CONTENTS
STUDY OBJECTIVES
THE CREATION OF MAN
THE ORIGIN AND ISSUE OF SIN
THE PROVISION OF GOD
THE PROCESS OF SALVATION
THE PURPOSE OF GOD
THE END OF THIS  AGE

—THE PURPOSE OF GOD—

God’s purpose is a mystery that is centered in His Son.

• It is based on intimate fellowship with redeemed mankind (Heb. 2:5-11; 1 Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:26-27).
• God’s purpose is certain to be fulfilled (Is. 46:9-10).
• Every believer is called into God’s purpose and is to serve accordingly (2 Tim. 1:9; Rm. 8:28; Acts 13:36).
• God’s purpose began with one person (Abraham); grew into a nation (Israel); and will eventually include a great multitude from every nation on earth who have been redeemed by the blood of the Christ.
• God has but one covenant people who are a chosen race, a holy nation, a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 5:9-10).
• God’s purpose has ordained that His Son will have first place in all things. Everything will be summed up in Him (Eph. 1:9-11; Col. 1:11-19; 2:9; Rm. 11:36; Heb. 1:3; 3:3-6; Is. 9:6-7). God’s mystery is Christ Himself in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3). The mystery of God’s will is to fill the earth with His glory, the glory of His kingdom. He will establish an administration (stewardship/management of His household) suitable for eternity where everything is summed up in Christ.

  In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him (Christ) with a view to an administration suitable for the fulness of times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose....(Eph. 1:8-11).

• God’s purpose for His people is expressed in the following three ways:
• As sons of God (Rm. 8:14-19, 29-32; Heb. 12:6-10).
• As the body/bride of His Son (Eph. 1:18-23; 4:15-16; 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7-8; 21:10-11, 22-23).
• As the house or dwelling place of God (Eph. 2:12-22; 1 Pet. 2:4-5; Heb. 12:22-23). It is to be the place of His rest (Ps. 132:13-14; Rev. 21:2-3).

QUESTIONS:
(1) What relationship did the tabernacle of Moses have with the purpose of God? (Heb. 9:1-28; Heb. 3:5)
(2) Is there a difference between the will of God and the purpose of God?
(3) From God’s point of view, is there anything of greater value than the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus?

REFERENCES: THE PURPOSE OF GOD (F.O.L. Tract); Ps. 33:11.

PERSONAL NOTES:

FELLOWSHIP

• We can relate to others in the areas of our bodies and souls, but biblical fellowship takes place in the realm of our spirits (KOINONIA).
• KOINONIA is translated as communion, fellowship, and sharing in common.
• Fellowship with others involves what we are and what we possess.
• There is a central focus in biblical fellowship (1 Jn. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:9; Acts 2:42-47). It is mutual sharing of the life of God.
• The home is an excellent environment for godly fellowship (hospitality).
• Joints and ligaments in the body of Christ are expressions of fellowship (Co. 2:19; Eph. 4:15-16). In fellowship members are supplied, fitted together and held together by spiritual bonds.
• Fellowship can involve the sharing of material things (2 Cor. 8:1-5; Phil. 4:10-15). It can also involve the sharing of difficulties such as suffering (Phil. 3:10; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; 1 Cor. 12:26).
• The Lord’s supper is a sacrament of fellowship (1 Cor. 10:16-17).
• The following verse describes what it means to walk out fellowship:

I, therefore the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. (Eph. 4:1-4)

• The fruit of fellowship primarily comes out of one-on-one or small group environments.
• Where two or three have gathered in the Lord’s name, He is in their midst for fellowship.
• The Bible is the story of God’s desire and plan to have fellowship with man.

QUESTIONS:
(1) Why is agreement on doctrine not adequate for true fellowship?
(2) What is the significance of 1 Cor. 12:14-21?
(3) What is similar and what is different between water baptism and communion?

