Living Hope Fellowship Church

Training Material

by Pastor Kevin Badgley

THE NEW CHRISTIAN!   

Preface

            Training in the basics of your salvation is necessary.  Included in this book are seven basic Bible lessons and other things that can help you in your new life in Jesus.  2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

            We want everyone to understand why it is important for the Christian to use only the King James Version Bible.  Following are scripture references to back this up:  Revelations 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 5:22, Proverbs 30:5-6, Psalm 89:34, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, Deuteronomy 4:2, Romans 1:25, Ecclesiastes 3:14, and Matthew 24:35.

            Our ministry includes Outreach Assistance (food and clothing), Nursing Home Ministry, a Christian School, Internet Ministry, Love of the Truth newsletter, Prison Ministry, and teaching materials.  We appreciate your prayers, and when possible, come and worship with us.  God Bless you as you go ON for God! 

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

Do you know how to read your Bible? The Bible is a group of 66 book placed together which are the inspired Word of God. It is in two parts: the Old Testament, which came before Christ, and the New Testament, which is during and after Christ.

Let’s say the preacher says, “Go to Matthew 5:1.” What does he mean? Look in the front of your Bible. There you will find a list of the “books” in the Bible.

When you see Matthew on that list, turn to the page shown. Then follow the numbered chapters to chapter number five. Then find verse one, and you can read along with the preacher. Someone may give you a scripture to read, saying, “Read John 3:16.” John is the name of the book, three is the chapter, and sixteen is the verse. Always look them up in that order.

If you see a book with the same name, as in 2 Peter 4:16, it means the second book of Peter, the fourth chapter, and the sixteenth verse.

Some books are short, such as Jude or Philemon, which have only one chapter, making it unnecessary for them to list the chapters.

Now you can find anything in God’s Word by knowing how to look up the reference.

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

The Bible is a guide to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

God tells us to study His Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The devil will fight you when you attempt to study God’s Word, but remember that 1 John 4:4 says, “. . . greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 

1. Make up your mind to do it!

2. Choose a reasonable time and place.

3. Start out with prayer.

4. Besides your King James (KJV) Bible, A dictionary is handy for words you don’t understand, and a Bible concordance can help you find specific scriptures. Note: You may reduce researching time if your concordance has a subject guide. A good concordance enables the reader to locate any scripture passage in the Bible. Find the word you are researching in the main part of the concordance, which lists every occurrence of that word in the Bible. Under each occurrence, read the context lines until you find what you want.

5. If you are studying a particular subject, make notes and then organize them for future use.

6. Remember that God had men write these words down (see 2 Peter 1:21). Even if you don’t like it, don’t reject it. If it seems unreasonable or impossible, it is still the Word of God, and we are required to accept and obey it. God gives us power also to do His will.

7. Do not take a scripture out of context; read surrounding scriptures for correct meaning. Parables, things spoken figuratively, prophecies, and deep things are in the Word, but much is literal and plainly understood (see Isaiah 35:8).

8. If you feel the need for further instruction, discuss it with a trustworthy child of God. Bible study groups are usually helpful.

Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Reading God’s Word puts it in your mind. Ephesians 5:25-26 tells us that Christ sanctifies and cleanses us by the washing of water by the word. God’s Word will renew your mind (see Romans 12:2). Memorizing it puts it in your heart (see Psalm 119:11). It will keep you from sin and false doctrine, because you have learned the truth straight from God’s Word

