> 1 - education | formation · > 2 < lesson 1 new life in christ lesson content 1 your life in...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LESSON 1 ========== 2New Life In Christ

LESSON 2 ========== 7Why Membership?

LESSON 3 ========== 11Our Local Church

LESSON 4 ========== 15It’s Bigger Than We Are

LESSON 5 ========== 25What Now?

WORKS CITED ======= 31

RESOURCES ======== 32

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Contributors:

Compiled by: Kathryn H. Creasy, Darren Schalk

Editors: BeckyChaffin,KathrynH.Creasy,MarshaRobinson,DarrenSchalk

Advisors: BishopsGaryAdkins,J.MiltonAtkins,DarylClark,M.ScottLee, TrevorReid,JackSheets,DukeStone,andPastorJonathanOlavarria

Layout/Design: JonathanLovvorn,TonyOrona

Permission to Reproduce:

Copyright2020byChurchofGodofProphecyInternationalOffices.

Permission to reproduce/photocopygranted for local churchuses.Copyright©ChurchofGodofProphecyInternationalOffices.Membership MattersbyChurchofGodofProphecyInternationalOffices,P.O.Box2910,Cleveland,TN37320-2910.www.cogop.org.

Unlessotherwisenoted,ScripturepassagesaretakenfromtheKingJamesVersionoftheHolyBible.

ScripturequotationsmarkedNIVaretakenfromtheHolyBible,NewInternationalVersion®NIV®Copyright©1973,1978,1984,2011byInternationalBibleSociety.UsedbypermissionofZondervanPublishingHouse.Allrightsreserved.

ScripturesmarkedTNIVaretakenfromtheHolyBible,Today’sNewInternationalVersionTMTNIV®Copyright©2001,2005byAmericanBibleSociety.Usedbypermission.

Wewishtothankthosewhohavecontributedtothedevelopmentofthiscourse.WritersincludeBishopTimothyCoalterandBishopBrian Sutton. Other contributions were made by Peerless RoadChurchofGodofProphecy(Cleveland,TN)andLeadershipDevelopmentandDiscipleshipMinistriesoftheChurchofGodofProphecy.

Aspecial thankyou toLeadershipDevelopmentandDiscipleshipMinistriesforshepherdingthecompletionofthisproject,incoordinationwithSundaySchool/ChristianEducationMinistries.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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LESSON 1 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

LESSON CONTENT

1 YOUR LIFE IN CHRIST1 YOUR LIFE IN CHRISTWHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?Acts2:47states,“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Personalsalvation—confessingyoursinsandstatingyourbeliefinJesusChristastheSonofGodandyourpersonalSavior—isthetiethatbindsustogetherasChristiansandistheprimarycriteriaforchurchmembership.

HOW CAN I KNOW I AM A CHRISTIAN?JohnwrotehisfirstepistletoenablebelieversinChristtohaveassuranceoftheirsalvation.“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life”(1John5:13).ThislettergivesusatleastsixcriteriabywhichwecanbecertainthatweareChristians.Pleasereadthefollowingversesandcompletethesentenceforeach.

1 John 1:7I know that I am a Christian if I __________________________________________________




INTRODUCTION

WelcometothemembershipclassforOver thenext fewweeks,wewill introduceyoutoourchurch,andperhaps, to fellowchurchgoersandevenyourselfaswelearnaboutwhoweareinChrist.

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WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER SALVATION?WhenyoubecomeanewcreatureinChrist,yourlifechangesinsignificantways.ThefollowingScriptureversesdescribethreekindsof“fruit”(whatChristproducesinyouthatisobservabletoothers)resultingfromsalvation.Pleasereadtheseversesandanswerthequestionsthatfollow.

Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 3:21Whatactioncanbelieverstakethatprovidesexternalevidenceofsalvation?

HowdoesthepersonidentifywithChristinthispublicact?

Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26WhatdidJesusinstructHisdisciplestodoineachoftheseverses?


1 John 5:10I know that I am a Christian if I ___________________________________________________

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED. ACTS 2:47“ “

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Whatspecialformofworshiparebelieverstodayinstructedtoparticipateintogether?

InwhatwaydoesparticipatingindicatefellowshipwithChrist?

WHAT WILL MY LIFE LOOK LIKE AFTER SALVATION?ConfessingyourfaithinChristandacceptingHimasLordandSaviorofyourlifebringsaboutnewnessinyourattitudeandthoughtlife.Galatians5:22,23givesusaglimpseofthecharacteristicstheHolySpiritseekstoproduceinbelievers.

READ Galatians 5:22, 23. ListtheninecharacteristicsofthefruitoftheSpirit.NotethatthesecharacteristicsarenotallevidentineveryChristianallatonce;rather,theyarethecharacteristicsthattheSpiritseekstoproduceinusaswegrowandmatureinChrist.

1. ___________________________2.___________________________3.___________________________4.___________________________5.___________________________

Whichofthesecharacteristicsdoyoufeelismostevidentinyourlife?

Inwhichdoyouhavethemostroomtogrow?

6. __________________________7.__________________________8.__________________________9. __________________________

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YOU HAVE A STORY!Toattractconsumerstoaproduct,advertisementsoftenshowlivingproofthatitworks.SinceyoubelongtoJesus,YOUaretheLIVINGPROOFofHispowertochangelives.Youhaveauniquetestimony—it’syourstoryinChrist.It’sastorythatonlyyoucantell.

Althoughit’snotnearlyasprevalenttoday,churchesatonetimeoftenhad“testimonyservices.”Personafterpersonwouldstand in frontof thecongregationandproclaim,throughtestimony,whatGodhaddoneandwhatHewasstilldoingintheirlives.TheirstoriesoffaithfulnessandansweredprayerinspiredotherstotrustGodaswell.

TheBibleiswrittenasastory.It’sGod’sstoryforhumanity.It’sthestoryofGod’sgreatloveforus.It’saTRUEstory!It’sthestoryofGodsendingHisSontoredeemandsavepeoplefromtheirsins.IfyouknowGod,YOUHAVEASTORY,oratestimony.GodhasarmedyouwithyourowntestimonyandyourtestimonyisVITALtoyourabilitytoreachouttothosearoundyou.

Willwe, asPentecostals, recapture thepowerofour “God story?”WillwealwaysbereadyandeagertosharethetestimonyofwhatGodhasdoneinourlives?UnbelievingfriendsandfamilydonotwanttohearustellaboutwhatGodhasdoneforotherpeople.TheywanttohearyourtestimonyofwhatGodhasdoneforyou.TheywanttoknowifHecandothesameforthem.

PREPARE TO TELL YOUR STORY“…Alwaysbepreparedtogiveananswertoeveryonewhoasksyoutogivethereasonforthehopethatyouhave”(1Peter3:15NIV).Thefollowingexercisewillprepareyoutoshareyourstory.

Who You Are—BC and ADThecrossofJesusisthedividinglineinhumanhistory.EventsaredatedeitherBC(BeforeChrist)orAD(IntheyearofourLord).ThepersonalhistoryofHisfollowerscanalsobedividedintotwochapters:

BC – Their lives before they began a relationship with Jesus. AD – Their lives after Christ came in.

2 YOUR STORY IN CHRIST2 YOUR STORY IN CHRIST

ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU. . . 1 PETER 3:15 NIV“ ““

6. __________________________7.__________________________8.__________________________9. __________________________

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The following isanexercise thatwillprepareyou to tellyourstory,oryour testimony,wheneverGodofferstheopportunity.

Step 1: Who I Was BC (“the old me”)Writeoneortwoparagraphstodescribeyourselfbeforeyouweresaved.

Step 2: The Turning Point DescribewhathappenedwhenyoubeganyourrelationshipwithJesus.WhatmadeyourealizethatHewastheanswer?Whatexactlydidyoudo?

Step 3: Who I Am AD (“the new me”)Describe how you are different since Jesus is living in you.How have your attitudes,yourbehaviors,andyourrelationshipsbeenimpacted?ExplainhowyouaregrowingandchangingbecauseChristisinyourlife.

