LESSON 1 OF 10 LESSONS
I. ORIENTATION OF THE NEW BEGINNINGS CLASSES
I. ORIENTATION OF THE NEW BEGINNINGS CLASSES
A. The Purpose: Seeking and Committing To Truth
We are all here because we either have made a commitment to live for the LORD or we are a seeker; looking for Truth and the way to eternal life. Your path may be new or you may be a seasoned Christian looking to rededicate your life to God. Either way; God’s WORD is truth. Jesus is the living WORD. He is the way.
-- John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
-- 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
1. To grow in grace and knowledge of God
2 Peter 3:18 KJV But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
a) By setting priorities
Mark 12:29-31 KJV And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
b) By proper Stewardship
1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
2. We accomplish this by focusing on three areas:
a) Basic Christian Discipline – New Beginnings Class Level 1
b) Basic Christian Doctrine -- New Beginnings Class Level 2
c) Basic Christian Living -- New Beginnings Class Level 3
B. This is a new life: A NEW BEGINNING
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 KJV (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1. A new creature or species
2. ALL things are become new
3. We belong to God, reconciled by the death of Jesus Christ
4. Now we are ambassadors for Christ, to help reconcile others
a) Two Choices of Where to Be: In The World Or In Christ
There are really only two choices: The World or Jesus Christ. Everyday we have to make this choice in everything we do; God’s way of giving or the world’s selfishness; God or Satan; Love or Hate. God is Love.
1 John 4:8 KJV He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Jesus Told His Disciples That They Were No Longer Of The World.
John 15:19 KJV If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Jesus Prayed For His Disciples To Keep Them From Evil & Sanctify Them In Truth
John 17:15-18 KJV I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (18) As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I
Jesus Says Come Out & Be Not Partakers Of Sin
Revelation 18:4 KJV And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
II. OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS OUR RELATONSHIP WITH GOD
The message has been the same since the Garden of Eden
Adam and Eve were created for God’s good pleasure; obey the LORD and blessings will come. The LORD gave it all to Adam and Eve; withholding only the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God was saying, “Just trust me and obey me, then you can have everything else. Jesus said the same thing in the New Testament:
Matthew 6:33 KJV But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
It is all about our LORD Jesus, who is the mighty God! The LORD must come first! We must love Him above all!
It requires us to be humble and yielding to God. It requires turning away from sin; repent and seek God; come out of the world.
Repent & Seek God: There Is Forgiveness and Healing
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Repent, Be Baptized and Receive The Holy Ghost
Acts 2:38 KJV Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
JESUS CHRIST – PRIORITY No. 1
Matthew 22:36-38 KJV Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment.
It comes with a promise:
A. We now live our life in a way that keeps our walk with God alive.
Matthew 6:33 KJV But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
James 4:7-8 KJV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
1. Avoiding sin, resisting the devil
2. Drawing near to God
B. We draw near to God through Christian disciplines; Prayer and Fasting; Bible Reading and Study and Meditation of the WORD; Worship, Church attendance; Giving Financially; and Serving with our time and labor.
C. Submission to God and obedience to His WORD come before all else!
III. OUR SECOND PRIORITY: THE FAMILY OF GOD
We have a responsibility before God; to our fellow human being; our neighbor; our friends and our families.
Matthew 22:39 KJV And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 6:9-10 KJV And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
A. Begins with your immediate family
1 Timothy 5:8 KJV But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1. God calls us to be responsible to our immediate family
2. After our relationship to God
B. Extends to the church
Galatians 6:10 KJV As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
1. The local church
Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
2. The church as a whole
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 KJV (9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (10) And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 KJV (9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (10) And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
3. Principles of brotherly love
Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
a) Humility
Matthew 5:22-24 KJV But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 5:22-24 KJV But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
b) Love & Generosity
Romans 12:10-13 KJV Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Romans 12:10-13 KJV Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
c) Patience
Philippians 2:2-4 KJV Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of Emind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Philippians 2:2-4 KJV Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of Emind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
d) Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:32 KJV And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 KJV And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
IV. OUR THIRD PRIORITY: THE WORK OF GOD
The Great Commission was given to the church. Once we become a member of the church, of the body of Christ, then we have a responsibility to the work of the church; the Gospel.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15-18 KJV And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 KJV (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God
A. We are called to be witnesses
Acts 1:8 KJV But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
B. We all have a ministry, a service
Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
V. YOU CAN BE A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN
A. Walk in the Spirit
Romans 8:1 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
B. Be faithful in what God gives you
Matthew 5:22-23 KJV But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
C. His Spirit works with us
Romans 8:26-27 KJV Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
D. All things work out for good
Romans 8:28 KJV And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
E. He will never leave us
Hebrews 13:5 KJV Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
We have covered a lot of scriptures that have focused on the on the three basic reasons of why we are to study the Bible:
1. God has invited us into a new life in Him, in His Church and into His eternal family. This new life is described in detail in the WORD of God, the Bible.
2. We must prioritize our lives according to scripture.
a. PRIORITY 1: GOD -- Our Relationship with God comes first and above all.
b. PRIORITY 2: FAMILY -- Our Relationship with family, which starts with our immediate family and then extends to our church family is vital to our spiritual life.
c. PRIORITY 3: CHURCH -- Our Relationship to the work of God; the work of the Gospel Is why God has called us into His church.
3. Being a Christian is a way of life. It is a 24/7 commitment. We all want to be a successful Christian and hear Jesus personally tell us, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into eternal life!
We are learning in order to prepare for our eternal place in the Kingdom of God. In Lesson two we will be learning about prayer.
Copyright © 2006, 2011 Thomas C. Blake
