CRC was established in 1994 in Bloemfontein with 180 members. Since then our. Ps At & Nyretta Boshoff SENIOR PASTORS WELCOME TO CRC OUR OASIS OF LIFE

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1 WELCOME TO CRC OUR OASIS OF LIFE CRC was established in 1994 in Bloemfontein with 180 members. Since then our church in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Johannesburg alone, has grown to over members and has thousands of active homecells. It is currently one of the fastest growing churches in South Africa. We believe that we are called to make a difference in the world that we live in. Our Mission Statement is to Win the lost at any cost. At CRC we strive to stimulate growth in our members through relevant teaching, passionate worship, loving care and small group interaction (homecells), by releasing members to function in their gifts and talents and by encouraging them to reach out to others. If you are looking for a church where you can experience love and where you can fulfil your God-given potential, we trust that you will find a home at CRC. At CRC you are more than just a number. We value each person that God brings to our church and it is our desire to build a permanent meaningful relationship with every member. Ps At & Nyretta Boshoff SENIOR PASTORS 1

2 OUR VISION Building One Church in Many Locations, nationally and internationally Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish. Habakkuk 2:2 Write the vision down, that those who see it may run with it. Our vision is everything in terms of our destiny. God had given Ps At a clear mandate and you are invited to become part of it. There are various ministries where you can get involved in. So make an impact and help us reach this nation with the Gospel of Christ. OUR MANDATE Win the Lost at any Cost CRC is a church with a mandate. We see hundreds of people giving their lives to Christ each week. It is this passion for souls that causes CRC to grow week by week. The Bible is very clear about this! Isaiah 6:8-9 Also I heard a voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not, and see ye indeed and perceive not. Ezekiel 47:9-10 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds like the fish of the Great Sea. Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour. OUR MISSION STATEMENT Mend the nets the catch will be great To train and release every member for ministry, caring for, evangelising and discipling our community. 2

3 THE DREAM OF CRC It is the dream of CRC to be an oasis of life in this city where the hurting, the depressed, the sick, the frustrated and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, healing, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement. It is our dream to feed the poor, to clothe the naked and to take care of orphans and widows. It is the dream of CRC to effectively share the Good News of Jesus Christ with every man, woman and child in the greater Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Johannesburg areas. It is the dream of CRC to develop every incoming member to spiritual maturity, ministering to the whole man (spirit, soul and body) through small groups, seminars, retreats, bible studies and a Bible School for our members. It is the dream of CRC to equip every member for significant ministry helping them discover the gifts and talents God has given them. It is the dream of CRC to be a Lighthouse to the nations - a mission base regularly sending out missionaries to the four corners of the earth. It is our dream to regularly send out hundreds of career missionaries and church workers all around the world on short term mission projects. It is our dream to plant several daughter churches every year nationally and internationally. It is the dream of CRC to have suitable, practical but yet beautiful facilities designed to minister to the total person, spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially. These facilities will include a worship auditorium seating thousands, recreation facilities, children facilities, Bible School, several fellowship halls, administration facilities and schools. It is our dream to have a farm with rehabilitation facilities, industry warehouses, orphanages, old age homes and several community centres in our city. I confidently state that these dreams will become a reality. Why? Because they are inspired by God. 3

4 YOU AND YOUR CHURCH WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT? CHURCH IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GOD Exodus 29:44-46 (NKJV) 44 So I will consecrate the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. I will also consecrate both Aaron and his sons to minister to Me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. It s already in the second book of the Bible that we find this amazing passage. From the outset God wanted to meet with His people. The tabernacle became synonymous with the presence of God. JESUS CAME TO RE-ESTABLISH GOD S KINGDOM THROUGH THE CHURCH Matthew 16:18 (NLT) Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means rock ), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. BEING PLANTED AS A MEMBER OF CRC Psalms 92:13 and 14 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. Acts 2:47 Praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. SYNONYMS USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REFERRING TO THE CHURCH The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12) 4