Afteryouhavewrittenthethreepartsofyourstory,shareitwithsomeoneinyourclass.Thenbeginlookingforopportunitiestotellyourpersonal“Godstory”tosomeonewhoneedstoexperienceHisloveandforgiveness.

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LESSON 2 WHY MEMBERSHIP?

INTRODUCTION

LESSON CONTENT

1 A CHRISTIAN NEEDS A 1 A CHRISTIAN NEEDS A CHURCH BECAUSE… CHURCH BECAUSE…

ThissessionwilldiscusswhyChristiansneedchurch.Membershipiscertainlyapieceofthepuzzle,but itgoesdeeper thanmembership.Wehopetocreatetrue followersofJesuswhoareconnectedto,andintimatelyinvolvedin,thebodyofChrist—activeinthelifeoffellowbelieversandinthelifeofChrist.

OurCreatordesignedustoliveinrelationshipwithothers.InHisinfinitewisdom,ChristleftapatternforHisfollowerstobejoinedtogether.

“Sowe,beingmany,areonebodyinChrist,andeveryonemembersoneofanother”Romans12:5.

TherearemanybenefitstobeingapartofthebodyofChrist.PleasereadthefollowingScriptureversesandcompletethestatementforeach.

“ ““BUT IN FACT GOD HAS PLACED THE PARTS IN THE BODY, EVERY ONE OF THEM, JUST AS HE WANTED THEM TO BE. IF THEY WERE ALL ONE PART, WHERE WOULD THE BODY BE? AS IT IS, THERE ARE MANY PARTS, BUT ONE BODY.”1CORINTHIANS12:18–20NIV

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•Romans12:5;Ephesians2:19Churchconnectsustofellowbelieversin__________________________________________

•Galatians6:1,2;Hebrews10:24,25Churchprovidesaspiritualfamilyto _______________________________________ andto____________________youinyourwalkwithChrist.

•1Corinthians12:4–27Churchgivesyouaplacetodiscoveranduseyour___________________________________

•Acts20:28,29;Hebrews13:17Churchplacesyouunderthespiritual_____________________________ofgodlyleaders.

•Ephesians4:11–13Spirituallygiftedleadersinthechurch__________________youforworksofserviceandhelpyouto____________________inChrist.

NOTES:

2 ILLUSTRATE IT2 ILLUSTRATE ITA CHRISTIAN WITHOUT A CHURCH IS LIKE…

• Asoldierwithouta_________________________.

• Amusicianwithoutan______________________.

• Asheepwithouta__________________________.

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3 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT 3 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR CHURCH… FROM YOUR CHURCH…A loving place to belongRecognizingourmostbasichumanneedtobelong,wearecommittedtotheprovisionandcultivationofanatmosphereinwhichpeoplearewelcomed,respected,andloved.Lifelongrelationshipsaredevelopedfromthefoundationofsharedvaluesandpurpose.Church activities foster these friendships by offering opportunities for Christians tofellowship,grow,andservetogether.

A commitment to the doctrinal principles of the faithWearecommittedtothedoctrinalprinciplesonwhichtheChristianfaithwasbuilt.TheseincludethebeliefinJesusChristastheincarnateSonofGod,whowasbornofavirgin,livedasinless life,diedonthecrosstopaythepenalty foroursin,wasresurrected invictoryoversinanddeath,andiscomingagain.JesusChrististhefocusofourfaithandworship.

A Spirit-filled atmosphereWebelievethatproclaimingthepositivemessageofHisgraceempowersChristianstoliveconsistentwithHisprecepts.Therefore,wecultivateaninviting,Spirit-filledatmospherewhichfocusesonpraise,worship,prayer,andrelevantbiblical teachingandpreachingwithakeensenseoftheworkoftheHolySpiritamongus.

Ministry to the familyWearecommittedtoencouragingandstrengtheningthefamilyunit.Thiscommitmentisreflectedinpastoralministrytochildrenandyouth,impactinglivesattheirmostcrucialtimeofdevelopment,aswellasministeringtopeopleofallagesandstagesoflife.

Pastoral careWhendifficultcircumstancesoccur,suchasillnessorloss,thepastoralstaffisavailabletowalkalongsideyouandprovidespiritualnurturingandencouragement.

A spirit of generosityWegivegenerouslywithinthecommunity,theregion,andaroundtheglobe.Ourchurchisnotintrovertedinourpurposeorouruseofresources.Ourchurchfamilygenerouslygivestomissionsatthree levels.

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Local:Throughthelocalchurchministry.

Regional:AsGoddirects,wewillprovideassistancetoothercongregationswithinourgeographicregion,aswellassupportregionalministriessuchascampingprogramsforchildrenandyouth.

Global: Through Global Missions, the mission agency of the Church of God ofProphecy,ourchurchconnectstoaspecificmissionfield.ContributionsaresenttoourHarvestPartnerviaGlobalMissions.There,ourgiftsareconvertedtotheappropriatecurrencyandforwardedtothechurchleadersinthatnation.GeneralpresbytersandInternationalOfficespersonnelalsoadministeranaccountabilitysystemappropriateforeachareaoftheworld.

Opportunities for serviceInordertogrowinyourrelationshipwithChrist,youneedtobeactivelyinvolvedinsomeformofministry.OurlocalchurchcommitstoofferyousuchopportunitiesthroughoneoftheexistingministriesorbycollaboratingonnewministrieswhereGodmaybeleadingyou.

CONCLUSIONConcludethislessonbyreviewingRomans12:3–21.

Considerallthefunctionsofthechurchseeninthispassage,aswellasthefunctionsofeachindividual,andhowbelongingandbeingcommittedtoachurchmighthelpuscarryoutthesefunctions.

NOTES:

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LESSON 3 OUR LOCAL CHURCH

LESSON CONTENT

1 OUR CHURCH HISTORICALLY1 OUR CHURCH HISTORICALLY

INTRODUCTION

Thisweek is all aboutOUR church!Althoughwe are part of a larger, global body ofbelievers,youhavechosentobeamemberofSolet’sunderstandafewthingsaboutourchurch!

Ourchurchwasfoundedin______________________________(year)by________________________________(pastor’sname).

Ourchurchwasoriginallylocatedat__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

LIST OF FORMER CHURCH PASTORS YEARS SERVED AS PASTOR____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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OTHER IMPORTANT HISTORICAL INFORMATION

2 OUR CHURCH TODAY2 OUR CHURCH TODAYOUR CORE VALUES (if applicable)

OUR MISSION STATEMENT (if applicable)

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OUR VISION STATEMENT (if applicable)

OUR CURRENT MINISTRIES

3 OUR CHURCH TOMORROW3 OUR CHURCH TOMORROWNOTES:

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4 THE MEMBERSHIP 4 THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT COMMITMENTAChristianisjoinedtothechurchbymakingthesamepromisethatallothermembersofthefellowshiphavemade.Thepurposesofthepromise(covenant)aretoaffirmpubliclyyourwillingnesstofollowalltheteachingsofChristandyourpersonalcommitmenttotheentireWordofGod.

Inapublicservice,thepastorwillinvitepeoplewhodesiretoofficiallyunitewiththechurchtocomeforward.HewillrequestthatyouplaceyourhandontheBibleandrespondwith“Iwill”tothefollowingquestion.

“Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will• Accept the Bible as the Word of God;• Believe and practice its teachings, rightly divided, the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government, and discipline; and• Walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?”

PeoplewhohavetakenthiscovenantinanotherlocalcongregationoftheChurchofGodofProphecymayrequestthattheirmembershipbetransferred.Grantingandreceivingsuchtransfersareactedoninachurchbusinessconference.Itisthecovenantthatunitesusinthechurchallaroundtheworld,soitisessentialthateachnewmembermakethesamepromise.Therefore,intheChurchofGodofProphecy,asinsomeotherdenominations,transfersarereceivedonlyfromotherlocalchurcheswithinourdenomination.

Membershipmaybetransferredorterminatedatthewrittenrequestofthememberandapprovedbythelocalchurchconference.Membershipmaybeterminatedasameansofdisciplineduetosinfulactivityorlifestyle.

