foundations for successful christian living

A 9-WEEK COURSE DESIGNED TO EMPOWER YOU TO LIVE A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE

Life Changers Church

COURSE OVERVIEW

The objective of this course is designed to strengthen the foundation in the lives of

newer believers while repairingbreaches in the foundations in older believers.

COURSE OVERVIEWThings You’ll Need For This Course•Study Bible•Notebook exclusively for this class

• (Computer or tablet will suffice)•Writing Utensils•Concordance/Bible dictionary•Funding for extra books

Lesson One:I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT?

JESUS CHRIST: A Sure Foundation

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it.

But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”-1 Cor. 3:9-11

JESUS CHRIST: A Sure Foundation

Foundation, Themeleos: 1.Laid down as a foundation2.The foundation of a building, wall, city3.Metaph.-The foundations, beginnings, first principles

• Of institution or system of truth

FIRST THINGS FIRSTFIRST PRINCIPLES

Read:Hebrews 5:12-6:1-6

First Principles are basic truths. The phrase refers to the letters of the alphabet in writing or to addition or subtraction in arithmetic. First principles are the elements out of which everything else develops.

DOCTRINE: (Greek: didaskalia) means teaching, the teaching, or that which is taught.

In many NT usages, “doctrine” is closely related to ethical practices.

FIRST THINGS FIRSTFirst Principles (Doctrine) From Hebrews 5 & 6

• Repentance from dead works• Faith Towards God• Doctrine of Baptisms• Laying on of Hands• Resurrection of the Dead• Eternal Judgment

Repentance From Dead Works

The message of the early church was a foundation of repentance and faith. The unbeliever must repent; have a change of mind, attitude, and behavior toward Jesus Christ, by putting his trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Repentance is the complete turnabout in the unbelieving sinner "from dead works.

Faith Toward God

If repentance is the negative, turning from sin and unbelief, then faith is the positive side.

The early church preached repentance of sin and faith focused on Jesus Christ. They turned from their dead works to faith toward God in Jesus Christ. Repentance from dead works must be accompanied by faith in Jesus Christ. "The just shall live by faith" (Hab. 2:4).

Doctrine of Baptisms

This is not the term that is regularly used for Christian baptism (baptisma) in the New Testament. The author uses the plural baptismos which refers to Jewish ceremonial washings (Mark 7:4; Heb. 9:10). The use of the plural stresses the Jewish instructions regarding ablutions and cleansing rites (cf. Ezek. 36:25; Num. 19).

These ablutions in Judaism impressed upon the Jewish people that the LORD God is a holy God and all sin and defilement must be removed before the worshipper could approach God. These washings foreshadowed that perfect cleansing from sin that the atoning blood of Christ would provide for His people (John 1:29).

Laying on of Hands

This was part of the sacrificial ritual in offering sacrifices (Lev. 1:4). An essential element in the Day of Atonement ritual was laying on of the hands by the High Priest.

"Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands in readiness" (Leviticus 16:21).

Resurrection of the Dead

The resurrection of the dead was a doctrine of the Jews (Psa. 16:10; Isa. 26:19; Ezek. 37:10; Dan. 12:2). Only the Sadducees did not accept it (Acts 23:8). The Jewish people worshipped the living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, implying they were all living. Martha expressed this common belief to Jesus when she said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day" (John 11:24).

Moreover, the resurrection of the dead is a core belief in Christianity because Jesus is "the resurrection and the life."

Eternal Judgment

The scripture teaches about two judgments:• One for believers in which Jesus determines

every believer’s rewards for what they did/did not do while in their bodies (1 Cor. 3:12-15).

• One for non-believers which is judgment and condemnation on nonbelievers (Rev. 20:11-15)

The important question is what did these practices mean to the first readers of the book of Hebrews?

Persecutions had come and their faith had waned. They were now tempted to abandon their profession of faith and return to Judaism. By so doing they would return to the foundation which they had left behind. Therefore, he encourages them to move on to maturity or perfection, full growth in their Christian faith.. Don't go back to the ABC's; build on them and go on to maturity.

Lesson Two:The Ministry of Prayer

Various Kinds of Prayer

• Early Morning Prayer (Mark 1:35)• All Night Prayer (Luke 6:12)• Quiet Prayer (1 Cor. 14:27, 28)• Not-So-Quiet Prayer (1 Sam. 1:10)• Loss for Words Kind of Prayer (Rom 8:26)

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints.” -Ephesians 6:18

• Prayer of Faith (Mark 11:24)• Prayer of Consecration (Lk. 22:42)• Prayer of Commitment (1 Pet. 5:7)• Prayer of Agreement (Mt. 18:18-20)• Prayer in the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:14,15)• *Supplication (Eph. 6:18)• *Intercession (Ezekiel 22:30)

Supplication: A humble, earnest, entreaty or request.

