CHAPTER 1 FOUNDATION: SALVATION Like the foundation of a house, receiving Jesus into your life and making Him the Master of your life is the most important step in your relationship with God. DAY 1: WHO IS GOD? God desires for us to know Him personally; with the full knowledge that we cannot live a fulfilled life without Him. He desires that we, not only, seek to know about Him, but also that we experience a meaningful relationship with Him. Read John 1: 1-14. What do these scriptures say about God? THE TRINITY The Word of God emphasizes that there is one God alone. (Deut. 6: 4, Mark 12: 29) The term trinity, though not found in Scripture, is referenced throughout the Word of God (Genesis 1: 26, 3:22, Luke 3: 21, 22, Matt 28: 19). God is Three Persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is shown to us during the baptism of Jesus (Matt 3: 16, 17). Underline any part of the truths below that are new to you. - The Father is fully God, The Son is fully God and Holy Spirit is fully God. - They are the same person the character of one, is the same for all three. - In worshiping one, the others are being worshipped too. - Even though they are the same person, their acts in Scripture show they have distinctness from one another in their role: The Father is the Creator of all things. The Son Jesus Christ, became flesh and dwelt among men. The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and Son to the people. Our human minds can only understand the Trinity through faith as the Spirit Himself reveals. The Trinity stands upon the truth in God s Word. 1
Day 2: THE FALL Sin is: - The human condition/nature that separates us from God. - The actions (or inactions) that are a result of this condition. These are contrary to what God would desire us to do. Read Genesis 3: 1 7 and Romans 6: 23 What do these scriptures say? What do these scriptures mean? Day 3: THE SOLUTION Note in the space provided all the things the following passages say about God. John 3: 16-17 Romans 5: 6-11 Day 4: OUR RESPONSE Read Revelations 3: 20 and Romans 10: 9 10. What must we do to have Christ come into our hearts? Read Romans 5: 1 10 and 1 John 5: 11, 12. What is the result of responding to Christ s love for us? 2
If you haven t received Him, you might want to do it in a prayer like this: Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner, and I thank you that you love me anyway. I believe that Jesus died and rose for me. I accept Him into my life. I turn from my way of doing things, to your way, and give the control of my life to you. Thank you for this Good News. Did you receive Jesus? If so, then God has forgiven you and made you His child. Day 5: OUR RESPONSIBILITY Read Romans 6: 11 14, 20. What are we told to do in these verses? Galatians 2: 20 What are some of the things you would need to adjust in your life to live in Him? 3
CHAPTER 2 THE WORD OF GOD DAY 1: GENUINE WORD What do the following scriptures say about the Word of God? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Peter 1:20-21 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 Psalm 86:11 Please note: (Underline the information that is new to you in the paragraph below). The big question in many people s minds still remains, when and how did the Bible come into existence and how do you know that the Bible really is the dependable and inspired, written word of God? 2 Timothy 3:16 says Gods word is inspired, and the Greek word translated inspired literally means God-breathed. That is, God breathed out his truth through human writers, therefore the words they wrote were the creation of God and bore His authority. The writers spoke from God, meaning they were completely under the control of His Spirit and were carried along by Him to achieve His goals. It is worth noting that the Bible is the most remarkable book ever written because of the diversity of authors and consistency of the message. It was written by at least 40 authors over a period of 1500 years. It is hard to get forty men to agree to write towards the same purpose and not come up with extreme differences. This is extraordinary and could only happen under the inspiration of the Master author who is God; this is why the Bible acknowledges that all scripture is God-inspired. This means that what was written by men was breathed out of God, He spoke through them and they were His spokesmen and that is why many authors acknowledge it as God s Good News (1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Peter 4:17 etc.). DAY 2: BENEFITS OF THE WORD What do these scriptures say about the benefits of the Word of God? Psalm 19:7-11 4
Hebrews 4:12 Romans 15:4 John 17:17 Psalm 119:97-104 DAY 3: BELIEVERS RESPONSE Believers throughout the history of the church have had awareness that as they read the Bible, God speaks to them through it. That is why Hebrews 4:12 points out that the Word of God is alive and powerful, this may mean to us that the same Spirit who inspired the writers enlightens believers as they read and receive the words of the Bible as God s final authority. This is clearly pointed out in 1 John 2:27 that says, But you have received the Holy Spirit and He lives within you, so you don t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know and what He teaches is true -it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. Therefore, God s word is beneficial to your life, allow it to revive you, make you wise, bring joy to your heart, give you insight, warn you and reward you. What do the following scriptures say about what we can do with God s word? James 1: 22 25 Ezra 7:10 Nehemiah 8:1-3 Joshua 8:34-35 Psalm 119:127-133 Acts 17:11 How should I respond? The study today gives us brief experiences of people who spent time with God s Word and how they loved it. Ezra for example as a religious leader was effective because he was a well versed student of the law who was determined to obey it, and, like him and Joshua, we should be determined both to study and obey God s Word and teach it to others. 5
