pe 2:11 NKJV) Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

List the names that the Lord now calls us in verse 9.

Have we always been His people?

How are we described in this present world?

What are we to proclaim? (Verse 9)

When we meet with the other members of God's family that we interact with we call it "Fellowship." Our relationship with unbelievers has changed we are no longer to live as people who don’t know Jesus do. Sometimes particularly if your friends and yourself have been involved in taking drugs and/ or alcohol the Lord may want you to walk away from them for at least a time to stay out of the way of temptation. We are to proclaim God's message to the unsaved which is called witnessing .

FELLOWSHIP

The word fellowship means sharing something with another person in a deep way. We share in the life of God.

(1Jn 1:3 NKJV) that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

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We have fellowship with one another as Christians, but first and foremost we have fellowship with God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Now let’s take a look at a passage of Scripture.

(1Co 12:12 NKJV) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.(1Co 12:13 NKJV) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.(1Co 12:14 NKJV) For in fact the body is not one member but many.(1Co 12:15 NKJV) If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?(1Co 12:16 NKJV) And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?(1Co 12:17 NKJV) If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?(1Co 12:18 NKJV) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.(1Co 12:19 NKJV) And if they were all one member, where would the body be?(1Co 12:20 NKJV) But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.(1Co 12:21 NKJV) And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."(1Co 12:22 NKJV) No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.(1Co 12:23 NKJV) And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,(1Co 12:24 NKJV) but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,(1Co 12:25 NKJV) that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.(1Co 12:26 NKJV) And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.(1Co 12:27 NKJV) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

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Now answer those questions.

Whose body is it ? See verses 12,27

Are all the members the same? See verses 14,17

Who puts us in our place in the body? Verse 18

Are you needed in the body? See verses 21-26

Do you need the other members of the body? See verses 21,26

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STUDY - 4 WITNESSING

God sees people —as sinners:

1) by nature

Rom 3:10 As it is written:

"There is none righteous, no, not one;

2) by choice

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

3) by practice.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The truth of the Gospel Message is on trial today, many people are unbelievers, and God wants us to take the stand and give our testimony on behalf of Jesus. We should back this up with our lives. Then we will win people over to Christ.

(1Pe 3:15 NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

a) What does the above verse tell us we should we be always ready to do?

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(Mat 4:19 NIV) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

b) What does the above verse say we will become if we follow Him?

(Joh 1:40 NIV) Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.

(Joh 1:41 NIV) The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).

(Joh 1:42 NIV) And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).

c) What good example did Andrew give us in the above passage that we should follow?

(Mat 5:13 NIV) "You are the ----------of the earth. But if the -----------loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

(Mat 5:14 NIV) "You are the -----------of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

(Mat 5:15 NIV) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives ----------------------------in the house.

d) Fill in the blanks above

(Mat 5:16 NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

e) What will result from being a proper witness?

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(Mar 8:38 NIV) If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

f) How will the Lord respond if we deny Him?

(Jas 5:20 NIV) remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

g) The above verse mentions a goal that we should keep in mind as we are a witness. Put it in your own words.

Casual attitudes and blinded minds have lured some believers in Christ to overlook the desperate state of the lost: “The wages of sin is death”. Universalism or ultimate reconciliation are terms describing the erroneous belief of some that eventually even the eternally lost will be granted a reprieve from eternal judgment. But Paul said, “We judge thus; that if One died for all, then all died” 2 Corinthians 5:14. Because he saw the lost as God sees them, he said God’s love “constrained” him to world evangelism. All people everywhere need the gospel desperately and are lost without it. Looking carefully, into the Word of God will help us capture and retain the conviction that mankind needs the gospel.

