The First Steps. The Gospel Series. (DVD Edition) A Bible study series for seekers/new converts CHURCH OF CHRIST

Transcription

1 The First Steps The Gospel Series (DVD Edition) A Bible study series for seekers/new converts CHURCH OF CHRIST Post Office Box 607M Bay Shore, New York / Go therefore and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:19 ESV

2 Table of Contents Series 1 - The Gospel (beginner s edition) Page 03 Series 1 - The Gospel (advanced edition).. Page 05 Series 2 - The Kingdom.... Page 08 Series 3 - The Church... Page 10 The Gospel Illustration..... Page 13 The Baptism Illustration.. Page 14 Charles Finney s Quote Page 15 The Four Kingdoms Illustration..... Page 16 Answers To Some Common Objections. Page 17 Additional Materials: The Love of God study Page 22 Flogging & Crucifixion Illustrations. Page 23 Discipleship Study... Page 24 Spiritual Awareness Survey... Page 26 Bible Awareness Questionnaire.... Page 27 2

3 THE GOSPEL (Beginners) Series 1 I. Question: Do you consider yourself to be a good person? A. Are you good enough to go to Heaven? B. God has His standard of goodness They are called the 10 Commandments. a. Let s look at two of those commandments: i. Question 1: Have you ever stolen any thing in your life, no matter how small the item? 1. Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal. ii. Question 2: Have you ever lied before? 1. Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false testimony against your neighbor. II. 1John 3:4 A. Breaking the Law of God is called sin. B. If God were to judge you according to His Law, would you go to Heaven? III. Revelation 21:8 A. All liars will experience the second death. B. If God were to judge you according to His Law, would you go to Heaven? IV. Romans 3:23 A. Who is guilty of sin? V. Romans 6:23 A. The wages of sin is death (the second death). B. But there is hope: God is willing to give us the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ! VI. Romans 5:8 A. While we were still sinners (law-breakers), Christ died for us! B. This is good news! This good news is called the gospel! VII. 1Corinthians 15:1-4 A. The word gospel means good news. B. The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (show the Gospel Illustration on page 13). VIII. 2Thessalonians 1:6-8 A. When Christ returns, He will punish those who do not know God and those who do not obey the Gospel. B. The gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (refer to the Gospel Illustration). C. How does one obey the gospel? It starts with discipleship... IX. Acts 11:26 A. The term disciple means student or pupil or learner. B. The term Christian/Christians appears 3 times in the Bible while the term disciple/disciples appears over 280 times. C. The disciples were first called Christians by the people of the city of Antioch. D. Therefore, a disciple is a Christian and a Christian is a disciple. X. John 8:31-32 A. A true disciple follows the teachings of Christ. B. As a result, they will know the truth and that truth will set them free from sin. 3

4 XI. Luke 14:25-27, 33 A. A disciple must: a. Hate (Greek word miseo, which mean to love less ) those whom they tend to love the most (e.g., family and self). People tend to be influenced by those they love the most. A disciple loves Christ more than his or her own family (see Matthew 10:37). b. Carry his/her cross. When Jesus carried His cross, He was mocked, spat upon and eventually nailed to that cross. A disciple is willing to suffer for Jesus. c. Give up everything. Jesus, salvation, forgiveness of sins, heaven, are worth more than any thing this world can offer! XII. John 3:3-5 A. A person must be born again to see and enter the Kingdom of heaven. B. One must be born of water and Spirit. The next passage will explain what this means. XIII. Acts 2:37-38 A. Repent (change your mind) and leave the practice of sin by following Jesus and His teachings. a. 1Corinthians 6:9-10 gives us some examples of sins. B. Be baptized (born of water) for the forgiveness of sins. a. John 14:6 No one can go to the Father except through Jesus. b. Ephesians 1:7 Forgiveness comes through the blood of Jesus. c. Question: i. Since Jesus shed His blood at His death, how does one get into His death? ii. And since Jesus is the way to the Father, how does one get into Jesus? d. Romans 6:3-4 We enter Christ and His death through baptism. i. Remember when I asked you how does one obey the gospel (the death, burial and resurrection)? Verse 4 says we obey the death, burial and resurrection through baptism (show the Baptism Illustration on page 14) Mark 16:15-16 those who believe (the gospel) and are baptized (obey the gospel) will be saved C. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (born of Spirit) a. Ephesians 1:13-14 The Holy Spirit is God s seal on us that we are on our way to Heaven! b. Romans 8:26 The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakeness. XIV. Matthew 10:34-36 A. Following Christ will not be easy. B. Your family will give you a hard time. XV. Acts 22:16 Challenge: A. What is God telling you here? B. Are you ready to become His disciple? If they person wants to get baptized, go over the Discipleship study with them. If the person is not ready to obey the gospel, give him/her a copy of the Gospel DVD. Ask him/her if he/she is willing to get together again. If he/she says Yes, arrange a time and teach him/her the Love of God study. 4

