How are you?

As you read/reviewed the Four Laws, who is Jesus to you?

Were you able to share the Four Spiritual Laws Booklet with your Friends?

Imagine how will it impact the lives of your friends and classmates if all of them heard the gospel of Jesus. How will it impact our school and community? Today, we will learn more about our newfound relationship with Jesus and how we can communicate Him with others. Our first follow up lesson is entitled "Beginning your New Life in Christ." Let's pray.

Now that you have received Jesus Christ into your life, you have established a personal relationship with Him.

You have now become a true Christian. You do not become a Christian by living a good life or by being born into a Christian family. The word “Christian” means “Christ in one” Christ living in you. The Bible tells us that many things happen when Christ comes to live in you.

4. What did you become when you received Christ? (John 1:12)

Since other Christians are also God’s children, what is your relationship to them?

5. a. Is salvation the reward of man’s good work? (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

b. How is salvation obtained?

6. a. Have you received forgiveness for your sins? (Colossians 1:13,14)

b. How many of your sins were forgiven? (Colossians 2:13)

7. a. Will Christ ever leave you? (Hebrews 13:5)

b. Since Christ has promised never to leave you, how many times do you have to invite Him to come into your life?

Now, let's have a practice on how you can effectively share the gospel to your friends using the 4SL. Let's read through it and practice the left and right responses.

How many of your friends would you like to hear the gospel through this booklet this week before we meet again?

How are you and your family?

What character of God stood out in our lesson last week?

What happened during your time with your friends? Were you able to share the gospel with them?

C.T. Studd once said, "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." Let's continue to trust God for changed lives that will impact our campus and even our country. Our lesson for today will help you understand how to live a meaningful fellowship with God, the Author of our life.

Beginning Your New Life of Fellowship With Christ

Every Christian can experience fellowship with God moment by moment as he learns to confess sin in his life. To live in fellowship with Jesus Christ is to experience a full and abundant life.

When you received Jesus Christ, you establish a personal relationship with Him. You became a child of God (John 1:12). You received His life so now you bear His name “Christian.”

Some common questions that many Christians ask are, "What happens when I sin and do things that are displeasing to God?" "Is my relationship with Him broken?" "Does Jesus leave my life?"

The answers to these questions can best be understood if we distinguish between our relationship to God and our fellowship with God.

Relationship

We can illustrate the difference between our relationship to God and our fellowship with God by the father-son relationship in a human family. When a boy is born into a family, he is the son of his father, because he has his father’s life in him. He then bears his father’s name.

Let’s suppose the son decided to leave his home and does many things to disgrace his father. Is he still his father’s son?

The relationship of the father and son is permanent. This relationship exists regardless of the behavior of the son.

Fellowship

However, what would happen to their fellowship? Because of the action of the son, their fellowship has been broken. What must the son do to restore their fellowship? The son must go to his father, admitting he is wrong and asking for forgiveness.

Let us relate this illustration to our relationship with God. Our relationship with God, our Father, is permanent. We are His children. This relationship never changes. But when we sin and do things that are displeasing to God, our fellowship with Him is broken. So in order for our fellowship with God to be restored, we must admit to Him that we have been wrong and accept His forgiveness.

We can illustrate the difference between our relationship and our fellowship with God using three circles.

Read 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:1.

Examine each circle to see which one has both a relationship and fellowship with God.

While the natural man does not have Christ in his life, Christ is in the lives of both the spiritual man and carnal man. Both of them are Christians.

The carnal man is a Christian who is living a self-directed life because of sin.

Read 1 John 1:8-2:1

The carnal man can restore his fellowship with God by confessing his sin. Confession involves three things:

• Agreeing

• Thanking

• Repenting

When we confess, we AGREE with God that what He has revealed to us as sin is sin. We also Thank God that this sin has been paid for by Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. Confession also involves REPENTANCE.

Repentance is a change of attitude which will result in a change of action.

The Christian needs to understand that when he does sin and takes over the direction of his life once again, he should immediately confess his sin and God will restore him to fellowship.

According to 1 John 1:9, what are we to do with our sins?

What did God promise to do when we confess our sins?

Now, let's continue our practice on how you can effectively share the gospel to your friends using the 4SL. Let's read through it and practice the left and right responses.

Would you mind inviting your friends on our next meeting? Let's share the gospel to them here in our group meeting.

How are you and your friends?

Let's read 1 John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Who is God according to this verse?

Indeed, those who accepted Jesus in their lives as Lord and Savior were forgiven too. Who among your family/friends just accepted Jesus?

