NOW THAT YOU BELIEVE Seven steps to a maturing faith Dr. Ken Gaglardi B.Sc. Ph.D. A.Sc.T (honourary)
To my wife Eunice, who has made ministry within our home a joy and a privilege for over forty five years. Copyright by Dr. Ken Gaglardi 2013 Unless marked, all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. 5
INTRODUCTION All heaven rejoices when you made the decision to become a Christian. So let s celebrate with them! The Bible uses the picture of becoming a new Christian as being born again. You were born a citizen of your country, and now you are born as a citizen of heaven. These next pages will help you understand what being a mature citizen of heaven looks like and how you can mature in your faith. Peter (a disciple of Jesus) wrote the framework of these lessons. He was the first one to follow Jesus and about 30 years later as the leader of the church, he gave this understanding of what it takes to become a confident, mature Christian. Take time to enjoy them and let them challenge you. The wonderful promise is that as you do these things, you will never fall At the end of this book (page 43) is a prayer to become a Christian. If you haven t asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins then it is the place to start. 6
WHAT COMES NEXT? God wants to develop a loving relationship with you. And your task is to respond so that your relationship with God is truly one characterized by love. It is growing up in your faith, or becoming mature in your faith. You can expect that God will challenge some of your habits. He will do this through the church services, through reading the Bible, and through your conscience, and it is vital that you respond to these as God directs you. As you purify your life, (the theological term is righteous living) you will be honouring God. You can expect that God will speak to you. These will be words of encouragement, or direction for your life. God does this through the Bible (so reading the Bible is vital), through ideas placed in your mind as you are praying (so praying is vital), through the preached word of God (so church attendance is vital) and through worship (so participation in worship is vital) You can expect that some of your friends will not understand (at least at the first) but you are probably the best person to help them find the way to heaven too. Pray for them, and show them the difference that God makes and then tell how they too can become a Christian. It is vital that you participate in helping others escape the pathway that leads to hell and help them find the pathway to heaven. This is called the great commission, and God had it recorded in the Bible this way. (Mark 16:15-16) He (Jesus) said to them (his followers), "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever 7
believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. You can expect that God will back you as you tell others of his love. That backing will take many forms but two of them are: 1. personal confidence you will experience as you speak for God and 2. the miracles God does as He works with you. Remember, God is trying to build a loving relationship with you. God bless you as you embark on your exciting new challenge, and we will back you by praying for you, befriending you, and helping in any way we can. Now, here are the seven steps to maturity and fruitful living. 8
SEVEN STEPS 1: the step of adding goodness 2: the step of adding knowledge of God 3: the step of adding self-control 4: the step of adding perseverance 5: the step of adding godliness 6: the step of adding brotherly kindness 7: the step of adding love 1 Peter 1:5-7 TO MATURITY 9
STEP 1 TO MATURITY MAKING GOOD CHOICES 2 Peter 1:5-11 {5}For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. {8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. {9} But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. {10} Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, {11} and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. STEP #1 Add GOODNESS to your faith Step 6 will help us with the topic of adding kindness. Now, we deal with temptation, the enemy of goodness. Here is what God says about temptations 10
EXPLORE THE CHALLENGES TO DOING GOOD Where do my temptations come from? James 1:14-15 What do I have to do so that these temptations do not win? Matthew 26:41 What does the Bible say about my thoughts? Romans 12:2 What is God s assurance about temptations? 1Corinthians 10:13 What am I aiming for? 2 Corinthians 13:11 PRAYER: Dear God, I am going to do my best to resist all temptations this week and I ask for your help. Please direct me as I try to think good thoughts. (The answers to the questions for each step are at the back of the book ) 11
STEP 2 TO MATURITY KNOWING GOD 2 Peter 1:5-11 {5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. {8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. {9} But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. {10} Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, {11} and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. STEP #2 Add KNOWLEDGE to your goodness and faith The second step is to a learn about God so we focus on what the Bible tells us. This step will help you get a quick picture of what the Bible says about God. Where do I get knowledge about God? Psalm 119:105 12