5 THE GOSPEL (Advanced) Series 1 QUESTION: Do you consider yourself to be like the Bereans? I. Acts 17:10-11 A. The people from Berea (the Bereans) examined the Scriptures to make sure what they were being taught was Biblically true. B. We should always be like the Bereans and test everything spiritual leaders say. C. What do you think the Gospel is? D. The word gospel means good news. Let s be Bereans and see what the Scriptures say II. 1Corinthians 15:1-4 A. The gospel is the good news of Christ s death, burial and resurrection (show the Gospel Illustration on pg. 13). B. Let s look at a very powerful and convicting passage III. 2Thessalonians 1:7-10 A. Jesus will punish those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel. B. Since the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection, how does one obey the gospel? a. Obeying the gospel starts with discipleship. The word disciple means student b. Did you know that the word Christian appears 3 times in the Bible, while the word disciple over 270 times?... IV. Acts 11:25-26 A. Disciples were first called Christians by the people of the city of Antioch. B. Therefore, a Christian and a disciple are the same V. John 8:31 A. A true disciple holds to the teachings of Christ. B. Can a person know Christ and yet disobey His commandments?... VI. 1John 2:4-6 A. A true disciple obeys God s commands and walks in the manner of Christ. B. Let s see what Jesus says a person must do to become His disciple VII. Luke 14:25-33 A. We learned in Acts 11:26 that a disciple is the same as a Christian. B. In all honesty, does this passage describe you? a. The Greek word for hate is miseo, which means, love less. b. We are influenced by those whom we love the most. c. In order for us to be Jesus disciple, His words must have a greater influence on us than the words of family, friends, and religious leaders. C. In verse 33, Jesus says we must give up everything. This includes preconceived ideas a. For example: When you wanted to become born again, did you say a prayer, asking Jesus to come into your heart? b. Asking Jesus to come into one s heart is known as the sinner s prayer or the altar call. c. Did you know that the sinner s prayer was started in the 1800s by a man named Charles Finney? i. This is why we must be like the Bereans 5

6 VIII. Matthew 15:9 A. What type of teachings lead to vain (useless) worship? B. The sinner s prayer is a man-made teaching. C. I would like to show you how people became born again in Bible times a. If Old Testament is available: 2Kings 5:10-12 i. Before we look into how one biblically becomes born again, let s look at 2Kings 5:10-12 ii. Naaman had his own preconceived ideas as to how God was going to heal him. iii. As a result, Naaman got angry because he wanted to be healed on his terms, not on God s terms. iv. Preconceived ideas prevent a person from receiving the teachings of God v. This is why we must give up everything, including preconceived ideas, to be His disciple. vi. Do you see yourself as a person who gladly receives God s teachings? vii. Let s see what the Bible says about how one becomes truly born again. b. I m going to show you three passages that beautifully link together IX. John 3:3-5 A. A man must be born of water and Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God. B. What do you think born of water means? C. There are many interpretations as to what it means. Acts 2:37-38 will clarify its meaning. But before we turn there X. Matthew 16:16-19 A. Jesus gives Peter the keys of the Kingdom. B. Keys are used for opening doors, in this case, the door to the Kingdom. C. Consider these two points: a. Since the kingdom is entered by water and Spirit, the keys of the Kingdom must involve water and Spirit b. Since Jesus gave Peter the keys of the Kingdom, then we should expect Peter to be the first to tell people how to be born again. And that he does XI. Acts 2:37-38 A. When the people wanted to be saved, what did Peter, the man given the keys of the Kingdom, tell them to do to become born again? B. In the Greek, the word repent (metanoeo) means change your mind, which also involves a change in one s actions C. Then he tells them to be baptized. That s the born of water part. D. Afterwards, God will give that person the gift of the Holy Spirit. That s the born of Spirit part. E. Do you see how John 3:5, Matthew 16:19 and Acts 2:38 perfectly flow together? F. According to verse 38, for what two reasons must a person be baptized? a. Yet, those who teach the Sinner s Prayer say a person must ask Jesus into their hearts for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. b. Do you see how the Sinner s Prayer replaced the purpose baptism had? c. Charles Finney admitted that the sinner s prayer replaced the purpose baptism had (show the Charles Finney quote on page 15). XII. Colossians 2:11-12 A. According to verse 12, at what point does Jesus circumcise (cut away) our sins? B. The reason why baptism is for the forgiveness of sins is because Christ circumcises us at baptism. a. This explains why Jesus said a man must be born of water to enter the kingdom of heaven 6