The heavens rejoice over one soul who accepted Jesus. God is pleased seeing people come to know Him and make Him known to others. Our lesson today is entitled Beginning Your New Life in the Holy Spirit. Let's discover how to become a fruitful witness for Jesus.

Beginning Your New Life in the Holy Spirit

For three years the disciples had walked, worked and talked with Jesus. They knew Him, trusted Him and loved Him. On one particular night, however, Jesus told His disciples some very upsetting news: He would soon die.

Put yourself in the disciples place. How would you feel? Confused? Frightened? Helpless? They probably did, too.

But then imagine hearing Jesus telling you, as a result of His going to be with God the Father, another friend would come - one who would be with you; one who would be in you.

The friend who was to come is the Holy Spirit. An amazing thing that Jesus told His followers was that the Holy Spirit would reside in them. Even better, He would “be with them forever.” Imagine the encouragement this offered to these individuals. God would make His home within the lives of those people who would love and receive Him.

In this way, the disciples would not be left with the impossible tasks of trying to imitate the character of Christ and attempting to continue His mission. Instead, through the Holy Spirit, the very life of Christ with all His character, authority and strength could be lived through their individual lives and personalities.

Twenty centuries later, Christ’s promise still remains true. He offers hope to those who are trying to live as He lived. Anyone who has sincerely attempted to reach the goal knows that, worthy as it is, it is a hopeless ideal. Only Jesus Christ can act like Jesus Christ.

And that, of course, is the uniqueness of Christianity. Instead of frustrating us with the inevitable failure of attempting to live up to impossibly high ethical, moral and spiritual standards, the only Person who ever perfectly fulfilled all those standards offers to do it again - through each of us.

Once Jesus has entered into a life, that person has the potential to let Him live out His life in and through him. This is available to anyone!

It sounds good, doesn’t it? The obvious question is, how can I experience the resurrected Christ living His life through me? This follow-up will help to explain.

Visit this page entitled “Have You Made the Wonderful Discovery of the Spirit-filled Life?” Read it through before proceeding with the rest of this booklet.

After completing “Have You Made the Wonderful Discover of the Spirit-filled Life?” return to this follow-up material and answer the following.

Review Questions

As you answer the following questions refer to the material “Have You Made the Wonderful Discovery of the Spirit-filled Life?”

1. On whom is the carnal Christian relying?

2. On whom is the spiritual Christian relying?

A spiritual Christian becomes carnal when he refuses to confess sin in his life.

3. If a Christian refuses to confess his sin to God, what does this show about his heart toward God? (Psalm 51:16-17)

4. What are the two aspects of spiritual breathing?

5. What three things are involved in exhaling (confession of sin)?

6. What does inhaling mean?

7. We can know that we are filled with the Holy Spirit by faith based on His _______________________ and _______________________.

Continue to spend 15 minutes alone each day with the Lord in Bible-reading and prayer. Here are some suggestions:

1. Read Ephesians 5:18-21 and Colossians 3:12-17. Compare these two passages in what they say about the Spirit-filled life?

2. Read Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. What is the “power” that Paul desires for his friend? Where does this power come from?

3. Read the story of the disciples in the storm when they doubted His care in Mark 4:35-41. Why were they afraid? What did they doubt about God?

Summary

The Spirit filled life is a practical experience. As you trust in Him, God’s Spirit will produce the character of Christ within you and empower you to be His witness.

Now, let's continue our practice on how you can effectively share the gospel to your friends using the 4SL. Let's focus on the yes and no responses in the Prayer section.

Would you be available tomorrow at 3pm-4pm? I will be sharing the gospel to the students. You can be my prayer partner. You pray while I share. Then you can also share while I pray. Wouldn't this be a great idea to witness for Jesus?

How are you? When was the last time you asked the Holy Spirit to fill you?

Let's worship God for who He is by sharing to the group at least three characteristics or attributes.

What happened during your gospel presentation to classmates? Did they go back for follow up?

Witnessing is one of the examples of obedience to God's commands. Obedience is one of the elements for growth in Christ. Let's learn how we can grow more in Christ through our lesson today.

Beginning Your New Life of Growth in Christ

Receiving Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior is the most important decision in life. The act of receiving Jesus Christ by faith starts a whole new life. Just as physical life requires air, food, rest and exercise, so spiritual life has its requirements for growth and development.

The moment you received Christ, you were born into God’s family and you received everything you need to live the abundant Christian life. Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus Christ. “The righteous mall shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:11). A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly with every detail in your life.