From what you have read, what can you do? What changes in your life can you make to study God s Word? DAY 4: WORD INTAKE What do these scriptures say about how we can take in the Word of God? Romans 10:17 Revelations 1:3 Psalm 119:15 Psalm 119:11 Psalm 119:48 Colossians 3:16 DAY 5: PRACTICAL STUDY. We have seen five ways (Day 4) in which we can take in the message of Christ. Being attentive to hear the gospel preached, taking time to read the word by ourselves, going beyond normal reading to studying the word in depth, hiding it in our hearts through scripture memory and thinking through the word (meditation). This calls for deliberate effort and setting aside time to spend with God s Word. Without this practice we will be shallow Christians with limited knowledge of our faith. Steps you can follow when studying God s Word. (For this day, read Deuteronomy 31:11-13, go through the following steps and write down the answers). 6
Step 1: Prayerfully read the passage. What does it say (About God, people, places, activities, etc.)? Step 2: Prayerfully think of the passage. What does it mean? Step 3: Prayerfully think of how it applies to your life. Write down what you will do differently based on what you have read. More verses about God s Word. (Underline what sticks out for you as you read these verses) THE WORD IS NOT EMPTY WORDS: Deuteronomy 32:46-47 (NLT) He added, take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words-they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River. SOURCE OF LIFE: Matthew 4:4 (NLT) But Jesus told him, No! The scriptures say, people do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. EXPOSES OUR THOUGHTS & DESIRES: Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. GIVES DIRECTION: Psalm 119:59-60 (NLT) I pondered the direction of my life and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry without delay, to obey your commands. USED TO PREPARE PEOPLE: 2 Timothy 3:17 (NLT) God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. HIS GREATEST COMMANDMENT: Luke 10: 27 (NIV): He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbour as yourself. Memory verse of the week: Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. 7
CHAPTER 3 PRAYER Christianity is a relationship with God. Relationships grow through communication, which involves talking and listening. We can talk to God through prayer and He talks to us through different ways, mainly through His word. We respond to His word in obedience as He guides us. DAY 1: GOD CARES Read 1 John 5: 11 15. What does this scripture tell us about God? (List the various statements that are made about God). John 14: 6, 13 and 14 What do these scriptures tell us about Jesus? What do these scriptures say in John 15: 1-8? Prayer is dependence on God (Hebrew 11: 6) The discipline of prayer should accompany the discipline of reading the Word of God and that of meditation so as to allow God to speak to us through His Word. 8
DAY 2: EFFECTIVE PRAYER How do we know that our prayers are aligned to God s will? Praying through scripture helps us not to make self-centered prayers. Matthew 6: 9 10 shows the Biblical model for prayer addressing God and revering Him in His holiness. Read Matthew 6: 9 13: This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." The Principles that can be drawn out of this prayer can be categorized as follows: Write the statements in the prayer that show: Adoration Belief in Him as provider Confession Dependence on Him for guidance. 9
Day 3: HINDRANCES TO PRAYER The word of God teaches us that there are aspects that can hinder our prayers. What are they? Psalm 66:16-20, Proverbs 15:29 James 4:3 Mark 11:25, Matthew 5:23-24 1 John 3:21-23 Luke 18:10-14 DAY 4: DELIBERATE ABOUT PRAYER Read Mark 1: 35 What do you understand from this verse about prayer? Consider the following and write down the decisions you have made on the blank space: Set aside time to pray. This takes planning and self-discipline. Guard this time with all diligence. Set aside a place to pray. A space that allows you to focus and pray without distractions. Luke 6:12 Get a prayer partner. Someone of the same gender who can keep you accountable and pray with you regularly. Acts 16:25 Be part of corporate prayer in your local church. Corporate prayer strengthens your personal prayer life. Acts 2:42, Isaiah 56:7 (If you do not know how to do any of these, kindly let your facilitator know.) 10
DAY 5: PRAYER MODEL Take some time and do this practical exercise. You can write down your reflections as this will help you concentrate and also understand your thought process. Adoration: First, tell God how much you love him. Write down some words that define who God is to you: Confession: Then, tell God about what you have done wrong and tell him you are sorry. He forgives our sins (1 John 1:9) Think through the last two weeks. Is there un-confessed wrongdoing harbored in your heart? Pray through Psalm 51 and write what you want to confess. Thanksgiving: Count your blessings. Think about all the good things in your life and take time to thank God. Thanksgiving enhances a heart of gratitude. (Colossians 3: 15 17) List at least 10 of your most recent blessings: Supplication: Pray to God to help you and also for other people who are in need. (Philippians 4:6-7 and Philippians 1: 9 11). Prayer for self Prayer for another/others Name: Prayer: Name: Prayer: 11