#1 SALVATION

1. Why do we need salvation? Romans 3:23.

2. Mankind needs a blood sacrifice to atone for our sins. Hebrews 9:22.

3. Why do we need a blood sacrifice? (The life of the flesh is in the blood.) Leviticus 17:14.

4. Jesus was the sacrifice. John 10:10-11.

5. There is power in the name of Jesus. Salvation is in that name. John 14:13-14.

6. We must be drawn (convicted) to be saved. John 6:44.

7. We must believe to be saved, not speak first and then believe later. 2 Corinthians 4:13.

8. Whosoever calls on his name, when drawn and convicted, will be saved. Romans 10:13.

9. There must be confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in the heart. Romans 10:9-10.

10. There must be forgiveness of sins of sinners and Christians. 1 John 1:9.

11. We have an advocate, Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:1.

12. Strive to cease from sin. This is a war; and we must fight the good fight of faith. 1 Peter 4:1-2.

13. We are justified by Christ. Acts 13:38-39.

14. In the Old Testament, offerings for sins were only able to atone for sin already done, but couldn’t remove the guilt of sin, nor remove the desire to sin in the future. God promised to bring justification by faith through Christ’s sacrifice of himself for us. Ezekiel 36:26-27, Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 9:24-28, & Hebrews 10:38. Read 1 Samuel 15:22.

#2 WATER BAPTISM

1. Water baptism doesn't save, but is an act of obedience. John 3:3-5.

2. John preached the Baptism of Repentance. Mark 1:4.

3. John would baptize after confession of sins. Matthew 3:1-2, & 5-6.

4. Jesus, our example, was baptized. Matthew 3:13-15.

5. God can see us through the veil of heaven. His concentration is on Jesus in our lives.

Immersion

1. There was much water where John was baptizing. John 3:23.

2. Jesus, our example, was immersed. Mark 1:9-10.

3. What hinders you from being baptized? Nothing, if you believe in your heart. If there is still a hindrance, possibly you are not really saved. Acts 8:35-38.

4. Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. It doesn't cleanse; salvation does that. It is an outward show of what has taken place inwardly. 1 Peter 3:21.

5. Baptism is symbolic of being buried in Christ. The old man is buried; then the new man is resurrected. Romans 6:3-4.

6. In the Old Testament water was used for separation / purification from sin. Numbers 19:9.

7. People who were not purified were cut off from the congregation. Numbers 19:20.

8. Cleansing by water was so important that it was used even after cleansing by fire. Numbers 31:23.

9. Repent and be baptized. Baptism is not an option. People received the Holy Ghost after baptism. Acts 2:37-38.

10. There are examples of people getting the Holy Ghost before water baptism. However, we must still obey God and be water baptized. Acts 10:43-48.

11. Some do their first works over after falling away or for a refreshing (renewal) in the Lord. Revelation 2:5.

#3 COMMUNION

1. The Word is Jesus, who made all things. We take on the Word by faith and symbolically through remembrance of him and obedience to his commandments.        John 1:1-3.

2. Jesus is the bread of life. John 6:48.

3. Jesus is the living bread. John 6:51. Bread is symbolic of the flesh of the Lord in communion. We "consume" the Word of God - not literally, but as a hunger for the Word - symbolically manifested in communion as the eating (consuming) of the bread (the Word). John 6:54.

4. There was bread from heaven (manna) that the children of Israel went out to seek and gather. Exodus 16:4. Today we read the Word that tells us to seek and find Jesus, the Living Bread. It still takes diligence. They had to seek it when it was time, because it melted during the heat of the day. Exodus 16:21. That is why we should be well read in the Word to help us through hard times before they come. Exodus 16:31.

5. Why the grape instead of another kind of fruit? the scripture says "the pure blood of the grape." This represents Christ’s blood shed for an atonement for our sins. Deuteronomy 32:14.

6. They ate manna from heaven, meat to the full. Psalm 78:24-25.

7. Jesus broke the bread and said to take, eat and drink. That is symbolic of his being broken for us. Matthew 26:26-27 and Mark 14:22-23. The bread and the cup are to be separate. Jesus spilled his blood; his flesh was separated from his blood to die for us.

8. Jesus' blood is the blood of the New Testament. Mark 14:24.

9. Do this in remembrance of me. The broken bread and the cup puts us in remembrance of what he did for us. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

10. There is a warning to examine yourself before taking communion. Do not take it lightly. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

#4 HOLY GHOST BAPTISM

1. It is for everyone, Gentiles as well as Jews, and it is a commandment. Acts 10:44-46.

2. It was prophesied that man would be filled with God's Spirit after salvation. Ezekiel 36:26-27 & Joel 2:28-32.

3. Signs follow those that believe: one being, ". . . they shall speak with new tongues." Mark 16:17-18.

4. We have a promise that "nothing shall be impossible" to us. We can receive the power it takes to perform the works of Jesus. Matthew 17:20.