5 The Bride of Christ (Revelations 21:9; Revelations 22:17) The Household of God (Ephesians 2:19) The Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16) MEMBERSHIP INTO OUR LOCAL CHURCH (CRC) 1. You can be born into our local church through the born again experience. Example: Similar to a child who is born into a family. They have no choice as to where they will live. They just go home with the parents. 2. You can be planted in our local Church through the born again experience or you may already be born again and need to be adopted by this local church. We require that: You are born again That you leave your previous place of fellowship in an ethical way That you are not under the discipline of another church That you attend our Discipleship Training That you adopt our vision and modes operandi That you accept our statement of faith That you accept our leadership and will submit to their spiritual oversight over your life That you allow us to place you in one of our cells for your growth and function That you will do all in your power to maintain the unity of the Spirit and unity of purpose That you will not gossip, but do the scriptural principle of going to your brother. Luke 17:3 and 4 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Matthew 5:23 and 24 So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and apologize and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer you sacrifice to God. FURTHERMORE, IF YOU WILL AGREE AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE ABOVE, WE WILL EXTEND THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP TO YOU. Galatians 2:9 5

6 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. CHURCH IS NOT A BUILDING BUT PEOPLE 1 Peter 2:4, 5 (NLT) 4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honour. 5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV) 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AND THE LOCAL CHURCH The Universal Church refers to all believers all across the globe who confesses Jesus to be their Lord and Saviour. All Christians belong to the Universal Church. The Local Church refers to a specific congregation. Every Local Church functions as a vital part of the Universal Church. It s also significant to note that every local church will have a unique culture or unique characteristics. This is what makes the Universal Church of God so dynamic and effective there is unity without uniformity. As a baby is born into a specific family so each new believer is born into a spiritual family his/her Local Church. The Apostle Paul says that this is not by accident but it s a very intentional act of God: 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. WHY DO I NEED TO BELONG TO A LOCAL CHURCH? 6

7 Becoming a Child of God implies that you also become an active member in His Body (the Local Church) Colossians 1:24 It s in the Local Church where you will be protected against false doctrine - 1 Timothy 3:15 It s in the Local Church where you will be equipped Ephesians 4:12 It s in the Local Church where you will be cared for 1 Corinthians 12:25, 26 It s in the Local Church where you will discover your purpose and destiny 1 Corinthians 12:12-18 It s in the Local Church where you will be able to grow to spiritual maturity Ephesians 4:16 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH We read about the characteristics of the New Testament Church in Acts 2. Acts 2:41-47 (NKJV) 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. What then are these characteristics? The church continued steadfastly in the apostle s doctrine The church pursued unity The church prayed consistently The church pursued covenant relationships The church was generous The church offered powerful praise and worship to God The church was involved in cell-life The church walked in the power of the Holy Spirit The church was a soul-winning church The church impacted their community through social upliftment 7

8 THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION OF A CELL-BASED CHURCH WHAT IS A CELL-BASED CHURCH? Today there are a lot of church models to choose from. All these models can be put in two main movements: the program-based movement and the cell-based movement. In a cell-based church the emphasis is on equipping people to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Just as a human body consists of cells, a cell-based church consists of homecells. As families are the basic building block of any community so homecells are the basic building block on which the whole church grows. The life, growth and support of the church take place in the homecells. We must note that there is a vast difference between a church with cell groups and a cell-based church. Cell-based churches are more efficient than program-based churches because every member in a cell-based church is engaged in the tasks required to make the church function. In a program-based church only 10% to 15% of those in membership are engaged in the tasks required to make the church function. Cell-based churches are based on the scriptural concept of community. The essence of community is a sense of belonging. There is a powerful Christian camaraderie established when people belong to each other in a homecell. People look after one another, and they share the ministry of reaching the unsaved as a community task. The people in a cell-based church focus on the importance of prayer. Prayer Services are commonplace among homecells. Because they expect God to answer their prayer, they often experience healing of bodies and the restoration of broken lives in their gatherings. The people in a cell-based church penetrate deeply into the structure of the city, reaching people in a more personal way than the program-based church will ever be able to do. They have a vision for reaching the entire city, not just a part of it. A cell-based church sees the entire metropolis as an area with un-reached people, and they seek to insert a homecell in every neighbourhood within it. Their evangelism includes the powerful witness of Christ working within His body. Let us compare the two models. 8