7 XIII. John 14:6 & Ephesians 1:7 A. Jesus is the way to the Father, therefore, we must be IN Christ to be saved. B. We receive forgiveness through Christ s blood. C. Jesus shed His blood at His death, therefore, we must be IN Christ s death to be saved. a. Let s see how one gets into Jesus and into His death; that is, His blood XIV. Romans 6:3-4 A. How does one get into Christ and His death? B. Notice the death, burial and resurrection in this passage? a. A person obeys the gospel in baptism (show the Baptism Illustration on page 14). XV. Mark 16:15-16 A. According to Jesus in verse 16, how does one obey the Gospel? In other words, who will be saved? B. Yet, many church leaders teach: he who believes and is NOT baptized will be saved. XVI. 2Peter 2:21 1. If we reject the truth after we learned it, it will be worse for us on Judgment Day than if we never knew it at all. 2. Satan will use false teachers to try to get you to reject all you learned today. Protect yourself from falling into Satan s trap by following Jesus example XVII. Matthew 4:3-9 A. Jesus used Scripture to refute Satan. a. We should never say, Well, I think or Well, I feel or Well, my minister says b. Rather, we should respond like Jesus and say It is written B. In verses 6-7, Satan quotes Scripture, which causes Jesus to say, Again it is written a. Therefore, whenever a person uses Scripture, we ought to respond like Jesus and say, Again it is written C. For example: Let s read John 3:16 a. Someone may refer to this passage and say: Well, baptism is not mentioned in John 3:16. It just says believe. Therefore, we don t need to be baptized to be saved. b. Using Jesus example in Matthew 4:6-7, how would you respond? i. I would respond: Again it is written in Acts 2:38 XVIII. Romans 16:17 A. God commands us to stay away from those who teach contrary to His teachings. B. Should we continue attending groups that do not teach purely from the Scriptures? XIX. Acts 22:16 Challenge: What is God telling you to do? a. Just as God told Naaman to dip 7 times in the river to be healed, God is telling you not to delay, but to arise and be baptized and wash away your sins. b. This passage shows us that we call on His name through baptism. Optional Passages: Examples of conversions Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:26-39; Acts 16:31-34; Acts 18:8 Other baptism passages Galatians 3:27; 1Peter 3:18-21 If they person wants to get baptized, go over the Discipleship study with them. If the person is not ready to obey the gospel, give him/her a copy of the Gospel DVD. Ask him/her if he/she is willing to get together again. If he/she says Yes, arrange a time and teach him/her the Love of God study. 7

8 THE KINGDOM Series 2 I. The Old Testament Predictions of the Kingdom A. Isaiah 2:1-3 a. God will establish His mountain in the last days. b. All nations will stream to His mountain. c. This will all take place starting in Jerusalem. Note: Zion is the high point on which Jerusalem was built. That's why Jerusalem and Zion are mentioned together. B. Daniel a. Daniel 2:25-45 i. Daniel interprets the king of Babylon s dream (See The Four Kingdoms Illustration on page 16): Gold The Babylonian kingdom (King Nebuchadnezzar). Silver The Medo-Persian kingdom Bronze (Brass) The Grecian kingdom. Iron The Roman kingdom. The Rock God s Kingdom o The Rock became a mountain, covering the Earth, is the Kingdom of God o Therefore, the mountain in Isaiah 2:2 was referring to God s Kingdom. o The Rock struck the feet of the statue (the Iron) o God was going to establish His kingdom during the times of the Roman kings or Caesars. b. Daniel 7:18 i. The saints of God will possess the kingdom forever. ii. The word saint comes from the Greek word hagios, which means holy one. II. New Testament Predictions of the Kingdom A. Jesus a. Matthew 4:17 i. Jesus preached the coming of the kingdom was near. ii. Jesus preached during the reign of the Roman Kingdom (Iron). iii. Rome is in control and God is about to establish His Kingdom as Daniel predicted! b. Mark 9:1 i. The kingdom would come during the lifetime of the apostles. ii. The kingdom will come with power. c. John 3:3-5 i. The kingdom is entered by water and by Spirit. d. Matthew 16:16-19 i. Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom. ii. Keys are for unlocking doors. Since the kingdom is entered by water and by Spirit, the keys of the kingdom must involve water and Spirit. 8

9 III. The Fulfillment: The Kingdom Comes 1. Acts 2:1-4 Come with power (Mark 9:1b) a. A powerful event happens at Pentecost. 2. Acts 2:5 - All nations / Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-3) a. Devout men from every nation are present. b. This event is taking place in Jerusalem. 3. Acts 2:14-17 Some will not taste death (Mark 9:1a) / Last Days (Isaiah 2:2) a. Peter and the other eleven who were with Jesus in Mark 9:1 are present. b. Verse 17 identifies the day of Pentecost (verse 1) as being within "the last days". Note: The term "last days" signifies the New Testament era. We are in the last days now. Hebrews 1:1-2 and James 5:1-3 refers to the current times as "the last days". 4. Acts 2:38 Water and Spirit (John 3:5) / Peter with the keys (Matt. 16:19) a. Jesus said the kingdom is entered by water and Spirit (John 3:5). b. Acts 2:38 interprets John 3:5 for us: i. Be baptized born of water. ii. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit born of Spirit. c. Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom - Matthew 16:19. d. Peter delivers the keys of the kingdom in Acts 2:38. IV. The Church is the Kingdom of God on Earth. 1. Colossians 1:13-14 a. Paul told the Colossian church that they have been brought into the Kingdom (present tense). b. The Church is the Kingdom of God. 2. The saints possessing the kingdom forever (Daniel 7:18) a. Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1 i. Church members called saints. V. Conclusion A. Matthew 6:33 a. Make the kingdom of God and His righteousness your first priority! 9

