OUR MISSION & VISION

Beyond the ordinary

The Deacon has been preaching to the unreached for 13 years as she discovered her ministry drive as it was to save as many as possible. She feels that the Discipleship Study Manual of the First Principles of Christ allows for true disciples to be made

Though her new study manual is "the" guide to becoming a true believer and becoming close to Jesus Christ as we do serve his Father in the Spirit on the straight track to heaven. The Spirit of Jesus Christ will resound the charge to find the unreached and teach for results, about God.

Introducing the First Principles Discipleship Studies

Seeking God

The Seeking God Study is the beginning of your journey to seeking the Father of Heaven and this world, not to mention, our own gracious, malevolent, giving and forgiving Heavenly Father God, his Son and the Holy blessed Spirit of the same.

Purpose: To determine what it means to pursue a relationship with God with all our hearts. Q: What are you looking for in life? What are you pursuing with all your heart?

PSALM 119:1-2

"Blessed" is a term we don't often use. Do you know what it means? (To be very happy!)
What does it mean to be blameless? (To be above reproach and do what is right.)
On a scale of 1 (no effort) to 10 (with all your heart), how would you describe your efforts to seek God?
To seek God, you must seek His Word (the Bible) with all your heart.
How do we seek God? (By keeping His statutes.)
When you seek God with all your heart, the result is happiness!

MATTHEW 6:25-34

Many people do not seek God because they don't believe He has the power to change their lives.
What are some areas in your life that you are tempted to worry about?
What does it mean to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?"
What does God promise if you do?

ACTS 17:24-28

What is God doing to develop a relationship with people?
Why does God go through all this trouble? So that people may seek Him and have a genuine relationship with Him — even though there is no guarantee that they will.
Do you want a deeper relationship with God? If not, why?
Meeting a Christian is not a coincidence. God has a great plan for your life.

JOHN 4:23-24

What does a true worshiper of God do?
God is seeking those who want to worship Him in spirit and truth.

JEREMIAH 29:11-13

In this passage, God shares His vision for His people, who were in physical captivity to their oppressors. In the same way, we can be held captive to sin in our lives, and God wants to set us free from spiritual slavery!
God wants us to give us hope and future, but to discover these plans, we must first draw near to Him. The only way to do that is to seek Him with all our hearts.
Prayer is how we seek God.

ACTS 8:26-39

A case study of someone seeking God. Are you seeking God like this Ethiopian eunuch? Three important character traits of the eunuch to consider:
Sacrifice: He traveled 1500 miles from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to seek God.
Humility: Although he was an important and religious man, he humbly listened to someone capable of teaching him the Scriptures.
Obedience: He responded immediately, saying, "Why shouldn't I be baptized?"
He rejoiced after his baptism because he now had a relationship with God!

MATTHEW 7:7-8

If you seek the Lord in prayer, you will find Him!

CHALLENGE

Pray and read the Bible daily. The book of John is a great place to start. Come to a church service, and let's set up our next Bible study!

Word of God

The Word study will bring you in direct contact with you maker and creator.

Purpose: To help you decide to make the Bible your standard for life and to build a conviction about what the Bible says about itself. Q: What is your viewpoint of the Bible? Do you believe it is the divine Word of God? Talk about the validity of the Bible.

FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE:

40 authors of 66 different books within the Bible; written in three languages — Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek; written on three continents — Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Approximately 400 prophecies regarding Jesus in the Old Testament fulfilled in the New Testament — over a 1,500-year period of writing.
Not one archaeological find has ever contradicted the Bible. Many have supported it.
Over 40,000 ancient copies of the Bible — more than any other ancient manuscript.
Scientific evidence from the Bible: Isaiah 40:22 — the Earth is a sphere; Isaiah 55:10-11 — the water cycle; Job 26:7 — the free float of Earth in space.

Q: If I were to ask you to determine how long my Bible was (in inches or centimeters), how long would you say it is? How would you know for sure? You would need a standard of measurement — like a ruler. Anything else would just be a guess.

Q: What is the standard of measurement in your life?

2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

Do you believe that all Scripture is from God?
We can use the Bible to teach, correct, rebuke, and train others.
What is an example of something that is useful?
To be "thoroughly equipped," we need to use the Bible and allow it to impact our lives.
The Bible is an absolute — are you ready to make it an absolute in your life?

HEBREWS 4:12-13

The Word of God is not dead. It is relevant today because it exposes the human heart, which has not changed.
People still struggle with the same lust, deceit, pride, and more — just like they did 2,000 years ago!
The Bible is a double-edged sword. It cuts sin out of us, although it may hurt. It cuts through the layers of our heart to expose the truth, just like a scalpel cutting out cancer.
Q: Are you willing to allow the Bible to cut your heart so you can be healed?

THREE THINGS THAT TAKE AWAY FROM GOD'S WORD

1. INTERPRETATION — 2 PETER 1:19-21

The Bible is meant to be read and applied, not changed to suit our opinions. (Example: A doctor gives a prescription, but a pharmacist decides to change it.)
It's not about who is right but what is right. It is the Word that determines how a church should be.

