GROW, GLOW AND GO WITH GOD! Principles for Christian Living by Jonathan

Transcription

1 GROW, GLOW AND GO WITH GOD! Principles for Christian Living by Jonathan

2 GROW, GLOW AND GO WITH GOD! Principles for Christian Living by Jonathan Name: Spiritual Birthday (Month/Day/Year): Place: Age:

3 GOD S PLAN OF SALVATION Scripture References: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7). Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God (1 John 4:13-15). ============================================ God s plan and will is salvation for those who repent of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12) and The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

4 Through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and has been the root problem of the entire human race consequently, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is severe, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). Many have tried to be religious or do good works but still experience guilt, frustration, turmoil and uncertainty within, For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within and defile the man (Mark 7:21-23). This is the corrupted and evil nature inherent in each of us that only Jesus Christ is able to remove, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9). Sin separates us from God. The only answer to sin is through the cross and...the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19). Jesus offered up his life as the price of our redemption, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:8-9). He took the punishment for us and when we repent, confess, trust and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour,...to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Now that you are born again as a child of God, you need to grow in your relationship with Him. That s the purpose of this book: To give you a basic scriptural foundation to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

5 STUDY THE BIBLE Scripture References: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). ============================================ Just as your body needs food to stay alive, you need the study of the Bible, which is God s Word, to feed your spiritual life. Peter wrote, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). If you are a new convert, reading the Bible is like drinking milk to your spiritual system. If you are more mature in the Lord, God s Word is meat for you. Whichever, the Bible is that nourishment for the health of our spiritual life. There are numerous benefits in reading the Bible. It is the primary means through which God speaks to you. The Bible is the instruction book to follow if you are to live a life in the will of God. There are promises to claim for an abundant life. The Word of God is also called the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). When faced with a temptation, it is the sword to overcome the enemy. In times of needing direction, it is a lamp to light your path. Find a quiet place and a regular time and read systematically. For example, you might want to begin with the Gospel of John and then the Book of Romans as they give a solid foundation for understanding our faith. Or you may wish to supplement with Psalms and Proverbs for personal meditations.

6 For scripture knowledge to become useful, it must be applied and acted on. Determine to practise what you read in the Word until it becomes the nature of your lifestyle. DEVELOP COMMUNICATION WITH GOD IN PRAYER Scripture References: And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it (John 14:13-14). And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him (1 John 5:14-15). Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). ============================================ Prayer is your telephone line to heaven. It is communicating with your Heavenly Father, Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3). When you pray, do not be so concerned with using religious sounding words. Instead, God desires the simple but true expressions of your heart s cry to Him. Just like all relationships, developing effective communication does not come immediately. It is a two-way flow. At first, you might be conscious on how to pray but as you become more aware of His presence in your life, it is like spiritual breathing. In fact, you are not alone. Even the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus did not give them some repetitive words to follow. He gave a pattern with key principles instead. For example, the prayer begins with, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name

7 (Matthew 6:9), which is appropriating God s personal name and promises, both for who He is and what He can do. Next, Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10) declares the priorities of God in our personal lives, family, church and nation. Then Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11) is to be in dependence on God for our provisions, be it emotional, physical, spiritual or whatever we know is in accordance to His will. Also, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12) speaks on the importance of walking in the light, love, forgiveness and in right relationships with people in our lives. And finally, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. A - men (Matthew 6:13) is to put on the complete armour of God (read Ephesians 6:10-18), be protected from the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) and proclaiming the praises of God as His spiritual priests (read 1 Peter 2:9). Start your prayer with praise and worship, then acknowledge the sins you have done, followed by thanking Him for the blessings He has given you and then present your needs to Him. Stand on the promises of God s Word and allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to see your prayers answered. FELLOWSHIP WITH A SPIRITUAL FAMILY Scripture References: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had

8 need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:42-47). Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). ============================================ Just as most people belong to a natural family, Christians need a spiritual family for fellowship and support. If you want to be effective and productive in God s plan, you need to unite with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Admittedly, there are no perfect churches as long as there are imperfect humans like us in them. Nevertheless, the local church is tremendously important in the plan of God, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end (Ephesians 3:21). What an impacting revelation! Actually, what is the church? It is the assembly or congregation of called-out body of believers. It has nothing to do with physical buildings and walls. Rather, it has everything to do with the foundation where spiritual relationships are established, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). The characteristics of a good church must include solid Bible preaching and teaching, developing the members to grow and serve the Lord in ministry, allowing the Holy Spirit to flow in worship and of course,

9 helping to spread the Gospel and winning souls. In determining God s desired pattern for us to move and operate today as it was in the early church, there is perhaps no better yardstick than to study the book of Acts, especially Acts 2: While attending or joining a church does not save our souls (only obedient faith and trust in Jesus Christ does!), it is inevitable that we still need a strong spiritual home for us to be productive in the work of God. To merely sit at home and not associate with other Christians is plain foolishness. I am painfully aware that there are churches that teach false doctrines and are leading people astray. I also realize that there are yet others that are devoid of the glory and Presence of God, where the Holy Spirit is being grieved or quenched. But these unfortunate factors are still no excuse for us not to relate to a local church and support it. No matter how anointed or effective we are in our personal evangelism or ministries, we must be subservient to the local church in one way or another. There is something about the bond of fellowship and unity that represents greater effectiveness for the work of the Gospel that could not be wrought otherwise. As Jesus said, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). Praise God! BE WATER BAPTIZED Scripture References: And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness... (Matthew 3:15). And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have

10 commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5). ============================================ The purpose of water baptism is to publicly identify with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Symbolically, it actually means to immerse into His death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). While salvation is secured by confessing Jesus Christ in our mouth and believing in our hearts, water baptism is the public declaration of our obedience and submission to the will of God, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). Since Jesus Himself was baptized in water, we should follow His example. As you follow the Lord in water baptism, expect the Holy Spirit to minister and move powerfully as a sign and witness that your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). RECEIVE THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Scripture References: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoe I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matthew 3:11).