9 CELL-BASED CHURCH VERSUS PROGRAM-BASED CHURCH Cell-based church Emphasis on Cell-life and Cell Ministry Ministry given to each member in cells Members cared for by members in cells Evangelism done through all the cells, each one win one (Target Lists) Growth comes through the cells and celebration services Cells become a lifestyle and a way of life Discipleship done within the cells by members (Through Relationships) Equipping of members done through modelling a Christ-like lifestyle Member s values change through experiences Program-based church Emphasis on programs and ministry courses (knowledge) Ministry through 5-fold ministry in programs Members cared for by a few pastors Evangelism done by a evangelism team of Evangelist Grows only comes through Sunday services and special evangelism programs Hardly any opportunities to live out your faith Discipleship done through courses (Knowledge without experience) Equipping of members done through courses Member s values change through knowledge (No personal experience) YOU AND YOUR HOMECELL WHAT IS A HOMECELL? A homecell is a group of 3 to 15 people who gather from house to house on a regular basis. The focus of the members of a homecell is to edify (build-up) and equip one another, to care for each other but also to evangelise their specific community (relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours) through the good news of Jesus Christ. 9

10 WHY ARE CELLS NECESSARY? We must begin by recognizing that the primary assignment in a cell-based church is to develop Basic Christian Communities. Essential elements of community include interpersonal commitments and a sense of belonging. Community takes place when there is a shared life, allowing common goals and commitments to develop between all the members of the homecell. Community is the highest form of life in the universe. Even God as a Trinity lives in community. Because we were created in the image of God, we have an inherent desire to live in community. Satan s desire is to destroy community. With the birth of the early church in the book of Acts the people didn t listen to sermons, nor did they organize Bible studies. There was no formal agenda. They had each other and their fellowship with one another was the essential ingredient of their time together. There could not be church until there was community. ALL ABOUT OIKOS To fully understand the importance of the cell-based church, we must consider the word oikos, a biblical term that describes the basic building block of society. It appears throughout the Bible and refers to the personal community, which exists for us all. It is translated into English as household or house. Acts 16:31 (NKJV) So they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your [oikos] household. The oikos each of us live within are not large. We may know several dozen, even several hundred, people, but quality time spent with others is extremely limited and only those to whom we devote quality time can be said to be a part of our oikos, or personal community. Each of us has a primary group, which includes some of our relatives and some of our friends who relate to us through work, recreation, hobbies, and neighbours. These are the people we talk to, relate to, and share with, for at least a total of one hour per week. While many churches today pull ( not pulls )people out of their oikos and gives them membership in an organization which swallows them up, the New Testament reveals a different approach to people relationships. Jesus constantly did His work by invading 10

11 oikos groups. It is obvious that each oikos is based in a house, not an institutional building. Thus, Jesus spent His time going from one house to another. WHY DO I NEED TO BELONG TO A HOMECELL? By attending a homecell you will have the opportunity to meet new Christian friends By attending a homecell you will develop life-changing relationships By attending a homecell you will have many wonderful opportunities to connect with God By attending homecell you will grow in your knowledge of God and His Word By attending a homecell you will be cared for and supported in growing as a Christian By attending a homecell you will be equipped to live a life of purpose and impact By attending a homecell you will be guided and supported in using your unique spiritual gifts By attending a homecell you will be assisted in reaching out to your family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues. WHAT HAPPENS AT A HOMECELL MEETING? A homecell meeting usually start s with an opportunity to welcome attendants and to connect with each other on a social level and in a non-threatening environment The focus will then turn to a time of worship where cell members have an opportunity to connect with God After a time of worship, cell members will pray for each other as well as the needs of cell members After this the cell leader will facilitate a discussion based on the Sunday sermon. Cell members will have an opportunity to share their personal insights and there will also be opportunities to ask questions and to clarify any uncertainties regarding the message. During the closing minutes of the cell meeting the cell will discuss their strategy and progress in reach out to their community. TO SUMMARIZE, THE PURPOSE OF THE HOMECELL MEETING IS THREEFOLD: 1. To have fellowship with and to be touched by the Lord and experience His love and presence. 2. To have fellowship with and to edify one another. 3. To share strategies on how to reach out to the community. 11

