YOUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST LEARNING GUIDE

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TableofContentsINTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 3

PURPOSE ................................................................................................................. 3 GOAL ...................................................................................................................... 3 LEARNING OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................ 3 LEARNING GUIDE ....................................................................................................... 4 RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 4

5. YOUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST .............................................................................. 6

5.1 YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW CHRIST .......................................................... 7

5.2 YOU ARE INVITED TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE ................................................... 12

5.3 YOUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST .......................................................................... 16

BORN OF WATER AND SPIRIT ..................................................................................... 16 A VERY DIFFERENT BAPTISM ...................................................................................... 17

5.4 YOU ARE INVITED TO RELATIONSHIP – GOD AND CHURCH ......................... 21

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A FOLLOWER OF JESUS? ...................................................... 22 DO YOU WANT TO GET BAPTIZED? .............................................................................. 22 DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE FAMILY? .......................................................................... 22

5.5 DISCOVERY AT HOME ................................................................................. 23

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: ................................................................................. 23

2.7 RESOURCES ................................................................................................ 26

SAMPLE REFLECTION GUIDE ....................................................................................... 26

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INTRODUCTION Purpose This part of the journey is about putting it all together. Where do all the paths lead to? The purpose of the learning guide for this session is help you discover how God wants you to respond to Jesus. Your key takeaway from this session is that it is not simply about accepting Jesus’ sacrifice but also about coming full circle into a new and exciting relationship with God.

Goal The goal of this session is for you to discover how to practically respond to what you’ve learned about God, his Word and his plan in Jesus. As you discover what it all means for you, you will be guided through what steps you can take to apply it to your life.

Learning Objectives Given the in-class session, the learning guide and exercises, the topics below will help you understand the steps you need to take to live your new life in Christ.

• Follow Christ - You are Invited to Follow Christ • Repent of Your Sin - You are Invited to Change Your Life • Be Baptized - Your New Life in Christ • Join God’s Family - You Are Invited to Relationship – God and Church

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Learning Guide The Learning Guide consists of three components: • Learning Guide; • Discovery at Home; • References and Resources; This learning guide has been specifically designed using an interactive participant-centered approach to learning. Actually, it has been simplified to serve as a self-study guide as well. It is a supplement to your guided session and intended to help you apply your learning and reading immediately. Tips Tips are included into the guide to reinforce the learning. Where necessary, the tips review, emphasize, and clarify various learning points. You can easily spot the tips by a shaded box.

Resources This section includes information, additional passages for further reading and any pertinent information to help your discovery and journey with God.

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Got Questions? Take a moment to think about the journey you’ve been on so far. This journey began with discovering that the bible is the inspired word of God, can be trusted as such and applied to your life. This path led you to discover the love and holiness of this same God as well as the truth about how His story intersects with yours: two stories characterized by His longing for a real relationship with you yet derailed by sin. What’s more is you’ve also discovered that in that complicated story lay a beautiful and enduring plan, in the form of Jesus, to restore the broken relationship between you and God. This dramatic journey may have left you with some questions before you discover what it all means for you. Take a moment to write them down below:

You will reassess these questions before the end of the session to see if they were answered. The facilitator is more than willing to discuss or follow up with you via email or a phone call. Use the space below for additional questions if necessary.

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5. YOUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST In the last four chapters (sessions) of Discovery you have learned about evidences that support the integrity of the Bible and about what the Bible claims to be: the inspired word of God. You have learned about the Love and Holiness of God and how all of that was and has been displayed in creation and all of His works that we read about in the Bible. In chapter 3 we took a look into your story and how it began with God forming you in your mother’s womb, that God longs for a real relationship with you but it quickly took a turn when sin became a part of your life as it separated you from God. Jesus was then introduced on the stage and you learned about how he was God in the flesh brought into the world so that he could be close to you and then to die for you so that you could be freed from the consequence of sin. You may be left with some questions. Write them down on page five above if you haven’t done so already. Part of discovering the life that God has planned for you is answering these questions. You can be assured that God is not afraid of them. In this session, you are going to learn about how God wants us to respond to Jesus. We will learn from the scriptures that although Jesus may have died for the sins of the world, like any gift, you have to accept it. What good would the gift of a new car be if you didn’t accept it or learn how to drive it. As you go through this session keep in mind that your response is not simply about how to accept Jesus’ sacrifice but also about coming full circle into a new and exciting relationship with God.

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5.1 YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW CHRIST Fill in the blanks as you follow the session. It’s okay to ask the facilitator if you’ve missed anything.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 What does it mean to follow someone?

Matthew 9:9-13 When Jesus called Matthew, it was to _________________ him. Jesus didn’t ask Matthew to Vote for him. He didn’t ask for Matthew to fill out a registration card, It wasn’t about membership or about joining a club. Matthew was invited into a relationship with Jesus, in fact Matthew would spend the next three years of his life with Jesus.

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Explain what the difference might be between following Jesus and believing in Jesus:

As you keep on reading Jesus is eating a meal with less than perfect people in Matthew’s home. What does this say about where we need to be in order to follow Jesus?