Supplication: 1.This kind of prayer is used for ourselves (and others) concerning both natural and spiritual needs.

Who Are We To Offer The Prayer of Supplication For:

1.Ourselves (Phil. 4:6)2.For Believers/Saints (Eph. 6:18)3.Those in Authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2)

For Yourself: •“Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and SUPPLICATION with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” -Phil. 4:6

For The Saints: “Praying always with all prayer and SUPPLICATION in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and SUPPLICATION for all Saints.” -Ephesians 6:18

For Those in Authority: •I exhort therefore, that, first of all, SUPPLICATIONS, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority…”-1 Tim. 2:1-2

Intercession: •Simply defined as “standing in the gap” between a person or persons. Many times this prayer is executed to hold back judgment from those who have brought it upon themselves.

Intercession Defined:“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none….”-Ezekiel 22:30-31

The Prayer Life Of The Believer

Prayer is God’s appointed method for mankind to be able to effectively, efficiently and effortlessly communicate with Him. Without a consistent, regular prayer life, the believer is sure to be lost with no hope.

Elements of The Believer’s Prayer Life

• Fervent (“red hot”): James 5:16• In faith (Hebrews 11:6)• With help from our “Helper” (Rom. 8:26)• Insistent in asking (Luke 18)• When not sure of the task…A.S.K.! (Ask, Seek, Knock-Matt. 7:7)

Elements of The Believer’s Prayer Life

• Fasting (Matthew 6:16)• Be specific (Specific prayers get specific answers)• Pray ALL the time

Hindrances To Answered Prayer

1. Asking Amiss (James 4:3)2. Sinful lifestyle (Is. 59:1-2)3. Idols in our hearts (Ezek. 14:3)4. Not caring/concerned for the poor

(Proverbs 21:13)5. Withholding Forgiveness (Mk.

11:25)

6. Mistreatment of Spouse (1 Peter 3:7)

Things To Remember About Prayer

• Pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus, empowered by the person Holy Spirit.

• *Whatever you ask of the Lord, YOU WILL receive! (1 Jn. 3:22)

• You must obey what you hear (Be a hearer AND a doer)

HOMEWORK

Choose one thing to consistently pray about/for over the course of the next two weeks and believe God to answer the prayer prior to the start of the next class. Be prepared to share with the class the outcome of the answered prayer.

Lesson Three:

The Word of God

“For the Word of God is living & powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”-Heb. 4:12

“…and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of

the Spirit, which is the word of God.-Eph. 6:17

The sword of the spirit

• One Edge: Logos

• One Edge: Rhema

• Logos: • A word or saying.

• What someone has said.

• Rhema: • That which someone

has said.

• What someone is saying

Tips For Studying The Bible

Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”-2 Tim. 2:15

Tips For Studying The BibleTerms To Be Familiar With:

• Hermenutics: • The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, esp. of the Bible or literary texts.

• The science of interpretation, especially of the Scriptures.

• Exegesis: • A critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible.

• Eisegesis: • An interpretation, especially of Scripture,

that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.

Tips For Studying The BibleThree Critical Steps of Successful Bible Study

• Observation• Interpretation• Application

Observation• What do I see? • What are the facts? (Learn to become a Biblical detective)

Interpretation• What does it mean?

Application• How does it work? How can I apply this to my life?

For those who “read & heed” God’s word it literally changes their lives!!!

Tips For Studying The BibleAdditional Things To Remember

• When you read, read:• Slowly• Thoughtfully• Repeatedly• Prayerfully• Imaginatively• Meditatively

Tips For Studying The BibleAdditional Things To Remember

• Look for things that are:• Emphasized• Repeated• Related

• Always Remember: Context, Context, Context!!

• Ask what type of literature is this?

Try What We’ve Learned

The Story of the

Demoniac from GadaraMark 5:1-20

Lesson Four:

Sanctification

Sanctification, hagiasmos:• Separation unto God

•The separation of the believer from evil things and ways.

SanctificationSanctification is a process that is God’s will

for every believer. It is the separation of the believer from evil practices, habits and ways and a continual clinging unto Christ. Sanctification is that relationship with God into which men enter by faith in Christ.

SanctificationSanctification is a three-stage process that

involves one’s past, present and future.

