Spiritual BootCamp
The Scriptures in this Work Book are taken from the King James Verison
First Things First - "The Enlistment"
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Where will you spend eternity?
Is your heart right with God?
Are you sure you are saved?
Have you been born again?
Do the questions above seem odd to you? Maybe so, but I assure you they are essential. In fact, you must face these questions and understand the Biblical answer to them before you leave this life for eternity.
The ten Chapters in this series are designed to give you the "basic training" {thus BootCamp} you need to get started in a growing, dynamic, fruitful Christian life. But before you can begin that training you need to make sure you have settled the question of your eternal destiny. Church Membership, religious activity, baptism, being a good neighbor & citizen, and other things commonly associated with "being a Christian", are all good in their place; but none of these things will prepare you to meet God.
I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this preliminary study is to help you know without a doubt that you are ready to meet God. The message of Scripture is that you and I have been created by God for a special purpose. In His infinite wisdom and love, God determined to bring into existence a people on whom He could shower His blessings. He has purposed to reveal Himself to us in order that we may know and love Him in return.
1. In what three significant ways has God revealed Himself to men?
· Psalm 19:1 - The _______________ declare the glory of God; and the ____________ showeth his handiwork.
· John 5:39 - Search the ________________; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
· Hebrews 1:1-2 - God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days ___________ unto us by his __________, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
As you read the following verses and answer the related questions, ask God to help you know that you know Him.
2. What is one of the reasons God gave us the Bible?
· 1 John 5:13 - These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; ________ _____ _______ ___________ that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
3. Why do you think God created you?
· John 3:16 - For________ _____ ________ the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
4. Why did Jesus come to the world?
· John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: __ ____ _______ that they might have ________, and that they might have it more abundantly.
II. PROBLEM:
While it is true that God loves us and wants us to experience a full, meaningful and eternal life, it is obvious that something is desperately wrong with us. We often don’t experience the best God has to offer. We have some very serious problems in our society, and in our individual lives. Among the many problems we face are: pride, lust, envy, dishonesty, fear, rebellion, selfishness, greed, and a general lack of direction for our lives.
1. What is the Bible word for these problems?
· Romans 3:23 - For all have ___________, and come short of the glory of God;
· 1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no _________, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
2. Who does this problem of sin affect?
· Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is _________ ___________, no, not one:
· Romans 3:23 - For _____ _______ __________, and come short of the glory of God;
III. PERSONAL EFFORTS:
While most people recognize the problems caused by sin, they often try many different ways of coping with these problems before turning to God. Some of the ways we attempt to make things better on our own are:
1. religious rituals (baptism, communion, etc.);
2. religious service (teaching, preaching, witnessing, etc.); or,
3. determining to be the best person we can be (New Year’s Resolutions, helping a neighbor, giving to charity, etc.).
While these activities may temporarily soothe our conscience, they often lead to frustration, confusion, feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. And, frankly, they just don’t work.
1. Why are our efforts to solve our sin problem inadequate?
· Isaiah 64:6 - But ______ ________ all as an ____________ thing, and all our righteousnesses are as _____________ rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
· Titus 3:4-5 - But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, _____ ____ ________ of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
IV. PROBLEM SOLVED:
So, what is the solution to our problem? The Bible declares that God has provided a way for man to know Him, and have his sin forgiven. That way is a PERSON! And that person is Jesus Christ. The good news of the Gospel of Christ is that God has solved our sin problem for us.
· John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the ______, the _______, and the _______: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
It was Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave that made it possible for our sin to be forgiven and for us to receive eternal life. (Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
· Romans 5:10 - For if, when we were enemies, we were ____________ to God by the ___________ of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be ___________ by his ___________.
· 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that _________ _____ ____ _______ ______ according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The Bible is clear that Jesus died for all men (2 Corinthians 5:14). But it is also clear that not everyone has or will accept His gracious offer of salvation (John 1:11). We are not automatically saved (John 3:8). Neither are we saved by our own efforts, religious commitment or good works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) We cannot get to heaven by what we do, nor can we purchase God’s forgiveness.
V. PLAN:
The Bible is equally clear about what is required of us to receive God’s offer of salvation. If we can’t earn or purchase it, how do we get in on it?
1. From the following verses, identify and briefly describe what is required for an individual to become a Child of God?
· 1 John 1:9 - If we ________ our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
· Acts 16:31 - And they said, ____________ on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
· John 1:12 - But as many as ____________ him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
2. What would Jesus like for you to do, right now?
· Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and _______ the ______, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
3. How can you invite Jesus into your heart to be your Saviour?
· Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt _________ with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine _______ that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
· Romans 10:10 - For with the heart man _____________ unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
· Romans 10:13 - For whosoever shall _____ upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
If you have never invited Jesus into your life to be your personal Saviour, before you proceed with this series of lessons, please settle that issue with God. A simple prayer of faith, committing your eternal destiny to God could be worded like this:
"Dear God, thank You for loving me enough to create me. I realize that I’ve ignored You and gone my own way, and that way has led me into sin. Yet You proved your love by sending Jesus to die for my sins on the cross. I thank You also for raising Him from the grave to give me eternal life.
I now accept your offer of forgiveness; and invite Jesus into my life to be my Saviour and Lord. Help me to follow you from this day forward. Amen"
VI. PROMISES:
Now that you have received Jesus and His gift of salvation through a simple prayer of faith, there are some remarkable promises for you in the Bible. As you read the following verses, look carefully for promises that God gives you relating to your new life in Him.