CHAPTER 4 FELLOWSHIP God is not only interested in our relationship with Him, but is also interested in our relationship with others. The greatest commandment emphasizes that we should, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength and you should love your neighbor as your love yourself. (Luke 10:27) The Lord is concerned about your involvement with people. Let s look in the Scriptures to understand God s view of fellowship. DAY 1: A NEW SHARING The word fellowship means sharing something with another person in a deep way. We share in the life of God. What is the importance of unity according to the following verses? John 13:34-35 Phil 2:1 3, 1 John 4:12 In the Bible, this fellowship that believers have with each other and with God is described in various ways. Read and list key phrases you get from these passages: 1 Corinthians 12:12 27 and Romans 12:4 5 DAY 2: A NEW IDENTITY Read 1 Peter 2:9 11. List the new names that the Lord now calls His people. The greatest commandment reflects key aspects that we are to practice in regard to fellowship with God and in fellowship with others. Read Matthew 22:36 40 and list the aspects. 12
Look at the aspects you have listed. What adjustments do you have to make in order to have a flourishing fellowship with God and with your neighbor? DAY 3: A NEW PURPOSE What are some of the roles of fellowship/godly community according to the following verses? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Hebrews 10:24 25 Proverbs 27:17 Galatians 6:2 Colossians 3:15-16 Matthew 18:20 DAY 4: A NEW LIFESTYLE Read Acts 2:42, Acts 4:32-35 What are some activities that the early believers shared in these passages? What would these activities be like in your current environment? DAY 5: A NEW COMMITMENT Beyond words, the life of being a follower of Christ is that of actions. We set good examples by the way we relate with one another as Christians. 13
Read Hebrews 10:19 25 and 1 John 3:16 18. List some of the practical things you can do in obedience to the instructions in the passage. The ABCDs of fellowship as children of God. Fellowship provides a place for us to be: Accountable to others Bond and build real friendships Christlike as we share the love of Christ with others, we grow to be more like Him. Discipled and to disciple! We have the opportunity to study and teach each other the Word of God. Are you in a small group where you find this kind of fellowship? If yes, consider plugging in fully and allow God to work in and through you in that group. If not, take the initiative and let your church know that you are considering being a part of a healthy small group. If you do not have a church, ask someone whom you consider a mature Christian for recommendations to a good Bible teaching church that you can join. 14
CHAPTER 5 SERVING GOD DAY 1: CREATED FOR SERVICE AND GOOD WORKS In the journey of discovering truths in our new Christian life, we have been building on the foundation of our salvation; so far, we have three pillars of our new house: the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship. Service to God is the fourth pillar and our growth in God will only thrive as we serve Him. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What does this scripture say? How is this different from trying to be saved through works? DAY 2: SERVING THROUGH THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We do not serve God in our own strength. One of the greatest blessings we have as Christians is the Holy Spirit, the comforter left by Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to empower us in ministry. These are called Spiritual gifts and they are put in us to use for the edification of the Body of Christ. Personal talents are also given to us by God; however, the difference is that they are not limited for use by those in the Kingdom of God. Followers of God choose to use both gifts and talents for the honor of God. Read Romans 12:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. What are the gifts listed in these passages? Please note that Spiritual Gifts are not limited to the list in these scriptures. There are resources available that can assist you discover your spiritual gifts. Some spiritual gift assessments are available online and others are available in Christian books (Like Mizizi). Take some time to find out what your spiritual gifts and strengths are, and how these gifts can be fully utilized in ministry. DAY 3: Motivation for Serving Highlight the key words/phrases from the following passages: 1 Peter 4:11 15
Ephesians 6:7. Deuteronomy 10: 12 13 Which phrase in the scriptures above seems to stand out for you? Day 4: SERVING THOSE IN NEED In our context, there are so many who are in need of our help. Read Matthew 25:31-46. This story is not meant to make us feel guilty, but to show us the priorities that God has in evaluating our lives. God s interest is in how we have helped those who are suffering. List the different needs listed in this passage of scripture: As Christians, we must reach out to help those around us. The categories include those with: - Spiritual Needs: People who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus are spiritually hungry. Write names of three people you know who do not know Jesus as their Savior. 1) 2) 3) Pray for them and purpose to tell them about Jesus this week. - Physical Needs: People who are less fortunate and do not have access to basic needs. Who can you share e.g. a meal, shirt, space with? Even as we help, we must also ensure that we do so responsibly, without creating dependence or unhealthy and manipulative relationships. - Emotional Needs: There are those around you who may be hurting and need a kind word of encouragement or a rebuke in love. Ask God to show you whom He would want you help and also ask for wisdom on what to do or say. Day 5: SERVING YOUR ACTION PLAN Read John 13: 1-17. How does this apply in your context? Action Plan. Thinking through everything that you have learned, how can you put this into action? What is a ministry at church where you can volunteer? How can you be making a difference in your neighborhood? When can you start? Be as specific as possible. Share with a good friend who will keep you accountable and then do it! 16