(Joh 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(Joh 3:17 NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

(Joh 3:18 NIV) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

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The world here includes all mankind. God does not love men’s sins, but He loves people and is not willing that any should perish.God in His love gave His only begotten Son. God has no other Son like the Lord Jesus, His son who had been with Him from the beginning (John1:1, 14). It was an expression of His infinite love that He would be willing to give His one and only Son for sinners such as us. This does not mean that everyone is saved. We see in verse 18 that those who stay in unbelief are condemned. An individual must receive what Christ has done for him before God will give him eternal life. Therefore, the words are added, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish.” There is no need for anyone to perish. A way has been provided by which all might be saved, but a person must acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. When he does this, he has eternal life as a present possession. We must be born again.

Boreham says:"When the church comes to understand the love with which God loved the world, she will be restless and ill at ease, until all the great empires have been captured, until every coral island has been won."

The Lord has given us as believers a commission and wants us to respond to it.

(Mat 28:18 NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

(Mat 28:19 NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(Mat 28:20 NIV) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

(Mar 16:15 NIV) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

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(Mar 16:16 NIV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

(Mar 16:17 NIV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

(Mar 16:18 NIV) they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

So we need to take heed, it may be that right now your mission field is right on your door step, your neighbors, your work mates and your friends but we are called to be witnesses and even if you have no fancy words to say telling someone that Jesus loves them is not beyond you or just tell them your story and what Jesus means to you and ask the Lord to lead you to people and give you openings, don’t be pushy and try to witness in your own strength. Believer you have the Holy Spirit inside you and He will guide you and help you to witness to others.

God bless you and may you see many souls won for the Kingdom.

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WILL THE REAL JESUS PLEASE STAND UP?

NIV used throughout unless otherwise indicated.

You have to be good before Jesus loves you - False idea

You don’t have to be good for Jesus to love you – Correct

Jesus loves you whether you are an innocent child or a cold blooded murderer. The Bible tells us Jesus loves us for who we are and not because of the good we have done.

Rom 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1Jn 4:9-10 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1Jn 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Jesus cared about sinners and spent time with them

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He cared for the lost and spent time with them. This annoyed the Pharisees because they were religious and pious.

Mat 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

It is Satan not Jesus who came to kill, steal and destroy.

He wants to destroy you and the blessings that Christ has for you. Jesus desires to give you an abundant life.

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).AMP

God has great plans for you

He has your best interests in mind. He is the loving Father who has hopes and dreams for you to fulfill.

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jesus demonstrated His Father’s will on earth

Joh 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. NKJV

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Jesus healed the sick, delivered the oppressed and brought restoration to lives. Jesus delivered the oppressed. God does not want people to be oppressed by the devil so Jesus went about setting people free of oppression and disease and all that bound them.

Act 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Jesus healed the sick. Healing the sick was a major part of Jesus Ministry.

Luk 6:17-19 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Mat 9:35-36 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Mat 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Mat 4:24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Jesus took our sickness upon Himself.

He paid the price for our sickness. The scourging He took prior to the cross was for our sickness.

Isa 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

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Mat 8:16-17 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

1Pe 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

Scripture indicates that it is the will of God to heal us.

Jesus cast out demons.

Many deny the existence of demons today, but Jesus confronted demons head on and drove them out of people tormented by them. He set people free.

Mat 8:16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,

Mar 1:34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Mar 1:38-39 But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth." And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

Luk 6:17-19 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Mat 4:24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

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Mat 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Jesus is caring , loving and compassionate.

Jesus was moved with compassion for those who loved Lazarus.

Joh 11:33-35 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept.

Mat 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Mat 9:35-36 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people, But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

See how Jesus compassion moved him to provide for 4000 men plus woman and children

Mat 15:32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." …………………………………………………………

Mat 15:36-38 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Mar 1:41-42 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

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Luk 7:12-15 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.

As you can see out of compassion he healed the sick, freed the oppressed, fed the needy and even raised the dead. That is that God kind of love, the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Jesus wants you and I, to be free of burdens and free of condemnation.

He doesn’t want you burdened with guilt, he wants you free of condemnation.

Mat 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Joh 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Rom 8:33-34 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Jesus shed His blood to cleanse you from sin.

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Mat 26:27-28 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Heb 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus wants to exchange your sins for His righteousness.