12 HOMECELL MINISTRY Prayer Prayer plays a vital part of homecell ministry. Praying homecells are powerful homecells. Without an active prayer life, the homecell cannot make an impact in their community. Prayer activities include the following: - Praying daily for leadership - Praying daily for members - Praying for unsaved friends, relatives and others - Praying for specific needs Acts 6:4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Caring / Discipleship Effective caring means to share the love of God in a visible and a tangible way. Care activities include the following: - Home or business visitations - Addressing specific needs Evangelism The homecell is an evangelism tool used to reach out to the community. Evangelism activities include the following: - Cell harvest events - Targeting unbelievers Equipping The focus is on raising up new leaders, but also to equip every member for significant ministry. The purpose of the above framework is to create an awareness of homecell ministry and to encourage you to be actively involved in cell life. To conclude this teaching, we challenge you to be a part of an army reaching out to win every man, woman and child in our community for Jesus. Deuteronomy 1:21 See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. THIS IS HOW YOU LEAVE OUR LOCAL CHURCH It has been our experience that some souls leave our Local Church for various reasons, which I list below: Transfer due to a job situation Retirement 12

13 Education or training Immigration Family related matters Church planting God moving you on to another destination Whatever the reason, the following process will assist you and your future Local Church to replant you into the next phase of your Christian walk. When you are sensing a move from our church, submit this to your immediate leader, which will probably be your Home Cell Leader. Here you will have the security of not missing the plan and purpose of God in your life. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders and be willing to do what they say. For their work is to watch over your souls, and God will judge them on how well they do this. Give them reason to report joyfully about you to the Lord and not with sorrow, for then you will suffer for it too. If you are in leadership, you will need to submit this to your immediate oversight to ensure that your departure is facilitated without hurting the other Christians. Failure to do this may cause the leadership to bring correction or even discipline to prevent the body of Christ being hurt. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. As we are a family, it is important to ensure that you do all in your power not to hurt the other family members. Let us continue to be Kingdom minded and fulfil God s purpose for our lives in His Kingdom and in the church where we are planted. PARTNERSHIP WITH PS AT AND NYRETTA BOSHOFF AND CRC 1 Chronicles 11:1 and 12:17-18 David gathers mighty men of God to join his army. He meets them outside of the camp and challenges them to be united in vision and purpose to his army. In the same way God has spoken to Ps At and said CRC will be like the army of God with David. This is what makes CRC so unique and distinguishes us from others our fierce loyalty and support towards Ps At and the vision of CRC. This is a great church with great people. 13

14 Your loyalty and submission towards Ps At and the Vision of CRC is best shown in your involvement and contribution to help us build this church to one tithe of our city. This is the mandate God has given Ps At and that is to disciple a tithe of this city. We ask that you get involved in two main areas. Firstly, to bring the lost to church (God s main purpose for saving you is to get your friends and family saved) and secondly, to find your gift and get involved in some area in CRC and help us build this church. Psalms 92:12-13 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH? The conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care. YOUR STEWARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE LORD! For the church to function optimally and to fulfil your potential in the church you need to take notice of the following: THE 3 T S 1. TIME - Giving time and focus to be involved and built the church! 2. TALENTS - Being involved as a member with your talents, passion, gifts and expertise the miracle of the church is ALSO within the church! 3. TREASURE - the meaning of your treasure is, making available your resources and finances to build God s house! 1 Peter 2:4-5 NKJV 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2: Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 14

15 TIME Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Grow spiritually and make your time available for God s House! Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time Two areas of using your TALENTS 1. Ministry in the House 2. Building the Community TREASURE Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also be Galatians 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Malachi 3: "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ' In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts," If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts; 12 And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land," Says the LORD of hosts. WHY SHOULD WE GIVE TO GOD'S WORK? o We should give because of God's grace to us. o We should give because of the blessing the church has been to us. o We should give because we are so instructed in God's Word. o We should give because giving will result in our being blessed. o Read Luke 6:38. Give and it shall be (given)... o Your financial blessing will greatly depend on your decision to give. o We should give because it takes money to move the gospel. TITHING 15

