&pfuere

'€
;%g#v&sd*E
Atron AnNuAL
 Cotwrtws
Page

Who is Jesus? 1

Why didJesusdie? 9

How can I be sure of my faith? 13

Why and How shouldlrcadtheBible? 77

Why and How do lpray? 22

Who is the Holy Spirit? 27

What doesthe Holy Spirit do? 32

How can I be filled with the Spirit? 36

How can I resistevil? 41

How doesGod guide us? 49

Why and How should we tell others? 55

DoesGod healtoday? 61

What about the Church? 66

How can I make the most of the rest of my life? 73

 rF

Wno ISJESUS?

Introduction

a) He existed

Evidenceoutsidethe New TestamentaboutJesusincludes:-

- Tacitus )
Romanhistorians
- Suetonius )

- Josephus - Jewish historian

Evidencein the New Testament:-

How do we know that we now have what they originally

wrote?

F.F.Bruce

WhoisJesus?
Work When Earliest Time Number of
Written copy Span Copies

Herodotus 488- 4288C AD9OO 1300 yrs 8

Thucydides c.460- 400BC c.AD900 1300 yrs 8

Tacitus A DlO O ADl100 yrs

1OOO 20

Caesafs 58-50BC AD9OO 950 yrs 9-10

GallicWar

Livy Roman 59B C-A D17 AD9OO 900 yrs 20

History

New 40- A D100 AD 1 3 0 3O0ytrs 5,000 +

Testament (AD350 full Greek
manuscripts) 1O,0OO
lattn
9,300
others

WhoisJesus?
i
I
I
t

.
i
a

,,
F b) He was fully human
u
r
i

i|
e Human bodv tfted (lohn 4: 6)
t
I
F hungry (Matthew 4: 2)
rI
L
I
I
I Human emotions anger (Mark I 1: 15- I 7)
a
i

i
love (Mark lO:21)
i
I

i sadness(lohn 11: 32-36)

i

i
I

i
o Human experiences temptation (Mark 1: 13)
t
i
I learning (Luke 2: 46-52)
i
t work (Mark 6: 3)
I
I

t
I obedience(Luke2:51)
r
I
I
r
:
I lssue: Was he more thanjust a man?
t
II
I Was he more than a "great human/religious teacher'?
;
b
I
F
t
t
,
F
t
h WhoisJesus?
F
t
F
I
i
I

!
I
I
I
i
I. What did he sayabout Himseltr

a) Teachingcentred on Himself

c la m

"I am the bread of life' (lohn 6: 35)

"I am the light of the world" (fohn 8: 12)

"I am the resurrection and the life"

(/ohn I1: 25-26)

"I am the way, the truth and the life' (/ohn 14: 6)

. "My kingdom" (Luke 22: 3o)

. "Come to me" (Matthew 11:28-29)

c ,,FoIIowme" (Mark I: I7 etc.)

o "Receiveme - Receive God" (Matthew 1O:40)

. Welcome me - Welcome God (Mark 9: 37)

WhoisJesus?
 r To have seenMe is tohave seenGod (/ohn 14: 9)

o Claims man's supreme love (Matthew I0: 37)

(Luke 14:26)

b) His indirect claims

o To forgive sins (Mark 2: 5)

. To judge the world (Matthew 25: 31-32)

c) His direct clarms

o Messiah (Mark 14:61-62)

. Son of God (Mark 14: 61)

r God the Son

o...beforeAbraham was, I am" (/ohn 8: 58)

"My Lord and my God' (lohn 2O: 28)

oclaim to be God' (/ohn 1O:33)

WhoisJesus?
 "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things
Jesus said wouldn't be a great moral teacher, he'd either be
-a
lunatic - on a.level with a man who sayshe's a poached
eg - or else he'd be the devil of hell. You must make your
iioice. Either this man was and is the Son of God, or else a
madman or something worse...But don't let us come up
with any patronising nonsenseabout his being a great
human-teacher. He hasn't left that open to us. He didn't
intend to'"
c.S.Lewis

His teaching

e.g Sermonon the Mount (Matthew 5, 6,7)

Hisworks
A
(lohn 10:37-38) ' ^nilt
\\,
Hrs character
\\
Cm J e e I
His fulfilment of 1 Lr.eold b4
Old TestamentProPhecY \
set / r!