This may come as a surprise to you but if you are a _________________ then you are a prime candidate for following Jesus. Jesus is very comfortable with people who are far from perfect and the imperfect are very comfortable with Jesus. Have you ever needed to go to the doctor for something embarrassing that you would never want to share at a dinner party? If you consider for a moment the personal, intimate details that we give to a family doctor about our bodies: we look to them, taking their advice openly and following the doctor’s direction and recommendations, even taking their prescriptions. What is it about a doctor that allows you to be vulnerable and to follow their direction?

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When Jesus asks us to follow him, he is asking us to allow for a new kind of relationship in our lives. One with a very specific role; that he be the light that guides your steps and a personal example for your life. What was Matthew’s response when Jesus called him?

Do you think Matthew’s response was out of obedience or out of opportunity?

Luke 5:1-11 This is Simon who would become the apostle Peter. He was a fisherman and when Jesus meets him he is cleaning up after a poorly productive fishing trip. Simon was actually in the middle of cleaning the nets when Jesus asked him to take him out on the water. Knowing the night Simon had, how do you think he felt when Jesus asked to use of his boat?

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As Jesus taught all those who were on shore, it is likely that Simon continued to clean his nets while in the boat with Jesus. So the nets are clean and Jesus makes another request.

“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

In verse 5, Simon answers Jesus, and you can almost sense the inner turmoil in his response as Simon follows Jesus direction.

What do you think might have been going through Simon’s mind at this point?

Do you think it was hard for Simon to follow Jesus direction? YES or NO “6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. … and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”

Jesus, in showing Simon who he really was, left him with a realization: That the concern, worry, and frustration that he had felt that morning while with Jesus was all for nothing.

Explain how Simon came to this conclusion? (Use verse 8 as reference)

Peter was not ready yet to follow Jesus because he didn’t really know who Jesus was. But here’s what is so amazing: Jesus didn’t mind! Jesus knew Simon’s struggle, he understood it, and Jesus was willing to take Simon where he was at.

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Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Jesus shows us that He is completely comfortable with the fact that we have to work through our fears, our doubts and our questions, but it is all in working towards becoming His follower. Simon shows us that even though first contact with Jesus may be uncomfortable it doesn’t mean we can’t still move forward giving him the opportunity to prove himself as Lord.

Is following Jesus something we do for a couple hours a week? Explain

At the end of the day, to follow Jesus means that you’re not going to follow anyone else or anything else. Following Jesus is about making him your go-to, considering him and looking to him in all that you do.

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

Part of following Jesus is practicing self-denial. It’s understanding that our desire to sin doesn’t go away and that those desires often have to be acknowledged but NOT fulfilled. This is one of the many ways we imitate Jesus. He experienced the same desires we face and practiced self-control.

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5.2 YOU ARE INVITED TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 In sessions 2 and 3, the consequences of Sin ring loud and clear. What are some of the consequences of Sin that you have learned about in the Discovery Classes?

Knowing this, it should be no surprise that Jesus had a strong message when it came to the sin in our lives and it was: ____________________! It means to TURN AWAY FROM EVIL, or to RETURN TO GOD.

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In Isaiah 1:16-17, Isaiah speaks to the Israelites on God’s behalf. God gives us a really good idea of what repentance looks like when he calls his people to turn back to him. 16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.

17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Notice that it is not just about what to turn away from, but also what to turn to. What is significant to you about what God asks of your life?

This expanded explanation of repentance helps us to understand that it is not just about a behavioural change. It is a call to change your perspective and what you stand for as you begin to align yourself with the holiness of God.

John 5:1-14 In the Gospels, we see Jesus interact many times with those who have been living in the HURT that comes with sin. Each time, He offers hope and then clearly asks that they leave their life of sin. An invalid for 38 years among many who are hurting, does it seem silly that Jesus would ask him “_________________________________________________?”

Perhaps the same question could be asked of you. Do you want to grow? Do you want to get up? Do you want to change? The question may seem silly until you consider the responsibility that comes with getting well. Jesus was asking this man, “for 38 years your home has been this mat, you have lived only by what others could offer you. Do you want to stand? Do you want the responsibility that comes with being well? Do you want a different type of struggle?”

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If Jesus were to ask you “Do you want to get well?”, how would you answer?

What would be some things that you think you would have to leave behind?

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Jesus performs an amazing miracle in this man’s life. Imagine what it would have been like for this man to have been cured of paralysis, by the word of Jesus. He got to have this intimate life-changing experience with Jesus.

14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again.

Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”

Jesus was looking for him. But didn’t he already heal him? Why does Jesus continue to seek him out?

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This man could have believed for good reason that God was pleased with him. He was healed by Jesus, what better proof is there that he was in good standing with God? But Jesus knew that the man needed some clarity, that it was repentance that God was wanting for him. It is important to note that although your experiences and your feelings may prove that God has been present in your life, it does not prove that you stand righteous before God.

“I preached that they should repent and turn to God

and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.”

Acts 26:19-21 (Paul the Apostle)

Just as the call to follow Jesus is one that is continually practiced, so is the call to repentance. It goes hand in hand with having a relationship with God that we would want to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

In your own words explain why repentance is so important to God?