KNOWING THE BIBLE KNOWING GOD IN YOUR MIND Read the summaries of the Bible (pages 32-42) Read some of the great commands of the Bible Colossians 3:13 Is a command to each other. Deuteronomy 6:5 Is a command to God fully Philippians 4:6-7 Is a command to And the promise is that you will have KNOWING GOD IN YOUR HEART We need to know God in our mind, but we also need to know God in our heart. By applying the commands such as those above, you will know God in your heart. this week, ask God to help you forgive some specific person Who is it you want to forgive What do you want to forgive them for doing this week ask God to help you pray when anxieties rise and see how the peace of God rests on you. What do you want to pray about PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to know you in my mind and in my heart. Also please remind me to forgive freely, and to pray regularly 13
STEP3 TO MATURITY DEVELOPING SELF-CONTROL 2 Peter 1:5-7 {5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. STEP #3 Add SELF-CONTROL to your knowledge, goodness and faith It takes self-control to do each of these steps and to continue to do them This is the self control we need to do good things, We also need self-control to stop doing evil things and the things that God particularly detests are described for us in Prov 6:16-19 {16}There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: {17} haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, {18} a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, {19} a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. 14
EXPLORE SELF CONTROL ISSUES Write out God s solution to each of these in your own words in the space provided. EVILS WE MUST CONTROL GOD S SOLUTION pride, Matthew 11:29-30 lying for your own benefit Philippians 4:19 taking advantage of people Galatians 6:1 thinking of ways to hurt someone Matthew 22:39 following evil suggestions Proverbs 8:13 lying to hurt someone else Philippians 2:3 causing tensions in a group Proverbs 15:1 What attitude should you have to others? John 13:34-35 PRAYER: Dear God, I am going to try my best not to do these things, and again I ask for your help. 15
STEP 4 TO MATURITY PERSEVERING EVEN IN TOUGH TIMES 2 Peter 1:5-11 {5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. {8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. {9} But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. {10} Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, {11} and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. STEP #4 Add PERSEVERANCE to your self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith Perseverance means just keep on doing something even when it is tough. And we do them over and over again as they become out new habits. 16
THE IMPORTANT HABITS TO MAKE KEEP ON WHY? John 15:9 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 John 8:31-32 Psalm 119:9-11 Ephesians 6:18 Luke 18:1-8 Hosea 12:6 Matthew 5:7 Galatians 6:9 Galatians 6:9-10 Philippians 1:27 Luke 6:35 James 1:12 Revelations 3:21 2 Peter 1:10-11 2 Peter 1:10-11 See Hebrews 11 for examples of people who have persevered PRAYER: Dear God, I ask for your help as I try my best to persevere in this week. 17
STEP 5 TO MATURITY BECOMING LIKE GOD 2 Peter 1:5-7 {5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. STEP #5 Add GODLINESS to your perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith Godliness is being like God. We are not God, but we are told to act like Him because this lets others see what God is like. (Ephesians 5:1 ESV) Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and this is both possible and natural as we understand that we are dearly loved by God. The Bible tells us God s finest features (we call these God s glory) in Exodus 34:6-7 18
GOD S FINEST FEATURES Review the eight finest features of God, (they are called God s glory) in Exodus 34:6-7. Write them out and then see how Jesus modelled them. God s finest features See these in the life of Jesus God is the Mark 4:37-39 God treats us with Matthew 14:14 God treats us Luke 4:22 God is to get angry Luke 23 God is in love Luke 6:32-36 God is in faithfulness Mark 14:72 & Mark 16:7 God is Luke 23:34 God is intolerant of Mark 11:15-18 PRAYER: Dear God, Thank you for setting this wonderful example for me to follow. Please help me as I try to model these characteristics. Thanks 19
STEP 6 TO MATURITY DEVELOPING BROTHERLY KINDNESS 2 Peter 1:5-7 {5}For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. STEP #6 Add KINDNESS to godliness, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith Sometimes we may feel that kindness is such a little thing, or we simply presume that we deserve the kindness others show us. But kindness is very important to God, for God uses the kindness we show to others to encourage them to become repent of their sins and become Christians just like you did. (Romans 2:4)4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 20