•Stage One: Our Past (Were Saved)

•Stage Two: Our Present (Being Saved)

•Stage Three: Our Future (Eternally Safe)

Sanctification“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”-2 Cor. 5:17

OR DO THEY????

MAN’S MAKE UP1 Thessalonians 5:23

Sanctification is a process that is God’s will for every believer. It is the separation of the believer from evil practices, habits and ways and a continual clinging unto Christ. Sanctification is that relationship with God into which men enter by faith in Christ.

SanctificationThis teaching is about taking back

possession of the “land” of the soul It is a process of renewal.

Also known as SANCTIFICATION.

Soul (Gk: psyche): Consists of three (3) primary areas: Mind, Will, Emotions.

SanctificationAfter a person is born again, their spirit is

new but they have the same mind which is a product of past experiences and is typically

controlled and dominated by old thoughts/thought patterns, etc.

(strongholds).These must be broken!!

(i.e.-Fears, rejection, addictions, etc.)

Setting The Captives Free

SanctificationThe Carnal Mind: God’s Enemy

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the

flesh cannot please God.”-Romans 8:7-8

SanctificationWhat is the solution?

•The Truth of God’s Word Implanted In Their Souls

• Written (Logos)• Spoken (Rhema)

Sanctification“Therefore lay aside all filthiness

and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the

implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

-James 1:21

SanctificationImplanted, emphytos: “Rooted word”; implanted by others

instruction.

Metaphorically speaks of a seed rooting itself in the heart

Sanctification“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable

service.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good & acceptable & perfect

will of God.”-Romans 12:1-2

Lesson Five:Love Listens, Love Obeys

Hearing & Obeying The Voice of God

Divine CommunicationGod communicated with His people in different ways and various means. Listed below are some of the ways that

God’s Spirit communicated with His people:

•“The Word of the Lord came unto me…”•“Thus saith the Lord..”•“Hear the Word of the Lord…”•“And the Spirit entered unto me when He spake unto me…”•“The Spirit lifting him up and conveying him by vision to Jerusalem…”•“The hand of the Lord was upon me…”•“What do you see?”

Divine Communication•The Word of God•Dreams/Visions•Angelic Encounters•Unexplainable Supernatural Experiences•Spiritual Gifts•Church Leadership•Appearances of the Lord•Burdens•Futuristic Predictions•Impressions/Knowings

Divine Communication•Audible Voice•Audible Only To Your Ears•Internal Audible Voice•Sentence Fragments•The Natural World (God’s Order of Creation)•Physical Manifestations in Our Bodies•Spiritual Senses•Signs & Wonders•Dreams & Interpretations•Fruit of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

Interpreting What You HearPrinciples of Interpretation

1.All interpretations belong to God (Gen. 40:8)

2.Write down what was revealed (Daniel 7:1)

3.Search the Word First

4.Learn To Discern (Heb. 5:14)

5.Wait On The Lord (Hab. 2:1-4)

6.Understand Your Love Language

Hindrances To Hearing

1.Sinful lifestyle/Unconfessed sin (Ps. 66:18)2.Mistreatment of Spouse (esp. wives) (1 Pet. 3:7)3.Ignorance To God’s Ways (Hosea 4:6-7)4.Unforgiveness (Lack of Forgiveness)5.Doubt/Unbelief

Discerning the Voices You HearGod’s Voice…

1.Will NOT violate scripture…EVER!2.Will ALWAYS require faith (Heb. 11:6)3.Will be accompanied by peace (Col. 3:15, James 3:17, Is. 55:12)4.Will be more authoritative than every other voice 5.What He speaks He will also establish/confirm out of the mouth of 2-3 witnesses (Deut. 19:15)

OBEDIENCE BETTER THAN SACRIFICE

Then He said to them,

“Take heed what you hear. With the same

measure you use, it will be measured to you;

and to you who hear, more will be given.”

Mark 4:24

Love ObeysObeying God’s Voice…

Hebrew word (“Shama”) which is also translated “hears” also means “to listen” or “to obey.” This word appears over 1,100 times in scripture. It implies that the listener is giving their total attention to the one speaking. It also connotes more than listening and indicates obedience to what has been said.

OBEDIENCE BETTER THAN SACRIFICEOBEY WHAT YOU HEAR!!!

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the

good of the land.” Isaiah 1:19

• You learn how to obey, through your capacity to

suffer. (Philippians 2:8)• Remember, many are called, but only a few are

chosen. You ever wondered why? (Matt. 20:16)

CONCLUSION“FOUNDATIONS” class & associated materials are one of the teaching components of Life Changers Church in

Cincinnati, OH.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of the publisher & lead teacher.

www.lifechangerschurchintl.org

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