REFERENCES:
MINISTRIES OF RELATIONSHIP (F.O.L. Tract); Ps. 133; Col. 3:12-14; Heb. 10:23-25

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

• The cross of Christ expresses the wisdom and power of God (1 Cor. 1:17-24).
• All that one will ever need for a victorious life in righteousness is provided by the death of Christ and His resurrection (1 Pet. 2:24; Col. 1:19-22; Col. 2:14; Gal. 2:20; Rm. 6:4-7).
• All men are made equal through the cross (Eph. 2:14-16).
• The gospel is the word of the cross (1 Cor. 2:1-2).
• One cannot be neutral to the cross of Christ (Phil. 3:18-19).
• There is a reproach and stigma to the cross. A crucified person is a picture of shame and weakness (Gal. 3:13; 6:12-14).
• Paul’s cross (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 3:4-10).
• The cross is not rational to the human mind, yet each of us is called to take up our cross and follow Jesus (Mt. 16:24-25; 10:37-38).
• The following scriptures help us to judge whether or not we have taken up our cross (Mt. 5:3-11, 21-24, 27-28, 39-44; 6:3-4, 14-15, 24-34).
• The way of the cross is the path to strength, unity, accountability and holiness in the church.
• We have a stewardship in the cross and sufferings of Christ.

  But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1 Pet. 4:13-14).

• It is wrong to ever compare our cross with the cross of another. Only God can determine the cross that is to be in the life of one of His children.

QUESTIONS:
(1) What does it mean to “reign in life” through Christ? (Rm 5:17)
(2) What does it mean “to take up our cross?”

REFERENCES: Is. 53:1-12; Heb. 12:1-4

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The Lord’s prayer expresses God’s heart for His kingdom

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Mt. 6:10).

The following are truths on the kingdom of God that we are to believe in and embrace as believers:

• God’s kingdom exists wherever He reigns. It is being extended during the church age, and will eventually fill the earth (Ps. 103:19; Rev. 11:15; Dan. 7:13-14, 18, 22, 27; Rev. 1:6; 5:8-10).
• The final fullness of the kingdom will come when Christ returns after a time of great tribulation (Acts 14:22; Mt. 24:3-31; 13:37-43).
• There are 2 keys of the kingdom: the power of God and the authority of God (Mt. 16:19).
• It is a kingdom of power, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 4:20: Rm. 14:17).
• It is a kingdom of great wealth and supply (Mt. 6:25-30).
• There is a principle of stewardship in the kingdom (Mt. 25:14-29).
• Many in the kingdom will come out of great poverty and lack in the earth (Ja. 2:5; Lk. 14:13-24).
• There are degrees of honor in the kingdom (Mt. 18:1-4; Lk. 7:28).
• Honor in the kingdom is based on character (Mt. 5:3-11; Is. 57:15; Ps. 51:17).
• Although the kingdom of God will one day fill the earth, it is present today within individual believers. Nations will first see the kingdom of God when the glory of God arises upon the church.

  Jesus taught profound truths to His disciples on the kingdom through the use of parables. The following are three examples:

• The great value of the kingdom (Mt. 13:44-46).
• The need for commitment and obedience (Mt. 22:2-14).
• The final separation and purification of the kingdom at the end of this age (Mt. 13:24-43, 47-49).

  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Mt. 6:33).

  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come (Mt. 24:14).

QUESTIONS:
(1) What are differences between the church and the kingdom of God?
(2) Why did Jesus teach kingdom truths in parables? (Mt. 13:11).
(3) What is the law of increase in the kingdom? (Lk. 6:38; Pr. 11:24-25).

REFERENCES: KINGDOM ORDER (F.O.L. Tract); 1 Cor. 15:50; Lk. 22:29-30; Mt. 26:29

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST

There is one absolutely central focus in the kingdom of God: the King Himself! He is supremely important; His Person, His glory and His will are always the primary emphases!

The degree that this truth is neglected determines the extent that a local church becomes a religious institution rather than a living expression of the body of Christ.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. (Rom. 11:36)

And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Col. 1:17)

His centrality is established by two vital truths:

(1) The Lordship of Christ in each personal life. His Lordship should not be separated from His role as Savior. If He is our Savior, He is also our Lord (Rom. 10:9)! This directs us to obey and submit to Him; a right that belongs to Him since He has purchased us with His blood.

(2) The Headship of Christ over all collective lives in the church. Jesus has been made Head over all things to the church. This means that all spiritual functions in His body begin in Him; all life, all anointing, all ministry, all unction, all direction flow from Him out to appropriate members. Lordship speaks of submission, while Headship speaks of relationship.