NOTES:

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LESSON 4 IT’S BIGGER THAN WE ARE

Our Identity as Part of the Church of God of Prophecy

1 WHO IS THE CHURCH1 WHO IS THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY? OF GOD OF PROPHECY?

ThislocalchurchispartofaglobalbodycalledtheChurchofGodofProphecy.Weareunitedwithbelieversandchurchesthroughouttheworldwhoalsovalueprayer,harvest,leadership development, stewardship, and service. This union provides a dynamic“synergy”thatenablesustobetterfulfillGod’scalling.

TheChurchofGodofProphecyisavibrant,worldwidebodyofbelievers,unitedinworship,workinghand-in-handtoshareGod’sloveandamessageofhopetothebrokenhearted.Every24hoursaroundtheglobe:

•Over500peoplereceivesalvation

•Over200peoplearebaptizedinwater

•Over10,000preachingvenuesareactivelydeclaringtheGospel

Atleastonenewchurchopensitsdoorseverydaytotouchalocalcommunitythroughtheeffortsofthismovement.

TheChurchofGodofProphecyhasoveronemillionmembers,worshipinginover10,000churchesandmissionsinapproximately130nationsoftheworld.Nearly90percentofourglobalmembershipisoutsideofNorthAmerica.

In contemporary theological terms, the Church of God of Prophecy is aProtestant, Evangelical, Wesleyan Holiness, Pentecostal Movement whichbelievesinman’sfreewillregardingsalvation.

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2 ABOUT US2 ABOUT USOur VisionReconcilingtheworldtoChristthroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

Our MissionTheChurch ofGodof Prophecy is aChrist-exalting, holiness, Spirit-filled, all nations,disciple-making,churchplantingmovementwithapassionforChristianunion.

Our Core ValuesCorevaluesareoperatingphilosophiesorprinciplesthatguideanorganization’sinternalconductaswellasitsrelationshipswiththeexternalworld.TheleadershipoftheChurchofGodofProphecyhave identifiedfivecorevalues for theChurch.Theseareprayer,harvest,leadershipdevelopment,stewardship,andservice.

Our Statement of FaithWebelieveintheHolyTrinity—oneGod,eternallyexistinginThreePersons:Father,Son,andHolySpirit.

WebelieveinoneGod,theFather,Creatorofheavenandearth,ofallthingsseenandunseen.

Webelieve inoneLord, JesusChrist, theonlySonofGod,eternallybegottenof theFather.All thingsweremadethroughHimandforHim.He is trueGodandtrueman.HewasconceivedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit,andwasbornofthevirginMary.Hesuffered,died,wasburied,andonthethirddayHerosefromthedead.HeascendedtotherighthandoftheFather,andHewillreturntojudgethelivingandthedead.Hiskingdomwillhavenoend.

WebelieveintheHolySpirit,theLordandGiveroflife,whoeternallyproceedsfromtheFather.HeisTeacher,Comforter,Helper,andGiverofspiritualgifts.ThroughHim,thesavingandsanctifyingworksofJesusChristareappliedtothelifeofthebeliever.HeistheempoweringPresenceofGodinthelifeoftheChristianandtheChurch.TheFatherhassentHisSontobaptizewiththeHolySpirit.SpeakingintonguesandbearingthefruitoftheSpiritareNewTestamentsignsofbeingfilledwiththeHolySpirit.

WebelievethatsalvationisbygracethroughfaithinthesacrificialdeathofJesusChristonthecross;andthatHediedinourplace.Thebeliever’ssinsareforgivenbythesheddingofHisblood.Webelievethathealingofmind,body,soul,andspiritisavailabletothebelieverthroughthebloodofJesusChristandthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

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Webelieve that thegraceofGodbrings forgiveness and reconciliation to thosewhorepent, as well as transformation in holiness, enabling them to live a Christ-like life.Sanctification isbothadefiniteworkofgraceanda lifelongprocessofchange in thebelieverbroughtbythebloodofJesus,theWordofGod,andtheenablingpoweroftheHolySpirit.

Webelieveinoneholy,universalChurch,composedofalltruebelieversinJesusChrist,offeringfellowshipandcallingforservicetomenandwomenofallraces,nations,cultures,andlanguages.WebelieveinthespiritualandultimatevisibleunityoftheChurch.

WebelievethattheBible—bothOldandNewTestaments—istheinspiredWordofGod.TheBibleisGod’srevelationofHimselfandHiswilltohumankind,sufficientforinstructioninsalvationanddailyChristianliving.TheNewTestamentistheChristian’sruleoffaithandpractice.

WebelievethatGodwillultimatelyreconcileallthingsinheavenandearthinChrist.Therefore,welookforwardtonewheavensandanewearthinwhichrighteousnessdwells.

3 THE CHURCH TODAY3 THE CHURCH TODAYToday,theorganizationalstructureoftheChurchofGodofProphecyexistsandoperatesatthreeinterdependentlevels:

• International• State,Regional,orNational• Local

The International LevelTheinternationallevelfunctionstoprovideavastglobalnetworkofsupportandinteractionforthechurch’sministriesinmanynationsaroundtheworld.Itisguidedbyagiftedgroupofexperiencedleadersreferredtoasgeneralpresbyters.Selectedfromchurchleadershiparoundtheworld,generalpresbytersprovidespiritualoversight,vision,anddirectiontothechurchasawhole.Theyareledbythegeneraloverseer,abishopselectedtoserveasmoderatorofthechurch’sInternationalAssembly.Heisresponsibleforabroadrangeofinspirationalleadershipfunctionsandadministrativeduties.

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TheChurch’sInternationalOffices,locatedinCleveland,Tennessee,U.S.A.aredesignedtodeliveressentialsupportservicesanduniqueministryactivitiestotheworldthroughfiscalhelp,inspirationalleadership,andpromotionofthecorevaluesacrosstheglobe.

Everytwoyears,leadershipandlaityfromaroundtheworldcometogethertoformtheInternationalAssembly—thedoctrinaldecision-makingbodyoftheChurch.InternationalAssembliesaddressongoingbiblicalrevelation,aswellasinternationalpracticalconcerns,and provide a vehicle for themovement to corporately receive direction as a churchfamily.Thisweeklongglobalhomecoming,opentoall,provideseverychurchmemberanopportunitytoparticipatewithequalvoiceinbusinessproceedings,aswellastobeenrichedbydiverse,Spirit-filledministryfromaroundtheworld.

Notonlyarebiblicaltruthssuchasrepentance,regeneration,sanctification,andholinessoflifepreachedduringtheAssembly,buttheyarealsolivedoutinlocalchurchesaroundtheworld.ManypeoplehavefoundthatinordertounderstandtheChurch,yousimplymustexperiencetheInternationalAssembly.

TheChurchofGodofProphecywasraisedupbyGodtobeadynamicexpressionofNewTestamentChristianity.AverbalcovenantvisiblyandpubliclyjoinsbelieverstotheChurchofGodofProphecy,bothtothelocalandinternationalbody.Thiscovenantdoesnotbringaboutsalvation,butitdoesserveaneededroleinpersonaldevelopmentandspiritualmaturitybyplacingthebelieverincommunitywithothers.

The State, Regional, or National LevelThestate, regional,ornational levelprovides leadershipandsupportwithinadefinedareatoaccomplishtheworkoftheChurchinanefficientmanner.Overseersareappointedby their area’s general presbyter to guide these territories as servant-leaders. Theirduties includeministeringto,overseeing,andappointingqualifiedpastorswithintheirdesignatedareas,aswellasencouragingtheirregioninevangelismoutreach.

The Local LevelLocalchurchesare theheartbeatof theChurchofGodofProphecy,providing for theimmediateneedsofcongregationsinthousandsofcities,towns,andcommunitieswheretheChurch’smissioniscarriedoutonadailybasis.ItisatthelocallevelthatpeoplearewontoChrist,baptized,broughtintofellowship,anddiscipledintovictoriousChristianliving.