16 One aspect of stewardship is tithing. This is an important Bible concept. The word tithe means a tenth. As stewards, we need to know the proper way to tithe, what tithes are, where and to whom it should be paid, what we are to tithe on, and when to tithe. Tithing is (a tenth of your income or increase). Genesis 14:20 and Hebrews 7:2-4. These verses show Abraham bringing Melchizedek a tithe; a tenth. THE HISTORY OF TITHING BEFORE THE LAW o Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). (Jacob) also promised God the tenth (Genesis 28:22). UNDER THE LAW o o o o Leviticus 27: (All) the tithe is the Lord s. Numbers 18: Israel s (spiritual leaders) received the tithe. Deuteronomy 12:5-6, 11, 17. Tithes were to be brought to a place (chosen by God). Malachi 3:8-10. For one not to tithe was considered (robbery)! CHRIST TEACHING ON THE SUBJECT: MATTHEW 23:23. Obviously Jesus was teaching on the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees. In doing so, He mentions their faithfulness to tithe. Based on His concluding statement referring back to tithing:... and not to leave the other undone. Clearly they were not hypocrites for tithing, but for leaving other things undone. Jesus encouraged them to continue the practice of tithing. UNDER GRACE o o In Genesis 14:20, (Abraham) paid tithes. According to Galatians 3:7, we who are of (faith) are the (children of Abraham). According to John 8:39, if you are Abraham's children, you will do the work of Abraham. Hebrews 7:1-11. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek. The writer points out that here men that did receive tithes (verse 8). This is written in the present tense, indicating that it was occurring even as Hebrews was written in A.D. 64. In the early church people continue to tithe. GIVING OF FINANCES AS WORSHIP 16

17 Where you spend your money is an indication of where your heart is. If we love the things of God, our giving pattern will show it. (Matthew 6:21) God wants you to give from a heart of love. Giving is not a compulsory religious act. God desires people to respond to Him out of hearts full of Love. He never wants to pressure any of us against our own free will. (2 Corinthians 9:7) God wants you to give your best to Him. Some Christians only give their leftovers to the Lord. If they have any money left after paying all the bills (which is very rare) they give that to the Lord. God s not interested in that type of offering. He wants the best part. He wants the first part. When this is given to the Lord, he promises to stretch the rest of our finances to meet our needs. (Proverbs 3:9-10) God is interested in the quality of your giving. Mark 12 illustrates a valuable parable of Jesus standing over the treasury watching how people cast their money into the offering box. Of all the givers there that day, His commendation went to a poor widow who did not have much at all, but she gave everything she had. She gave 100% into the house of God. (Mark 12:44) God wants you to give to the local Church where you are planted. The Word of God is very clear as to where we are to give our offerings. We are to bring our tithes and offerings to the storehouse, the local church, in which we worship. This is the place where we are fed, strengthened and grow. By faithfully bringing our gifts before the Lord, we are actually declaring that we put our confidence in Him and the leadership He has chosen for our church. We communicate our trust in their wisdom to dispense the money according to God s ways. (Malachi 3:10) STAND WITH PS AT & PS NYRETTA AND THE POWERFUL VISION OF CRC AND SAY... YES, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME HERE I AM GOD..." USE ME" 17

18 JOURNEY OF AN INCOMING MEMBER It is important for you as a member to be discipled; equipped and released in our church. We want to equip you in reaching out to a lost and dying world. That is the purpose of the John 3:16 seminar. Discovering your Spiritual Gifts is of vital importance knowing the spiritual gifts God has given you for the building and benefit of the church. The DISC profile test will enable you to understand yourself better and other people in terms of personality and temperament. Your zone pastor will announce these events. NMO JOHN 3:16 Your Journey as an Incoming Member Homecell Leaders Intern Training DISC Personality Test Discover your Spiritual Gift JOURNEY OF DISCIPLESHIP Jesus instruction to disciple and be discipled is clear in Matthew 28:18-20 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 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. 18