2. EMOTIONS — JOHN 8:31-32

Individual emotions and rationalizing the Bible can pull you away from the truth. (Example: Getting pulled over for speeding but not “feeling” like you were doesn't make you innocent.)
Saying you believe, or feeling you believe, doesn't matter.
You can be sincerely wrong if you don't hold to the Scriptures.
What Scriptures are challenging for you to obey?

3. TRADITIONS — MARK 7:1-13

We must make the choice to follow the truth of God's Word over religious or cultural tradition.
Worship based on tradition (which supersedes the Word of God) is worship in vain.
The Jewish tradition of Corban: At 30 years old, a Jew received his inheritance with the expectation that he would also provide for his parents. The tradition of Corban gave money to the synagogue instead of providing for their parents, thus dishonoring them.
Are you aware of any examples of religious traditions which disobey God's Word?

1 TIMOTHY 4:16

Q: What is more important, life or doctrine? Both are equally important.
We need to watch out for any interpretations, emotions, or traditions that can stop us from obeying the Word of God.

ACTS 17:10-11

Do you want a noble character? Then what do you need to do?
Eagerly examine the Scriptures every day so you can be considered noble in God's sight.
The Bereans examined the Scriptures for themselves, and so should you!

JAMES 1:22-25

Listening without trying to change leads to self-deception.
The Word of God is a mirror — it reveals our character so we can change it.
Do not forget what you see — "do what it says" by applying the Bible to your life.
Q: Are you willing to look intently into the Bible so you can change and have freedom from sin?

JOHN 12:48

Jesus says that His Word will judge us.
The Bible is God's standard — will it be your standard?

CHALLENGE:

Eagerly examine the Scriptures every day so you can make God's Word your standard for life! Continue reading one to two chapters a day in the Gospel of John as you pray!

Discipleship

Purpose: To understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how that applies to your life. Q: What do you think a disciple is? A student and a follower.

MATTHEW 28:18-20

What is Jesus' desire for every person? To become His disciple.
Has your life mission been to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey?
You need to be taught — to be made into a disciple.
Disciples make disciples, baptize disciples, and teach other disciples to obey!
Is this how you have been living?

ACTS 11:25-26

What is a more popular term — disciple or Christian? Jesus never used the term "Christian" to define His followers. Jesus defined His followers as disciples.
Jesus' disciples = Christians = Saved
The word "Christian" only appears three times in the New Testament. It was a derogatory term given by the world to the disciples seven years after the church began. It was a term used after Jesus' death to define His followers. (Acts 26:28)
The word "disciple" occurs over 270 times in the New Testament. Let's see how Jesus defines the term "disciple," and then we will know the biblical lifestyle of a disciple.

MARK 1:14-18

This is the calling of the first disciples.
Disciples respond immediately when called!
The call of a disciple was sacrificial — they dropped their "nets," the things that could hold them back from following Jesus. What are your nets?
The mission of a disciple of Jesus is to fish for people — to help save souls!
Is this how you have been living?

LUKE 9:23-26

The call for all people is to put God's will above their own.
A disciple will "deny self" and be like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-39) What sins do you need to deny in your life?
Take up your cross daily — what does that mean? The cross was a symbol of death — we must die to ourselves daily!
If we are ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of us.
Is this how you have been living?

LUKE 14:25-33

We cannot serve two masters — God must clearly be first.
A disciple must be willing to reject sin in order to love God.
Can you afford to be a disciple? Do you have the faith to finish the race? (verses 28-30)
Can you afford not to be a disciple? (verses 31-33) We don't make the terms — God does.
Is this how you have been living?

LUKE 11:1-4

Jesus gives His disciples a template for prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (A.C.T.S.).
We must learn to pray — just as the disciples saw the strength Jesus received from the Father
We must have a daily personal relationship with God. (verse 3)
Is this how you have been living?

MATTHEW 22:34-40

What does God expect when it comes to loving Him?
Loving God is more than an emotional experience.
We are called to love God and love our neighbors. (John 13:34-35 says this is how we show we are Jesus' disciples.)
Love is the foundation of the Bible. Do you desire to love God in this way?

MATTHEW 28:18-20

This command is for everyone — to make disciples of Jesus!
Who is a candidate for baptism? Only disciples of Jesus.
You need someone to disciple you toward maturity in Christ.
This is the only way the world can be saved!

Concluding Questions:

Would Jesus define you as His disciple?
As a result, are you a Christian — according to the Scriptures?
Are you saved today — according to the Scriptures

Challenge: Begin to share your faith today! You are welcome to join us for our worship service!

Coming Kingdom

Purpose: To discover the purpose for God's kingdom on earth.

SIX QUESTIONS:

What is the kingdom of God?
When did the kingdom of God come — if it did?
How does one enter the kingdom?
Do the Old Testament and New Testament fit together?
Is it important if I go to church?
Is it important where I go to church?