Local churches are led by a qualified, licensed pastor, appointed by the respectiveoverseerwhoworksincooperationwiththelocalbody.Thepastorservesasthespiritualandadministrativeleader,seekingGod’sdirectionforhisorhercongregation.

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Participatoryworship,dynamicpreaching,practicalevangelisticoutreach,activitiesthatsupporttoday’sfamily,biblicalteaching,personalgrowththroughministryinvolvement,andanacceptingfamilyatmospherethatcommunicatesGod’sloveareallwovenintothefabricoflocalChurchofGodofProphecylife.

Many independent congregations have been welcomed into the Church of Godof Prophecy in recent times. They have found a church with biblical purity, a soundorganizationalstructure,arelationalaccountabilitynetwork,andachurchwidecommitmenttoministertopeopleintoday’scontemporarysetting.

4 THE CHURCH OF 4 THE CHURCH OF GODGOD OF OF PROPHECYPROPHECY HISTORICALLY HISTORICALLY TheChurchofGodofProphecymovementbeganoveronehundredyearsagointheheartsofearnestbelieversintheruralmountainsofCherokeeCounty,NorthCarolina.

The Christian UnionFromitsbeginnings,theChurchofGodmovementconsistedofmenandwomenwhowere characterized by their deep hunger forGod. This hunger pushed thembeyondcommonChristianrelationshipandintoaunionofbelievers,committedtothedoctrinesofthewholeBible.AgroupofpeoplegatheredattheBarneyCreekMeetingHouseinMonroeCounty,Tennessee,onAugust19,1886.TheycametogetheratthepromptingofRichardSpurling,Sr.andhisson,R.G.Spurling.JamesStonestates,“Totheworld,thismeagergatheringprobablyhadlittlesignificance.Tothem,however,itwasanearnestattempttofindthewillofGodandbreakawayfrombindingcreedsandtraditions.”1

R.G.SpurlingpreachedtothosepresentatBarneyCreek,callingthemtosevertieswithman-madecreedsandbecomeaNewTestamentchurch.EightindividualscameforwardthatdaytojointogetherandformalocalcongregationthatwouldbeknownastheChristianUnion.

1JamesStone,The Church of God of Prophecy History and Polity(Cleveland,Tennessee:WhiteWingPublishingHouseandPress,1977),14.

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Therewere severalpublished reasons for thedesire to form theChristianUnion,oneof which would open the door for the eventual embracing of Pentecostalism by themovement. Spurling felt that, “The reformers failed to reserve a right of way for theleadership of theHolyGhost and for conscience.”2 Adrian Varlack, Sr. notes, “It waspreciselythisstateofaffairs,thelackoffervencyoftheHolySpirit,andtheabsenceoftrueobedience toandproper regard for theWordofGod, thatsparkedour religiousforefatherson their search for truth and to attempt a recoveryof theNewTestamentchurch.”3ThelocalChristianUnionchurchwouldbepastoredbyR.G.Spurling;latertheywouldestablishotherChristianUnioncongregations ontheirquesttofollowtheSpirit’sleading.4

Shearer Schoolhouse Revival and the Fire-Baptized InfluenceIn1896,thissmallChristianUnionMovementwouldbeimpactedbyamoveoftheHolySpiritatarevivalheldintheShearerSchoolhouse,intheareaofCherokeeCounty,NorthCarolina.“ExhibitingthedoctrinesandpracticesofBenjaminHardinIrwin’sfire-baptizedmovement…(this revival) electrified the community with some unusual phenomena.”5 Apparently, this revival, and subsequent meetings, were strong in their preaching ofholiness,sanctificationasasecondblessing,andthebaptismwiththeHolySpirit.LillieDuggarnotes,“Sanctificationseemstohavebeenoneoftheprincipalsubjects intherevival that resulted, and many people were sanctified by the blood of Jesus. Soonaftertheevangelistshadclosedtherevival,theHolyGhostfellinprayermeetingsthatwerebeingheld.AsthepeoplereceivedtheHolyGhost,theybeganspeakinginothertongues.”6TheShearerSchoolhouserevival,andthebiblicalprinciplesitinstilled,wouldhavealastingeffectontheDNAoftheChurchofGodMovement.Earlychurchpioneer,W.F.Bryant,wasseekingtheexperienceofsanctificationandwrote,“AtthetimeIwasamemberof theBaptist church andnoneof usbelieved in sanctification, although Iattendedthisrevival.Inoticedhowthosewhoclaimedsanctificationwouldgototheirfellowmenandfix everything right…TheSpiritwithinmewould cryout, ‘giveme theblessinglikethoseotherfewhavereceived.’”7ThisbrushwiththeHolySpiritbaptismin1896wouldbetheprecursortothemovement’seventualembracingofPentecostalismindoctrineandpractice.

2AdrianVarlack, Foundations, The Church of God of Prophecy: Concise History, Doctrine, Polity, and Future (Cleveland,Tennessee:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,2010),34.3Varlack,Foundations, The Church of God of Prophecy,17,18.4AndreaJohnson,Editor,Servants of the Spirit: Portraits of Pentecostal/Charismatic Pioneers(DesMoines,Iowa:OBCPublishing,2010),41.5VinsonSynan,The Century of the Holy Spirit: 100 Years of Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal,1901-2001(ThomasNelsonPub-lishers,2001),115.6LillieDugger,A. J. Tomlinson: Former General Overseer of the Church of God (Cleveland,Tennessee:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,1964),32.7Johnson,Servants of the Spirit,41.

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The Holiness Church at Camp CreekChurchofGodofProphecyHistorianC.T.Davidsonnoted:

OnThursday,May15,1902,agroupofthepeoplemetatthehomeofW. F.Bryant,inCherokeeCounty,NorthCarolina.RichardG.Spurling,Jr.was intheirmidst,andheorganizedthemastheHolinessChurchatCampCreek. ApparentlyitfavoredthecontinuationoftheChristianUnionsomesixteen yearsbefore,butinadifferentlocation.RichardG.Spurlingwaschosenpastor, andW.F.Bryant,oneoftheofficers,wassetforthbythenewlyorganizedchurch, andordained,makingtheorganizationpermanent.8 VinsonSynanstates,“Thischurchmighthaveexistedaloneexceptforthevisitin1903ofatravelingBiblesalesmanfromIndianabythenameofAmbroseJessupTomlinson.”9

A. J. Tomlinson and the Church of GodA.J.Tomlinson,aQuakerfromIndiana,wasapreacherwhohadbecomeacquaintedwiththeHolinessChurchatCampCreek.10HewasinvitedtoaspecialtimetostudyGod’sWordtogetheratthehomeofW.F.BryantonJune13,1903.Tomlinsonwasfondofthisgroup,havingpreachedforthemseveraltimes,andhe“appreciatedthewarmwelcometheyalwaysgavehim(hesaid).TheywereaconscientiousgroupandpossessedgreatinspirationandenthusiasmtoobeythepreceptsoftheHolyWrit.”11 OnFridaynight,June12,1903,TomlinsondecidedtoclimbBurgerMountain,behindBryant’shome,foratimeofseekingGod.Therehespentthenightinprayerandprevailed,receivingwhathecalledavisionofthe“LastDaysChurchofGod.”12TomlinsonwouldcomebackdownthemountainanddecidetojoinwiththeHolinessChurchinmembershipthefollowingday,June13,1903.Recallingthatday,Tomlinsonwouldlaterstate:

WellifyoutakethewholeBible,rightlydivided,thatmakesittheChurchofGod. WhydoyouwanttocallittheHolinessChurchatCampCreek?...“Youhave agreedthatthisthatIhavesaidmakesittheChurchofGod,andwillyou bewillingtotakeitandkeepittheChurchofGod?”Theysaidthey werewilling.Ithenaskedifthey werewillingtotakemeinwiththe understandingthatthisIStheChurchofGod—notgoingtobe,butISthe

8C.T.Davidson,Upon This Rock, Volume 1(Cleveland,Tennessee:WhiteWingPublishingHouseandPress,1973),300.9Synan,Century of the Holy Spirit,115.10Stone,The Church of God of Prophecy: History and Polity,22.11Davidson,Upon this Rock Volume1,312.12Ibid.,312–314.