19 The first step in this journey of Discipleship and following God, is Salvation. Coming to the salvation knowledge of Jesus Christ. Giving your heart to the Lord and letting Him take full control of your life! The next step is Water Baptism and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is the first few but important steps in following Jesus! Journey of Discipleship John 8:31-32 If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Eph 2:1-2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are C. Holy Spirit B. Baptize Baptism for the remission of sins A. Repent - decision to change and Col 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 19

20 BAPTISM IN WATER Understanding Baptism 1. Baptism follows conversion. In the New Testament, there were no un-baptized believers. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2. Baptism is a command it s not an option. Matthew 28:19-20 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. 3. Baptism does not save us, but it publicly declares that: We are saved by grace from eternal death Romans 6:3-4 We receive salvation without cost Ephesians 2:8-9 We identify with Christ s death, burial and resurrection Romans 6: Baptism is a public declaration of Jesus Christ s lordship over our lives. You are declaring and acknowledging the fact that you are born again and that Jesus has become the Lord of your life. This act of obedience becomes a gateway to greater spiritual blessings (Romans 6:16-18) 5. Baptism is a physical experience. 6. Baptism becomes a marker in our spiritual walk with the Lord. 7. Baptism is only administrated to individuals who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 20

21 The Mode of Baptism 1. The mode of baptism is through total immersion. 2. The usage of this word in the Greek in secular literature means to dip or to plunge. 3. The context in which the word occurs is the coming up out of water. Jesus himself was baptized and He came up immediately from the water. (Matthew 3:16) To Conclude Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. Jesus Himself was baptized, even though He had no sin and He did this as to set the example for us as believers today. Should you want to be baptized, kindly speak to your pastor or your homecell leader, so that this can be arranged? BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. Acts 2:1 4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them The Book of Acts states that being baptized in the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues and living in power, is a basic apostolic foundation of the church and the believer s life. The work of the Holy Spirit upon salvation is to make your inner man alive to God. The second work of the Holy Spirit is to totally cover and fill you with God s power and anointing. When this happens, the supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit starts to manifest through you. You can now be God s powerful witness and do the works Jesus did in the Bible. This includes healing the sick, casting out demons, walking in the power of the Spirit and being victorious in everyday life. 21

22 In the Old Testament Joel received this word from God: Joel 2:28 29 And it shall come to pass afterwards that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days. On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out, people thought that all those who received the Holy Spirit were drunk. Peter then refers to what Joel spoke about in the Old Testament (Joel 2). When they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit they all began to speak in other tongues. (Acts 2:4) From that day people were filled with the Spirit of God. We can read about this incident in Acts 10: While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon these people and they began to speak in tongues and glorify God. Another example can be found in Acts 19:1-7. Twelve men received the Holy Spirit when Paul laid hands on them and they began to speak in tongues and prophecy. THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Isaiah 28:11 12 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, to whom He said, This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest, and, This is the refreshing ; yet they would not hear. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Acts 1:4 and 8 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me; 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. Acts 2:

23 When they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit they began to speak in other tongues. Luke 11:9 13 All one hundred and twenty believers in the Upper Room were baptized at once. Acts 2:1 4 The Samaritan Christians experienced it when Peter and John laid hands on Them. Acts 8 The entire household of Cornelius received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 10 The disciples at Ephesus received the Holy Spirit when Paul met them on one of his mission trips. THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT John 15:26 When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. John 16:7 14 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. 12 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you RECEIVING THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Acts 19:1 7 What must I do to receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit? 1. Have a strong desire. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophecy. 2. Ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11, Luke 11:13. If you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! 23

24 How do you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? You must have genuine repentance. Acts 2:38 Ask God for it in faith. Luke 11:13 Get other believers who are baptized in the Holy Spirit to lay hands on you. Acts 8:14-17 Take a step of faith and start speaking in tongues. PRAYING IN TONGUES What are the benefits of praying in tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:18) You are speaking directly to God. 1 Corinthians 14:2 You build up your spirit man. Your spirit communicates with God (who is Spirit). 1 Corinthians 6:17 & 1 Corinthians 14:4 You edify others when you couple it with interpretation from God. 1 Corinthians 14:5 You can pray in tongues and express your thanksgiving to God. 1 Corinthians 14:15-17 You are allowing the Holy Spirit to make deep intercession through you. Romans 8:26 You refresh yourself and enter into a rest in God. Isaiah 28:11&12 You build up your faith when you pray in tongues. Jude 20 Praying in tongues is a doorway to operating the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:1 11 & 1 Corinthians 14:4 40 THE WAY FORWARD You are currently attending our New Members Orientation (NMO), which is the doorway into membership. Following this session we encourage you to attend our Basic Discipleship Programs that have been put together for your Spiritual Growth, namely: John 3:16 Presentation Discover your Spiritual Gift (Spiritual Gifts Analysis Test) 24