OLD TESTAMENT PREDICTIONS OF THE KINGDOM

(THE HEIGHT OF ISRAEL'S GLORY WAS UNDER THE KINGSHIP OF DAVID — APPROXIMATELY 1000 B.C.)

ISAIAH 2:1-4 (750 B.C.)

In the last days, the "mountain of the Lord's temple" will be established.
All nations will stream to it.
People will be taught His ways.
The word of the Lord will go out from Jerusalem.

DANIEL 2:31-45 (550 B.C.)

Large statue — represents a timeline of events:
- Head of gold: (Babylonians: 605 B.C. to 539 B.C.)
- Chest and arms of silver: (Medo-Persians: 539 B.C. to 331 B.C.)
- Belly and thighs of bronze: (Greeks: 331 B.C. to 63 B.C.)
- Legs of iron and feet of clay: (Romans: 63 B.C. to 476 A.D.)
A rock strikes the statue on the feet of iron and clay — during the latter time of the Roman reign. The rock becomes a huge "mountain" and fills the whole earth!
"In the time of those kings," God will set up a kingdom. (verse 44)
This is the meaning of the vision of the rock: God's kingdom smashes the feet of the statue, which means His kingdom comes during the Roman reign!
When exactly do you think God's kingdom came?

KEY DATES TO CONSIDER

NEW TESTAMENT PREDICTIONS OF THE KINGDOM

MATTHEW 3:1-2 (25 A.D.)

John the Baptist declares that the kingdom is near.
Jesus had already been born (John the Baptist was six months older).
This confirms the Old Testament prophecy about the kingdom coming during the Roman reign. Old and New Testament prophecy are united! (Answer to Question #4)

MATTHEW 4:17 (27 A.D.)

Jesus begins His ministry and declares that the kingdom is near.

MATTHEW 16:13-19

Peter is given the keys to the kingdom of God.
"Peter" in the Greek is petros, which means "small stone."
"Rock" in the Greek is petra, which means "large foundational rock."
What does the "rock" refer to in this passage? Jesus! (1 Corinthians 3:11)
"Church" in the Greek is "ekklesia," meaning "a group called out with a common purpose."
The church is God's kingdom on earth!

MARK 9:1

Some will not "taste death" — or die — before the kingdom of God comes.
The word "some" is significant. Judas Iscariot did not live to see the day this verse was fulfilled.
The kingdom will come "with power."

JOHN 3:1-7

To enter the kingdom, we must be "born of water and the Spirit." (Answer to Question #3)
What does "born again" mean?
Has the kingdom come yet?

LUKE 23:50-51

Jesus has died, but the kingdom still had not come.

LUKE 24:44-49

Jesus has resurrected, but the kingdom still had not come.
Here are four clues about entering the kingdom:
1. Repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name;
2. To all nations;
3. Starting in Jerusalem;
4. Power from on high

FULFILLMENT

ACTS 1:1-26

For 40 days after His resurrection, Jesus spoke to His disciples about the kingdom.
The disciples didn't fully understand and were still waiting for a physical kingdom or earthly king
Judas' death is a partial fulfillment of Mark 9:1.
The prophecies begin to be fulfilled in Acts 1 and 2.

ACTS 2:1-17

Peter highlights three clues from Luke 24:44-49:
1. Power from on high (verses 1-4) (Fulfillment of Mark 9:1)
2. Jerusalem (verse 5) (Fulfillment of Isaiah 2:3)
3. Every nation (verse 5) (Fulfillment of Isaiah 2:2)
"Last days" (verse 17) (also a fulfillment of Isaiah 2:2)
Has the kingdom come yet?

ACTS 2:22-24

Peter preaches the essential "keys" to the kingdom — truths we must believe before being born of water and the Spirit (Fulfillment of John 3:5):
1. Jesus is from God;
2. Our sins put him on the Cross;
3. He rose from the dead!

ACTS 2:36-41

Repentance and forgiveness of sins (verse 38) — the biblical answer to enter the kingdom! (Fulfillment of Luke 24:44-49)
The kingdom of God has come! Three thousand people are "born again of water and the Spirit!"

ACTS 2:42-47

This is the blueprint for the church.
Like the first-century disciples, we must be devoted to the Bible, prayer, fellowship, and communion (breaking of bread).
Daily discipleship and evangelism were practiced by the church. (verse 46) They were taught and imitated the ministry of Jesus. (Matthew 26:55)
Is it important where we go to church? Yes! (Answer to Question #6)

MATTHEW 6:33

We must seek first the kingdom. Is it important if we go to church? Yes! (Answer to Question #5)
Our schedules must reflect that the meetings of the body are a priority (Sunday services, midweeks, devotionals, Bible Talks).
We must be willing to sacrifice to put the church — God's kingdom on earth — first in our lives! This is why we are part of the "SoldOut Movement!"

Challenge: Seek first the kingdom by being committed to the fellowship of disciples — the church!

New Testament Conversion

Med

Lite and dark

The Church

The Cross

Baptizm with the Holy Spirit

The Miraculous Spirit