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ChurchofGod?Theywerewilling.SoIstoodrightthereinfrontof thefireplaceandBrotherSpurling,whohasgonetoheaven,tooktheBible andgaveittome.Hehandedittomeandsaid,“WillyoutakethisastheWord ofGod,believeandpracticeit,obeyitspreceptsandwalkinthelightasGod isinthelight?”Ithoughtdeeply.IrememberedwhatatimeIhadonthe mountain.Imeantbusiness.Godmeantbusiness...RighthereIgavemyhand toBrotherSpurling…Itooktheobligationwithdeepsincerityandextreme sacrednessnevertobeforgotten.13

In receiving Tomlinson into the church,where hewould come to pastor and later beselectedtoserveasgeneraloverseer,Synanwrites,“WithwinningTomlinson,theCampCreekChurchgainedoneofthegreatorganizinggeniusesofmodernchurchhistory.”14He further states, “Thenewdenominationwas typicalof holiness churches formed inAmerica in this period. The second blessing of entire sanctification was sought as abaptismwiththeHolyGhost…UnderTomlinson’sdynamicleadership,theChurchofGodplantedchurchesthroughoutthemountainareasofTennessee,Georgia,Kentucky,WestVirginia,andNorthCarolina.”15Thismovement,nowknownastheChurchofGod(thenameChurchofGodwasofficiallyadoptedonJanuary11,1907,butwaslooselyuseduntilthattime16),wasmovingforward.Atthistime,however,“regardlessofcommontalkamongholinessbelieversofbeingledbytheSpiritorbeingfilledwiththeSpirit,thereseemedtobethatlingeringsensethattherewasalways‘somethingmore.’”17

Church of God Becomes a Part of the Pentecostal MovementGeneralOverseerA.J.TomlinsonpreachedfromtheBookofActsandpreachedabouttheHoly Spirit baptismbefore receiving the experience for himself.18 Because of thisbelief,andhisdesirefortheSpiritbaptismforhimselfandthemembersofthechurch,BishopTomlinson invitedG.B.Cashwell,“theApostleofPentecost to theSouth,” tocomeandpreachat theGeneralAssemblyof thechurch in1908.19 ItwasonSundaymorning,January12,1908,thatTomlinsonhadoneofthemostwonderfulanduniqueexperiencesregardingtheSpiritbaptism.20“WhilelisteningtoGastonCashwell’ssermon,A. J. hada verydramatic andphysical encounterwith theHolyGhost…after slippingoffachairtotheflooratGaston’s feet,A.J.’sbodymovedas ifbeingexaminedbyaphysicianasherolledandtossedbackandforthexperiencingfloodsofjoyandglory.”21

13Ibid.,314,315.14Synan,Century of the Holy Spirit,116.15Ibid.,117.16Davidson,Upon This Rock Volume 1,349.17Johnson,Servants of the Spirit,87.18Ibid., 85.19A.J.Tomlinson,Last Great Conflict(Cleveland,Tennessee:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,Reprint1984),233.20Johnson,Servants of the Spirit,87.21Ibid.22A.J.Tomlinson,Answering the Call of God: The Marvelous Experiences of A. J. Tomlinson(Cleveland,Tennessee:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,1973),10–13.

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TomlinsonspokeintonguesastheSpiritgavetheutterance.Hewas“carried”tomanydifferent parts of the world and saw the awful conditions of the inhabitants andwasmovedwiththevision.Hetestifiedthathespokeintendifferentlanguagesashetraveled,and shared the specialpresenceandpowerofGod through thisexperience.22 “SincehisowndramaticexperiencewiththeHolyGhostin1908,thechurchesheled,ChurchofGodCleveland,Tennessee,andwhatbecametheChurchofGodofProphecy,havecontinuedintheclassicalPentecostaltradition.”23Synannotes,“WiththiseventitwasaforegoneconclusionthattheChurchofGodwouldbeapartofthegrowingPentecostalMovement.”24“TheChurchofGodindeedbegantomovelikeamightyarmyacrosstheland.In1910,some1,005memberswerereportedin27churches.By1920,thosefigureshadmushroomedto14,606membersin389congregations.”25

OneofthegreatestproofsoftheAzusaimpactontheChurchofGodMovementisthetremendousracialharmonywithintheChurchofGodofProphecyfamily.JustasWilliamJ.Seymour’sAzusameetingspropagatedracialharmony,sohastheChurchofGodofProphecybeenblessedwith theHoly Spirit’s touch in the area of race relations. ThissameracialharmonyandsynergyhasbeenahallmarkoftheChurchofGodofProphecyministrythroughthelifeofthemovement.Ithasbeensaidthat,“TheChurchofGodofProphecymaybethemostraciallyintegratedPentecostalchurchintheworld.”26

Fromthebirthingyearsof1886to1908,theChurchofGodcontinuedtogrowduetotheDNAdescribedinthevisionA.J.TomlinsonhadashereceivedthebaptismoftheHolySpirit,peoplefrommanynationsneedingtheGospelofChrist.The“modusoperandi”ofthemovementwastoplantchurchesineverycity,everystate,andeverynation.Thiswas reinforced convincingly by Tomlinson in the annual Assembly gatherings, as wellasbytheconstantprogressseeninthiseffort.By1920,theChurchhadgrowntoover14,000members,spreadingtomanystatesandseveralnations.Cleveland,Tennesseehadbecomethehomeforthework,asTomlinsonmovedoutfromtheNorthCarolinamountainstothenearestaccesspointforrailtravelandprinting.Hisleadershipwouldcontinueformorethan25yearsasthemovementlaiddownfoundationsandcontinuedspreadingtheGospel.AfterthedeathofA.J.Tomlinson,hissonM.A.Tomlinsonwasselected to lead and the Church continued to progress, launching such ventures as

23Varlack,Foundations,35.24Synan,Century of the Holy Spirit,118.25Ibid.26GrantWacker,Heaven Below: Early Pentecostals and American Culture(Cambridge,MA:HarvardUniversityPress,2001),144.

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orphanagesnationallyandinternationally,achurchcollege,andcontinuingtoreachnewharvestfieldsinbothstatesandnations.

In1990,M.A.TomlinsonresignedandtheChurchenteredaneweraofrenewalofvisionundertheleadershipofGeneralOverseerBillyMurray.Hewasinspiredtotaptheformerwellsofoutreachandmissionsunderthetheme“TurningtotheHarvest.”Inhis10 years ofleadership,theChurchdoubleditsworldwidemembershipwithgreatgrowthinregionssuchasEasternEuropeandAfrica.MurrayalsoledtheChurchintoanewidentity,standingonsolidfoundationsoftheHolinessPentecostalheritageandbuildingunderstandingforcollaborationandfellowshipwithpartnersinPentecost,aswellasmanyevangelicalties.From1990untilthepresent,theChurchwouldseehermembershipandglobalinfluencequadrupletowelloveronemillionmembersandover12,000preachingpointsaroundtheworld. It isobviousnowthat this renewingtheme ledbyMurraywasalignedwiththeworkoftheSpiritatthattime.ItwasduringthosedecadesGodwasfulfillingActs2:15–17,pouringoutHisSpiritonallfleshandpreparingforHislastdayswork.

ItwasalsounderMurraythatthehighestleadershipoftheChurchwasreformed.Joiningthe general overseer were general presbyters selected from each continental area ofministry.Thiseight-manbodywouldformtheinspirationalleadershipteamguidingthechurchforwardunderthehandoftheSpirit.Thisshiftspreadtop-levelleadershiptomorethanoneman,aswellasprovidingleadershipexpressionforthegreatglobalmembershipthathadcomealonginthepreviousdecades.Bytheyear2010,itwouldhavebeenhardtofindaglobalministrywithsuchadiverseandinternationalbodyofleadersatthetopofanorganization.ThisstepcontinuedtoaffirmtheDNAfromthebeginningthatthereisnoraceorgenderordivisionintheeyesofFatherGodamongHispeople.ItalsoreflectstheDNAofpassion for thenations, theseedsown100yearsbefore in theTomlinsonvision.LeadershipofmanyracesandleadershipofwomenhasbeenasignificantmarkinthehistoryoftheChurchofGodofProphecy.TherecanbenodoubtthismovementhasbenefitedfromtheblessingofmakingspaceforallthatGodwillcalltofindexpressioninministry.

