**Leader Guide** Foundations - 201

Transcription

1 **Leader Guide** We exist to worship the living God, to make disciples and to build bridges into the Chapin community and the world. Foundations Chapin Presbyterian Church 600 Old Lexington Hwy Chapin, SC

2 *Special thanks to Assistant Pastor Jack Carmody for writing/compiling this material. Thanks to Carrie Carmody, Debbie Doster, Allen Jones, Jackie Linder, Dan Ratchford, Josh Vahle, and Diana Smith for their assistance as well. ** All scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Updated

3 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. - John 15:8 Dear Chapin Presbyterian Family, Welcome to the first course of our new discipleship curriculum! I hope you find this study exciting and challenging in your walk with Jesus Christ. Our church is committed to helping our people grow. We want to see them grow from converts (baby Christians) to disciple (maturing Christians) to makers of disciples (influencing Christians). Or course, discipleship is more than just a course it is a lifestyle, a decision to follow Christ and allow the Spirit of God to change you. That being said, a course like this one will help equip you in the foundations of the faith. The Vision of Chapin Presbyterian Church is: We exist to worship the living God, to make disciples and to build bridges into the Chapin community and the world. In short, our vision is COME, GROW, and GO. May God richly bless you as you work your way through this study! Pastor Dan September

4 Contents Session Prayer Session Private Worship Session Corporate Worship Session The Great Commission Session Writing a Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Session God's Design for His People Session God's Design for Community Session God's Design for Family Session God's Design for Conflict Resolution 4

5 Session 1 Prayer 5

6 Session One Prayer Goals of the Lesson Evaluate your own prayer life. Look at different components to prayer. Develop a prayer plan that works for you. Where is your prayer life? For Starters Read Quote by John Piper Unless I m badly mistaken, one of the main reasons so many of God s children don t have a significant life of prayer is not so much that we don t want to, but that we don t plan to. If you want to take a fourweek vacation, you don t just get up one summer morning and say, Hey, let s go today! You won t have anything ready. You won t know where to go. Nothing has been planned. But that is how many of us treat prayer. We get up day after day and realize that significant times of prayer should be a part of our life, but nothing s ever ready. We don t know where to go. Nothing has been planned There is a race to be run and a fight to be fought. If you want renewal in your life of prayer, you must plan to see it. 1 Discuss 1. What is your reaction to this quote? In principle, do you agree? [No right or wrong here but this quote will nail most of us... we want to have a vibrant prayer life but we often we don't plan well and thus we fail.] 2. Evaluate your own prayer life. Are you satisfied with it? Why or why not? How could you benefit from a more planned approach that this article suggests? [Be open and honest here about your struggles. We just want to get people thinking about their own prayer life... which many people would say is inadequate.] Key Concept We need to be constantly evaluating our prayer life. Very few of us will have a vibrant prayer life if we do not plan. 1 John Piper, Desiring God, Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1996,

7 Session One Prayer What does prayer look like? For many, our prayer time focuses on praying for people, mainly those who are sick. Clearly, we should pray for healing/comfort for those who are hurting but praying for the sick is just one area of prayer amongst many. These prayers are known as prayers of "supplication," where we make our requests known to God. The Bible identifies at least five different categories of prayer. These areas have commonly been formulated into the acronym A-C-T-S: Adoration Prayers that praise God for who he is Confession Prayers where we confess our sins Thanksgiving Prayers thanking God for what he has done Supplication Prayers that lift up our prayer requests Let's spend some time looking at each of these areas and think about how the Lord could use them to enrich our prayer time. These are just some ideas as to how you can pray. After each section ask/discuss these questions: Discuss 1. Why is it good to pray this way? [No right or wrong here. More than likely the thought of praying through some of these areas will be new for some, but hopefully at the least convicting to others.] 2. What impact can praying this way have on the way you see God? Yourself? [Generally we get a fuller sense of who God is and a more realistic sense of who we are when we pray through ACTS. God is God and we are not!] 7

8 Session One Prayer Adoration Thirty Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God 2 Use the following list of God s names and attributes to guide your time set apart with Him. Read and pray through the daily description about God and the accompanying passage. God is Jehovah. The name of independent being I AM WHO I AM only belongs to Jehovah God. As we consider His greatness, we fall down in fear and awe of this One who possesses all authority. Exodus 3:13-15 God is Jehovah-M Kaddesh. This name means the God who sanctifies. A God separate from all that is evil requires that the people who follow Him be cleansed from all evil. Leviticus 20:7-8 God is infinite. We cannot speak of measure, amount, size, or weight and at the same time be speaking of God, for He is beyond measurement. God has no beginning, no end, and no limits. Romans 11:33 God is omnipotent. God has power. Since God is also infinite, whatever He has must be without limit; therefore, God has limitless power. Jeremiah 32:17-18 God is good. The goodness of God is what disposes Him to be kind, benevolent, and full of good will toward all creation. Psalm 119:65-72 God is love. God s love is so great that He gave His only Son to bring us into fellowship with Him. God s love encompasses the world, and embraces each of us personally and intimately. 1 John 4:7-10 God is Jehovah-jireh. This name means the God who provides. Just as He provided yesterday, He will provide tomorrow. He grants deliverance from sin, the oil of joy for the ashes of sorrow, and eternal citizenship in His Kingdom. Genesis 22:9-14 God is Jehovah-shalom. This name means the God of peace. God could never give to others a peace that exceeds understanding if He Himself were not perfect, unfailing peace. Judges 6: Copyright 2007 The Navigators 8