• All authority in heaven and earth is His (Mt. 28:18).
• He is the cornerstone and the foundation for His Father’s house. He is the builder and Son over His Father’s house, and He is the architect of His Father’s house.
• He is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of His nature, and He upholds all things by the word of His power.
• He created all things in heaven and earth.
• God intends to sum up all things in Christ for all eternity (Eph. 1:8-10).
• He is to have first place in everything in the church.
• There will be no end to the increase of His government (Is. 9:6-7).

  The greatest need in the church today is for Christ to functionally become the head of every local assembly.

QUESTIONS:
(1) Explain why there must be lordship in order to have true headship in a church?
(2) Can any life functions of the Head be delegated?
(3) Comment on: “A living organism can have only 1 head”

REFERENCES: Is. 9:6; Mt. 7:21; Eph. 1:22; 4:15-16; Col. 1:18; 2:19; 1 Cor. 11:3; BUILDING ON GOD'S CORNERSTONE (F.O.L. Tract).

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE FAMILY

The family is the nuclear unit (in a collective sense) of the church. The body of Christ is a family with one Father. Thus, a Christian family should be a pattern of Christ and the church in the following ways:

1. Love of the husband (Eph. 5:25-32; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7-9)

2. Headship of the husband (1 Cor. 11:3; Col. 3:18; Eph. 5:22-23).

“The headship of man in marriage is not a question of value, dignity or honor, but of order. The wife is fully equal to and fully subject to her husband.”

3. Covenant (marriage) relationship is to be permanent. God hates divorce.

4. Procreation is similar to evangelism; the principles of oversight, teaching, training and vision apply to children in a family, as well as to converts in a church (Pr. 22:6; 20:7; Eph. 6:4) Lot was an example of a man who was personally righteous before God, but who was an unrightous father (2 Peter 2:7-8; Genesis 19:1-8, 31-38).

5. Parents supply the needs of their children just as our heavenly Father supplies for His children (1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Cor. 12:14).

6. Wife’s role in home (Pr. 12:4; 19:14; 31:10-31; Tit. 2:3-5).

7. Hospitality in home reflects the church’s outreach in love

8. Spiritual oversight in family (1 Pet. 3:7; 1 Tim. 2:12-14).

9. Oneness of husband and wife (1 Cor. 6:17; 1 Cor. 11:8-12). (One name, one flesh, one ministry, one vision)

10. Unity. United families; a united church.

11. Nourishment. Meal times in family; the word of God in church.

12. Discipline of children; discipline in church (Gal. 6:1-2; Rm. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:9-12; 2 Thess. 3:10-15; Pr. 13:24; 22:6, 15; 29:15).

13. Autonomy of family.

A major qualification for leaders in a church is the spiritual state of their families (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 12: Titus 1:6-8).

In spiritual qualities and practices (love, prayer, outreach, righteousness) etc.; a Christian family should be a microcosm of the local church.

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QUESTIONS:
(1) What is the significance of Gal. 4:26?
(2) Why is divorce such a great sin?
(3) Satan attempted to kill Moses and Jesus by taking the lives of children. Is this part of his strategy for today?

REFERENCES: Bertha Rumble's Tracts on "DAUGHTERS OF THE KING" (4 F.O.L. Tracts); SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL (F.O.L. Tact)
Gen. 2:18-24; Mal. 2:14-16; 1 Tim. 5:14; 1 Cor. 7:1-40;

PERSONAL NOTES:

HOUSE CHURCHES

The history of house churches by the early Christians is well documented in the New Testament. There were no “church buildings” for over 200 years after Pentecost.

• Teaching of Jesus (Mt. 10:5-13); “worthy man with a worthy home”. (AXIOS)
• Obedience of apostles to the Lord’s teaching (Acts 2:42-47; Rm. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Philemon 2; Col. 4:15)

  The ministries and purpose of house churches are many:

• Evangelism (Acts 2:46-47; 5:42)
• Mobility as seen by the 17 year history of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-4; 18; 24-26; 1 Cor. 16:19; Rm. 16:3-5; 2 Tim. 4:19
• Building Relationships
  Acceptance (Rm. 15:7); hospitality (1 Pet. 4:8-10); “joints and ligaments” (Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:19; 2 Cor. 1:3-6). “Face to face” communications (Rm. 15:14; Pr. 27:6,17; 1 Thess. 5:14). Putting forgiveness into practice (Mt. 5:44-48; 18:21-35; 2 Cor. 2:10-11; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
• Ministry (learning by practice) (Rm. 12:1-16; 1 Cor. 12:1-26; 14:26; Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Thess. 5:11; Acts 20:20).
• Worship, prayer and intercession (Col. 3:12; Acts 12:12; Phil. 4:6-7).
• Social life: eating together; practical service; touching neighbors; reaching the poor in the community (Mt. 25:34-40).
• As cell groups grow in number of members they should divide to form new groups. In this way a local church can evangelize a much larger area.
• House churches are an excellent environment in which to train leaders, to mentor and to make disciples.