Today,this“AllNationsChurch”ministersoneverycontinentandhasbodiesofbelieverssharingthefaithinmorethan130nations.NinetypercentofherministrycanbefoundoutsidetheUnitedStateswithindigenousleadersandclose-culturalleadersinthevastmajorityofthosenationalministries.TheChurchofGodofProphecycontinuesto liveoutitsvisionstatement,“ReconcilingtheworldtoChristthroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.”

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LESSON 5 WHAT NOW?

INTRODUCTION

LESSON CONTENT

1 PERSONAL COMMITMENTS1 PERSONAL COMMITMENTS

Ifyouarelookingforachurchwhereyoucansimplybeaspectator,thenthischurchisprobablynotthebestchoiceforyou!Webelievethatservinginthischurchwillnotonlybenefittheentirebodybutwillalsobethemostfulfillingwayoflifeforyou.Ourgoalissimplythis:

“Every member a minister”

Withthisinmind,ourchurchwillhavesomeexpectationsofyouaswemoveforward.

We ask the following commitments from those who choose to be members of ourchurch.PleasereadtheScripturesbelowandcompleteeachsentencetodefinethosecommitments.

A. I will protect the unity of the church by . . .

• _________________________________________________(Romans14:19;1Peter1:22).• _________________________________________________(Ephesians4:29).• _________________________________________________(Jude3).• _________________________________________________(Hebrews13:17).• _________________________________________________(Ephesians4:31,32).

B. I will serve in the ministries of the church by . . .

• _________________________________________________(1Peter4:10).• _________________________________________________(Matthew28:19,20).• _________________________________________________(Psalm96:2–4).

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C. I will support the testimony of the church by . . .

• ____________________________________________(Hebrews10:25).• ____________________________________________(Philippians1:27).• ____________________________________________(Leviticus27:30;1Corinthians16:2).

D. I will share the responsibility of the church by . . .

• ____________________________________________(1Thessalonians1:2,3).• ____________________________________________(Luke14:23).• ____________________________________________(Romans15:7).• ____________________________________________(Galatians6:2).• ____________________________________________(1Thessalonians5:11).• ____________________________________________(Mark16:15).• ____________________________________________(1Timothy6:3–5).• ____________________________________________(Hebrews6:1–3).

2 GROWING IN FAITH2 GROWING IN FAITHFaithisthefoundationoftheentireChristianlife(Hebrews11:6).

A. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17 NKJV).

NothingcanbeknownorreceivedofGodunlesswefirstbelieveinHisexistence.

B. What is faith?

ReadHebrews11:1.

• Faith (noun)—“faith, belief, firm persuasion, assurance, firm conviction, honesty,integrity,faithfulness,truthfulness.”

• Believe (verb)—“to trust in; put faith in; rely on aperson, or thing; have amentalpersuasion;toentrust,commit;tochangeorpowerof.”

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C. What is the source of true faith?

TheonlysourceoftruebiblicalfaithistheWordofGod.“Faithcomethbyhearing…theWord(Rhema)ofGod”(Romans10:4,16,17).

• Godgiveseverybelieverameasureoffaith(Romans12:3–6).• Faithislikeaseed;ithaspotentialtogrow.

D. Biblical examples of faith:

• Abraham(Genesis15:1–6;Genesis22:1–18)• Shadrach,Meshach,Abednego(Daniel3)• Daniel(Daniel6)• Mary(Luke1:26–38)• “TheFaithHallofFame”(Hebrews11)

3 GROWING IN PRAYER3 GROWING IN PRAYERPrayerisakeytospiritualvictory.

A. Why should believers pray?

• __________________________________________(Mark9:29)• __________________________________________(Luke22:39–43)• __________________________________________(Psalm62:5–8)• __________________________________________(Matthew6:5–13)

B. What is prayer?

• PrayerisspendingtimeinconversationwithGod—webothspeakandlisten.• ___________________________________________(2Chronicles7:14;Matthew6:9,10)• ___________________________________________(Matthew6:6)

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“Butthou,whenthouprayest,enterintothycloset,andwhenthouhastshutthydoor,praytothyFatherwhichisinsecret;andthyFatherwhichseethinsecretshallrewardtheeopenly”(Matthew6:6).

C. What should be our attitude in prayer?

• __________________________________(Hebrews11:6)• __________________________________(Mark11:24;James1:6–8)• __________________________________(1John5:14–16)• __________________________________(Hebrews7:25)

D. What are the various types of prayers?

• __________________________________(Luke11:5–13;Philippians4:6)• __________________________________(Romans8:26,27)• __________________________________(1Corinthians14:14;Ephesians6:18;Jude20)• __________________________________(1Timothy2:1,2)• __________________________________(Philippians4:6.)

E. Who can be involved in prayer?

• __________________________________(Matthew6:5–7)• __________________________________(Matthew18:19,20)• __________________________________(Acts2:42;4:24)(Psalms18:6;64:1;66:19)

4 GROWING IN CHRIST 4 GROWING IN CHRIST ((Spiritual MaturationSpiritual Maturation))AfterwemakeadecisiontoserveorfollowChrist,wearecalled“Hisdisciples.”Whatdoesthismean,exactly?

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A. What is discipleship?

• Disciplemeans“onewhoadherestoasetofprinciplesorteachings.”• WeadheretotheteachingsofJesus.WearedisciplesofChrist.• DiscipleshipisthelifelongprocessoffollowingandmaturinginChrist.

» Discipleshipislifelong.OurgrowthinChristshouldneverstop. » Discipleship is a process. It’s not a 10-week study or a class that ends afteracertainpoint. Itbeginsaswe turn toChristand isaprocessofcontinuallygrowinginourwalkwithGod.

» DiscipleshipismaturinginChrist.WeshouldbebetteratfollowingChristnextyearthanwearetoday.ThefruitoftheSpiritshouldbecomemoreandmoreapparent.Ourknowledgeof theWordshouldgrow.Ourdiscernmentshouldbecomemorekeen,ourtongueslesssharp,andourlovemorefull.

B. Christ’s ultimate command

“ThenJesussaidtohisdisciples,‘Whoeverwantstobemydisciplemustdenythemselvesandtakeuptheircrossandfollowme.Forwhoeverwantstosavetheirlifewillloseit,butwhoeverlosestheirlifeformewillfindit.’”(Matthew16:24,25NIV).

• Deny yourself.Denialofselfisnotnaturalinourworld.Wewantwhatwewant,whenwewant it.ButChrist imploresus toputothers aheadofourselves andmuteourfleshlydesires.TheGreatestCommandmentremindsustolovetheLordandloveourneighbors(Matthew22:36–40).

• Take up your cross. Whatdoes itmeantotakeupyourcross?Tounderstand,wemustlooktothelifeofJesus,whogaveustheultimateexample.Thecrosswasnotapleasantexperience,butitwasoneChristwascalledto.Eachofusarecalledtoparticipate in the sufferingofChrist (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13; Romans 8:17).ServingChristwon’talwaysbefilledwithgoodtimesandeasyresponsibilities.TherewillbedifficulttimesasweparticipateinthesufferingsofChrist.ButtheworstdayswithChristarefarbetterthethebestdayswithoutChrist.

• Follow me.Jesussaid,“FollowMe.”Thequestionwemustaskis,“WheredidJesusgo?”Theultimateansweristodeath,asHehungonacrossforyouandforme.WetoomustfollowChrist toourdeaths,notphysically,butspiritually (Galatians2:20).Wemustdie toour sinfulways,our selfishness, andourpride.Wemust yieldourdesirestoHis.WemustserveHimwholeheartedly,ratherthanourselves.Butthe

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C. The spiritual disciplines

• Prayer• Fasting• BibleStudy• Others

CONCLUSIONSpendsometimeinprayeratthecloseofthislesson.Prayforholinessandrighteousnesstobeginhereandnow.Prayforspiritualgiftstobeunleashed.Prayfornewavenuesofministrytoopen.Prayfordivineprovisionandsatisfaction.PrayforGod’swilltobedoneineachlifeasthisnewjourneybegins.