10 Series 3 THE CHURCH The word church comes from the Greek word ekklessía, which means, assembly. I. Ephesians 2:19-20 A. The church is the family of God. God (Father) Disciple Disciple (God s son) siblings (God s daughter) B. The church is built on the Word of God. Apostles = New Testament Prophets = + Old Testament The Bible II. Ephesians 1:22,23 Christ (head) A. Jesus is the Head of the church. Church (body) B. The church is His Body. III. Ephesians 4:4 Christ (head) A. There is only one body, that is, one church. B. There are many divided groups claiming to be Christ s body. bodies? C. How can we identify the true body of Christ?... IV. IDENTIFYING THE LORD S CHURCH A. The Church s Organization a. Ephesians 4:11-12 i. Just as the physical body is made of parts that perform various functions, the Body of Christ has members with different functions: Apostles o These were men appointed directly by Jesus to carry His message. o There were 12 apostles appointed for the Jews (Matthew 10:2-8). o Paul was an apostle appointed for the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-16). o Apostles were able to raise the dead (Matthew 10:8) Prophets o These were men to whom God spoke through visions, dreams or direct speech (Numbers 12:6-8). Evangelists o These are men who preach at the Church -- like Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5) Pastors (also called elders, bishops or overseers) o These are aged men to whom the task of overseeing (or pastoring) the Church is given (Acts 20:28). o The qualifications for pastors are found in 1Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9. Teachers o These are disciples who teach other disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). ii. The function of these men is to prepare God s people to do works of service (ministry). 10

11 iii. 1Timothy 3:8 Deacons (an attendant; waiter) o Deacons serve the members of the Church. o In Acts 6:1-6, seven men (deacons) were appointed to wait on tables. o The qualifications for deacons are found in 1Timothy 3:8-12. Reverend, Father, Pope, Cardinal, Arch Bishop, Sr. Pastor and Jr. Pastor o These titles are never worn by Christians in the Scriptures. o In Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus taught the people not to elevate any man with titles. o In God s Family, we are all brothers; God is the only One worthy of titles. iv. 1Timothy 2:12 (1Corinthians 14:34) The Lord s Church does not have women preachers and pastors B. The Church s Worship Pattern a. Lord s Supper i. It s purpose -- 1Corinthians 11:23-26 The bread represents Christ s body The cup (called the fruit of the vine - Matt. 26:29) represents Christ s blood Each time we take the Lord s Supper: o We remember what He did for us on the cross o We proclaim His death until He comes o In other words, the Lord's Supper looks back at Christ's death and looks forward to His return! ii. It s Frequency -- Acts 20:7 The Lord s Church broke bread on the first day of the week (Sunday). b. Singing Singing is a sign of happiness (James 5:13) We declare God s name and praise Him in the Church by singing (Hebrews 2:12) We teach one another by singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16) c. Giving Financially 1Corinthians 16:1-2 o On Sundays, members of the Lord s Church would set aside a sum of money to help God s people The monies are used toward church expenses and to support missionaries and the propelling of the gospel with tracts and other materials. The contributions of the church at Philippi were considered a sweet offering and sacrifice to God (Philippians 4:15-18). o Giving is an act of worship to God. o God is pleased when we give, especially when we give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) d. Public Reading and Teaching of God s Word e. Prayer In the Church, the teachers, especially the evangelists, are to read, teach and preach God s Word (1Timothy 4:13) The following is to be made for everyone (1Timothy 2:1-2) o Requests lifting up requests before God. o Prayers lifting up general prayers before God. o Intercession lifting up prayers on behalf of others. o Thanksgiving lifting up prayers, expressing thankfulness to God 11

12 C. The Church s Teaching on Salvation a. A person must believe what the Bible says about Jesus He is the Son of God (John 3:16) He is God (John 1:1) He died, was buried and rose again -- the gospel (1Corinthians 15:1-4). b. A person must repent of sinful behavior (Luke 13:3). c. A person must confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9). d. A person must be baptized. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). One is united to Christ and His death at baptism (Romans 6:3-4). e. A person must remain faithful until death (Mark 13:13; Rev. 2:10). D. Titles That Identify the Church a. 1Corinthians 12:27 - The body of Christ. b. Ephesians 2:19 The household of God. c. 1Corinthians 1:2 - The church of God. d. Romans 16:16 The churches of Christ. V. Hebrews 10:24-25 A. The purpose for Christians assembling together is for mutual encouragement. B. We are to devote ourselves to the gathering of God s people (seek the kingdom first). 12

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15 A quote from Charles Finney The church has always felt it necessary to have something of this kind to answer this very purpose. In the days of the apostles, baptism answered this purpose. The gospel was preached to the people, and then all those who were willing to be on the side of Christ, were called out to be baptized. It held the place that the anxious seat does now as a public manifestation of their determination to be Christians. Charles Grandison Finney ( ) Note: The term anxious seat is what religious leaders call today the sinner s prayer or the altar call. Finney admits that in the days of the apostles, the Gospel was preached, and the people responded in baptism (see Mark 16:15-16). He goes on to admit that the anxious seat -- also know as the sinner s prayer -- replaced the purpose baptism held. God s Word says baptism is for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Acts 2:38), yet, many religious groups today teach that the sinner s prayer is for the forgiveness of sins. 15