9 Session One Prayer God is immutable. All that God is, He has always been. All that He has been and is, He will ever be. He cannot change because He is perfect and will remain perfect. Psalm 102:25-28 God is transcendent. We must not think of God as highest in an order of beings. This would be to grant Him eminence, even pre-eminence, but this is not enough. He is transcendent existing beyond the created universe. Psalm 113:4,5 God is just. God rules with absolute justice. Not fooled by appearances, God is fair, equitable, and impartial in all of His judgments. Psalm 75:1-7 God is holy. God s holiness is not simply the best we know made infinitely better. God is absolutely untainted. His holiness stands apart unique and incomprehensible. Revelation 4:8-11 God is Jehovah-rophe. Means Jehovah heals. God alone has the remedy for the healing of mankind. The Gospel is concerned with the physical, moral, and spiritual healing of all people. Exodus 15:22-26 God is self-sufficient. He is the One who contains all, who gives all that is given, but who Himself can receive nothing that He has not first given. Acts 17:24-28 God is omniscient. God knows all that can be known. His knowledge includes every possible thing that exists, has ever existed, or will ever exist. Psalm 139:1-6 God is omnipresent. God is everywhere close to everything, next to everyone. Do not I fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. Psalm 139:7-12 God is merciful. God s compassion is infinite and inexhaustible. In the mercy of His provision in Christ, He took upon Himself the judgment that was due us. He waits and works now for all people everywhere to turn to Him, not wanting any to be lost. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 God is sovereign. God is in control of our lives. His sovereignty is the attribute by which He rules His entire creation. To be sovereign, God must be all-knowing and all-powerful. 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 God is Jehovah-nissi. This name means God our banner. We may go from 9

10 Session One Prayer triumph to triumph and say, Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). Exodus 17:8-15 God is wise. All God s acts are done in infinite wisdom. He always acts for our good, which is to conform us to Christ. Our good and His glory are inextricably bound together. Proverbs 3:19,20 God is faithful. Our hope for the future rests upon God s faithfulness. Because He is faithful, His covenants will stand and His promises will be honored. Psalm 89:1-8 God is wrathful. God s wrath is never capricious, self-indulgent, or irritable, as human anger often is. Instead, it is a right and necessary reaction to objective moral evil. Nahum 1:2-8 God is full of grace. Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines Him to grant merit where it is undeserved and to forgive debt that cannot be repaid. Ephesians 1:5-8 God is our Comforter. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter. Paul writes that the Lord is the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 God is El-Shaddai. This name means God Almighty. It is best understood as God who is all-sufficient and all-bountiful the source of all blessings, fullness, and fruitfulness. Genesis 49:22-26 God is Father. The Creator of the universe cares for each one of us as if we are the only child He has. Jesus taught us to pray, Our Father (Matthew 6:9). The Spirit of God taught us to cry, Abba, Father, as in the intimacy of the family. Romans 8:15-17 God is the Church s head. God the Son, Jesus, is the head of the Church. The head as the part of the body that sees, hears, thinks, and decides gives the orders that the rest of the body lives by. Ephesians 1:22,23 God is our intercessor. Knowing our temptations, God the Son intercedes for us. He opens the doors for us to boldly ask Him for mercy. Thus, God is both the starting point and ending point of true prayer. Hebrews 4:

11 Session One Prayer God is Adonai. This name means Master or Lord. God as Adonai calls all God s people to acknowledge themselves as His servants, recognizing His right to command them as the Lord of their lives. 2 Samuel 7:18-20 God is Elohim. This name means Strength or Power. He is transcendent, mighty, and strong. Elohim is the great name of God, signifying supreme power, sovereignty, and a covenant relationship that He is ever faithful to keep. Genesis 17:7,8 11

12 Session One Prayer Confession God calls us to confess our sin - both known and unknown. Unlike some traditions, we believe that once we have accepted Christ, our sins are forgiven. Thus, confessing our sins has no bearing on our salvation. However, by confessing we grow in our appreciation for our Savior. Searching our hearts also allows us to bring hidden sins to light (Psalm 139:23-24). Use these questions to help guide your time of confession. 1. Matthew 6:12, Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge? Anyone you haven't forgiven? Anyone you hate? Are you harboring bitterness or jealousy against anyone? Is there anyone you dislike to hear praised? 2. Matthew 6:33. Is there any area in your life where you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made with reference to your own desires rather than God's? 3. Mark 16:35. Have you failed to seek the lost for Christ? Have you failed to witness with your mouth/actions? 4. Acts 20:35. Have you robbed God by withholding His due time, talents, or money? Have you been selfish with your finances? 5. 1 Corinthians 6: Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you get enough sleep and exercise? Do you eat right? Do you have any habits that defile the body? 6. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Have you taken credit for something rather than give the glory to God? 7. Ephesians 3:20. Is something keeping you from serving the Lord? Praying for Him to do something great? 8. Ephesians 4:28. Have you been lazy at work? Have you been careless paying a debt? Do you waste your time and the time of others? 9. Ephesians 5:16. Do you watch TV/movies that are unedifying? Do you look at websites that are inappropriate? 12