EXPLORING THE POWER OF KINDNESS Describe God s kindness to you Acts 14:17 List some ways to show kindness Acts 24:4 Acts 27:3 Acts 28:2 1 Corinthians 4:13 1 Thesselonians 5:15 To whom are we to be kind? Luke 6:35 Acts 4:9 2 Timothy 2:24 Kindness is a way to show 1 Corinthians 13:4 Kindness comes from God s Galatians 5:22 Kindness helps people find Ephesians 4:32 Romans 2:4 PRAYER: Dear God, I am going to try to be kind especially to this week by. Please remind me so they will see the value of following your lead. Thanks. 21
STEP 7 TO MATURITY BEING A PERSON OF LOVE 2 Peter 1:5-7 {5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; {6} and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; {7} and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. STEP #7 Add LOVE to kindness, godliness, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith Even though this is the last step, the passage tells us to do these things more and more 2 Peter 1:8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words you can always add more kindness, godliness, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness to your faith. It is a good idea to redo this set of lessons periodically. 22
EXPLORING LOVE Describe love. 1 Corinthians 13 1 John 3:16-18 Whom are we to love? Matthew 5:43-44, 46 Matthew 19:19 Matthew 22:37 How are we to love people? Romans 12:9-10 Romans 14:15 Ephesians 4:15-16 Ephesians 5:2 How do we love God? John 14:15,21 What is a benefit of love 1 Pet 4:8 What prompts us to love? Colosians 1:4-5 Hebrews 6:10 Think of ways to encourage love Hebrews 10:24 PRAYER: Dear God, I am going to try my best to be loving and to show love to this week by. Please help me to become a mature Christian. Thanks.. 23
WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? There are two paths to follow from this point. Path #1: Do the lessons again, for the Bible says For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8 In increasing measure means that we go over and over this material so it becomes our life pattern. We should always be adding goodness, knowledge, selfcontrol, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love to our lives. I highly recommend that you do these at least twice. Path #2 : Focus on knowing God... an expansion of the material in lesson 2. It is vital that you experience God as well as know about him. A good resource for this is The Principles of Victorious Living by Dr. Ken Gaglardi. This book focuses on the instructions (called laws, statues, precepts, commands... ) that God gives to us. This is what the Bible says about these instructions. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-11 24
ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS IN THE STEPS 25
ANSWERS TO STEP #1 MAKING GOOD CHOICES Where do temptations come from? James 1:14-15 From my own evil desires Can you identify some evil desires in you? How are you going to get rid of them? What do I have to do so that temptation does not win? Matthew 26:41 Be alert to the possible tempting situations Pray for strength to deal properly with each run, get others to be with you, walk through Repent of the evil desires. What is your most recent success? Celebrate your successes! What does the Bible say about my thoughts? Romans 12:2 We are transformed into new people as we change the thought patterns of our mind. We do this by having good things to insert into our minds when bad thoughts arise. How much effort are you prepared to give to this? What is God s assurance about temptations? 1 Corinthians 10:13 God has made a path out of the temptation, so you don t have to give in to it. Describe a way God helped you out of a temptation. Remember to say thanks! What am I shooting for? 2 Corinthians 13:11 Perfection. Note that God directs us and gives us peace. 26
ANSWERS TO STEP #2 KNOWING GOD Where do I get knowledge about God? Psalm 119:105 From the Bible Other answers are in your own words ANSWERS TO STEP #3 DEVELOPING SELF-CONTROL pride, Matthew 11:29-30 by working with Jesus as he cares for all people lying for your own benefit, Philippians 4:19 by knowing that God will supply all my needs taking advantage of people Galatians 6:1 Try to restore someone who is in need, and do it gently. thinking of ways to hurt someone Matthew 22:39 Love those around you following evil suggestions, Proverbs 8:13 Learn to hate all forms of evil lying to hurt someone else, Philippians 2:3 consider others better than I am 27
causing tensions in a group Proverbs 15:1 Use gentle words to turn away anger. What is our attitude to others supposed to be? John 13:34-35 We should be loving to each other. ANSWERS TO STEP #4 PERSEVERING IN TOUGH TIMES Perseverance means just keep on doing it. Look up the following verses and write what we are to persevere in doing. Keep on BELIEVING IN JESUS John 15:9 Why you will be saved 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Keep on READING THE BIBLE John 8:31-32 Why directs our way Psalm 119:9-11 Keep on PRAYING Ephesians 6:18 Why we will eventually receive Luke 18:1-8 Keep on SHOWING MERCY Hosea 12:6 Why we will be treated mercifully Matthew 5:7 Keep on DOING GOOD DEEDS Galatians 6:9 Why we will get good done to us Galatians 6:9-10 Keep on SPEAKING KINDLY Philippians 1:27 Why we will be treated kindly Luke 6:35 28