His conquestof death

WhoisJesus?
3. Euidencefor the Resurrection

I His absencefrom the tomb

Explanatror,r, ) +
- Jesusdid not die (/ohn 19: 34)
k
- Disciplesstolethe body
b
+ - Authorities stole body
. .' +

r Grave clothes undisturbed (/ohn 2O: 1-1O)

r His presencewith the disciples

Hallucination: - people

- time

- numbers

550 + people
17 differentoccasions
periodof six weeks

WhoisJesus?
 Immediateeffect

Birth and growth of Christian Church

Effectdown the ages

ages
Experienceof Christiansdown the

Conclusion
we
,,we are faced then with a frightening alternative' The.man
whil He said or else a lunatic or
are talkingabout*"'iiiiiiiiTtt He was neither
to me obvious that
something worse' Now it seelns however strange or
a lunatic nor a fiend; and consequentlv'
t iave to'accept the view that He
terrifying or untitcel"yi''^iy '"'*'
was and is God. G;;'i;;i^dei on this enemy occupied world in
human form''
c.S.Lewis

Publisher ISBN
Title Author
KingswaY 860659666
WhyJesus? Nicky Gumbel

WhoisJesus?
6
 2
Wuvotoltsus DrE?
Introduction

The cross lies at the heart of the Christian faith

(I Corinthians 2:2)
of li
por - ",
(1 Corinthians I : 23-24)
t.
- L .,'

l. Man's GreatestNeed ,#t

// ll l\\
'AII have sinned..." (RomansS:25) ,r\l\
ttt\
A lllr hF
Resultsof sin:- tl
o Pollution of sin r power of sin
\l
(Mark 7:21-23) (/ohn 8: 34) /.\

o Penalty of sin c partition of sin

(Romans6:23) (Isaiah 59:2)

Wy did"lesusdie? I
2. What has God done?

,,Theself-substitution of Godo John Stott

Agony of the Cross (l Peter2: 24)

3. What the Crossachieved

(Romans3: 21-26)

4 tmages:

h
\
The Law Court
(v'24)
'lusttfied freely by His grace'

Penaltyof sin Paid

The MarketPlace

"TheredemptionthatcomesthroughJesusChrist"(v'24)

Power of sin broken

WhydidJesusdie?
10
 -

The Temple

"God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement

through faith in His blood" (v.25)

Pollution of sin removed

The Home

Reconciliation
oGod was in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5: I9)

Partition of sin destroyed

Conclusion

"Righteousnessfrom God'(Romans 3:22) (Isaiah 53:6)

He died for you and me (Galatians 2: 2O)

Why didJesusdie? 11
 reading
Recommended
Author Publisher ISBN
Title

Nicky Gumbel Kingsway 0854765913

Questions of Life 0851103537
Basic ChristianitY John Stott IVP
C.S.lewis Harper Collins 0006245706
Mere ChristianitY
David Watson Hodder & Stoughton 03402411o1
Is Anyone There?
Stott IVP 0851106749
The Crossof Christ John

WhydidJesusdie?
t2
 -

3
HOW CANI BESUREzFMY FAITH?

Introducfion

"When someone becomesa Christian he becomesa brand new

person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun."
(2 Corinthians 5: 17, Liuing Bible)

But experiencesvary... some imrnedratelyknow the difference... for

others it is more gradual.

When we receivedChrist,
we becamea chlld of God
Qohn 1: 12) (N.8. believed + received)

God wants us to be sure

"I write these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of
God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
(Ilohn 5: 13)

Howcan I be sure of myfaith? 13

We nrust not trust our feelings,which arc changeableand
cleceptivebut tather God'spromises

,,1will come in" (Revelation3:20)

,,1am with you always" (Matthew 28: 2O)

a/ "l give them eternal life" (/ohn I0:

28)

them
Faith = taking God,spromises and datingto believe

2. The Work Pfksu!.

WecannotearnGod'sforgiveness,butJesusChristdiedonthe
cross so that we might be reconciled to cod

. God loves us and died to Prove it

(lohn 3: 16)

- He took our sins uPon himself

(Isaiah 53: 6) (I Peter 2: 24)

How can I be sure of mY faith?

l4
 3. The Witness of the Snirif

When somecnebecomesa Christian,God'sHoly Spirit comesto

dwell within them (RomansS: g)

Vvv
He transforms us from within

Our characters
L

(Galatians5:22-23) d
Our relationships

Which of the following changeshave

you alreadyexperienced in your life?

- new love for God

- desire to rcad the Bible \
- senseof forgiveness
I
- new concern for others
- enjoyrnent of worshipping God
t
- desire to meet with other Christians
t. -
He brings a deep,personal conviction thatl am
: God's chlld (Romans8: 15-16)
a
:
:
f
How can I be sure of my faith? 15
i
:

:
 Author ISBN
Title

Run Baby Run Nicky Cruz Hodder & Stoughton 3401,4958

The Cross& the 55100233
Switchblade David Wilkerson Harper Coilins
Corrie Ten Boom Hodder & Stoughton 34020845
The Hiding Place
Born Again Charles Colson Hodder & Stoughton 34024174

How can I be sure of mY faith?

16
 4
Wat,,qND How sHo[ILD I READTHE
RIRLE?