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17 Answers To Some Common Objections Objection 1: What about the thief on the cross? He was saved without being baptized. (Luke 23:39-43) Soul Winner: We learned that the gospel is the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1Cor. 15:1-4). How can the thief on the cross be baptized into a death, burial and resurrection that had not yet occurred? In Romans 6:3-4, it says we are baptized into Christ's death, burial and resurrection. The thief died before the burial and resurrection of Jesus. A person obeys the gospel in baptism. After His resurrection, Jesus told his disciples to go and preach the gospel (good news) to all creatures. He who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:15-16). Every example in Acts shows people hearing the gospel, believing it and immediately responding in baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 8:35-38; 16:13-15; 16:30-33; 18:8). Objection 2: Well, I was baptized by immersion. Therefore, I m saved. Soul Winner: Consider this: You believed you were forgiven of your sins after you prayed the sinner's prayer, right? Since you believed that your sins were forgiven before you were baptized, then apparently, your baptism was not for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38 says baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. In Acts 22:16, it says our sins are washed away at baptism. Yet, you were taught that your sins were forgiven and washed before you were baptized. You see the problem here? Let s read Acts 19:1-5. In this passage, these men were baptized into the wrong baptism. After Paul explained the truth, they got baptized into the right baptism. Therefore, according to Acts 19:1-5, it does make a difference what baptism one receives, right? And now that you learned of Biblical baptism and how it differs from the baptism you were taught and received, you ought to consider being baptized for the right reasons. Objection 3: Romans 10:9 says confess and believe and you shall be saved. Soul Winner: Amen! We must confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead! If a person does not believe Christ rose from the dead and if they do not confess Him as Lord, they certainly will not be saved! Now, let me ask you this: According to Jesus in Luke 13:3, must a person repent to be saved? Romans 10:9 says nothing about repentance, yet we know that a person must repent to be saved. We must take into consideration all passages that deal with salvation. Passages like John 3:16, Mark 16:16, Matthew 10:32-33 and Mark 13:13. This is why I went over Matthew 4:6-7 with you. We should never set Scripture against Scripture, as Satan tried to do with Jesus. Rather, as Jesus did, we must say: Again, it is written 17

18 Objection 4: John 3:16 says those who believe will not perish. Baptism is not mentioned. Soul Winner: Amen! We must believe in Him! Now, keep in mind, John 3:16 is part of a conversation that starts at verse 2. In verse 5, Jesus describes a true believer as one being born of water and Spirit. Also, in John 3:21, Jesus describes a true believer as one who lives by the truth. In John 17:17, Jesus defines God s Word as Truth. Therefore, John 3:16 refers to those who accept, believe and apply everything God s Word has to say. Objection 5: It s the blood of Jesus that washes away our sins, not water! Soul Winner: Yes, it is the blood of Jesus that washes away our sins! We already established that fact in Ephesians 1:7, where it says the blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. And we already established the fact that Christ shed His blood at His death. Let me remind you, according to Romans 6:3, how does one get INTO Christ and INTO His death? We also covered Colossians 2: According to verse 12, at what point does Jesus circumcise our sins? When we are buried with Him through what? Objection 6: You are insinuating that water washes away sins! Soul Winner: No, it s the blood of Christ that washes away sins. The reason Acts 22:16 says arise and be baptized and wash away your sins is because Jesus circumcises our sins, through His blood, at baptism (Colossians 2:11-12). Objection 7: Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved by grace alone. Soul Winner: I agree that we are saved by God's wonderful grace! The Greek word for "grace" is "charis," which means "unmerited gift." Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved by grace through faith. Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing the word of God. According to Acts 2:38, how does one receive God s gift of salvation? Objection 8: Baptism is a work. Ephesians 2:8 says we aren t saved by works. Soul Winner: I agree that we are not saved by our own works. And I agree, baptism is a work. However, let me ask you this: Where did baptism come from? Did it come from the mind of God or from the mind of man? If baptism comes from the mind of God, then whose work is it? Colossians 2:11-12 says God is the One circumcising our sins at baptism. He is at work, not us. God is the Surgeon, we are merely the patient. Objection 9: Acts 2:21 (Romans 10:13) says those who call on His name will be saved. Soul Winner: Amen! According to Acts 22:16, at what point does a person call on His name? 18