13 Session One Prayer 10. Ephesians 5:20. Have you neglected to thank God for all things? Is your heart more grateful/content or discontent/critical? 11. Philippians 2:14. Do you gossip? Do you speak unkindly about someone when they are not present? Do you look down on people who are different than you? 12. Philippians 1:21. Are you taken up with the cares of this life? Are your conversations over "things" rather than the Lord? 13. Colossians 3:9. Do you engage in empty or unprofitable conversations? Do you ever lie? Exaggerate? Timothy 2:22. Do you allow impure thoughts to enter your mind? Do you have lust in your heart towards someone from the opposite sex? 15. Hebrews 10:25. Have you been a faithfully attending Sunday worship? Are you involved in a Sunday school class or Bible study? 16. Romans 13:1. Do you submit to authorities God has put over you (family, church, government)? Do you have a teachable spirit? Are you humble and quick to listen? 17. Matthew 6:1-4. Do you go to church, read your Bible, pray, etc. from a heart of love, gratitude, and joy, or from a heart of duty, guilt, fear, or pride? 13

14 Session One Prayer Thanksgiving 3 The verses below are just some ideas of things we can thank God for in general. Obviously you want to thank God for how he has worked uniquely in your life as well. God's righteousness and holiness - Psalm 7:17, 30:4, 48:10, 71:16, 24, 99:3 All God's marvelous works - Psalm 9:1, 66:3-7, 71:16-17, 72:18, 92:4-6, 105:5, 111:2-4 Your body - Psalm 139:14-16 God's guidance and instruction to you - Psalm 16:7, 48:14, 71:17 The hope God has given you - Psalm 16:9 Salvation - Psalm 16:9-11, 71:23, 92:1, 96:2 The joy God gives you in His presence - Psalm 16:11 God is great and worthy of praise - Psalm 18:3, 48:1, 96:4, 145:3 When you were in trouble, God heard your cries for help - Psalm 18:6, 22:24 Deliverance - Psalm 18:49, 54:7, 68:20 Mercy and kindness - 117:2, Psalm 18:49, 31:21, 57:10, 86:13, 100:5, 106:1, 108:4, 145:8-9 For not staying angry with us and not giving up on us - Psalm 30:5 God's blessings and benefits - Psalm 68:19 God's laws and commands - Psalm 19:7-8, 48:11, 112:1 3 List taken from (accessed ) 14

15 Session One Prayer God's judgments and the warning they have provided to you - Psalm 19:9-11, 119:7, 119:164 God's power - Psalm 21:13, 29:3-10 Faithfulness - 71:22 For the strength and confidence God gives you - Psalm 27:1-6, 28:7-8, 29:11, 56:4, 11, 138:3 For listening to your prayers - Psalm 28:6, 66:20, 116:1-2 God's Word - Psalm 56:4, 56:10 For being truthful - Psalm 33:2, 57:10, 117:2 15

16 Session One Prayer Supplication As you think about presenting your requests before God, here are a few categories of things we can be praying for. Anything you would add? People Friends Family Co-workers Teammates Missionaries Church Leaders Other believers Campus Ministers Chaplains Yourself Non-Christian friends Things to pray for people Marriage Parenting Job Ministry Strength Perseverance Joy Peace Patience Self control Boldness Temptation Groups Other Countries Schools Local church Government The lost Specific people on your heart Global Issues Abortion Sex trafficking Prostitution Poverty Injustice Miscellaneous Prayer requests Lord's prayer 16

17 Session One Prayer Developing a Prayer Plan Thinking about the different elements/facets of the ACTS prayer can be overwhelming! It is very natural to think, "How can I possibly pray for all these things!?" This feeling can sometimes discourage us from praying at all! A prayer plan is a great tool to use as a way to structure your prayer life. The basic idea is that rather than pray for EVERYTHING EVERYDAY, you pray for different things each day. For example, a good way to structure your prayer life given the resources above might be: Adoration - Use the "30 Days" list and pray through one each day Confession - Take one or two questions each day Thanksgiving - Give thanks for some of the topics listed each day Supplication - Pick one or two things or categories to pray through per day Using this structure you can pray through ACTS each day while not feeling overwhelmed. Use the blank "Prayer Plan" to reflect on how your might structure your plan. 17

18 Session One Prayer Wrapping Up Takeaways Have you been convicted about your prayer life through this lesson? If so, how? What are one or two things about prayer you can apply to your own prayer life? For Further Study Read the article "The Prayer of Faith" by Sinclair Ferguson Listen to the message "How to Pray" by Tim Keller mp3 Read the book "The Heart of Prayer"Jerram Barrs For Next Time We will be trying several ideas together as we look at the topic of "Private worship." NOTES: 18