Introduction

(Psalm 1: 1-3) The most popular book

44
@Vr
The most powerful book

The most preciousbook

i
l. God
t. trUU has spoken -- Revelation
IIAJ SUUKCII KeVeIAUUn i
r I
ll

,. I ' ,?-.
(ZTimothy?:15-17)' z.'A-r q '---"' ) ;
/b
(
a' ..
l L-1/
^ rl r\fr-
v/u
rheopneustos
f he o p n e u s t-o s- bE .t.l /--l-
/ I K-
\
God-breathect i
(v . |
--- -,)''
fr---:€ r*-l \

Why and How should I read the Bible? t7

Therefore it is our authoritY for:-

Teachrng

r Rebuking

t Correction

: Training in righteousness

i.e our manual for life

osaluation through faith in Christ"

(2 TimothY 3: 15) (/ohn 5: 39-40)

a\ To those who are not Christians

(RomansIO: 17) (lohn 2O:31)

b) To those who are Christians

r BecomelikeJesus (2 Corinthians 3: 18)

a storm (Psalm23: 5)
. Joy andpeacein the midst of

18 Whv and How should I read the Bible ?

 Guidance (Psalm 119: 1t't1)

Health/healing (Proverbs4: 20-22)

Defence againstSpiritual attack (Matthew 4: 1- l I)

Power (Hebrcws 1: 12)

Cleansing (/ohn I S: 3)

3. How do we hear God soeak through the BibleT

a) Time q

Plan ahead

Develop a rcgular paftern

/,)
b) Place

'A solitary place"

(Mark I:35)

Whr and How should I read the Bible? 19

 Method

r Ask God to speak

Readthe passage

(try using B:ill)leteading notes-suchas Alive to God'

Oiity nread, Every Day withJesusetc')

Ask yourself:

What doesit saY?

r(
s\ " | / ' n"
,. e4^
7s\ J^ ' 1'
1
What does it mean? \-

How doesit aPPIY?

I)t ll
RespondLnPrayer ( tl
tl
I tt
l\
Put it into Practice / --J

"everyonewho hears these words o{yine andputs

them'intoptactice..-" (Matthew 7:24)

20 Why and How should I read the Bible?

Conclusion
(Psalm1: 1-3)

Producethe fruit

Perseverance

Prosperity (not necessafily materialt)

Recommendedreading

Title Author,/Publisher ISBN

NIV Popular edition

with Introductory helps Hodder & Stoughton 0340346019
NIV Holy Bible (red) Hodder & Stoughton o340253827
NIV Bible paperback Hodder & Stoughton o340612568
PocketNIV Hodder & Stoughton 0340523301
NIV 1 year Bible Hodder & Stoughton 0340419172
Lion Handbook to
the Bible Lion 0745927450
Unlocking the Bible Lion 0745922704
Understanding the Bible John Stoft/Scripture Union 0862072511
Every Day withJesus for
new Christians CWR 785345074X
Newnessof Life Lion 074592820X

Why and How should I read the Bible? 21

 5
Wuv,qIuDHow Do I PRAY?

1. What is Pra.ver?

(Matthew 6: 5-13)

The most rmpottant activity of our lives

The whole TrinitY involved

a) To the Fathet

"To your father" (v.6):lmmanence

"in heaven" (v.9) : Ttanscendence

(Matthew 6)

D Through the Son (Eqhesians2: 18)

c) In the SPirit (Romans8: 26)

Wyand How do IPraY?

22
2. WhJrpralr?

a)

b)
Developing a relationship with Cod

Model of Jesus
g,
c)
(Mark I: 35) (Luke 6: 12, g; 18,28, I1: 1)

"When you prayt'

Rewards of prayer (Matthew 6: 6)

7
fr
Joy (lohn 16:24)

Peace(Philippians 4: 6-7)

L
dt Resultsof prayer

(Matthew 7: 7-11)

3. Does God alw4us answer praver?

(Matthew 7: 7-I I)

but: Unconfessed sin (Isaiah 59: 2)

Why and How do I pray? 23

 " | ;nt*I
"
u,iFr t.z.ll'J"

r) (Matthew6; 14-15)
unforgiveness 1F'.
l'
t) disobedience(I /ohn 3: 21-22) .' ,
///
(
:) wrong motives (lames 4: 2-3) 4
I
l) misapprehensionof the will of God f-
oGoodgifts" (Matthew 7: I 1)
\t

Yes/no/wait \
No: ,either not good in themselves,orlot good us or
"directly lot
for others, or indirectly, immediately or
ultimately"
Iohn Stott

4. How do we Pralr? .g^ 6.(h1.

\2 t{l^4.1d'?*
A /t
,{)/
MAr4/ *Cft ?
C
T .
Ir
S
l\
L-J

24 Why and how do I PraY?

Model of the Lord's praye:r:

c "Hallowed be Your Name"

. "Your kingdom come"

- God's rule and reign in people'slives

- return ofJesus

- presenceof God'skingdom now

. "Your will be done"

. "Give us this day our daily bread"

"Everything necessaty for the preservation of life,like food,

a healthy body, good weather, house, home, wife, children,
good government and peace"
Martin Luther