  Just as there is diversity in individual callings and visions of local churches, each house church should seek the Lord’s purpose for them in outreach.

QUESTIONS:
(1) What 2 factors determine which home church you should attend?
(2) What determines the maximum size of a house church?
(3) Are house church meetings very important?

REFERENCES: GIVE THE LORD BACK HIS CHURCH (F.O.L. Book).

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE LOCAL CHURCH

The following unique factors distinguish a local church:

(1) It is geographic in location

(2) It is self governing, self supporting, self propagating but never self sufficient.

(3) It is a local expression of the body of Christ, not an institution.

(4) It is overseen by a plural eldership.

(5) It is independent of race and culture (Eph. 2:4-6; 1 Cor. 6:17; Eph. 1:22-23)

(6) The central focus of the church is Christ and His will; not theology, the charisma of leaders or a mission statement.

(7) The purpose of God for the church is more a question of what members are in Christ than what they do for Him.

(8) Although there are many other functions, the following verses contain the essence of life in a local church (Acts 2:42, 46, 47).

(9) Because a local church expresses the body of Christ, the following body parameters have spiritual significance: strength and elasticity of muscles; flexibility of joints; strength and bonding of tendons and sinews, the need that every member has for all other members.

(10) It is the place where members are equipped for service which requires all the ministries listed in Eph. 4:11.

(11) Each member functions according to the grace and anointing of the Holy Spirit given to them (Rom. 12:3-8; Eph. 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10;1 Cor. 15:10).

(12) A local church should reflect the righteousness of God both in fellowship and community (Titus 2:1-14).

(13) All members are to offer themselves as bond-servants, to serve in His house (Mt. 20:25-28;  1 Pet. 4:11; Jn. 12:24-26; Gal. 5:13).

(14) A local church is God’s seminary, in which His life and love grows and is propagated to the world (Jn. 15:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 Jn. 3:14-16; Rm. 13:8-19; 1 Cor. 13).

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another (Jn. 13:35).

So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Rm. 12:5)

QUESTIONS:
(1) What difference are there between local churches today and the early church?
(2) What functions of the Head cannot be delegated?
(3) What is the most important responsibility of the local church?
(4) Are there 2 classes of believers: clergy and laity?

REFERENCES: THE ONE BODY IN CHRIST (F.O.L. Tract); THE DIAKONATE (F.O.L. Tract);
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORKSHOP (F.O.L. Tract);
Rom. 12:5; Eph. 2:10; Eph. 5:1-20

PERSONAL NOTES:

MINISTRY

To minister (DIAKONEO) means “to serve” (Mt. 20:25-28). There are many ways for believers to serve through the grace and anointing of God. The following are some of them:

• Deacon (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13)
• Elder (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Acts 20:17-37). An elder is an overseer, a shepherd.
• Apostle (1 Cor. 9:2; 1 Cor. 3:10; Eph. 2:19-22; Eph. 3:4-6)
• Prophet (Amos 3:7; Acts 13:1-2; Acts 21:10-11; Acts 15:22,32)
• Evangelist (Acts 8).
• Pastor (Jn. 21:15-19). The verb “pastor” is “to sheperd.”
• Teacher (Acts 18:24; 1 Cor. 3:6).
• 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:1-11): word of wisdom; word of knowledge; discerning of spirits; tongues; prophecy; interpretation of tongues; faith; healings; working of miracles
• Many ministries of relationship: exhortation; comfort; giving; showing mercy; weeping or rejoicing with others; helps; being a friend; peacemaker; worship/music; prayer & intercession; hospitality (1 Pet. 4:8-11).