19 Session 2 Private Worship 19

20 Session One Private Worship Goals of the Lesson Define worship. Discuss the various elements of private worship. Practice private worship. What is worship? For Starters These next few sessions we will be discussing the topic of worship. Take a few minutes and brainstorm some words/ideas that come to mind when you think about the word "worship:" Read Louie Giglio's definition: Worship is our response, both personal and corporate, to God for who He is, and what He has done; expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live. Discuss 1. According to Giglio, what is worship? [Worship is not limited to Sunday mornings, it is nothing less than everything we do. It is all of life.] 2. Why do we worship? [We worship as a response to who God is and what he was done.] 3. Do you agree with this definition? Is it different than how you might have defined it? [All of us are tempted to find our identity somewhere be honest with your struggles.] 20

21 Session Two Private Worship Optional Activity Look through the following verses and come up with your own definition of worship: Romans 12:1-2 John 4:22-24 Psalm 105:1-5 Hebrews 13:15-17 James 1:26-27 Micah 6:6-8 Hebrews 10:10-25 Revelation 4:8-11 Mark 12:29-32 Definition: If worship is indeed more than what we do on Sunday mornings, there are, there are huge ramifications. When we worship we are giving our whole lives up as a sacrifice to God. We might say there are three components to worship: Corporate Worship - Gathered worship on Sunday mornings. We will look at this concept next session. Personal Worship - See "Session Five - Who is Lord?" in Foundations 101. Private Worship - Our personal devotional life (which we will discuss this session). The rest of this session is devoted to the concept of private worship. As important as our private devotional time is, we must keep in mind that that it is simply one aspect of worship. Key Concept According to John Frame, "It is true... to say that all of life is worship. This is not to deny the importance, indeed the necessity, of attending church meetings (Heb. 10:25). But our Lord wants us to live in such a way that everything we do brings him praise." 4 4 John Frame, Worship in Spirit and in Truth, 10 21

22 Session Two Private Worship Time Alone with God Private worship is simply "time alone with God." If the goal of the Christian life is to be "conformed to the image of Christ" (Romans 8:29), then it follows that we should set aside regular time to be alone with Christ. One of the most important aspects to this time is being able to block outside distractions (cell phone, TV, music) so that we have an audience of One. There is no one "right way" to have time alone with God. Here are some of the various elements that it could include: Prayer (silent or out loud) Prayer walks Journaling Meditation Bible Reading Scripture Memory Singing Reading a devotional book Listening to a sermon To get started, we are proposing you set aside 20 minutes. Your time alone with God can obviously be longer (or shorter) but 20 minutes is a good place to start. Here is a guide to structure your time: 1. Pray that God would bless your time (2 minutes) 2. Bible reading/study (8 minutes) 3. Pray through the A-C-T-S prayer. (8 minutes) 4. Write out Scripture memory verse (2 minutes) In the next section you are encouraged to put these concepts into practice! 22

23 Session Two Private Worship Having Private Worship Pray Lord I pray that you would meet me here as I worship you. Bless my time in your word. May it lead me to a deeper love for You and Your Son Jesus. Reveal Your truth to me and may You work it into my life in a powerful way. In Christ's name I pray, Amen. Read Philippians 1:1-6 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Observation (What does it say?) Interpretation (What does it mean?) 23

24 Session Two Private Worship Application (How does it apply to me?) Pray (ACTS - taken from previous session) Adoration God is Jehovah. The name of independent being I AM WHO I AM only belongs to Jehovah God. As we consider His greatness, we fall down in fear and awe of this One who possesses all authority. Exodus 3:13-15 God is Jehovah-M Kaddesh. This name means the God who sanctifies. A God separate from all that is evil requires that the people who follow Him be cleansed from all evil. Leviticus 20:7-8 Confession Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge? Anyone you haven't forgiven? Anyone you hate? Are you harboring bitterness or jealousy against anyone? Is there anyone you dislike to hear praised? Matthew 6:12, Is there any area in your life where you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made with reference to your own desires rather than God's? Matthew 6:33 Thanksgiving God's righteousness and holiness - Psalm 7:17, 30:4, 48:10, 71:16, 24, 99:3 All God's marvelous works - Psalm 9:1, 66:3-7, 71:16-17, 72:18, 92:4-6, 105:5, 111:2-4 Supplication Groups Other Countries Schools Local church Government Global Issues Abortion Sex trafficking Prostitution Poverty 24

25 Session Two Private Worship Wrapping Up Takeaways What are one or two things you have taken away from this session? For Further Study -Devotional Book Ideas "The Passion of Jesus Christ" by John Piper Fifty devotionals on why Christ had to die. "Devotional Classics" Edited by Richard Foster and James Smith Devotionals from people from church history. My Upmost Highest by Oswald Chambers Daily devotionals. Free online Ligonier Ministries (RC Sproul) For Next Time Pay close attention to the different elements of our Sunday morning worship service. We will discuss corporate worship next time. NOTES: 25