; uForgtveus our debts as we forgive our debtors"

. "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from

the evil one"

Why and how do I pray? 25

5. Wen should wePralr?

With others (Matthew 18: 19)

a\

Alone (Matthew 6: 6)
b)

Regular Pattern \ (tWart<I:35)

Beit Part of.a daY )

AlwaYs (1 Thessalonians5: 17)

c)
(Eqhesians6: 18)

Conclusion
(John15:7)
'Abiding in Christ'

Recommended reading

Title Author Publisher

Bill Hybels IVP 0851108458

TooBusyNotto Pray
bon't JustStandthere 1'872059678
PraySomething RonDunn ScripturePress
iorret- HarvestFieldBooks 0883681331
How to Pray -
Praver nichardFoster Hodder& Stoughton 034O569O0X

Whv and how do I PraY?

z6
 WnO IS THEHOLY SPIMT?

Introduction

Fora long time in the Churchthe personand work of the Holy

Spirithasbeen:
*4
V
ignored -agreater*concentration C**
on the Fatherand the Son t
I
\

misunderstood - 'HolyGhost','He'not'lt'
Mt
l)
l/
,f ;>----:l
,.::J z\ -.\
/
z/'' I
'-2\ l
resisted i ) - He wantsto takecontrol
t:!
Who is the HoIy Spirit?
1. In the OId Testament

r He was involved in creation

- btingingorder out of chaos (Genesis1:2)

- giving life to man (Genesis2:7)

. H e c a m evp o n p a r ticu|arpeopleatparticu|a rt ime s f o r

pafitculat tasks,e.g:

\f*;" r - Bezalel- for artistic work (Exodus3I: I-5)

l.ill-'.I
,u..,
ll
\f
)'V - Gideon- for leadetship (udges 6: 14- 16' 34)
t (t'Y | r ,.-, ^ 1 1 -(/udges
/r..)^ ^ - 15:
rtr. 14-15)
tz tql
^ - for strength
.-J, / - samson
- t/
' /
- Isarah- for prophecy (Isaiah 61: I-3)

r The promise of a'new thing'

- "TheYshall all know me" (/eremiah 31: 31-34)

_ ,,1will put nry Spir.itin you" (Ezekiel36: 26-27)

Who is the HoIY SPirit?

28
 \ - 'A river flowing fu"omthe Temple"
(Ezekiel47)
I - "I will pout" out my Spirit on all flesh"
(oel 2:28-29)
lr
But the mained unfulfilled for at least300 years.

2. In the New Testament

a) With the coming of Jesusthere is a great activity of the

Spirit:

John the Baptist (Luke 1: 14)

Mary (Luke 1:35)
Elizabeth (Lake 1:41)
Zechanah (Luke 1: 67)
Simeon (Luke 2:25-27)

but still on a few particular people

Who is the HoIv Spirit? 29

 link with Jesus
) John the Baptistmakesthe
(Luke 3: 16)

tnGreek,,Baptidzo,,=;i"i:..::*lTiimmerse,

) Jesus,the SPirit-filled man

of the Holy
Iesusreceived power through the anointing
Spirit at His baPtism

(Luke 3: 22)
(Luke 4: 1, 14, 18)

presence
J) Jesuspredictsthe Spirit's

(lohn 7: 37-39- N'B' "not Yetgiven'l

e)Butt e l l s t h e m towa iti nthecityuntiltheyareclo t h e d wit h

power from on high

(Luke 24: 49)

(Acts l: 4, 5, 8)

Who is the HolY Sqirit?

30
 At Pentecostthe discipleswere filled with the Spirit and received:

- new languages (Acts 2:4-12)

- newboldness (Acts2: 14)

- new power (Acts 2: 37-41)

"Now when the people heard this they were cut to the heart and
said to Peter and the other apostles, Erothers, what shall we do?,
...and aboat three thousand were added to their number that dav".
(Acts 2)

Conclusion
i
I
I We fve in the ageof the Spirit. God has promised to give His Spirit
t every Christia=n(AcB Z; SS-SL).
I

i
!
Who is the HoIy Spirit? 31,
I
i
i
:
I
I
I
I
I

I
 7
Do?
Wuer DzESTHEHzLYSPIRIT
%$ G^
Introduction ,/sXr*'7,
New birth (/ohn 3: 5-7) /:;@ifl
born into afamllY
L=\|-||
a) forgiveness (Romans8: I-2)
!1ru!
b) sonship (Romans8: 14-16)
. greatestprivilege (v.14)
o closestcommunitY (v.15)
c deepestexperience(v.16)
. most securehope (v.17)

What does the HolY SPirit do?