NOTES:

beautyofallthisisthatwhenwedietoourselves,wegettoliveforChrist,bothnowandeternally,asweparticipatealsoinHisresurrection(Philippians3:10,11).Therecanbenobetterormorefulfillingwayoflifethanthis.

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Davidson,C.T.UponThisRock,Vol.1.Cleveland,TN:WhiteWingPublishingHouseand Press,1973.

Dugger,Lillie.A.J.Tomlinson:FormerGeneralOverseeroftheChurchofGod.Cleveland, TN:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,1964.

Johnson,Andrea,ed.ServantsoftheSpirit:PortraitsofPentecostal/CharismaticPioneers. DesMoines,IA:OBCPublishing,2010.

Stone,James.TheChurchofGodofProphecyHistoryandPolity.Cleveland,TN:White WingPublishingHouseandPress,1977.

Synan,Vinson.TheCenturyoftheHolySpirit:100YearsofPentecostalandCharismatic Renewal,1901–2001.Nashville:ThomasNelsonPublishers,2001.

Tomlinson,A.J.LastGreatConflict.Cleveland,TN:WhiteWingPublishingHouse, Reprint,1984.

Tomlinson,A.J.AnsweringtheCallofGod:TheMarvelousExperiencesofA.J.Tomlinson. Cleveland,TN:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,1973.

Varlack,Adrian.Foundations,TheChurchofGodofProphecy:ConciseHistory,Doctrine, Polity,andFuture.Cleveland,TN:WhiteWingPublishingHouse,2010.

Wacker,Grant.HeavenBelow:EarlyPentecostalsandAmericanCulture.Cambridge,MA: HarvardUniversityPress,2001.

WORKS CITED

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SPIRITUAL GIFTS INVENTORYA. Instructions:1. Therearea totalof110statementsbelow.Please indicatewhetheryouStrongly

Agree, Agree Somewhat, are Undecided, Disagree Somewhat, orCompletely Disagreewitheachquestion.

2.Transferyouranswerstotheprofilesheetattheendofthisdocument.3.Totalyourscoresforeachofthegifts.EachgiftwillhaveascorebetweenZEROandTWENTY.

4. Order the gifts in descending order of score. Higher scores indicate your moredominantgifts.

B. Please use the following selections for your answers: 4–StronglyAgree 3–AgreeSomewhat 2–Undecided 1–DisagreeSomewhat 0–CompletelyDisagree

___(1) Peopleseemtobewillingtofollowmyleadershipwithoutmuchresistance.___(2) IliketoproclaimGod’sWordtofellowChristians.___(3) ItisajoyformetoproclaimGod’splanofsalvationtounchurchedpeople.___(4) Itisenjoyabletohavetheresponsibilityofleadingotherpeopleintheirspirituallife.___(5) I’mexcitedbyhelpingpeoplediscoverimportanttruthsintheScriptures.___(6) IhavespecialjoysingingpraisestoGodeitheraloneorwithotherpeople.___(7) Itisenjoyabletomotivatepeopletoahigherspiritualcommitment.___(8) Peoplewithspiritualproblemsseemtocometomeforadviceandcounsel.___(9) Ireceivedexcellentgradesinschool.___(10) Thereisgreatjoyindoinglittlejobsaroundthechurch.___(11) Ilookforopportunitiestoassistpeopleintheirwork.___(12) Thereisgreatjoyinleadingpeopletoaccomplishgroupgoals.___(13) Iliketoorganizepeopleformoreeffectiveministry.___(14) ThereisgreatsatisfactioningivinglargeamountsofmoneyfortheLord’swork.___(15) Ifeelgreatcompassionfortheproblemsofothers.___(16) Itseemseasytoperceivewhetherapersonishonestordishonest.___(17) IamreadytotrytheimpossiblebecauseIhaveagreattrustinGod.___(18) Thereisgreatjoyinhavingpeopleinmyhome.___(19) Ifindthattherepairandmaintenanceofthingsinmyenvironmentcomeeasilytome.___(20) Iseemtorecognizeprayerneedsbeforeothers.___(21) Ienjoytheopportunitytopraywithandforapersonwhoisphysicallyillthatthey maybemadewell.

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___(22) Iadapteasilyinaculturedifferentfrommine.___(23) Ifeelasenseofauthorityinmyrelationshiptothegroup.___(24) IliketoproclaimtheWordofGodtocomfortothers.___ (25) IseemabletodeterminewhentheSpirithaspreparedapersontoreceiveJesusChrist.___(26) Itisexcitingtoprovidespiritualleadershipforacongregation.___(27) TeachingaBibleclassisoneofthemostenjoyablethingsIdo(orcoulddo)inthechurch.___(28) Godhasgivenmetheabilitytoplayamusicalinstrument,andIenjoyit.___(29) Itisajoytogiveencouragementtopeoplewhoarediscouraged.___(30) Ienjoyprovidingsolutionstodifficultproblemsinlife.___(31) Itseemseasytolearndifficulttruths.___(32) IenjoydoingroutinetasksforthegloryofGod.___(33) Ienjoyhelpingwiththeemergencytasksaroundthechurch.___(34) Peopleseemtoenjoyfollowingmeindoinganimportanttask.___(35) Thereisjoyinmakingimportantdecisions.___(36) IfindrealjoyingivingagenerousportionofmymoneytotheLord.___(37) Visitingpeopleinretirementhomesgivesmegreatsatisfaction.___(38) Iseemtoknowveryquicklywhethersomethingisrightorwrong.___(39) Whenthingsseemimpossible,I’mreadytomoveforward.___(40) Idonotfeeluncomfortablewhenpeopledropinunexpectedly.___(41) Ihaveenjoyedcreatingvariouskindsofartsand/orcrafts.___(42) Prayerisoneofmyfavoritespiritualexercises.___(43) Ihaveprayedforanemotionallyillpersonandseenthepersongetbetter.___(44) Itiseasyformetomoveintoanewcommunityandmakefriends. ___(45) IhavelittlefearinleadingpeoplewhereGodwantsthemtogo.___(46) IenjoyrelatingandsharingGod’sWordtotheissuesoftheday.___(47) IfeelaburdentosharetheGospelwithpeople.___(48) Iliketoassistpeoplewiththeirspiritualproblems.___(49) ItseemsthatpeoplelearnwhenIteachthem.___(50) Ihaveenjoyedbeinginvolvedwithchurch,schooland/orlocalmusicalproductions.___(51) IliketoencourageinactivechurchmemberstobecomeinvolvedChristiansagain.___(52) Itseemsthatpeoplegenerallyfollowmyadvice.___(53) IamabletounderstanddifficultportionsofGod’sWord.___(54) Ireceivegreatsatisfactionindoingsmallortrivialtasksinchurch.___(55) Idesiretodothetaskswhichwillfreeothersforimportantministry.___(56) Itismoreeffectivetodelegateatasktosomeoneelseratherthantodoitmyself.___(57) Ienjoytheresponsibilityfortheachievementofgroupgoals.___(58)Iappreciatetheopportunitytofinanciallysupportacriticalsituation.___(59)Isensejoyincomfortingpeopleindifficultsituations.___(60)Thedifferencebetweentruthanderroriseasilyperceivedbyme.___(61)IamoftenreadytobelieveGodwillleadusthroughasituationwhenothersfeel itisimpossible.