26 Session Three Corporate Worship 26

27 Session Three Corporate Worship Goals of the Lesson Remind us that worship is for God, not ourselves. Explain how Christ is central to worship. Understand the Regulative Principle and how it guides our worship. Who is worship for? For Starters Read Quote by John Frame Worship is honoring someone superior to ourselves. It is therefore not pleasing ourselves, but pleasing someone else. Immediately the question "How can worship be made better?" has a focus: better not primarily for ourselves, but better for the One we seek to honor. It may be that worship that is better for Him will also be better for us. But our first concern must be to please Him; any benefits for us will be secondary. 5 Discuss 1. According to Frame, who is worship for? Who is it not for? Why do you think this is the case? [Worship is about pleasing God, not ourselves. It is not to "benefit" us; it is to honor God.] 2. Is this the attitude you bring to corporate worship on Sunday morning? Explain. [Just be honest here with what your attitude is. Try to allow people to talk openly without feeling judged.] 3. Say John leaves church X over the issue of music style. His attitude is, "I just don't get anything out of [insert worship style here]." Assuming church X is not doing anything sinful in worship, evaluate that statement in light of the above quote. [His attitude is that worship is for himself. Church X does not meet his personal preferences so he wants to leave. Our attitude should be the opposite of John's. We worship to please God, not ourselves.] 5 John Frame, Worship in Spirit and in Truth, 2. 27

28 Session Three Corporate Worship 4. If everyone had the attitude that worship is meant to please God, how would that change the spirit of our worship service? [No right or wrong here but we would be more genuine in our worship. We would also be less critical of the pastor, musicians, etc. The focus would be on God not ourselves.] Optional Activity 6 An emotional experience on Sunday morning may not always correlate to true worship. Our emotions can be very self-centered. Evaluate each of these statements and think about how you relate (or not relate): Nostalgia. Some people are moved to tears by listening to "The Old Rugged Cross" and others by "The Wind Beneath My Wings." But those feelings are not necessarily worship. They could also be merely a sentimental connection; the song reminds people of a warm memory. This is one reason why people will say, "I can't worship if I don't sit in my pew," or "I can't worship because you rearranged the furniture," or "I can't worship if I don't know the hymns." That's nostalgia, a fond sentiment that people often need because everything else in life is changing. But that feeling isn't worship, and there is no resulting impact on their whole lives. Conscience clearing. Some people feel guilty because they haven't gone to church for a while, or they haven't been praying, or whatever. So because they're in church, singing a hymn and putting something in the offering plate, they feel better. Their consciences are clear. Perhaps that feeling is better than the sentimental feeling, but it's not worship. Aesthetic experiences. Other people may have only an aesthetic experience, which is still not worship. Even people hostile to the gospel can weep while listening to Handel's Messiah. C. S. Lewis said that his imagination was baptized when he was still an atheist because of excellent Christian art. Key Concept Worship is honoring God, not pleasing man. When we worship God, our own desires and preferences are not primary. 6 Taken from an article entitled "Worship Worthy of the Name" by Tim Keller. 28

29 Session Three Corporate Worship Christ-Centered Worship Before we take a look at the elements of worship prescribed by God, we need to see one more foundational aspect of worship. Worship is something many of us take for granted. However, entering the Lord's presence is not something we should take lightly. Read Quote from Mark Dalbey 7 Once Adam and Eve fell into rebellion and sin and were driven from the garden of Eden, sinful people could only approach a holy God through an atoning sacrifice that made provision for the forgiveness of sin by this same gracious God. This principle is at the heart of what we often call gospel-centered worship that is, worship that gives central place to the good news that, through God s gracious provision of an atoning sacrifice, sinners are forgiven and restored to fellowship with the true and living God. Discuss 1. Can we approach God through our own merits? Why or why not? [We cannot approach a holy God apart from Christ because we are sinners. Apart from God's intervention we would remain banished from God's presence.] 2. How does God make worship possible? See Hebrews 10: [God makes worship possible by sending Jesus as an atoning sacrifice. For Christians, Christ has taken upon himself God's wrath for sin and made a restored relationship with God possible.] 3. If worship is indeed only possible through Christ, what should that do in terms of our attitude towards worship? [We should see worship as a privilege and an honor. Understanding what God had to do to save us should move us to worship in all areas of life.] Key Concept Worship is a privilege. As sinners, we are not worthy to enter God's presence. It is only through Christ's work that worship is possible. 7 Mark Dalbey, "Gospel Centered Worship and the Regulative Principle" 29

30 Session Three Corporate Worship Regulative Principle Worship is our response to God's grace in our lives. As such, God has the right to regulate and prescribe how He is to be worshiped. In fact, God makes a very sharp distinction between true and false worship. Read Leviticus 10:1-3 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.'" So Aaron, therefore, kept silent. Discuss 1. This is a complex passage but in essence what is going on in terms of worship? [Nadab and Abihu attempt to worship in a way that the Lord had not prescribed. As a result they were consumed by fire. NOTE: God's reaction here is by no means normative for us today but there is still a powerful principle at play.] 2. Does it surprise you how seriously God takes His own worship? Do you think God is being "knit picky" here or does He have a right to declare how He will be worshiped (see Isaiah 29:13)? [We just want people to get people thinking and be honest with their feelings. You can also think about this idea in terms of personal worship with our lives. God gives us rules to govern our life. If we want to honor God with our lives we should not steal, because God has made that a rule. The same holds for corporate worship.] 30