  Every member is called to minister; as each one obeys, the will of God for a church can be fulfilled. It is important for each member to find his or her place of service; it is also important that we do not attempt to become something that God has not intended for us (1 Cor. 12:12-31; 13:1-13; 1 Cor. 14:1-40; Rm.. 12:1-16). Ministry in the love and spirit of Christ builds bonds of life and relationship in the body of Christ. There are moral, domestic and spiritual requirements for elders and deacons.

  Our relationship with the Lord, and with one another, is always more important than the dynamics of our ministry.

  All ministry is to come out of the heart of servants.

  You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave (Mt. 20:25-27).

  The ministry of being a leader is, “to have charge over,” “to stand before as an example,” “to rule,” “to oversee,” all from hearts that serve the sheep.

  The following are 3 guidelines for relating to ministers of the Lord:

• Recognize the unique calling of each minister; i.e. Receive a prophet in the name of a prophet. Paul prefaced his epistles by identifying his apostolic calling (Gal. 1:1).
• Honor the grace upon the minister; to praise the minister can promote pride
• Love and pray for each one.

QUESTIONS:
(1) How would you describe each spiritual gift?
(2) Why did Jesus forbid the use of titles (Mt. 23:8-11)?
(3) Do ministers of Eph. 4:11 have spheres of service? (2 Cor. 10:13-16)
(4) How are such ministers to exercise spiritual authority? (1 Thess. 2:6-11; 2 Thess. 3:7-8; 2 Cor. 12:14-15; Acts 20:34-35)

REFERENCES:
GIVE THE LORD BACK HIS CHURCH (F.O.L. Tract); EQUIPPING THE SAINTS (F.O.L. Tract)
MINISTRIES OF RELATIONSHIP (F.O.L. Tract)

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE PURPOSE OF GOD

SHEPHERDING AND OVERSIGHT

Those called to shepherd a church are identified by 2 words:

• Elders (Presbuteros): 1 Tim. 4:14; Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:2
• Overseer (Episkopos): Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:25

  The functions of shepherding are made clear in the following scriptures:

• Jn. 10:1-18; Ps. 23 (The ministry of Jesus as the Good Shepherd).
• Jn. 21:15-17 (The commission of Peter by Jesus)
• 1 Pet. 5:1-3 (The charge of Peter to elders)
• 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 (The charge of Paul concerning elders)
• Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:12; James 5:14; Heb. 13:17 (Teaching and practice by the early church)
• The training syllabus of elders (Acts 20:17-38)
• Shepherding functions are to flow out of the love of God (Jn. 10:1-18). Elders must love the sheep enough to lay down their lives for them; they are NOT to manipulate, control or dominate the sheep, but to teach them how to hear the Lord’s voice and to obey Him. They are to be examples in how to do so.
• Equipping functions flow from the graces of apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist and teacher (Eph. 4:11-12). Equipping and shepherding functions cannot be separated. An elder should possess one of the five-fold ministry graces. Shepherding is both oversight and equipping in function.
• In addition to being capable in teaching the word of God, elders are to be gentle, devout and self-controlled.
• Elders are to have a godly home and be hospitable. Their wives play an important and supporting role in their husband’s ministry.
• To fully give themselves to shepherding functions, elders must know how to delegate responsibilities to deacons. Both ministries are to work together as bondservants in their service.
• Home church leadership is an excellent environment to prepare men for eldership.

QUESTIONS:
(1) What is relationship between elders and the ministries listed in Eph. 4:11?
(2) What is involved in “equipping the saints for service”?
(3) Why is leadership to be plural?
(4) What are the moral, domestic and spiritual qualifications of elders?

REFERENCES: SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD AMONG YOU (F.O.L. Tract);
SHEPHERD MY SHEEP (F.O.L. Tract); DEACONS (F.O.L. Tract); .

PERSONAL NOTES:

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

The purpose of God for each of his children is expressed in the following verses:

And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. (Col. 1:28)

Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a mature man; to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:13)

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to  glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18)

Maturity is both a personal and corporate goal in His body. As in physical growth, spiritual maturity comes in stages, which are defined by the following Greek words in the New Testament:

• “Brephos” - new born babe (1 Pet. 2:2)
• “Nepios” - a minor (1Cor. 3:1-5; Eph. 4:14; Heb. 5:11-13; Gal. 4:1-3)
• “Neaniskos” - a young man (1 Cor. 13:11; 1 Jn. 2:13-14)
• “Pater” - father (1 Cor. 4:15; 1 Jn. 2:13-14)
• “Telios” - a mature man (Ja. 3:2; Jn. 17:21-23; Eph. 4:13; Mt. 5:48) The correct mental attitude we are to have concerning our maturity is found in Philippians 3:10-15.