11 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Sa-ma ri-a, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 2:38-39). Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Sa-ma ri-a had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-17). ============================================ The Holy Spirit is a real Person. God the Father sent His Son to sacrifice His life for our salvation. After the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is the One who abides and indwells the disciples, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:16-17); Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto him (John 16:7); And when He had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost (John 20:22). What caused the disciples transformation from timid to bold witnesses for Christ? The Source is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The promise is still for us today. We need to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit to experience the benefits of power (read Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8), refreshing (read Isaiah 28:11, John 7:37), comfort and inner strength

12 (read John 14:26-27, 15:26), spiritual gifts (read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) and fruitfulness (read Galatians 5:22-23) in living the Christian life. How do we receive the Holy Spirit? We receive the Holy Spirit as God s gift for us,...how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13). We can be filled by the laying on of hands (read Acts 8:14-17, Acts 9:17, Acts 19:1-6), praising and blessing God with one accord (read Luke 24:53, Acts 2:4) and as the Word is being preached (read Acts 10:44-48). The outward tangible expression of being baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues, as Scripturally verified in Acts 2:4, Acts 9:17, Acts 10:45-46 and Acts 19:6. However, while it is the initial evidence, it is certainly not the only evidence. Being committed, effective and fruitful to fulfill the work of God on earth is the greatest witness. While there are methods such as by the placing on of hands, having a spiritual hunger, faith, resting and yielding in Him is the key to receiving. The Holy Spirit is gentle and will not override our wills. He will give the utterances but will not force us. We have to do the speaking as the Presence of the Holy Spirit wells up within us. Let me give a personal illustration. I remember the first time I was invited to receive this gift. It was in a church meeting and I went forward to be filled. Even though prayers were offered and hands were laid on me, I was frightened to speak the words foreign to me. Fear and pride kept me from manifesting the gift. It was only days later when I overcame the hindrances that I was released to praise and pray in the language of the Holy Spirit. Having said that tongues is the physical sign of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, having the fruit of Christ-like character and being dedicated to the Word and the work of God are the confirming results of being Spirit-filled.

13 SHARE THE GOOD NEWS Scripture References: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:13-15). ============================================ You became a Christian because you listened to someone who told you about Jesus and you made the decision to confess and believe in Him. Now, it is also your privilege and responsibility to share with others the Good News of Christ. There are some Christians whom God has specifically called to be pastors and evangelists but every believer is asked to be a witness of reaching others for Jesus. You may not stand behind the pulpit to preach but you have circles of relationships with your family, relatives, friends and colleagues in your world that only you can speak to about your faith in the Lord. You can invite them to attend a church meeting where they can become saved but ultimately, prepare yourself to which you can personally lead them to receive Christ instantly in the home, office or anywhere. Besides taking every opportunity to tell others about your relationship with Jesus in your daily living, it is also necessary to regularly give money and help support the church you fellowship with to spread the Gospel. Then pray that God will supply your own needs and of others too.

14 FROM GRACE TO GLORY This book has been designed to help you in the first steps as a Christian, but is by no means the whole story. The best suggestion I can give you is this: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18). In conclusion, I have included a summary of FOUNDATION BELIEFS with Scripture References outlined hereafter that will enhance your understanding of the basics of Christian faith. It will not present all there is to know about Bible doctrines but will provide a solid foundation for you to develop upon. In fact, I encourage you to memorize and meditate as many verses as you can. Yes! Grow, glow and go with God! God bless you.

15 FOUNDATION BELIEFS THE BIBLE All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21) DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY - ONE GOD IN THREE PERSONS (THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased (Luke 3:22). Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me... And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever (John 14:6, 16). This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the

16 Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear (Acts 2:32-33). The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14). How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14) THE DEITY AND HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST THE SAVIOUR: HIS VIRGIN BIRTH, DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Im-man u-el (Isaiah 7:14). And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was (John 17:5). Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11)

17 SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned... Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life (Romans 5:12, 18). MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us... And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:12, 22) THE DEITY AND MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Mark 1:8). Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:17). He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you (John 16:14).

18 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Sama ri-a, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied (Acts 9:31) THE ORDINANCES OF THE LORD S SUPPER AND WATER BAPTISM And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave i to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). (Also, read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4) HEALING THE SICK Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5). When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and

19 healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by E-sa ias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses (Matthew 8:16-17). Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:14) THE FUTURE - ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR BELIEVERS AND JUDGMENT FOR UNBELIEVERS And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23). Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15) COPYRIGHT (C) 1998 WORLD HARVEST GOSPEL PRESS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED B-0014

20 GROW, GLOW AND GO WITH GOD! Dear Brother or Sister in Christ, Congratulations! You have made the most important decision of your life. The moment you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Master of your life, you have become a new person, If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). What this means is that you have experienced a spiritual birth. Your body was alive at your physical birth, now your spirit and inner person are alive as well. Recognizing that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), you have put your faith and trust in Jesus and accepted His sacrifice as atonement for your sins, If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). If you have believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, the Bible says you are saved! This book has been prepared to give you scriptural principles for Christian living. My desire and prayer is that you will grow, glow and go in your walk with God all the way! In His grace, yours, JONATHAN WORLD HARVEST GOSPEL PRESS B-0014