32
2. Developing the relationship

Ephesians2: 18

a) He helps us to pray (RomansS: 26)

b\ He enablesus to unclerstanclGocl'sWorcl
(Ephesians 1: I 7- I8)

3. The famil.v likeness

(Galatians 5: 22-23)

(2 Cofinthians 3: 17- 18)

4. Unitv in the famil.v

(Ephesians4: 3-6)

Wat does the HoIy Spirit do? 33

Each member of the family is different
o
(1 Corinthians 12: t-I I)
*
@

a) free gifts
=
b) to eachone

c) for the commongood

a He empowersus to witnessfor Christ

a power for service(ActsI: 8)

34 Whatdoesthe HolYSPirit do?

Conclusion

EveryChristianhasthe Holy Spirit (Romsns8: 9)but not every

Christianis filled with the Spirit

"Befilled' (Ephesians5: 18-2O)

(Revelation22: 17)

Recornmendedreading

Title Author Publisher ISBN

The God who changes

Lives MarkElsdon-Dew HTBPublieations1898838038

What does the Holy Spirit do? 35

 B
,!
HOW CAIVI BEFILLEDWTTHTHESPIRIT? t\

Spirit?

Outpouring of the SPirit in Acts:

a) Pentecost (Acts 2: 2-4)

b) Samarta (Acts I 14- 17)

c) Paul (Acts9: 17- 19)

d) Ephesus (Acts19: 1-6)

the Spirit
What happenedto Cornelius and his household when
came upon them?

(Acts IO:44-46)

How can I be filled with the SPirit?

a) The Spirit fell and everyone knew it

"...the Holy Spirit fell...and believers from among the

circumcised...were amazed" (Acts I O: 4 5)

Filling with the Spirit never happens imperceptibly

(Acts 8: 16)

It will be obvious to others

(Acts 6: 3, 5, 10)

Simon the Magician offered money for such power a

:";:::.f God,s,ove q
,4,,
5: 5) (Ephesians
(Romans 3: 14-20)
l*,, @-J/N,
\t tw
)I >t-=i
b) Theywere releasedin praise

'lFor they heard them...praising God' (Acts 1O: 46)

Self-consciousor God-conscious
(2 Samuel 6: 14- I 6, 20-23)

Our minds and our bodies should work together

How can I be filled with the Spirit? 37

c) They receivedanewlanguage
,,For they heard them speaking in tongues" (Acts 1O:46)

. what is the gift of tongues? ;

Aform of prayet (1 Corinthians 14:2)

- b arrrerc
which transcends language
(1 Corinthians 14: 14)
SPeakerin full control

why is it helPful?
'
edifies himself (1 Corinthians 14: 4)

praiselworshiP

prayingfor oneself

intercession

o Doesthe New TestamentaPPtove?

(I Corinthians 14)
il
contexfi excessivePublic use

38 How can I be filled with the SPirit?

 Nevertheless

- Do not forbid. .. (v.39)

- I would like everyone of you to speak in

tongues (v.5)

- I thank Godthat I speak in tongues more

thanallofyou (v.18)

(But in Church it must be interpreted - to be

understood - v.6 onwards)

How do we receive this gift?

"Eagerlydesire" (I Corinthians 14: 1)

Ask God

Co-operatewith the Spirit

Believe

Persevere

How chn I fu filled with the Spirit? 39

3. What are the commonhindrancesto bein{ filled with
the Spirit?

(Luke I I: 9-13)

Sbarfiers doubt (v.9-Io)

fear (v.11-13)

rnadeq r (v.13)

A " ,
<'€ i
\, ult
{\' It
i\Jl \\\

H / .7,!oIt'\)\I
II
40 How can I be filled with the SPirit?
 9
EVIL?
HOW CANI RESIST

Introduction
Reality of spiritual warfare

Satan = Fallen angel? (Isaiah 14)

Old Testament: (/ob 1, I Chronicles 21: I)

New Testament A personal, spirrtual being who is in active

rebellion against God and has the leadership
of many demons like himself

(Ephesians6: I I-12)

Not to be underestimated

powerful

evil

cunning

How can I resist euil? 4l

 Blbhcal (Scripture)

Old Testament

Jesus

Peter (1 Peter 5: 8-1 1)

PauI (Ephesians6: 1I-12)

Christians down the ages (tradition)

Fathers

Reformers

Ordinary Christians

Common sense(reason)

42 How can I resist eril?

ti
i

Mistaken views

a) Unhealthy interest (Deuteronomy 18: 10)

b) Disbelief

2. What are the deuil's tactics?

a) Aims to destroy (fohn I0: IO)

b) Blinds eyes(2 Corinthians 4:4)

c) Doubt (Genesis3) (Matthew 4: 3, 6)

d) Temptation (Genesis3:6)

Permission,prohibitio n, penalty

How can I resist euil? 43

 Consequencsof disobedience (Genesis3)

I Shame/embatYa55n1sr7t (v.7)

r Friendship with God broken

"they hid" (v.8)

"afraidt'(v.IO)
F
(x
I \*

e)
h
Accusation
\,-

4j
Jtt
\

I AccusesGod

. Menbefore God (Revelation12: 1O)