  Our heavenly Father works to conform us into the image of Jesus: we are sons by birth; we grow by enduring discipline and suffering. We finally will receive full adoption as sons in the resurrection (Gal. 3:26; Heb. 12:5-11; Rm. 8:17-18, 28-29; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 4:13-14; 5:10; Rm. 8:18-23).

  Maturity is more than growing in knowledge of God. It comes out of our growth in obedience and relationship with Him. The Beatitudes express parameters of growth in God’s kingdom (Mt. 5:3-12).

  Spiritual growth comes as we clothe ourselves in humility and are willing to become broken in our humanity. An essential process for this to take place is the renewal of our minds (Rm. 12:1-2). We must learn to see ourselves as God sees us. Hearing and obeying the word of God makes His will for us become a reality in our lives. In this way, we can overcome bondages and strongholds such as fear, depression, anger, pride, lust, racism, etc. (Eph. 4:20-32). We become more like Jesus! This is what it means to grow up in Christ.

QUESTIONS:
(1) In what way is spiritual growth different from physical growth?
(2) How is the cross important for one’s spiritual growth?
(3) How is maturity reflected in our words and deeds?

REFERENCES: FROM GROWING INTO CHRIST (F.O.L. Tract).

PERSONAL NOTES:

KINGDOM FINANCES

All wealth (silver, gold, jewels, land and buildings) belong to the Lord. The people of God are stewards of all that they possess. The pattern for our giving in the New Testament was established in the Old Testament.

• Tithing began with Abraham before the Law was given (Gen. 14:17-20)
• The Tabernacle was built with the free will offerings of the people (Ex. 25:1-8; 35:21)
• The Tabernacle was maintained and restored when necessary with offerings from the people (Ex. 30:12-16; 2 Chron. 24:4-10).
• The priesthood was supported from tithes (Num. 18:21-28).
• Every third year, the tithe of all produce from the fields was shared between the Levites, the aliens, the orphans and the widows  (Deut. 14:22, 27-29).
• The emphasis of faithfulness in tithing was strong (Mal. 3:8-12).
• Ministry to the poor was important (Is. 58:6-11; Pr. 14:21, 31; 28:27; 29:7).

  The following are principles and priorities in how believers in a local church are to give:

• The “storehouse” for our tithes is the local church where we are fed.
• Giving begins with first committing ourselves to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5). When this is done, there will be grace and sufficiency to give material things (2 Cor. 9:6-11; Lk. 6:38; Pr. 11:24-25).
• A great hindrance to giving as God desires is debt (Pr. 22:7). This includes both personal and church debt.
• Giving should be systematic, but not by legalism or coercion (1 Cor. 16:1-3). As much as possible, one’s giving should be in secret (Mt. 6:2-4).
• The handling of money must always be with integrity and accountability (2 Cor. 8; 9:1-5).
• Tithes should be used to support those elders who are in “full time” ministry (1 Tim. 5:17-18; Acts 20:32-35; Gal. 6:6).
• Translocal ministries who minister to a church, or who are sent out from the church, are to be supported (Phil. 4:10-16; 1 Cor. 9:7-14; 2 Cor. 11:7-9; 3 Jn. 5-8).
• Our lifestyle should not be a hindrance to the above areas of giving, or to our ministry to the poor.

QUESTIONS:
(1) Can a church mortgage be a spiritual hindrance?
(2) Elders who labor hard; translocal ministry; local church building expenses; the poor and evangelism are proper uses for the Lord’s money. Which is the least important?

REFERENCES: PRACTICING THE PRINCIPLES OF STEWARDSHIP (F.O.L. Tract).