25 DISC Profile test Basic Discipleship Foundational Doctrines Potential Leaders Training We value the involvement of all our members and therefore encourage you to follow this Discipleship Program, in order for us to equip and release you into significant ministry. If you have a ministry which you believe would benefit the Church, or would like to get involved in any specific ministry, please approach your leadership. They will guide and help you as much as possible. Our philosophy is: He, who has the Vision, has the Mission. STATEMENT OF FAITH 1. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, in their original writing, as fully inspired of God and accept them as the supreme and final authority for faith and life. 2. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 3. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man. 4. We believe that God created man in His own image; that man sinned and thereby incurred the penalty of sin which is death physically and spiritually; that all human beings inherit a sinful nature which issues (in the case of those who reach moral responsibility) in actual transgression involving personal guilt. 5. With regards to sexual behaviour, we believe in heterosexual relationships between a natural man and a natural woman within the confines of lawful matrimony. Adherence to this stated principle of sexual behaviour is an inherent requirement of membership of CRC. 6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins - a substitution sacrifice - according to the Scriptures and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. 7. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus, His ascension into Heaven, and His present life as our High Priest and Advocate. 25

26 8. We believe in the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ. 9. We believe that all who repent of their sins and receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God. 10. We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, empowering and equipping believers for service, with the accompanying supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit; and in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. We believe in the divinely ordained ministries of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. 11. With regards to submission to authority, we believe in the principle of being in authority because you are under authority. As such, it is understood that membership shall be subject to submission to authority in matters pertaining to church governance, doctrine and personal behaviour. 12. We believe in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust, the eternal blessedness of the redeemed, and the eternal banishment of those who have rejected the offer of salvation. 13. We believe that the one true Church is the whole company of those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit; that the local church on earth should take its character from this concept of the Church spiritual and therefore, that the new birth and personal confession of Christ are essentials of church membership. 14. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ appointed two ordinances Baptism in water and the Lord s Supper to be observed as acts of obedience and as perpetual witnesses to the cardinal facts of the Christian faith, that Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water as a confession of identification with Christ in burial and resurrection and that the Lord s Supper is the partaking of the emblems symbolic of the Saviour s broken body and shed blood, in remembrance of His sacrificial death, until he comes. 15. We believe that divine healing was provided for in the Old and New Testament and is an integral part of the Gospel. 16. We believe that the Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of the new birth and continuing until the consummation of salvation. 17. We believe the Leadership of the local church has the authority from the scriptures to withdraw the membership of any member for serious, unrepentant misconduct or similar cause. 26

27 18. The Church is open to any further truth, which the Holy Spirit may illuminate from the Scriptures. I, the undersigned, freely and voluntarily subscribe to the basic principles set out in this Statement of Faith and understand and consent to the fact that should I violate such principles, I may be required by the Leadership to either accept their counsel and discipline or forfeit my membership. I ACCEPT THE ABOVE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS QUESTIONS REGARDING OUR SERVICES I've noticed that people dress very casually when they go to church. Isn't this disrespectful towards God? The Bible is clear that God doesn't look at our outward appearance, He looks at our heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10; Proverbs 17:3). In James 2:1-9 the Bible is also clear that we must show no partiality at all - especially not based on how someone dresses. How you honour God is not seen in your dress code but in your heart towards God and His people. It's important to us that people should feel comfortable when they come to meet with God. After all God is our Heavenly Father and we must feel comfortable in His presence regardless of our clothes. Your music in church is so different from what I've been used to in church. Shouldn't church music be more 'quiet and respectful'? Our praise and worship plays a vital role in our Sunday services. The Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3). When we praise God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23) we know that He will be in our midst (Matthew 18:20). Throughout the Bible we are commanded to praise God. Our form of praise will include instruments (1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:6; Ps. 33:2; 98:6; 150:3-5); singing (Ps. 13:6; 94:6; 100:2, 4; 104:33; 149:1) shouts of joy (Ps. 95:1, 2; 98:4-6; 100:1) and dancing (Ps. 149:3; 150:4). But there will also be times when we have a deep desire just to kneel before God and worship Him (Ps. 95:6). Our praise and worship is a heartfelt expression of our love towards God - for this reason we do it with passion and zeal. 27