Keep on OVERCOMING TEMPTATION James 1:12 Why we will go to heaven Revelations 3:21 Keep on DOING THESE THINGS 2 Pet 1:10-11 Why we will never fall 2 Peter 1:10-11 List a few examples of people who have persevered Hebrews 12:1 The people listed in Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter. are people that persevered. I encourage you to learn a few of their stories. ANSWERS TO STEP #5 BECOMING LIKE GOD Complete the list of God s finest features and then describe how Jesus modelled them God s finest features Exodus 34:6-7 See these in the life of Jesus God is the Lord Mark 4:37-39 Jesus showed it by displaying his power over the wind and the waves God treats us with compassion Matthew 14:14 Jesus saw their needs and healed the sick God treats us graciously Luke 4:22 Jesus showed it by speaking kindly God is slow to get angry Luke 23 When he was crucified, Jesus asked God to forgive them 29
God is abounding in love Luke 6:32-36 Jesus loved even his enemies God is abounding _ in faithfulness Mark 14:72 & Mark 16:7 Jesus called Peter back after he denied Jesus three times God is forgiving _ Luke 23:34 Jesus asked God to forgive when he was on the cross God is intolerant of sin Mark 11:15-18 Jesus chased away the money makers in the temple. Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and this is both possible and natural as we understand that we are dearly loved by God. This week I will build godliness into my life by modelling these characteristics. ANSWERS TO STEP #6 DEVELOPING BROTHERLY KINDNESS Describe God s kindness to you Acts 14:17 giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; provides you with plenty of food fills your hearts with joy." List some ways to show kindness 30
Acts 24:4 by listening to others Acts 27:3 letting others have their desires met Acts 28:2 meeting immediate needs 1 Corinthians 4:13 answering kindly to harsh words 1 Thesselonians 5:15 returning kindness for wrong doing To whom are we to be kind? Luke 6:35 people who are ungrateful, or wicked Acts 4:9 people who are disadvantaged 2 Timothy 2:24 everyone Kindness is a way to show _ love 1 Corinthians 13:4 Kindness comes from God s spirit Galatians 5:22 Kindness helps people find repentance and forgiveness 4:32 Romans 2:4 Ephesians ANSWERS TO STEP #7 BEING A PERSON OF LOVE Describe love. Your own words 1 Corinthians 13 1 John 3:16-18 Whom are we to love? Our neighbours, our enemies, God Matthew 5:43-44, 46 Matthew 19:19 Matthew 22:37 How are we to love people? Sincerely, considerately, in how we say things, loved as Christ did Romans 12:9-10 Romans 14:15 Ephesians 4:15-16 Ephesians 5:2 31
How do we love God? By obeying his commands John 14:15,21 What is a benefit of love? It covers our faults 1 Peter 4:8 What prompts us to love? The confidence we are going to heaven, God will reward you Colosians 1:4-5 Hebrews 6:10 Think of ways to encourage love Your own words Hebrews 10:24 32
APPENDIX 1 GETTING AN OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE The Bible in just three pages 34 Main characters in the Bible 37 Shortened summary of the Old Testament 39 Shortened summary of the New Testament 40 A summary of God s involvement with man with references in the Old Testament 41 in the New Testament 44 33
THE BIBLE JUST THREE PAGES In the beginning of our time, God created everything. It was good. However, the devil came and tempted Eve, and then she and Adam sinned by disobeying God. Things got bad, but God found Noah, a righteous man, and asked him to built an ark. It saved him and his family and a pair of each of the animals during the great flood which covered the whole earth. Some time later, God made a new covenant with Abraham in which God promised to make Abraham s offspring a mighty nation, and to be the God of this nation (Israel). One of Abraham s great, great grandchildren, Joseph, was sold into slavery in Egypt, and some years later, Joseph s father Israel, and his whole family took up residence in Egypt. At first they enjoyed great favour with the people of Egypt, but eventually the Egyptian people enslaved the descendants of Israel and treated them harshly. God was compassionate to these people and called Moses, to go and lead the people out of Egypt. This was a spectacular event where God showed his awesome power, ending in His opening the Red Sea and letting the children of Israel all come out of Egypt on dry ground. God led them through the desert to the land He promised them, the land they had before going to Egypt in the first place. On the way, God gave them the 10 commandments and the principles of worship. These included the provision for covering our sin which occurs when a sinner sacrifices a 34