31 Session Three Corporate Worship The Presbyterian/Reformed tradition strives to hold to Biblical worship. They have labeled this concept "the Regulative Principle." Simply stated, the regulative principle says that scripture dictates what practices are valid for worship. Frame writes, "Whatever scripture does not command is forbidden... scripture must positively require a practice, if that practice is to be suitable for the worship of God." 8 Traditionally the list is as follows: Greetings and benedictions (Numbers 6:24-27, Romans 1:7) Prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Acts 2:42) Scripture Reading (Luke 4:17-19, Deuteronomy 31:9-13) Preaching the Word of God (Act 20:7, 2 Tim. 4:2) Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16 and Eph. 5:19) Offerings (Philippians 4:18, Galatians 2:10) Celebration of the sacraments (1 Cor. 11:23 26) Confessions of faith (1 Timothy 6:12-13, Luke 12:8) Discuss 1. How does the Regulative Principle free us to worship? Does it constrain us? [The RP may seem constraining. However, it gives us freedom to work within the bounds of the elements above. It says we must pray but does not specify how. We should sings songs, but it does not specify style. We should observe communion, but how often is left up to us.] 2. What do you think of this list? Is there anything you would add? Take away? [You do not have to hold to this principle to be a member of CPC! Encourage people to be honest with their thoughts but drive them to scripture.] 8 Frame, Spirit and in Truth,

32 Session Three Corporate Worship Optional Activity You are the pastor. Evaluate these scenarios based on the Regulative Principle. Are any of these appropriate for worship? Interpretive dance during the service. Watch the movie "Passion of the Christ" in lieu of a normal service. A skit. A praise band that wants to use pyrotechnics and a smoke machine during worship. Rather than the normal worship service, the choir wants to sing for the full hour. Key Concept God governs worship just as He does all of life. The Regulative Principle states we should let God's word revealed through scripture dictate how we worship corporately. 32

33 Session Three Corporate Worship Wrapping Up Takeaways What are one or two things you have taken away from this session? For Further Study Read the article Gospel Centered Worship and the Regulative Principle" by Mark Dalbey Centered%20Worship%20_Dalbey_.pdf Listen to the "Worship Teaching Series " by RC Sproul For Next Time We will continue to idea of worship into our next session on the "Great Commission." NOTES: 33

34 Session Four The Great Commission 34

35 Session Four The Great Commission Goals of the Lesson Briefly outline what the Great Commission entails. Understand why the Great Commission exists. Prayerfully consider how you can take part in the Great Commission. What is the Great Commission? Brainstorm and make a list of the things that come to your mind when you hear the word "Great Commission" or "missions." Do they overlap? Matthew 28:18-20 has been aptly labeled "the Great Commission." Let's take a look at the passage and see generally what the message is: Read - Matthew 28: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Discuss 1. Is this passage about bringing people to Christ? Why or why not? [Yes and no. We are to spread the good news of Christ and pray that people come to faith. However, this passage goes further in that we are to make disciples, not just converts.] 35

36 Session Four The Great Commission 2. According to this text what does it mean to make a disciple? [God uses us to bring people to faith and are encourage their spiritual development by teaching them what has been taught to us. We also see the multiplication principle at work (Foundations 101) in that the disciples pass on what is to them, etc.] 3. What is the scope of this commission? Who is included in "all the nations (v. 19)?" [This is important. The scope is the whole world... from our neighbor next door to the African tribesman.] 4. We often define "missions" in terms of leaving the community we live in for the purpose of sharing Christ. Is this a good definition in light of this passage? [This is a very narrow definition as it limits missions to either full time missionaries or a summer mission trip. "Missions" should happen wherever there are believers. We should share the gospel with everyone.] 5. Where do things like home repair and feeding the homeless fit into this idea? [God sees us as a whole person... body and soul. Our physical and spiritual needs are important. However, for the purposes of this lesson (and the next) we will be focusing in the spiritual aspect.] Key Concept In the Great Commission God calls all believers to go out and share the good news of Jesus Christ. However, the call does not end there. We are to "make disciples," not just "converts." The Great Commission is not limited to missionaries or pastors, or by location (oversees), but is the privilege of every Christian wherever God places them. NOTE: Meeting the physical needs of people is important as well. However we feel our limited time in the course can best be spent nurturing our hearts for the lost and going over basic skills to help us share our faith. We do not have time to teach you how to put up drywall or lay a new floor! 36

37 Session Four The Great Commission Why does the Great Commission Exist? Read - Quote by John Piper 9 Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever. Discuss 1. Why is worship the ultimate goal of the church? How does it abide forever? Where does missions fit in? [Think about Creation / Fall / Redemption /Restoration (Foundations 101). God's plan for redemption is the restoration of all things, at which time we will worship God unhindered by sin. Missions is a means to that end.] 2. Have you thought about missions in terms of worship before? How is thinking about it in this way helpful? [It is often helpful to have a goal in mind when we do something. God's goal is for all people to worship him and He invites us to be a part of His plan through spreading the Gospel.] 3. Piper goes on to say that worship is not only the goal of missions, but the "fuel" as well. What do you think he means? [It is our passion to be on God's presence that should move us to share Christ's love with others. The more we cherish being with God the more we will want others to have the same experience.] 4. Piper also comments, "Where passion for God is weak, zeal for missions will be weak." 10 Do you agree? Evaluate that statement with reference to your own life. [Not trying to make anyone feel guilty. We just want to say that if we are not excited about God, that affects our desire to tell someone about him. Be honest with where you are.] 9 John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad, Ibid,