44 How can I resist euil?

 3. What is our position?

(Colossians 1: 13)

Dominion of Darkness Kingdom of Light

Satan Tesus
Sin Forgiveness
Slaveryto sin Slavesof God
Death Life
Destruction Salvation

Satan defeatedon the qoss (Colossians2: 15)

Jesus'disciplesgiven authority over demons (Luke 1O: I 7-2O)

4. How do we defend ourselves?

> "PLrton the full armour of God so that you may take yoar stand
the deuil's schemes" (Ephesians6: 11)

How can I resist euil? 45

 Belt of truth (v.14)

a groundtng in Christian docttrne/ truth to counter

Satan's lies (/ohn 8: 32)

Breastplate of righteou sness(v. I 4)

the righteousnessof Christ given to us

(Phifippians 3:9)

to protect theheatt against gutlt

andcondemnation

c) Bootsofthe gosPel ofPeace (v.15)

the readinessto speak of Christ (Isaiah 52: 7- 1O)

d\ Shield of fatth (v.16)

the oppositeof cynicism and scepticism

e) Helmet of salvation (v.17)

past, present, futute

to protect the mind against doubt and acatsation

46 How can I resist evil?

0 Sword of the Spirit (v.17)

the word of God

the onlyoffensive piece of armour (Hebrews 4: 12)

5. How do we attack?

"the whole world is under the control of the euil one"

(lJohn 5: 19)

The kingdom of God advancesthrough:

a) Prayer

'Ihe weapons we fight with are not the

weapons of tlte world. On the contrary, they
have diuine pwrer to demolish strongholds."
(I Corinthians 1O:4)

b) Acfion (Luke 7:2?

- Preacffingf,he gospel
- Cdfurgout&mrs
- Healing the sick, etc.

E[owcan I resist euilT 47

 10
HOW DOESGOD GUIDEUS?

Introduction

Decisionse.g maffrage, job, home, money, giving, holidays, use of

time, possessions
etc.

a) God promises to guide

(Psalm32:8) (Iohn I0:3-4)

b) God has a good plan for our lives

(leremiah 29: 1I) (Romans12:2)

c) We need to consult God before makingmaior decisions

(Isaiah 3O: I -2)

Jesusequals supreme example (Luke 4: I) (John 5: 19)

d) Our attttude needsto be one of humility and fear of the

Lord

How does God guide us? 49

 oHeguides the humble in what is right and teachesthem
his way." (Psalm25: 9)
,'The Lord confides in those who fear him" (Psalm25: 14) ,
he
"I am the Lord's servant and I am wtlling to do whatever
wants" (Luke 1: 38 - Liuing Bible)

Gsalm 37: 5)

dh
I. Commanding Scri?ture
/Y
il Genetal will Lg
(2 TimothY 3: 16)

Genetalinstruction fot marciage, work, money,

chlldr en, elderlY relatives

D Parttcular wtll

(Psalm 119: 105, 130-133)

Maybringto light apafiicular verse

50 How does Godguide us?

2. Controlliry: Spirit

"TheyknowHis voice'(/ohn 1O:3-4) (Acts 16: 7)

a) God speaksas you pray

Acts 13: 1-3

o the good thought

I strong impressions

o feelings

need for testing (l John 4: I)

- is it loving? (l John 4: 16)

- is it streng thening, encour aging and comf orttng?

(I hrinthians I ;3)

b) Strong desire to do something

oboth to w!!! and to act for his good putpose"
(Philippians 2: 13)

Howdoes Godgaide us?

C) SometimesHe guides in more unusual ways

r prophecy e.g. Agabus(Acts 11:27-28;21: IO-11)

r dreams (Matthew 1:20)

visions/pictures (Acts I6: 1O)

angels (Genesis18) (Matthew2: 19) (Acts 12:7)

audlble voice (I Samuel 3: 4- 14)

3. Common Sense

"Do not be like the horse or the mule, which has not
understanding but must be controlled by bit and btidle"
(Psalm32:8-9)

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into
all this.' Q TimothY 2: 7)

problem
"God's promises of guidance were notgiven to save us the
of thinking" John Stoft

e.g mawiage, job/ career

(t Corinthians 7: I7-24)

52 How does Godguide us?

"The wise man listens to aduice' (Proverbs 12: I5)
they
"Plans fail for lack of counsel bat with many aduisors
succeed" (Proverbs I 5: 22)
oMakeplans by seeking aduice" (Proverbs 2O: 18)

BUT:

. who is responsible?

. Whom should we consult?

5. Circumstanfial SiSns

determines his
"In his heart, a nan plans his course, but the Iprd
(Proverbs 16: 9)
steps"

SometimesHe closesdoors (Acts 16: 7)

ih---r
II I rul,,.