PERSONAL NOTES:

THE FINAL HARVEST

The entire church age is a time of harvest. There have been many revivals, each a time of increased harvest. However, when the final harvest comes, it will be much greater and will end with the Lord Jesus returning to gather His church to Himself (Rev. 14:14-16)

The final harvest is fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. Some characteristics of the final harvest are:

• This harvest is the end of the age. It will be gathered in from all nations in the world, and it is the time when tares will be separated from the good grain (Mt. 13:24-43).
• The love, mercy, compassion and power of God will be demonstrated to every nation through proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom (Mt. 24:14). The glory of God upon the church will bring in the harvest (Is. 60:1-3).
• Implicit in the great harvest will be unity and restoration of power and purity in the church (Acts 3:19-21).
• There will be a Semitic ingathering including the regathering and restoration of the nation of Israel to faith in their Messiah (Is. 60:4-7; Rm. 9:1-8, 22-28; Rm. 11; Gal. 3:26-28; Ez. 36:16-28).
• The advances in communication technology, in concert with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, on a world population of 6-8 billion persons will result in the greatest-ever harvest of souls (Mt. 20:1-16; Joel 2:24-32; 3:14).
• There will be great spiritual warfare, for darkness will increase in the world even as glory rises upon the church. It will be a time of tribulation as the Lord shakes the heavens and the earth (Mt. 24; Heb. 12:25-29; Hag. 2:6-7).
• Because of spiritual darkness, the world as a field will be difficult to harvest from (Is. 60:2; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Jude 14-19).
• Much of the harvest will come from afflicted and poor peoples (Lk. 14:16-24).
• A climax of the harvest and spiritual warfare will be when Satan is cast out of heaven into the earth (Rev. 12:7-12). There will be great deception in the world, but the heavens will be open, and great power and glory will rest upon the church.

QUESTIONS:
(1) Can we expect to see many saved from the following groups: The Catholic church; Jehovah Witnesses; Mormonism; The occult; Islam?
(2) What will characterize those who are the least likely to embrace what God will be doing?

REFERENCES:
THE GLORIOUS HARVEST (F.O.L. Tract); CHILDREN TODAY, WARRIORS TOMORROW (F.O.L. Tract).

PERSONAL NOTES:

OUR INHERITANCE AND REWARDS IN CHRIST

Our inheritance as believers is based on the work of Christ on the cross (1 Pet. 1:3-4). For this reason, since it is not based on our works, it is the same for all believers. The following items constitute our inheritance:

• We have received eternal life (Jn. 3:36; 1 Jn. 2:25; 5:13).
• We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rm. 8:9; Gal. 3:14).
• We are members of the family of God (Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 3:26).
• Each of us are unique members of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
• We are citizens of the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13-14).
• We will experience a resurrection to immortality (Jn. 11:25-26; 1 Cor. 15:51-53).
• In the resurrection we will have a glorified body like that of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 3:2; 1 Cor. 15:49).

  Our rewards as believers is based on our personal stewardship of the life of God we received at salvation. That is, how well have we worked with the grace and Spirit of God (1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 3:16-20; Phil. 4:13). The following are principles of these rewards:

• Jesus will bring them at His second coming (Mt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12).
• The following verses speak of rewards: 2 Cor. 5:10; Dan. 12:3; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 2 Jn. 1:8; 1 Cor. 3:8; Mt. 10:41-42; 1 Cor. 9:17-18; Mt. 5:10-12.
• Rewards will determine our future glory and authority in the kingdom of God (2 Thess. 2:13-14; Lk. 12:35-48; 2 Tim. 2:11-12; Rev. 2:26-27; 3:12, 21; 22:3-5). This means that there will be “degrees of greatness” in the kingdom of God (Lk. 7:28; Mt. 5:19; 18:4).
• There can be a loss of rewards (1 Cor. 3:15-17).
• The pathway to great rewards will be marked by faith, humility and obedience in our stewardship of the word of God (Mt. 13:11-12, 19-23).

QUESTIONS:
(1) What is the significance of 2 Cor. 5:1-3?
(2) Why is the inheritance exactly the same whether one is a moral person who becomes a Christian, or one is the worst possible sinner who has been saved?

REFERENCES: OUR INHERITANCE AND REWARDS IN CHRIST (F.O.L. Tract)

PERSONAL NOTES:

CONTENTS
STUDY OBJECTIVES
THE CREATION OF MAN
THE ORIGIN AND ISSUE OF SIN
THE PROVISION OF GOD
THE PROCESS OF SALVATION
THE PURPOSE OF GOD
THE END OF THIS  AGE