1. What does the person who hears God’s Word and believes it’s message have?
· John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath ______________ __________, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
2. What will never happen to those who are in Christ Jesus?
· Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now _____ ________________ to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
3. What imagery does Jesus use to illustrate your security in Him?
· John 10:28-29 - And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man ___________ them out of _____ ________. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
4. What kind of person are you in Christ Jesus?
· II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man _____ ______ Christ, he is a ______ creature: old ___________ are passed away; behold, _____ things are become new.
CONCLUSION:
If you are not totally confident that you are a Child of God, review what you have studied in this lesson and ask God to guide you to that truth.
· Read - John 1, 3, 4
· Memorize - John 1:12; 3:16
Personal Notes:
ROMANS ROAD TO SALVATION
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TITHING IS RIGHT
10 Reasons Why The People Of God Tithe (One Tenth)
1. It is the way God's people have given throughout the ages regardless of culture, income level or nature or the economy.
2. It is a spiritual discipline that shapes the character of the one who gives.
3. It invites God into our finances helping us become a better financial manager while breaking the power of materialism in our life.
4. It serves as a practical reminder that God is Lord over all of life, including business and the economy.
5. It allows us to develop greater trust of God's care and provision in our life in new and surprising ways.
6. It nurtures the spiritual growth of the individual.
7. It nurtures the spiritual growth of the church.
8. It strengthens the ministry, outreach, stability and vitality of the church.
9. It provides the means to keep the staff of the church healthy -- physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
10. It provides for the maintenance of the church's buildings and grounds assuring everyone in the community a safe, attractive, comfortable and serene place to worship and pray.
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APOSTOLIC TITHING & GIVING
Tithing & Giving
Giving To Get?
Q. At our church, Malachi 3: v10 is often quoted when they talk about giving. If they would just say that you are to give 10% and let it go, I would be ok, but they quote Mal. 3: v10 and say test God and see if the floodgates will not be opened. I think I have tested God and in my opinion the floodgates have not been opened. I understand that you are supposed to give out of grattitude of what God has done for you and not because of what you will get from God. My question is, why do churches use Mal. 3 v10 as a tool for encouraging people to give?
A. I agree with you that if not used properly, Malachi 3:10 puts the emphasis on what we’ll get in return for our giving, which is wrong. I think Luke 6:38 is a much better example. Our generosity toward others affects the Lord’s generosity toward us. I really like Proverbs 11:24 too.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Any time we find ourselves giving with an expectation of return we spoil the process. Giving has to be done solely out of gratitude for what we’ve already received.
First Fruit Giving
GIVING FOR THE GROSS
Q. I just heard of first fruit giving, I don’t mind giving and even giving as a first fruit giving, just don’t know enough about the subject and would like to know more about it. Can it still be used for today in a biblical principle? Will God honor it like in the old testament times? Is it wrong?
A. First fruit giving is really tithing, since in Old Testament times the tithe was given off the top, not out of the remains. Yes I believe that God still honors this kind of giving, but only when done in a spirit of gratitude. Luke 6:38 provides the confirmation for this.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Many New Testament Christians oppose tithing as being legalistic, but I’ve found that by and large they’re the ones who’ve never done it. No one who has experienced the blessings associated with tithing would ever think of giving it up. The enduring principle of tithing is found in Proverbs 11:24.
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
Another Question On Tithing
Q. I’m confused when it comes to a church and tithing. We are being preached to on tithing (giving our 10% to the church) as if its something that will qualify us for eternity. You get such teaching even from TV. I’m having confusion when my thanks giving to God would be limited to 10% to the church (according to the preaching we often get in our area) hence I’m inquiring this from you.
Please explain it to me. Do I have to give tithing (10%) strictly to my church as a thanks giving to God or its fine if I give generously and exceedingly to the destitute. I ask this because I hear preachings all over about tithing to your church but not enough clarity is given to the relationship between generous giving to the impoverished and tithing (10%) to your church. Secondly, please tell me if its fine for me to give generously to the houses of impoverished on monthly basis (or as often as I can) rather than limiting my giving to 10% tithing?
A.Local churches have historically laid claim to the tithes of their members, but there’s no Biblical requirement for this. In Old Testament times there was only one religious organization, so the tithes of the whole nation went there. Today there are many, so we’re encouraged to support the places where our needs are being met. If this is the local church, then that’s good. But in cases where it’s not, or when we want to give above and beyond our contribution to our church, we’re free to support the Lord’s work in other ways as the Spirit leads us.
PRESENTED BY BISHOP ALLAN A. BROOM, SR.
Water Baptism
It is true that water itself does not contain any saving virtue, but God has chosen to include it in His plan of salvation.
Jesus commissioned the disciples to baptize new concerts (Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16); therefore, water baptism is a sacred ordinance to be obeyed.
In line with biblical authority, Voice of Hope Ministries Inc.(Anchoring Hope Family Worship Center) teaches that the only biblical mode of water baptism is by immersion, and we practice this ordinance accordingly. Persons are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by a duly authorized minister of the Word of God, according to the Acts of the Apostles 2:38 obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19.
Voice of Hope Ministries, Inc.(Anchoring Hope Family Worship Center) does not practice infant baptism since believers’ baptism is taught. In addition, we do not feel that the child has willfully entered into sin, nor do we find scriptural basis for infant baptism. This practice is seen to be in keeping with Jesus’ treatment of a statement about children (Mark 10:14-16).
Voice of Hope Ministries Inc.(Anchoring Hope Family Worship Center) does not practice infant baptism since believers’ baptism is taught. In addition, we do not feel that the child has willfully entered into sin, nor do we find scriptural basis for infant baptism. This practice is seen to be in keeping with Jesus’ treatment of a statement about children (Mark 10:14-16).
Salvation--The Greatest Gift
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