SometimesGod oPensdoors
(1 Corinthians 16:9) lll\{1n
l-il
Ilowdoes Godgaide as?
53
watch the circumstancesbut don't put too much weight on them

sometimeswe need to persevereinspite of all the circumstances

Conclusion

a) Don't be in a hurry

'Abraham, after waiting patiently, received what was

promised' (Hebrews 6: 15)

D We all make mistakes- God forgives (loel 2: 25)

Recommendedreading
Title Author Publisher ISBN

Listening to God JoyceHuggett Hodder & Stoughton 0340392746

Your guide to guidance Martin &
Elizabethcoldsmith IVP 08511722OX

54 How does God guide us?

 T7
WuvdxpHowsHouLD wE
TELLOTHERS?

Introduction

I Greatcommission (Matthew 28: I 6-20)

a Needsof others

a Gospel= good news (aboutJesus) a- ,

\qi
iY
Two opposite dangers:

r
e-:
Insensitivity

; Fear

Key = it arises out of a rclationship

co-operatton with Spirit of God

Whyand Howshould we teII others? 55

1. Presence

(Matthew 5: 13-16)

We are called to be salt andhght (v.13- I4)

When people know we are Christians, they watch our lives (v.16)

e.8 spouses

"...if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over
without words by the behauiour of their wives, when they see the
purity and reverence of your lives' (I Peter 3: 1-2)

2. Persuasion

"Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men"

(2 Corinthians 5: 11)

(Acts I7: 2-4)

Work out answers to common questions

e.g "What aboat other religions?"

"How can a God of love allow suffering?"

56 Wy and How should we teII others?

3. Proclamation

(/ohn 1:40-42)

a) "Come and see"

We are not calledtobe *evangelists"but we are all called

to be ttwitnessest'(v. 41)

b) Explain ourselves

(Seenotes at end of chapter)

4. Power

a) Do andtell

b) A miracle arousesgreat interestl (Acts 3)

SF\ .{s-
"r
\t//,

- f- (;
- >../- r
\\
0\
\\-
/\ Itl

LV\ l
I
\
-J )

Whyand Howshould we tell othersT JI

5. Praver

a) For them - to open blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4: 4)

b) For ourselves- to have boldness (Acts 4:29' 31)

Conclusion

Don't give up

"{7D
lr '

(Romans 1: 16)

Recommendedreading

Title Aathor Publisher ISBN

SearehingIssues Nicky Gumbel Kingsway 0854765867

The Caseagainst Christ John Young Hodder & Stoughton 0340524626
EvidencethatDemands
aYerdict Josh McDowell Scripture Press 1872059058

58 Why and How should we teII others?

 -

Norrs
Prep afing your testimony

Suggestions:-
s
a) Make it short, aim for
3 minutes - people switch i') #ni
Yt, \ 2,,
' f ',t\ ^

l
" ( ,- ,- - - '.1'" ^
off after that
,// /, 6-- :
2
Make it personal - don'tpreach
. tZa4
b) \Xnl -_-2
Use "It', owe', - not "youtt =\!l------n1-\ko

c) Keep Christ central - they need to follow Him, not youl

d) Format -

ahttle of your former life

how you came intoyour relatronship with Christ

something of what it has meant since then

e) Write it out in fulI - it's easierto seethe waffle when it's

down onpapetr.

Notes 59
LordJesus Christ,
(Take a few
I am sorryfor the things I have done wrong in my lile'
ask His folgiveness for anything pafircular that is on
*o*."trio
pleise forgive me. I now turn from everything
;;;;;;;r.ience).
which I know is wrong.

Thankyou that you died on the ctoss for me so that I could be

forgiven and set free.
your
Thankyou thatyou now offer me thisgift of forgiveness and
Spirit. I now receive thatgift.

PleasecomeintomylifebyyourHolySpirittobewithmeforever.

Thank you, LordJesus. Amen.

Notes
60
 12
Dots GoDHEALTzDAY?

Introduction

Introduction of healing to this church

Our own experience

I. Biblical Basis

a) Old Testament

I Promisesof God

e.g (Exodus 23: 25-26) (Psalm 4I: 3)

. The character of God

"I am the Inrd who heals you" (Exodus 15: 26)

Does God heal todavT 6l

 Examplesof God heahng

(2 Kings 5) (Isaiah 38,39)

b) The ministry of Jesus

. His teaching

The kingdom of God (Mark 1: 14)

Proclaimedand demonstrated

His healings

25o/oof the Gospels

His commissions

Commissionof the 1,2

(Matthew 9: 35-10;8)

Commissionof the 72
(Luke IO: 1-2O)

Commissionof the disciples

(Matthew 28: I7-20)
(Mark 16: 15-20)
(/ohn 14: 9- 14 - especially v.I 2)

62 Does God heal todav?

c) The early Church

Many examples of healtng and mfuacles

(Acts 3: I - 1O;Acts 5: 12- 16)

Early Church history

e.g. Irenaeus(1,4O-2Og)

Origen (c.1,85-254)

Augustine (354-430)

2. Practice

a) Simplicity i->\,
b) Love
F/'+
(Mark I:41)
(Matthew 9: 36) ;,\

\l
Does God heal todav? 63
)) Words of knowledge

r pictures

o sympat$ Pain

t imPressions

t hear or seewords

. words formed on tongue

1) Prayer

o where does ithutt?