perfect lamb. The blood of the lamb covered the sins. The people set up a tabernacle to worship God, and followed the system of blood sacrifices to cover their sins. They also set up a governmental system. The government was first led by judges, then prophets and then finally by kings. Some of these kings were good and some were very evil. During the times of righteousness in the land, God blessed and favoured them. During the evil times, God was unable to help them. This even included the children of Israel being taken captive by the people of Babylon. But even when the nation was doing evil things, there were some righteous people. Then God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the ultimate sacrifice, our saviour, Jesus Christ. John s message was repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Almost at the same time as John was born, Jesus was miraculously born of the virgin Mary. He is God s son and the one whom the prophets predicted would come and save the people from their sins. Jesus began his public ministry at the age of 30 in the area of Jerusalem. He attracted large crowds, healed many, and told the people that they needed to repent and turn from their sins in order to get to heaven. The established religious leaders got angry at Jesus and they eventually had Jesus killed by crucifixion. However, Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God and His death was the sacrifice that was needed to fulfill the law and cleanse the sins of all who accept Jesus. 35
God raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus talked and visited with several disciples for almost two months after that. During this time, Jesus told the disciples that God would send the Holy Spirit to guide them. Many watched as Jesus ascended back to heaven. The disciples continued to preach, made many converts, and the message of redemption spread throughout their world. It was during this time that it became clear that everyone could accept Jesus, and that this included people who were not descendants of Abraham. The final event or second coming will occur when Jesus returns for all those who have become His believers. At that point those who have repented and made Jesus, Lord of their life will go to heaven, and those who have refused to accept Jesus as Lord will go to hell. 36
MAIN CHARACTERS IN THE BIBLE (In chronological order) OLD TESTAMENT CHARACTERS Adam and Eve... the first created people Noah God used him to restart creation Abraham God called Abraham to start the nation of Israel Joseph Joseph was sold as a slave but he later became the second in command of the whole country of Egypt Moses God called Moses to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt where they were slaves Joshua Joshua became leader of the nation of Israel after Moses died Gideon A judge who led Israel many years after Joshua died Samson He was known for his strength. He led Israel as a judge after Gideon Ruth A lady from Moab who is in the line of Jesus Samuel A prophet who led Israel Saul The first king of Israel David The second king of Israel, and God promised that Jesus would be a descendant of his Solomon Son of David. God gave him great wisdom Easter Jewish lady who became the queen of Babylon. She was instrumental in rescuing the Israelites Isaiah A prophet to Israel during some very difficult times Nehemiah Was taken captive in Babylon but kept his interest in Jerusalem. He led in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem Jeremiah A prophet to Israel in some very difficult times. 37
NEW TESTAMENT CHARACTERS Joseph and Mary John the Baptist Jesus Peter, John Matthew Mary, Martha Lazarus the parents of Jesus Cousin of Jesus who prepared the way for Jesus born in Bethlehem Disciples of Jesus (There were 12 of them) A tax collector who followed Jesus. He wrote one of the New Testament books. Two ladies that supported Jesus A friend of Jesus. Jesus raised him from the dead. Luke A friend of Jesus. He wrote two New Testament books (Luke and Acts) Paul A pharisee who converted to being a Christian. He wrote most of the New Testament. He was born Saul, and God changed his name to Paul. 38
A SHORTENED STORY LINE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT (the time from creation to Jesus) God created everything The devil tempted Adam and Eve and sin entered mankind God flooded the earth but saved Noah and his family God made a covenant with Abraham to be His God and make a great nation of his offspring Abraham s great, great grandson, Joseph was sold into Egypt Joseph s family (the children of Israel) all go to Egypt where they are enslaved God calls Moses to go and free the people (slaves) from Egypt Moses leads the people in their exodus from Egypt The children of Israel arrive in the promised land and become a nation. Samuel leads the people as their prophet David leads the people as their king Solomon leads the people as their king... he started well, but ended badly There is a period of approximately 1000 years when the people are led by prophets, such as Daniel 39
A SHORTENED STORY LINE NEW TESTAMENT TIME (from the birth of Jesus to the end of the first century) John the Baptist is born and he prepares the way for Jesus Jesus is born and for three years he tells the people (especially the disciples) about God The disciples become apostles and travel everywhere telling this new way to reach God. A central part of the message they taught is that salvation through Jesus is open to all We get the power necessary to live a life that honours God from God s Holy Spirit. Heaven is our final home, and it will be wonderful. 40