28 Why do people lift their hands when they sing? We lift our hands towards God as a sign of total surrender to God. As children lift their hands to parents for them to pick them up, so we lift our hands towards God as a sign that we are entrusting our whole life into His hands (Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; Lamentations 3:41; 1 Timothy 2:8). I've heard people speak in tongues during the service. This seems to be very disorderly. Doesn't the Bible say that the service must be conducted in an orderly fashion? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:40: "Let all things be done decently and in order." What he is referring to here is the use of the gift of tongues and the gift of prophesy when it is used to address the whole congregation. He says that when several believers have a message to the congregation in tongues or when they prophesy, they must bring that message each one at a given time - in a given order (1 Corinthians 14:26-32). When the whole congregation prays in tongues it is to communicate with God and to edify themselves (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20) - something totally different from what Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians 14. I've heard someone cry out loud during the service - why does this happen? It's our desire that people will encounter God every time they attend our services. People respond in different ways when they experience the personal work of God in their lives. Some may just become quiet; some might cry; others will just kneel in the presence of God and others will respond in a more emotional way. In Acts 3 we read how a man who was lame leaped and jumped and praised God after God had healed him. The important thing here is that we must be open and receptive for God to touch our lives every time we attend a service. I've seen the Pastor pray for someone and the person fainted. Is this Biblical? There are many accounts in the Bible of people falling to the ground when they experienced the presence of God (Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 8:17; Acts 9:4; Revelation 1:17). We also read in 1 Kings 8 that, when King Solomon dedicated the temple to God, God's presence entered the temple. God's presence was so tangible that the priests couldn't remain standing to do their duties. When we pray for people, some will just fall under the power of God. This is both normal and Biblical. 28

29 Why does the Pastor ask people to go to the front of the church to give their lives to God? Isn't your faith a personal thing? Yes, your faith is a personal issue in the sense that you need to have a personal relationship with God. Living for God can never be a hidden issue (Matthew 5:14-16) or some secret to be kept. As a church, it is our purpose to win as many people for God as possible. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). It's God's desire that all will be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The only way to accept Jesus into your life is to confess Him as your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:8-10). Jesus is very clear that we need to confess Him publically (Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8). Why do they close the doors when they receive the offering? There is no Biblical truth behind closing the doors. It's just a practical issue. Many churches are seen as soft targets by criminals. We've seen many churches being robbed while the offering is received. We close the doors merely as a security measure to ensure the safety of all the people who attend the service. Prevention is better than cure! It's the first time I've been in a church where people from different races worship together. This seems strange! Jesus said: "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?" (Mark 11:17). Jesus also called us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). God is not a respecter of person. We as the church - as God's representative here on earth - can never be a respecter of person. God is into restoring relationships and on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) - through the baptism of the Holy Spirit - God again united all the nations. It is therefore our responsibility to establish a church where all God's people, from every tribe and tongue, will be both welcomed and embraced. I'm the parent of a small child. What do you offer for my child spiritually? We have a children's ministry with many trained volunteers who minister to the spiritual needs of more than 2000 children on a Sunday. There is a variety of groups catering for the needs of children ranging from as young as 14 months to 13 years. All the teenagers join us in our regular services in the main auditorium. You can contact our office for more specific information in this regard. I have a small baby. Are there special facilities for parents with babies? Yes, we have various facilities for parents with small babies. We have dedicated marked seating in the back of the auditorium - for parents with small babies. This seating is also close to our mothers rooms. The mothers rooms are equipped to 29