Rom 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

Rom 3:22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

Php 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith

Jesus loves you and I more than He loves Himself.

When someone dies for you it means they value your life more than their own

Joh 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

God the Father loves us with the same love that He has for Jesus!

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Joh 17:23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Jesus is quick to forgive and to show mercy.

Luk 23:40-43 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Joh 8:3-11 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

Luk 7:47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

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Mat 9:2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you."

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever

Jesus hasn’t changed he still heals today, sets people free from bondage. He is the same today as He was 2,000 years ago and the reason we are not seeing healing and deliverance at the same level as 2,000 years ago is that believers have taken on board lies which satan himself has perpetuated to deceive us. Some believe we have to pray if it is his will to heal and some believe that healing is not for today.

But the Word of God says……

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Christians are sent out by Jesus to continue His work on earth.

Joh 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

Jesus gave believers a commission

Firstly look at this verse.

Joh 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

Then see how we are commissioned

Mar 16:15-18 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new

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tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Jesus wants us not only to believe upon Him to do the same works He did but to do greater than He did. Somehow I feel that most of the church through the ages has failed badly on this.

Mat 9:35-38 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Jesus was not afraid to confront wrong

Mar 11:15-17 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a "den of thieves."'

Mat 23:23-36 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, "If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not

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have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' "Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Jesus meant business when dealing with those who led His sheep astray, he did not take the soft option. But He also taught forgiveness see below.

Luk 17:1-4 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, "I repent,' you shall forgive him."

Jesus has taught us how to treat others

He taught us to love one another as He has loved us.

Joh 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Then He tells us that what we do unto others reflects that if we do good to them we are doing it unto Him.

Mat 25:34-45 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see

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You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' "Then they also will answer Him, saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'

Jesus warns us about causing others to stumble

Luk 17:1-4 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, "I repent,' you shall forgive him."

God is really saying that if someone messes with His children they are messing with Him!

Jesus prayed for those who would believe in this generation, He prayed for us.

Joh 17:20-26 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known

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You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

If you want to understand how much He loved us just take some time looking at this prayer.

Jesus is our High Priest

Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

He can sympathize with our weaknesses and meets us in our hour of need.

Heb 7:24-28 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

He is a spotless, sinless, perfect Priest who offered a once for all sacrifice for our sins. This High Priest sits at His Father’s right hand constantly interceding for us.

Jesus is the bridegroom and the church are His bride.

Rev 19:6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

"Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

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Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad

and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come,

and his bride has made herself ready.

Rev 19:8 Fine linen, bright and clean,

was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

Rev 19:9 Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."

Rev 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

The church are the bride who need to prepare for the bridegroom coming. Jesus is the Lamb our bridegroom. Hallelujah he is coming back for all those who know Him as Lord and Saviour. Meantime we need to get our hearts right.

Rev 22:17-21 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.

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JESUS WANTS US TO BE RADICAL BELIEVERS

Mar 8:34-38 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

The above verses are about making a stand for Jesus and withstanding persecution.

Mat 5:10-16 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Mat 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

1Jn 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

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JESUS WANTS US TO BEAR LOTS OF FRUIT

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Joh 14:11-12 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

We are designed to be radical empowered believers for Jesus did not leave us alone we have the Holy Spirit to empower us for service. Praise the Lord!

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

Joh 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Joh 16:9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

Joh 16:10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

Joh 16:11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Joh 16:12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

Joh 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Joh 16:14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

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Joh 16:15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Now that you have completed this course please be sure to read your Bible and pray daily and find a good Bible Believing church and attend regularly.

See also our site for more info at http://www.discipleofjesussite.com

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FURTHER RESOURCES for New Believers

http://www.cell-ideas.co.uk/cell-introduction.html

This is a course designed originally for new believers in a cell church but it is designed for personal home study and from what we can see it looks excellent.

Also see link below a 100 Bible study more in depth version

http://www.cell-ideas.co.uk/documents/cell-pack.rtf

Copyright DISCIPLES OF JESUS MINISTRY © 2008

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