A SUMMARY OF GOD S INVOLVEMENT WITH MAN WITH REFERENCES GOD CREATED EVERYTHING God created everything and it was perfect. Read about it in Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:31 and Genesis 2:1 THE BEGINNING OF SIN Read the story of how the devil tempted Eve and sin entered mankind Genesis 3:1-6 GOD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM Read the story of God making an agreement with Abram (later his name was changed to Abraham). This agreement sealed the Jewish people as God s chosen people. Genesis 17:1-8 JOSEPH IS SOLD INTO EGYPT Read the story of how Joseph the great, great grandson of Abraham, was sold by his brothers to be a slave in Egypt Genesis 37:17-28 THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL GO TO EGYPT There was a famine where Joseph s family lived so they went to Egypt to buy food. On one of these occasions Joseph, who had risen to become the 41
second most powerful person in Egypt (behind Pharoah), reveals himself to his brothers and the whole family (seventy people) migrates to Egypt. Read it in Genesis 45 Read the story how Joseph still thought of Israel as his home in Genesis 50:22-26 THE ISRAELITES WERE ENSLAVED, BUT GOD HAD COMPASSION Years after Joseph died, the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians Read it in Exodus 2: 23-25. GOD CALLS MOSES TO FREE THE PEOPLE FROM EGYPT God had compassion on them and called Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Read how God called Moses in Exodus 3:1-10 THE EXODUS OF THE PEOPLE FROM EGYPT Moses led the exodus from Egypt of the 2 million Israelites. Read a couple highlights in Exodus 13:17-22 Exodus 14:21-22 THEIR ARRIVAL IN THE PROMISED LAND After forty years of travelling around in the desert, they entered the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. Moses had died and his right hand man, Joshua took the leadership. Read about it in Joshua 5:6-11 42
SAMUEL AS PROPHET Samuel, a prophet of God, took over the leadership after Joshua and the elders of the day had died. Samuel called the people back to honour God. Read about his call to the people to do what is right. 1 Samuel 7:3-6 UP AND DOWN CYCLES OF KING JOASH A TYPICAL CYCLE The spiritual history of the people was up and down. They followed God, and then they didn t. A typical cycle is that of Israel under the leadership of King Joash The cycle begins with them doing evil 2 Chronicles 22:2-4 Then the people began to do what is right 2 Chronicles 24:2-11 At the peak they did very well. 2 Chronicles 24:13-14 Then pride entered and it all fell apart 2 Chronicles 24:17-20 King Joash was tragically killed 2 Chronicles 24:23-24 And they are at the bottom again. THIS CYCLICAL PATTERN REPEATED ITSELF SEVERAL TIMES WITH DIFFERENT LEADERS 43
NEW TESTAMENT TIMES JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS Read Matthew 3:1-15, the story of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus JESUS IS BORN Read Matthew 1:18-25, the story of the birth of Jesus THE MINISTRY OF JESUS At the age of 30, Jesus began his public ministry. Read three snapshots of that ministry in Mark 3:9-14 Luke 4:1-15 John 14:1-4 JESUS IS CRUCIFIED But Jesus came to fulfill the great plan of salvation which called for him to die. Read the story of his death in Matthew 20:18-19 Matthew 27:26-41 JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD One way God validated the ministry of Jesus was to raise him from the dead. Read that story Matthew 28:1-7 Matthew 28:18-2 and Act 1:1-4 THE APOSTLES TAKE UP THE MESSAGE Now the message was in the hands of the disciples or apostles as they were now called. They proclaimed the message of the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Read one picture of their activities in Acts 4:23-31 44
THE MESSAGE IS OPEN TO ALL At first the apostles had the view that the message was only open to the Jewish community, but that was corrected. Read that in Acts 14:1-15 WE GET POWER THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT God didn t leave them on their own, nor does He leave us on our own. He gives us the Holy Spirit to give us power to tell the way to heaven and to live right. Read about it in Acts 1:6-8 HEAVEN IS OUR ETERNAL HOME The ultimate reason for it all is to restore us to God in heaven. To return us to the situation where Adam and Eve were. Read about that promise in Matthew 24:30-31 John 14:1-3 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 45
APPENDIX 2 A PRAYER TO ASK JESUS TO SAVE YOU. Treat this as a review, or if you haven t asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, then let this guide you. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PRAY THIS PRAYER The first paragraph affirms what Jesus has done. Pray it confidently because Jesus did this especially for you. The second paragraph is where you repent for your sins. Don t rush this part. It is vital that you sense how much God hates sin, and that you are really are repulsed by what you have done. As events or actions (sins) are brought to your mind, rejoice that you are getting the message from God, and that he is speaking to you, and also let the regret of committing the sin be washed away by the freedom of His forgiveness. Enjoy the freedom that repentance and forgiveness bring. The third part is your request that Jesus begin to change you so you won t repeat these sins, and you will become all you can be. Pray this confidently, because Jesus wants you to be an imitator of who he is. Close your pray by reminding yourself you can freely pray this because of the reputation (name) of Jesus to forgive freely. Amen means SO BE IT. It is your declaration that you have prayed it sincerely. 46
Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross to take away my sins, and for going to heaven to prepare a place for me. Please forgive me for my sins, which I confess to you. - - - Thank you for forgiving and loving me. Now I ask that you come into my heart and help me be all that you made me to be, and I promise to do my best to get to know and love you. In Jesus name... Amen. Signed Date 47
OTHER BOOKS BY Dr. Ken Gaglardi THE MIRACLES OF LIVING WATERS This booklet details the many miracles that occurred as Ken led in the construction of the new Living Waters Assembly in Fort Langley BC. The million dollar construction was undertaken by a vote of 14 to 1 and five years after the beginning of construction, the debt was less than $90,000. LIVING IN OVERWHELMING VICTORY This 145 page book picks up on the lavish promise of Psalm 1 that as we delight in the statutes of God we will become like a tree planted by rivers of water, whose leaf does not whither, bears fruit regularly, and prospers in whatever he does. The book gives the statutes or commands of God collected from throughout the Bible on 33 different topics. It also highlights the wonderful blessings God gives as we obey these commands, blessings to encourage us to trust more completely. This book is written to be used in small groups or for personal devotions. MINISTRY BEGINS AT HOME This book builds on the idea that everything God asks us to do is ministry. We don t work for God, we minister for him, and this ministry begins at home. Our loving God tells us how to respond to a spouse, how to relate to a parent, and how the parents are to relate to the children. These instructions are the ministry job descriptions, and in every case, they minister to a very significant need in the other members of our family. God created us with needs, and then he created special people to minister to those needs. Noone else can meet those needs like the special family member God accepts and calls to minister on his behalf. 48
KEY VERSES TO OPEN LIFE S CLOSED DOORS This book identifies over 30 verses that hold the key to opening doors that seem to be securely locked. Like the key of encouragement which opens the door that lets hope come in and displace the selfishness that was there. It also softens the stronghold that temptation can have on someone you know, and give you the confidence that freedom is on its way. TOPICAL STUDY OF THE BOOK OF PROVERBS Proverbs is a very practical book that deals with the everyday issues of life (and dying). This book looks at fifteen topics and gives the passages in Proverbs that relate to each along with study questions making it suitable for a home group. A Biblical description of success is given as well, since success is one of the topics, OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF JESUS Sixty prophecies of Jesus are identified. The book gives the Old Testament prophetic verses and the verses in the New Testament that shows their fulfilment. This is done without commentary. THE BURDENS OF GOD, GIVEN TO TEACH US TO PRAY This book identifies the five great burdens of God with the invitation to make them our burdens. We learn to pray as we accept these burdens. It is written in a home study format with a teachers edition as well as a student copy. PASTORAL PRAYERS OF PAUL This home study starts with a listing of the prayers of Paul and then looks at the features of God that Paul highlights, his prayers of thanksgiving, those he makes for the reader, those he makes for evangelization and finally those he makes for himself THIS IS LOVE This 19 page booklet uses each of the fifteen characteristics of love given in 1 Corinthians 13 to show how God loves us, how we can love God and then how to love one another. 49
LOVE IS PATIENT This is the first of a series on the fifteen attributes of love. It is written to be used for individual or group study. CHECK BOOKS Each of the nine booklets in this series consist of verses of scripture without commentary. The titles are: The Prayers of Paul ; Verses of Instruction ; Verses to Give Assurance of God's Love ; Verses to Inspire Faith ; Verses to Inspire Faith to be Healed ; Verses to Inspire Giving Thanks ; Verses to Inspire Hope ; Verses to Inspire Reverence for God ; and Verses to Encourage Volunteers NOW THAT YOU BELIEVE This discipleship study guide is based on 1 Peter 1:5-10. It takes you through these seven steps to a maturing faith with the confidence that If you do these things, you will never fall 1 Peter 1:10 MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE A short explanation of the layout, characters and message of the Bible. Contact Dr. Ken Gaglardi at kgaglardi@shaw.ca to obtain more of these. 50