5. There is power through the Holy Ghost to witness to the whole world! Acts 1:8.

6. The Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost, when it was given to the 120 in the upper room. The Holy Ghost baptism evidence is the speaking in tongues. Acts 2:1-4.

7. You can be filled with the Holy Ghost before water baptism, but this does not eliminate the commandment to be water baptized. Acts 10:47-48.

8. The Holy Ghost gives unction. 1 John 2:20.

9. The anointing is given by the Spirit. The anointing comes inside a person by the Holy Ghost baptism to enable that person to have power for the works they are to do for Christ, not just for their personal walk. The Holy Ghost can teach you all things. 1 John 2:27.

10. We get built up in our faith when we pray in the Holy Ghost (pray in tongues). Jude 1:20.

11. The Spirit knows how to pray even though we don't some times. Romans 8:26.

12. Jesus was filled with the Holy Ghost when He was on the Earth as a man. Luke 3:21-22, Isaiah 28:11, and Luke 10:21.

#5 PRAISE AND WORSHIP

1. We are commanded to praise the Lord. We can praise him also with instruments. Psalm Chapter 150.

2. We are to lift up our hands. 1 Timothy 2:8.

3. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17.

4. God inhabits the praises of his people. Psalm 22:3.

5. There is praise, singing, and solemn worship. Psalm 91:1-4.

6. We are to give a sacrifice of praise, praising the Lord even when we don't feel like it. Hebrews 13:15.

7. Sometimes praise is loud. (This makes the walls of unbelief come tumbling down!) This is still to be done decently and in order. Joshua 6:5 and 1Corinthians 14:40.

8. With a loud voice they glorified God. Luke 17:15. With a loud voice they praised the Lord. Luke 19:37-40.

9. We praise the Lord with clap offerings. Psalm 47:1.

10. We are to praise the Lord with wave offerings. Exodus 29:24.

Thus, the waving of hands, clapping, shouting, joyfulness, using of instruments, loud praises and music (within reason), and solemn worship are all scriptural.

#6 TITHES AND OFFERINGS

1. Melchizedek was given tithes by Abraham. Genesis 14:18.

2. Abraham gave Melchizedek 1/10 or 10% of all his spoils. Hebrews 7:4.

3. Tithe means the tenth. One tenth of anything we make belongs to the Lord, no matter what it is. Give God the first 10%, not the last 10%. You can't make it to heaven if you don't pay your tithes. It is stealing from God. Genesis 28:20-22.

4. You must give the firstfruits to the Lord. Exodus 23:19.

5. Jesus said (among other things) that we ought to pay our tithes. Matthew 23:23, ". . . these ought ye to have done. . . ."

6. We can rob God when we don't pay our tithes (and give offerings!) Malachi 3:8.

7. Cursing comes when you don't pay tithes. Malachi 3:9.

8. The Lord will bless you for bringing in your tithes. This "proves" the Lord. Malachi 3:10.

9. After we are faithful in our tithes and offerings, God will rebuke the devourer. Malachi 3:11.

10. Sons of Levi (the priesthood) {ministers} can accept tithes. Hebrews 7:5.

11. The Philippians gave offerings to Paul. It was counted as a good sacrifice, acceptable to God, blessing the givers. This opens the door to the riches of God to those who give. They shall not want any good thing. Philippians 4:15- 19 & Psalm 34:10.

12. It is a sore evil to hoard riches. If someone is dealt with by the Lord to give and they refuse, it will be to their hurt either financially, physically, or otherwise. Riches, wealth, food, (his welfare) is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:13 & 19.

13. Poverty and shame come to those who refuse instruction, including tithing. Many poor Christians remain poor because of refusing God's instruction. Proverbs 13:18.

14. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7-8.

15. God remembers the offerings and gifts (alms) given to him. Acts 10:4 & 31.

16. God gives the power to get wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18.

17. If you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly and vice versa. Give cheerfully. God will give us sufficient to live and perform his works. He will meet every need we have that might come unexpectedly. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

18. Read on through 2 Corinthians 9:12. The fruit of giving is also that it causes the recipients to praise God for his help as the givers obey him.

#7 FASTING AND PRAYER

Fasting is a way of crucifying self to reach the goals God has set up for you. No fast in the Bible went over 40 days. If fasting is abused and used for the wrong reasons, it will not profit you, and God will not honor it.

1. One of the accounts of Jesus' fast of 40 days and nights is found in Matthew 4:1-11.

2. Anna served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37.

3. The Lord allowed the people to hunger to teach that they do not live by bread only, but by the Word of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3.

4. Fasting will humble you. Psalm 35:13.

5. Fasting will chasten and discipline. Psalm 69:10.

6. Fasting will rend the heart, making it open to God's moving. It can also turn away judgments by showing sincere repentance.

7. The Lord has meat to eat that ye know not of. This meat is to do the will of God and to finish his work. He will keep you through your fasts, if they are unto Him. John 4:32-34.

8. Jesus said He is the bread of life. He is what we "feed on" during times of fasting. The Word is food for the soul and can quicken our body also.

9. Moses fasted for 40 days and nights with no food or water at 80 years old. He did this twice. Exodus 24:18 & Exodus 34:28.

10. Paul fasted often. 2 Corinthians 11:27.

11. Read the account of a deliverance which the disciples could not perform; Jesus gave the reason in Verse 29. This kind can come forth by nothing but prayer and fasting. Mark 9:17-29.

12. God chooses fasts to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, to break yokes (bondages), to deal bread to the hungry, etc. Then light shall break forth and you health shall spring forth. Fasting "speeds" the process. Isaiah 58:6-8.

13. The yoke shall be destroyed by the anointing (fasting brings the anointing) and thus yokes are broken. Isaiah 10:27.

14. Job esteemed the words of his mouth more than his necessary food. Job 23:12.

15. Fasting gets us in the position to hear from God and know what he requires of us. We pray because we need God, our creator and heavenly Father. Spending time in prayer is one way we wait on God. It is God's will and command that we pray. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. For quick reference: Thessalonians 1:11, James 4:17, James 5:16, Colossians 4:12, Timothy 2:8, Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

Next is a passage of scripture where Jesus taught us how to pray. He meant this to be an example. You can read a similar account in Matthew 6:9-13.

(1) And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (2) And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. (3) Give us day by day our daily bread. (4) And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Luke 11:1-4.

We pray because we need God, our creator and heavenly Father. Spending time in prayer is one way we wait on God. It is God's will and command that we pray. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. For quick reference: Thessalonians 1:11, James 4:17, James 5:16, Colossians 4:12, Timothy 2:8, Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and theyshall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

SAMPLE PRAYER LIST

True perpetual revival till Jesus comes

Salvation of family and friends

Knowledge and wisdom from the Lord

Opportunities to witness about the gospel

Ministry/Finances

People in ministry

Foreign fields of ministry

Souls to be saved

Laborers in the harvest of souls

Healing for the sick

Deliverance for the bound

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

(Exodus 20:3-17)

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor thy father and thy mother.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

10. Thou shalt not covet.

 CONTACT INFORMATION:

PASTOR KEVIN BADGLEY

LIVING HOPE FELLOWSHIP, P. O. BOX 111, GRAND CHAIN, IL  62941

CHURCH / FAX (618) 634-2541

E-mail  

livinghopefellowship@lazernetwireless.net

These condensed Bible studies have been published to help new Christians in their new walk with the Lord.  Kevin Badgley, the author, is the pastor of Living Hope Fellowship Church.

This is a Living Hope Fellowship publication.

 © Living Hope Fellowship, Inc.