The nourishment for spiritual well-being is provided in the following Principles of Growth:
a. Prayer
b. Bible Study
c. Obedience

Prayer

Prayer is talking and listening to God. Failures in the Christian life can most often be traced to prayerlessness.

1. How does man speak to God?

2. Read Philippians 4:6-7
   a. What are we told to do?
   b. What should we pray about?
   c. As we pray about everything, what does God promise we will experience?

We talk to God through prayer as illustrated in the diagram. He talks to us through the Bible.

Bible Study

Physical food is necessary for physical life. Without food, one comes weak and eventually ill. This is true spiritually as well. The Bible is our spiritual food.

1. How does God talk to man?

2. How does reading the Bible help us? (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

3. How does faith grow? (Romans 10:17)

4. When should we read the Bible (Acts 17:11)

As we read God’s Word, the Bible, God talks to us. As we pray, we talk to God. We need to constantly practice both.

It is necessary to read God’s Word daily for daily strength.

Obedience

The key continual growth in the Christian life is obedience to the will of God. To know the importance of prayer and Bible Study is of little value unless they are applied in our lives.

Daily reading for daily strength

1. Read James 1:22.
   a. According to this verse, is it enough to read the Bible?
   b. After we have read the Bible, what are supposed to do?

2. How can we prove that we love Jesus? (John 14:21)

Conclusion

1. In light of our study and discussion, what three things do you think God wants you to do daily?

2. Realizing that prayer and Bible study are essential for my spiritual growth, I am going to set aside the following time each day to pray and study the Bible.

3. What will be the result of keeping Christ’s commandments? (John 15:10)

4. Where do we get the power to obey the will of God? (Philippians 2:13)

Now, let's have a practice on how you can effectively share the gospel to your friends using the 4SL.

Shall we go out together again for witnessing tomorrow?

How's your heart today?

You may introduce a worship song (through lyrics/YouTube).

Tell me about your Quiet Time today.

We learned last meeting that we talk to God through prayer and He talks to us through the bible. Today, let's learn how to study the WORD of God.

Beginning Your New Life in God’s Word

The Bible is God’s inspired Word to man. He has something to say to you. Much of the adventure of the Christian life comes from discovering through the Bible more of what God is like and what His plan are for you.

Throughout history, God has desired to communicate with the people of His creation. Before Jesus came, God spoke to and through the committed people of the Old Testament who recorded His Word. God then sent His Word to earth personally, in the person of Jesus Christ. (John 1:14) While Jesus was on earth, as well as after His death and resurrection, God again directed committed men to record the words and ministry of the Son of God. The result of their faithfulness and availability is the New Testament. The Bible is the entire record of God’s communication to us. It has been given to us by God who desires our fellowship and worship.

This booklet will help to explain how to understand and enjoy the Bible.

Learning to Listen to God

The Bible is the most important book one could read. Many people do not know how to listen to what God is saying to them in His Word. A meaningful relationship with the Lord is dependent on hearing and understanding what He is sharing with us. Following are some hints to help you begin your study of God’s Word.

Understand that reading the Bible is not like reading any other book. The Bible is God’s inspired Word to man. In this book, God has something to say to you. Therefore, read with the attitude, “Lord this is Your personal letter of love and instruction to me. Help me to understand and obey Your counsel and commands.”

Preparation

In addition to the Bible, you will need a pen or pencil, paper and a quiet place to study. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your study. Your study will normally involve three steps: Observation, Interpretation and Application.

Observation

In this step you observe in order to find out what the passage says. You may need to read the passage several times or you may wish to write out the passage concentrating on “What does the passage say?”

Interpretation

The second step involves the question, “What does the passage mean?” Ask, “What does it say about God and man?”

Application

In this step you ask the question, “How does this passage apply to my life?” You may ask the following questions:

• Is there a command to obey?

• Is there a promise to claim?

• Is there sin to confess?

• Is there an attitude to change?

• Is there an example to follow?

Example Passage: 1 Peter 5:7

Observation

• Casting a command

• What does casting mean?

• What are these cares?

• Those who received this letter are asked to cast all their cares upon God because He cares for them.

Interpretation

• Casting means to give away.

• Cares can be problems, concerns, worries.

• Christians are to cast their cares to God because He cares for them.

Application

• God cares for me and the cares I have I can give to Him.

• I should not worry about my problems my fear of failure, my relationship with other people, finances, etc.

On Your Own

Read Romans 12:9-21. Mark portions which you may apply and select one verse for study. Using the three steps and following the example, let God speak to you.