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___(62) Peopleseemtofeelverycomfortableinmyhome.___(63) Iliketocreatethingswithmyhands.___(64) Godconsistentlyanswersmyprayersintangibleways.___(65) Ihavevisitedapersonwhowassick,prayedthatGodwouldmakethemphysically whole,andthepersongotbetter.___(66) IamabletorelatewelltoChristiansofdifferentlocationsorcultures.___(67) IappreciatetheopportunitytoproclaimGod’sWordtoothers.___(68) ItisimportantformetospeakGod’sWordofwarningandjudgmentintheworldtoday.___(69) ItisajoytosharewhatJesusmeanstomewithanunchurchedneighbor.___(70) PeopleliketobringtheirtroublesandconcernstomebecausetheyfeelIcare.___(71) OneofthejoysofmyministryistrainingpeopletobemoreeffectiveChristians.___(72) Ifeelsecureinthefactthatmymusicalabilitywillbeofbenefittootherpeople withwhomIcomeincontact.___(73) Peoplewhoarefeelingperplexedoftencometomeforencouragementandcomfort.___(74) IfeelthatIhaveaspecialinsightinselectingthebestalternativeinadifficultsituation.___(75) Ihaveaclearunderstandingofbiblicaldoctrines(teachings).___(76) Ifindmoresatisfactionindoingajobratherthanfindingsomeoneelsetodoit.___(77) Ienjoyhelpingotherpeoplebeartheirburdens.___(78) Itisathrilltoinspireotherstogreaterinvolvementinchurchwork.___(79) Thedevelopmentofeffectiveplansforchurchministrygivesmegreatsatisfaction.___(80) ItisajoytoseehowmuchmoneyIcangivetotheLord.___(81) Ienjoyministeringtoapersonwhoissickinthehospital.___(82) Icanjudgewellbetweenthetruthfulnessanderrorofagiventheologicalstatement.___(83) Peopleseemtoviewmeasonewhobelieveseverythingispossible.___(84) WhenmissionariescometoourchurchI(would)liketohavethemcometomyhome.___(85) IseethattheresultsofmyworkingwithvariousobjectsinGod’screationhelpto improveandbeautifythatwhichotherpeoplehavenotseenordeveloped.___(86) Ifaithfullyprayforothersrecognizingthattheireffectivenessandtotalwell-being dependsonGod’sanswertoprayers.___ (87) Iliketoparticipateinministrytothephysicallyoremotionallyillandprayfortheirrecovery.___(88) Thethoughtofbeginninganewchurchinanewcommunityisexcitingtome.___(89) Ienjoytrainingworkersinthecongregation.___(90) InaBibleclass,itseemsessentialtoshareGod’sWordevenifitirritatesothers.___(91) Ifeeladeepconcernfortheunreachedpeopleinmycommunity.___(92) Ienjoyacloserelationshipwithpeopleinaone-on-onesituation.___(93) ItiseasytoorganizematerialsforteachingaBibleclass.___(94) LeadingothersinsingingsongsofpraisetoGodorforpureenjoymentis personallysatisfying.___(95) Iwouldrathercallonadelinquentfamilyinmychurchthananunchurchedfamily.___(96) Ihaveastrongsenseofconfidenceinmysolutionstoproblems.___(97) ItisanexcitingchallengetoreadandstudyadifficultbookoftheBible.

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___(98) Iliketodothingswithoutattractingmuchattention.___(99) Ifafamilyisfacingaseriouscrisis,Ienjoytheopportunitytohelpthem.___(100) Thereisgreatsatisfactioninhavingothersfollowmeinperformingatask.___(101) Iwouldrathermakedecisionsforthegroupthanpersuadethemtoreachthe samedecision.___(102) IcangivesacrificiallybecauseIknowthatGodwillmeetmyneeds.___(103) Itisaspecialsatisfactiontovisitpeoplewhoareconfinedtotheirhomes.___(104) Ioftenseekthemotivesofapersonandlookbeneaththewords.___(105) Whenpeoplearediscouraged,Ienjoygivingthemapositivevision.___(106) Peopleseemtoenjoycomingtomyhouse.___(107) Thereispleasureindrawing,designing,and/orpaintingvariousobjects.___(108) IfindmyselfprayingwhenIpossiblyshouldbedoingotherthings.___(109) Ifeelstronglythatmyprayersforasickpersonaffectwholenessforthatperson.___(110) Morethanmost,Ihaveastrongdesiretoseeallpeopleofothercommunities andcountrieswontotheLord.

The Discovery Tool Profile SheetTransferyourscoresforeachquestionintothetablebelowandonthefollowingpage,thencomputethesumofeachrow. PLEASE NOTE!ThenumbersonthissheetgoVERTICALLY,insequentialorder.Toscorequestions1,23,45,67and89,addthemtogetherhorizontally,givingyouagrandtotalforthegiftofApostle.Continuethisscoringthroughmissionarygiftatthebottomofthetable.Thisprovidesyourscoreforeachgift. 1.Apostle 1____ 23____ 45____ 67____ 89____ =____

2.Prophet 2____ 24____ 46____ 68____ 90____ =____

3.Evangelist 3____ 25____ 47____ 69____ 91____ =____

4.Pastor 4____ 26____ 48____ 70____ 92____ =____

5.Teacher 5____ 27____ 49____ 71____ 93____ =____

6.Music 6____ 28____ 50____ 72____ 94____ =____

7.Exhortation 7____ 29____ 51____ 73____ 95____ =____

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8.Wisdom 8____ 30____ 52____ 74____ 96____ =____ 9.Knowledge 9____ 31____ 53____ 75____ 97____ =____

10.Serving 10____ 32____ 54____ 76____ 98____ =____

11.Helps 11____ 33____ 55____ 77____ 99____ =____

12.Leadership 12____ 34____ 56____ 78____ 100____ =____

13.Administration 13____ 35____ 57____ 79____ 101____ =____

14.Giving 14____ 36____ 58____ 80____ 102____ =____

15.Mercy 15____ 37____ 59____ 81____ 103____ =____

16.Discernment 16____ 38____ 60____ 82____ 104____ =____ 17.Faith 17____ 39____ 61____ 83____ 105____ =____ 18.Hospitality 18____ 40____ 62____ 84____ 106____ =____

19.Craftsmanship 19____ 41____ 63____ 85____ 107____ =____

20.Intercession 20____ 42____ 64____ 86____ 108____ =____

21.Healing 21____ 43____ 65____ 87____ 109____ =____

22.Missionary 22____ 44____ 66____ 88____ 110____ =____

Name______________________________________________________________________

*Used by permission from Into Thy Word. Created by ITW staff. www.intothyword.org.

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COMMITMENT FORMToday’sDate:_____/_______/______

Name:__________________________________________________________________________

MailingAddress:_________________________________________________________________

HomePhone:__________________________CellPhone:___________________________

Email:__________________________________________________________________________

BirthDate:_____/_______/______ MaritalStatus(checkabox):q q S q q Mq q D q q W

Pleasecheckthefollowingspiritualexperiencesthatapplytoyou.q q Savedq q Sanctifiedq q BaptizedwiththeHolySpiritq q BaptizedinWater

Areyoucurrentlyamemberofanyothercongregation?__________

Ifyeswhere?__________________________________________________________________

YES!Iwanttobecomeamemberofthe( ).Ihavecompletedthemembershipcourse,andIamwillingtotakethecovenantbelowinthepresenceofthecongregation.Imakeacommitmenttosupportmylocalchurchtothebestofmyabilityintheareasoutlinedinthismembershipcourse.

“WillyousincerelypromiseinthepresenceofGodandthesewitnessesthatyouwill...

•AccepttheBibleastheWordofGod•Believeandpracticeitsteachings,rightlydivided,theNewTestamentasyourruleoffaithandpractice,government,anddiscipline,and•Walkinthelighttothebestofyourknowledgeandability?”

Signature:________________________________________________

Date:_____/_______/______

(Note:Pleaseremovethiscompletedcommitmentpagefromthismanualandgivetothepastor.)

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ABOUT ME

Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Age:________

Birthday:_____/_______/______

q q Maleq q Female q q Marriedq q Single Doyouhavechildren?q q Yesq q No Ifyes,pleaselisttheirnamesandages.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bestphone#toreachyou:_____________________________________________________ Doyoupreferatextoraphonecall?q q Textq q PhoneCall Email:________________________________________________________________________ Emergencycontactandrelationshiptoyou:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

> 1 - education | formation · > 2 < lesson 1 new life in christ lesson content 1 your life in...

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