19 Objection 10: I know I m saved! I felt the Holy Spirit and started to speak in tongues! Soul Winner: Read Matthew 7: At Judgment Day, there will be many who will claim to be saved because of the miracles they ve experienced. According to verse 23, what will Jesus tell these people? What matters to God is that we hear and live by His words (Matthew 7:24-25). In 2Corinthians 5:7, we are told to walk by faith and not by sight. Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore, we must walk according to God s Word, and not by what we see, feel or experience (Proverbs 16:25). Objection 11: What about the person on their death bed or in a desert? Soul Winner: Well, let me respond to that question with this question: In John 14:6, Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that NO person can come to God except through Him. Is that always true? Now, since John 14:6 says what it says, what about the millions of people who die without ever knowing Jesus. What will happen to them? 2Thessalonians 1:8 says that Jesus will punish those who do not know God, along with those who do not obey the Gospel. Psalm 119:89 says the Word of God is forever settled in Heaven. Therefore, what the Bible says is unchangeable. John 14:6 is a permanent truth. Since Mark and Acts are part of God's Word, Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 are permanent truths. By the way, the Bible tells us of a desert conversion: In Acts 8:26-39, Philip, the preacher, met an Ethiopian man traveling on a desert road. After Philip preached the gospel to him, they came to an oasis and Philip baptized the man! With God, all things are possible! I know of people who were very sick who, with God s grace, were able to be baptized. As the old saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way. Objection 12: Revelation 3:20 says that Jesus stands at the door, waiting to come into a person s heart. Soul Winner: Revelation 3:20 does not say, Ask Jesus to come into your heart. In fact, the word heart is not even mentioned there. The context shows Jesus addressing the lukewarm disciples of the Laodicean church (see verse 14-21). History tells us that the city of Laodecia had water problems. By the time the water reached the city, it was lukewarm, thus undesirable for satisfying thirst (COLD) or for bathing (HOT). Jesus was comparing these disciples to their city s water lukewarm and nauseating. He was telling them to turn from their wickedness and be useful for God! In addition, if Revelation 3:20 was referring to the sinners' prayer, you would see the sinner s prayer being taught throughout the book of Acts. (read Finney s quote again) 19

20 Objection 13: We are saved by faith alone. Soul Winner: James 2:24 says that a person is not justified by faith alone. James 2:26 says faith without works is dead. Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing the word of God. Since faith comes from hearing the Word of God, and since faith without works is dead, according to Acts 2:38, how does one receive God s gift of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit? Also, keep the following in mind: faith is a work (John 6:28-29). If you say that there is nothing we can do to be saved, then faith is unnecessary for salvation. Objection 14: The word for in Acts 2:38 means because of therefore, we are baptized because our sins are already forgiven. Soul Winner: Well, this raises at least two problems: (1) Matthew 26:28 and Acts 2:38 both say for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. If for means because of, then that means Jesus died in vain. The passage would then be interpreted as saying this: His blood was poured out for many BECAUSE OF the forgiveness of sins. (2) Not one Bible translation reads because of in Acts 2:38. Objection 15: Do you get baptized every time you sin? Soul Winner: In Acts 8:22, Simon, a baptized believer who sinned, was told to repent and pray. When a baptized believer sins, he is to repent and pray to God for forgiveness. Also, in 1John 1:9, John, speaking to the Christian, tells them that if they confess their sins, God will forgive them. Objection 16: I believe the term born of water in John 3:5 means physical birth. I believe it is the water that comes our of a woman s womb before she gives birth. Soul Winner: Your reason for believing that comes from verse 6, where it mentions how flesh gives birth to flesh and Spirit gives birth to spirit, correct? Well, if born of water meant physical birth, then this raises some problems: (1) Why didn t Jesus simply say unless one is born of the Spirit? Why did He bother listing the physical birth as a requirement to enter the kingdom of Heaven? If someone asked me: What must I do to get into Princeton University? it would be pointless for me to say to him: Well, first, you need to be physically born So why would Jesus make a pointless statement by saying a man must be physically born and spiritually born to enter the kingdom? (2) If born of water meant flesh, then why didn t Jesus use the same phrase he did in verse 6 and simply say, unless a man is born of flesh and Spirit? (3) Since Jesus mentions both water and Spirit as requirements for entrance into the kingdom of heaven, and since you say born of water means physical birth, then that would mean all babies that died before birth are in hell. Acts 2:38 clearly interprets John 3:5 for us: be baptized (born of water) and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (born of Spirit). By the way, John 1:12-13 is clear regarding natural birth. Why didn t he use the term born of water there? I believe God knows how to communicate clearly. Also, keep this in mind: all the early Christian apologists of the 2 nd and 3 rd centuries, some whom even sat at the feet of the apostles, unanimously taught that born of water meant baptism. 20