38 Session Four The Great Commission Key Concept God's plan for redemption culminates when Jesus comes back and sin and death are wiped away. When believers are glorified, they will worship the Lord unhindered by sin. God invites us to participate in his plan through spreading the news of Christ to all peoples, so that they might find fulfillment in worship. 38

39 Session Four The Great Commission Where do we fit? We are all called to missions! Not all of us are called to overseas missions, but we are all called to do missions where we are! In the next session we will go over some ways to help you share the Gospel with someone, but now we just want to think about where God has you and how that could be used of Him in missions. Discuss 1. Is the idea that we are all called to missions new to you? How does it make you feel? [This concept might be new to many people and may be scary. Reassure them. Next session we will talk more about the nuts and bolts of sharing the Gospel with someone.] 2. Who do you look up to that share their faith on a regular basis? What does their life look like? [We want to model our lives after people who are "intentional" with how they spend their time... who look for opportunities to share their faith. ] You might be thinking, "Where do I start?" A helpful way to being is to think about where God has you. Where do you live, work, and play? Make a list of what communities you are already a part of and start to think strategically about ministry: Live (neighborhood) Work Play (sports, activities, organizations, leisure) 39

40 Session Four The Great Commission Think of one person from each of these spheres that you think does not know the Lord and write their names below. Begin to pray about them. We must begin (and end) with prayer! Ask God to work in their heart and to give you opportunities to talk to them. 1. Live 2. Work 3. Play ** Think outside the box! How can things like going to our kids' sporting events, or a tailgate with friends, or a party lead to opportunities for ministry? *** We have not even touched the idea of global missions. Have you ever thought about going on a short term mission trip? Do you support any missionaries via prayer or financially? Key Concept The Great Commission calls us to be intentional with how we live our lives. We should always have our "radar on" and look for opportunities to share our faith. In doing so, we need to be praying and trusting God that He will move in His time! 40

41 Session Four The Great Commission Wrapping Up Takeaways What are some takeaways from this lesson? Has God challenged you in terms of the Great Commission? For Further Study Listen to "Doing Missions Where Dying is Gain" by John Piper For Next Time Next session we will look at some practical helps as we think about how to share our faith. NOTES: 41

42 Session 5 Writing a Personal Testimony / One Verse Method 42

43 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Goals of the Lesson Understand the importance of writing your testimony. Learn how to write a personal testimony. Understand the importance of learning a Gospel presentation method. Learn how to share the Gospel with someone using Romans 6:23. Writing a personal testimony For Starters Read Personal Testimony Example 11 Hi I'm Chris and I'm from church. I am going to tell you my testimony of who I used to be and who I am now after God has changed my life. About three years ago I came to God. Before this I was an absolutely lazy person. I used to sleep like 12 hours a day. I was depressed, used drugs, and smoked pot every day. I drank all the time... I was self medicating and trying to find the answers to all my problems in every wrong way possible. I was really negative and easily discouraged. I was also addicted to pornography, self image... any number of things. But I had this experience with God on prom weekend. I went to down to party and in the midst of the day after I felt a nagging presence on me asking, "what are you doing... this isn't you. I know you better than this... I knew you before." He walked through this thought process with me... I knew it was not my thinking but it was God! So I leave my hotel room and I put my hands against the wall and say "thank you, thank you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Then I hear clear as day, "He loves you too." I cried at that point with pure joy. He got my attention. After that I became changed but still held onto my old habits. It was only through going to church that I began to really change. I went to Bible study, prayer group, etc. I got to know God

44 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Discuss 1. What kind of transformation did Chris go through? What changed? [He went from being a lazy person with many addictions to being clean.] 2. What is missing from Chris' testimony? What questions would you have for Chris after listening? [There is no mention of Jesus. There is a huge difference between becoming a Christian and deciding with our own strength to turn our life around. There lots of people that quit drinking, etc. that are still on a path to hell. We need to be made right with God through Christ.] 3. Based on this testimony, does it sound like Chris is a Christian? [From what he has told us, it is hard to say. At best he does not know how to write a testimony... at worst he is still lost.] Personal testimonies can be a powerful thing. Think of some reasons why it is good to think through our own testimonies? [Thank God for what he has done in your life. Reflect on how God has used people and life circumstances to save you. Encouragement for other believers. It is always uplifting to hear how the Lord has worked in someone else's life. God can use our own testimonies in powerful ways as we witness to the lost. This can be a powerful way to share the Gospel with someone without "preaching." Makes you think about where you stand with God. Am I really saved?] Key Concept Writing our personal testimony is fruitful in many ways - for this session we will think in terms of witnessing to the lost. Sharing your testimony (or parts) is a great way to tell someone truths of the Gospel without "preaching" at them. 44