. whY doesthe person have this condition?

o how dolpray?

r how arcthey doing?

r what next?

Conclusion
Persevere

64 Does God heal todalr.z

 13
WNETABOUT THECHURCH?

Introduction
Popular misconcePtions:-

o Church = services

r Church = clergy

; Church= aparticulardenomination

r Church= theburlding

What is the Church?

Greek word "EkHesia" = an assemblyor gathettng of people

Chwch/Kngdom

66 What about the Church?

 Baptism- markof entry

cleansing from sin

(1 Corinthians 6: I I)

incorporation into Christ's death and

resurrection
(Romans 6: 3-5) (Colossians2: 12)

I sealing of the Spirit

(1 Corinthians 12: I3)

a) UniversalChurch (Ephesians3: 10,21; 5:23,25)

1,700 million Christiansin the world today

persecutedchurch

third world

free world

b) Local churches

Galatianchurches (I Corinthians 16: 1)

What about the Charch? 67

 Churchesin the Provinceof Asia
(1 Cotinthians I6: 19)

All the churchesof JesusChrist

(Romans16: 16)

e Celebtation

Services - festiveoccasions
(Passover, New Year)
Pentecost,

- senseof God'sgreatness

- weakness:difficult to make friends

r Congregation

- small enough to know others andto be known

- ntinistry to each other (Ephesians4: 12)

- exerciseof gifts of the SPirit

(1 Corinthians 12: 7-i 1)
- open Sroup

68 Whataboutthe Church?
 Cell \(
{
- small grovp "-
I
- close friends I

- kelmotes - confidentiality
- rntimacy
- accountablhty

2. The famillr of God (Ephesians2: 14- l8l

Godas our[ather (lohn 1: 12)

lmportance of unity

Jesusprayed
*...that they may be one"
(/ohn 17:11)

"makeevery effort to keep the unity of the Spirit"

(Ephesians4: 3)

What about the Charch? 69

 the questionable points,
"On the necessarypoints, unity; on
Iiberty; in everYthing, IoYe."
RupertusMeldenius

Brothers and sistersto eachother (l John 4: 19 - 5: 1)

Faithfulness(Galatians6: lO)

Forgiveness(Matthew 18: 15,35) (Matthew 5:23-24)

Fellowship (Acts2: 42-47)

- fellowship with God - Fathet,Sonand Holy Spirit

(1/ohn 1:3) 2 Corinthians 13: 14)

- and with one anothet (l John 1: 7)

(Hebrews10:24-25)

oSaul,Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9" 4)

70 What about the Church?

 Unity (v.4-6)
"the unity of the Spirit"

Diversity (u 7- I 1, 28-30)
"to each one of usgrace has been given"

Mutual dependence (v. I 4 -2 6)

obuilt up in love as each part does its work"

Built on foundatron of apostlesandprophets (v.2O)

New Testament

Jesusas the Cornerstone (v.2O)

Indwelt by God's Spirit (v.22)

2 holyTemple"

Whatabout the Church? 71

 €-I

Christ's love for His Church (v.25)

a Christ's purpose for His Church (v.27) (Revelation21:2)

a Our response (1 Peter 2: 9)

- holiness

- worship

- witness

Recommendedteading
Author Publisher ISBN
Title

NickY Gumbel Kingsway 0854764593

A Life Worth Living
I believe in the Church David Watson Hodder & Stoughton 0340518235

72 What about the Church?

 74
HoW CANTMAKE THEMzST oF THE
RESTOFMY LIFE?
N,
.')-
Romans 12: 1-21 rIl -TnswPt \

1. 'Do not conform"

Aj
v V
'Do not conform any longer
l,
,l
tl

I l/1
ill
to the pattern of this world' (v.2)

2. "Be transformed' .U tf
{4',,c,
olet God transform you inwardly by a coruplete change" (NEB)

o sincerelove (v.9)

r enthusiasm for the Lord (v.I 1)

; harmoniousrelationships(v.9-21)

How can I make the most of the rest of mv life? 73

3. "Presentvour bodies..."
Act of will
ooffer vour bodies' (v.1)

. ears

t eyes

r mouths

. sexuality

: ambitions (Matthew 6: 33)

4. "...asliuing sacrifices"

It will involve sacrifice

It may involve suffering

74 How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

 'l -

WhatGodhasplannedfor our future

6. "In uiew of GodtsmercJr..."

What God has done for us

66,wouu
)

How can I make the most of the rest of my lifeT TJ