21 Objection 17: I was baptized as a baby. Soul Winner: We learned that in Romans 6:4, baptism is a burial, not a sprinkling. We are to be buried with Christ through baptism. Other passages, such as Colossians 2:12, refer to baptism as a burial as well. Also, we learned in Acts 2:38 that a person must first repent and be baptized. Acts 2:41 says those who accepted the message were baptized. Objection 18: It says in the Bible that households were baptized. Households include children. Soul Winner: In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children. An adult, on the other hand, must become as a little child and be converted to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1-3). A person enters the kingdom of God through baptism. In Acts 8:12, we read of adult believers being baptized upon hearing the good news of the kingdom and of Christ, not children. Another point to consider is this: In Acts 16:31-33, it says that Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to the jailer and his household. Mark 16:15 causes us to believe that the word of the Lord that was being spoken was the gospel. Paul and Silas were sharing the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ to those who were capable of hearing and understanding what was being preached. Can a baby hear, understand and respond to the gospel in baptism? (cf. Mark 16:15-16). Can a baby change its mind in repentance and respond in baptism (cf. Acts 2:37-41)? What sin did a baby commit? Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. It is for those who desire to be in the kingdom of heaven, not for those who already are in the kingdom. A third point to consider is this: In Acts 8:5-12, Philip preached to a whole city there. Obviously, there were adults and children present in the audience. In verse 12, it says the men and women who believed Philip s message were baptized. Objection 19: How do I know if the Bible is true? Soul Winner: There is a great deal of scientific evidence that supports the Bible. In ancient times, people thought the earth was held up by some legendary being. The Bible spoke of the earth hanging on nothing (Job 26:7). Also, in ancient times, people thought the world was flat. However, the Bible spoke of the circle of the earth in Isaiah 40:22. In Hebrews 1:10-11, the Bible speaks of the universe wearing away (the Law of Entropy). Also, the Bible speaks of hundreds of predictions that took place centuries later. For example, predictions regarding Jesus Christ: He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25); He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7); He would die for our sins (Isaiah 53:5-9; Romans 5:8); He would rise from the dead (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27). Other predictions include Daniel chapter 2, where Daniel spoke of God establishing His Church during the times of a future fourth kingdom. Historically, this came true: The Babylonian Kingdom fell to the Medo-Persians. The Medo-Persian Kingdom fell to Greece. The Grecian Kingdom fell to Rome. During the times of the Roman Kingdom, the Church was established (33AD). Daniel s prediction was accurate! 21

22 THE LOVE OF GOD Additional Study Goal: To show how much God loves us and what His Son, Jesus, went through for us. I. Matthew 1:21 A. The name Jesus means the Lord saves. B. Jesus came to save His people from their sins. II. John 3:16 A. God loves us more than you know! B. What did Jesus go through for us? Let s see III. Mark 14:22-26 The last supper A. Jesus explains the supper: His body and blood offered for us. B. Matthew 26:28 says His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. IV. Mark 14:32-41 Jesus afraid but willing to face death for us A. Jesus prays three times, being in distress for what is about to take place. V. Mark 14:42-65 Jesus arrested A. They led Jesus away, made false testimony against Him and beat Him. B. All night long, they mocked Jesus. He was deprived of rest. VI. Mark 15:1-15 Jesus tried and flogged. A. Flogging involved being tied naked to a pole and whipped with straps with bone and steel embedded in them. Flogging ripped the skin right off of a person. (See Flogging Illustration on page 23). B. Isaiah 50:6 says His beard was pulled out. C. Isaiah 52:14 says He was so badly beaten that he didn t look like a man! VII. Mark 15:16-32 Jesus led away to be crucified. A. Despite his head being bruised with punches, they crowned Him with thorns! B. They nailed His beaten, bruised, and mangled body to the cross! (See Crucifixion Illustration on page 23). VIII. Mark 15:33-37 Jesus becomes sin for us and dies. A. Jesus takes on our sin and as a result, the Father, who is pure, looks away from His Son: My God! My God! Why have you forsaken Me? B. Jesus experiences the worst part of His journey: the taking on of our sins! C. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says Jesus became sin for us so that we might be right before God. IX. Mark 16:1-7 A. He arose from the dead on the third day! Praise God! X. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 A. We are saved through the gospel. (Show the Gospel Illustration on page 13). XI. Read Isaiah 53:5-6 22

23 A. Substitute the person s name where pronouns (we, our, us, etc.) are mentioned. Challenge: Jesus calls His followers disciples. Are you willing to become His disciple? If yes, go over the Discipleship study with them. THE LOVE OF GOD ILLUSTRATION FLOGGING 23