45 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Writing your testimony The word testimony can mean a lot of things. For our sake, we will say a personal testimony is your own story about how you came to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. A testimony consists of three main elements: 1. What did Jesus save you from? Explain the idea of sin and how that looked in your life. Remember, sin is more than addiction, stealing, etc sin touches every part of our life (words, thoughts, deeds) What does scripture tell us about what we deserve because of our sin? Talk about it. Bottom line: why do you need a savior? 2. How did Jesus save you? What circumstances made you aware of your sin and need of a savior? When did you accept Christ as your Lord and savior and what brought that about? Keys: repentance (acknowledgment of your own sin, and turning from it) and faith (resting in Christ alone for your standing before God). Note: Some people cannot remember a specific moment when they accepted Christ. There is still a testimony! Talk about how family/church and how they played a role in shaping faith. 3. What is life like now that you are saved? How has your life changed? Where have you seen victory over sin? What do you still continue to struggle with? What difference does Jesus make to you now? Let these three elements guide you as you think about your story. Notice that by following them can help you be clear about your faith journey (as oppossed to the example we read earlier). Here are a few other things to keep in mind: 45

46 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Everyone s testimony is different. Some people may have more (or less) impressive sounding testimonies than you do. Either way, praise God! When sharing your testimony, think about your audience. What parts of your story can they relate to? Emphasize those. Be careful when you use words like repentance, born again, justification, etc. as not everyone is familiar with these words. Tie in a scripture passage that God has used in your life along the way. Common ones are Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, & Ephesians 2:8-9. Key Concept Everyone has a testimony and it can be a very fruitful effort to write it out. You may be surprised by how God has worked in your life! Pray for opportunities to share it with others (either formally or informally). 46

47 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Gospel Presentation Read - Scenario You are in Starbucks getting a cup of coffee. You happen to be holding a Bible in your hand. The person standing behind you, who you don't know, sees it. He asks, "I see you have a Bible in your hand. I do not believe in God but have always wondered about Christianity. I only have a few minutes but could you tell me what it means to be a Christian?" Discuss 1. You have no time to think and only a few minutes to respond to this person. What would you say? Would you be able to share the Gospel with this person? [This is a hard scenario but one that is very common. Recognize that this would be a challenge for even a seasoned pastor.] 2. How could having a clear, concise, memorized Gospel presentation be of help here? What other situations could it be helpful? [No right or wrong here. The idea is not that we just regurgitate a memorized presentation to everyone, but that we know one well enough where you can draw from it when needed.] Key Concept Having a clear and concise way to present the Gospel to someone is one of the most important "tools" believers can have in their "tool belts." It is well worth the time to learn and practice. 47

48 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method One Verse Method There are many different Gospel presentations out there. The one we will cover here is known as the "Bridge Diagram" and it based of Romans 6:23. When you share it with someone, feel free to draw them a picture if you feel that would help. A very helpful website has been developed by Campus Outreach Minneapolis called "The 623 Project." On this site you can download the training materials and watch a video that demonstrates the method. Go to 623project.com and download the training guide. If you are taking this course in a group a hard copy of the training guide will be provided to you. [Leaders - the training guide will be made available to you in hard copy form. Just walk through the guide with your group. It would be great if you could "demonstrate how to do it. If there is time, you could ask people in the class to practice with each other] Discuss 1. How do you envision this method being helpful to you and your personal ministry? [Lead by example and tell people how it could help you.] 2. How do we need to be careful with something like this? [We always need to be careful with "canned" presentations. We need to pray for sincerity of heart when we have the opportunity to share with someone. Remember this is just a guide... no two situations (or people) are the same so we need to adapt and allow the Spirit to lead.] 48

49 Session Five Personal Testimony / One Verse Method Wrapping Up Takeaways Have you been challenged to write out your testimony? Learn a Gospel presentation method? What are one or two things you have taken away from this session? For Further Study Watch the Bridge Diagram Demonstration Video (Campus Outreach Video) For Next Time Next time we will transition into talking about God's design for us and our relationships. NOTES: 49

50 Session 6 God's Design for His People 50

51 Session Six God's Design for His People Goals of the Lesson Understand that each and every person is valued by God. Look at the implications for being made in God's image. Be reminded of what went wrong with humanity and how the story ends. Made in His Image For Starters This is the logo for Apple. Brainstorm a list of everything that this logo represents about Apple and its products. Be creative here and think outside the box! [The idea is that a logo communicates who made something and the quality that stands behind it. Also, the applecare warranty is one of the best in the business so it communicates a commitment to Apple products. Other possibilities: attention to detail, durability, craftsmanship, etc.] Discuss 1. When you see this logo (or any logo), what does it communicate? Why is that important? [Having an "Apple" on a computer vs. having a no name brand is a bif deal!] 2. How do you think Apple execs would feel if you if you walked into Apple headquarters and smashed an Iphone in front of them? What about an older model Ipod? [Apple values their products. Everything Apple makes has their seal of approval (whether old or new). This leads into the implications for being made in God's image.] 51