Now, let's have a practice on how you can effectively share the gospel to your friends using the 4SL.

Shall we go out together again for witnessing tomorrow? Will you invite your FUs/friends to go with us?

How does the Word of God speak to you lately?

Shall we worship God through His Word? Let's share in the group a verse that speaks to us lately and why you chose that verse.

How does the word of God help you lately in sharing your faith to friends and family?

And we knew that as God speaks to us through His word, we need to talk to Him through prayer. There should be a communication between us and God. God is pleased to see His children come to Him in prayer. Let's learn more through our lesson today.

Beginning Your New Life in Prayer

Prayer is talking with God. Every Christian has the privilege of communicating directly with God. If we desire a vital and fulfilling Christian life, we need to learn to talk with God. Through prayer, we can appropriate all of God’s resources for us in Jesus Christ.

Any fulfilling relationship involves two-way communication. A look at the biographies of people recorded in the Bible already shows the importance of communication between God and His people. As long as these individuals listened to God, obeyed Him and prayed, their spiritual lives were radiant. When these same people, however, failed to hear and obey God and talk with Him through prayer, spiritual problems crowded in.

The same thing can happen to us today. God communicates with us through His Word, the Bible. If we desire a rich and fulfilling Christian life, we also need to learn to talk with God. To pray is simply to converse or talk with Him.

Prayer was an important emphasis in the life of Jesus Christ. His desire to seek His Father’s presence and know His will through prayer is apparent through His earthly life. The life of Christ was a living conversation with God the Father; prayer the backbone of Christ’s life and ministry. To become like Christ, we need to learn to pray.

Prayer includes the following elements: Worship and Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Specific Requests.

The best way to learn how to pray is by praying. Take some time to study the following verses and apply immediately what you learn about prayer through these verses.

Worship and Praise

1. In Psalms 95:6, what are we told to?

2. According to Psalms 95:7, why should we worship God?

3. According to Psalms 135:3, why should we praise God?

God is worthy of our worship and praise. As His Children, we should praise Him for His love, mercy, patience, holiness and power.

4. Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-12. What does this passage tell us about God’s charac­ter?

Take a few minutes right now, to worship and praise God. Tell Him how much you appreciate Him and why. Considering the character of God described in 1 Chronicles 29:11-12, tell God your thought about Him.

If you are studying this with a friend, pray together. Take turns talking aloud to God.

Thank God In Everything

1. Read Psalms 106:1. According to this verse, what should we do?

2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. According to this verse, for what should we thank God?

3. Read Romans 8:28. According to this verse, why can we thank God for everything?

Take a few minutes right now and think about the many thing God has done in your life, for which you are thankful. Why not write it down?

Take a few more minutes and think about any unpleasant experience or circumstance in your life for which you have not yet thanked God. Again, you are encouraged to write down.

THANK GOD FOR THESE THINGS.

Confess Your Sins

1. According to Psalms 66:18, what happens when we pray and when there is unconfessed sin in our lives?

2. Read 1 John 1:9. What does God say He will do when we confess our sins?

Are you aware of anything in your life that is not pleasing to God? If so, admit your sin to God. Confess it to Him. Remember, when you confess, you:

a. Agree with God that what He has revealed to you as sin is sin.

b. Thank God for His forgiveness. You know you’re forgiven because of what Jesus did. He died on the cross for your sins.

c. Repent-decide not to do it anymore. Change your attitude and then your action.

Take a few minutes and ask God to show you anything in your life that has not been pleasing to Him. You may list down these things on a small piece of paper.

After writing them down, confess them to Him.

Now, claim the promise of 1 John 1:9 and write this verse across your list. Then, destroy your life. This shows that you believe God has forgiven you.

Specific Requests

1. According to James 4:2b, why are the needs of some Christians not met?

2. According to Matthew 7:7, what does Jesus say will happen when we tell God our needs?

3. According to 1 Timothy 2:1, for whom should we pray?

Take a few minutes and list your specific needs and requests. When your requests to God are specific, you will know when He has answered them, Keep your list. Watch and wait. Then thank God when He does answer your request.

Pray Regularly

Prayer can become enjoyable when you write your request everyday in your devotional notebook. This provides a permanent record of your requests. It is also exciting to review your request periodically and see the many ways God has answered and actively involved Himself in your life.

Now, let's have a practice on how you can effectively share the gospel to your friends using the 4SL.

What do you trust God in seeing more students come to Him and know Him more?

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