24 CRUCIFIXION 24

25 Additional Study DISCIPLESHIP Goal: To share insight as to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I. Matthew 28:19-20 A. Jesus wants everyone to become His disciples. B. The word disciple means student or learner C. Therefore, a disciple makes Jesus his Teacher and Lord D. Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. E. He commands His disciples to teach younger disciples to obey His commands. a. Small groups or mentorship groups. i. One way Matthew 28:20 is accomplished is by frequent small group or mentorship meetings, where we discuss God s Word and learn how we can be more like Jesus in all we do. ii. Mentorship groups also allows us to develop close relationships with each other. iii. Men meet with men and women meet with women. b. Wednesday night Bible class i. During Wednesday Night Bible class, the Bible teacher instructs us in the way of the Lord. ii. Ephesians 4:11-12 says that God gave us teachers, along with apostles, prophets, pastors (elders) and evangelists, to prepare us for works of service (ministry). iii. We will discuss the apostles, prophets, pastors and evangelists in a later study. c. Friday Night Devotional services i. During Friday Night Devotional service, we learn to praise God in songs of worship. ii. Friday Devotioanl is a great way to experience what the Psalmist said in Psalm 22:22 (which is reiterated in Hebrews 2:12), saying, I will declare your name among my brothers, and I will praise you in the congregation! d. Sunday Worship services: i. Sunday service is a time when we meet to remember Christ s death by partaking the Lord s supper. ii. Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week (Sunday), the disciples met to break bread (that is, they partook of the Lord s Supper) iii. 1Cor. 11:23-26 The church got together to proclaim Christ s death by eating the bread, which represents Chris s body, and drinking the cup, which represents Christ blood. iv. On Sunday, we re also given an opportunity to hear the Word of God and to worship Him in song and prayer. II. Luke 6:40 A. The goal of discipleship is to be like Jesus. B. This is why Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. C. This is accomplished by small group meetings, Bible study, prayer and fellowship (church gatherings). D. The end goal is to be like Jesus! III. Acts 2:41-42 A. These new disciples were devoted to: a. The apostle s teachings (the Bible) b. The fellowship (the frequent gatherings of disciples-sunday, etc.) c. Breaking of bread (partaking of the Lord s Supper) d. Prayer 25

26 IV. John 13:34-35 A. People recognize Jesus disciples by their love for one another. B. Disciples get the opportunity to show their love for each other when they fellowship together, especially during public worship (Sunday worship, Wednesday Bible class, Friday devotional, etc). V. Luke 14:25-33 A. The Greek word for hate is miseö, which means to love less. B. Matthew 10:37 interprets Luke 14:26. a. Matthew uses the term: loves more. b. Luke uses the term: does not hate or does not love less. C. A disciple must love Jesus more than his closest relationships. D. A disciple must be willing to take up his cross (suffer for Jesus) and follow Him. E. A disciple gives up everything that stands in the way of Christ. a. Our fleshly desires usually stand in the way of Christ b. This is why Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25 that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him. VI. Matthew 5:10-12 A. Since a disciple is to be like Jesus, a disciple must understand that, like Jesus, they will suffer persecution. B. Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-36 that our own family members will persecute us, should we devote ourseves to Jesus. Challenge: Are you ready to become a disciple, devoting yourself to the word of God, to the fellowship of the Church, to the breaking of bread on Sundays and to prayer? If they are willing to become disciples, have them get baptized, then set up another study with them and teach them The Kingdom study and the The Church study. After those studies are taught, get them into a mentorship group. 26

27 Spiritual Awareness Survey (The Law) 1. MAN S GOODNESS: a. Do you consider yourself to be a good person? b. Are you good enough to go to heaven? 2. GOD S STANDARD OF GOODNESS (The 10 Commandments): a. For example: i. Have you ever disrespected your parents? 1. Exodus 20:12, Honor your father and your mother ii. Have you ever stolen anything in your life, no matter how small it was? 1. Exodus 20:15, You shall not steal iii. Have you ever lied? 1. Exodus 20:16, You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor 3. GOD S JUDGMENT: a. If God were to judge you by the 10 Commandments, would you go to heaven? i. Just as a good judge would pronounce judgment on a murderer, God, being The Good Judge, will pronounce judgment on all wrongdoers. ii. The Bible says in Revelation 21:8, But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. 4. GOD S KINDNESS: Imagine you were standing before a judge, guilty of many serious crimes. The evidence presented in court shows that you are 100% guilty. Your apologies and good deeds cannot erase your crimes. Your fine is $100 million dollars or life imprisonment. You have no money. And just before the sentence is passed, a stranger steps in and pays your fine. The court accepts the fine and lets you go free! How would you feel? i. This is exactly what Christ did for you and I 1. The Bible says in Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 2. Isn t this good news? a. The Bible calls this good news the gospel b. 1Corinthians 15:1-4 says the gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and raised the third day to life! (show gospel illustration) 3. The Bible goes on to say in Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord a. Like any free gift, it must be received. 4. Would you be interested in learning how one receives this gift of eternal life? 27

28 Bible Awareness Questionnaire 1. Psalm 92:15, The Lord is upright and there is no unrighteousness in Him a. Is there any unrighteous (sin) in God? b. Are you good enough to go to heaven? 2. Romans 3:10, None is righteous, no, not one a. Are there any of us who are righteous (sinless)? 3. 1Corinthians 6:9-10, " do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral [having sex outside of marriage] nor men who practice homosexuality 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers [those who use abusive language] will inherit the kingdom of God a. Will those who practice these things go to Heaven? b. Have you ever been guilty of any of the above? 4. Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Chris Jesus our Lord" a. What does sin produce? b. What is God willing to give? 5. Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes a. According to this verse, what is the gospel? 6. 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures a. What three events make up the gospel? (show gospel illustration) 7. 2Thessalonians 1:5-8, This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus a. According to verse 8, when Jesus returns, who will He take vengeance on? In other words, who will He punish? b. Would you be interested in learning more about how the gospel is obeyed? 28