You can have a relationship with Jesus but not practice repentance? TRUE or FALSE

“do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance (tolerance) and

patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Romans 2:4

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5.3 YOUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

Looking at both Jesus’ call to follow him and the importance of repentance it is already clear that when the scriptures tell us that Jesus died for all, we still have to individually choose individually to accept his sacrifice and make it our own. Everything we have talked about so far are changes in our lives that we can make with the strength that comes from knowing God’s love and having a relationship with him. But there is another crucial part in coming to God that is completely out of our own ability. It is in this part that we can only trust God and have faith.

John 3:1-7

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

This is one of the first times that we read in the bible how it is that you and I could be FREED from the wages of sin. Until Jesus came on the scene it was all about how to manage our sin, but the issue of our spiritual death remained. God said that if we ate from the tree we would surely die. Spiritual death was the outcome. (Rom 6:23)

Born of Water and Spirit Jesus tells us that in order to enter the kingdom of God a man or woman would have to be born again. He explains to Nicodemus in verse 6 that it was not a physical re-birth to which he was referring but a re-birth of spirit. What was dead could be made alive again but only by being born of water and the Spirit of God. It is no coincidence that the last time we saw water and the Spirit together was in Genesis 1:2 as the birth of creation took place.

Acts 2:36-41

“Repent and be baptized,every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38

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So let’s set the scene: Jesus has died, resurrected and has risen to heaven. With the departure of Jesus came the Spirit of God and He came with power, speaking through Peter to thousands of God-fearing Jews that had travelled into Jerusalem. Peter is declaring the truth about Jesus, that he was and is the Son of God. When the crowd learned that they were responsible for the death of the Son of God they immediately asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”.

A Very Different Baptism

Baptism had been practised since the Law was given to Moses in the book of Leviticus. God referred to it in Isaiah when He said, “WASH and make yourselves clean”. John the Baptist, along with the disciples of Jesus had been baptizing for the forgiveness of sins since the beginning of John’s ministry and Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist.

But the baptism that Peter introduces here in Acts was quite different. It would continue to be a baptism for the forgiveness of sins but with a twist. Jesus had not only sacrificed himself on the cross for the sin of the world but had also beaten death by rising from the grave. This baptism was in the name of ___________________________.

BAPTIZE: The word Baptize is taken from the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to immerse.

How might Jesus’ involvement change or enhance the elements of baptism?

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38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who

believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

John 7:38-39 The other factor that would make this baptism very different is the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was not only actively involved but would also be given as a gift to those who were baptized. If the Spirit of God is able to be within a man/woman, what does that say about the man/woman? (Consider 3.4)

Aside from Baptism in the name of Jesus, there is nothing else in the new testament scriptures where both water and the Spirit are together. Not only are sins taken away once and for all but the spirit is reborn by the Spirit of God through water.

You can see now how this is so beyond our own ability. God wants closeness with us and the only way for that to happen is for our spirit to be reborn. For that to happen Jesus had to defeat Sin and Death, so that in the water at baptism our sin could be permanently washed and our spirit be reborn.

What role do you have? To believe that God will do what he says he’ll do, in other words, to have FAITH.

You can begin learning about Faith in Hebrews 11 – This chapter is the hall of fame of Faith. It outlines the faith driven deeds of the men and women who performed incredible acts because of their faith in God.

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Romans 6:1-14

3Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into

__________________________were baptized into his ______________? 4 We were therefore _______________ with him through ________________ into death …

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… 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also _________ with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot ______ again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to _________. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but ____________ to God in Christ … 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

HEAR à FOLLOW à REPENT à BE BAPTIZED

Once again, we see another example of how an aspect of God’s plan to reconcile us to him is foreshadowed all through the scriptures. God cleansed the earth by a great flood (water), he delivered his people from slavery out of Egypt through water and he delivered them into the promised land also through water. And, since the day of Pentecost when Peter spoke these words, God made it that we could be delivered from death into life through water. Praise be to a Holy and Loving God!

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5.4 YOU ARE INVITED TO RELATIONSHIP – GOD AND CHURCH

Peter’s charge to everyone who is guilty of sin, is to REPENT and be BAPTIZED. Both are essential for you and I to be restored into a relationship with God. In all of that, Jesus wants you to follow Him, to make him the Lord of your life. In Discovery Class you have learned that the Bible is God’s word and he has protected it throughout the last 3500 years. He did that so that you would be able to read and learn about His Love, His Holiness and His desire to restore you to him. You have learned about SIN and how it separates you from God. You have learned about Jesus, the greatest example of Love that the world has ever seen and how it was all to give you the opportunity to have a real, intimate relationship with your Creator. Use this week to go through this session of your Discovery Class learning guide. Review and write down any questions you may have.

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Do You Want to Become A Follower of Jesus? From this point on the ball is in your court. There is no question that following Jesus is different than what you might be used to but it is also what you were designed for. God has an amazing plan for your life, but you need to give your life to him so that he can take you there.

You are not alone! You will become a part of a large family starting with the friends you have made in Discovery Class, your Discovery Partner and yes even the facilitators of your Discovery Class. God’s family is full of imperfect people doing their best to live lives that please Him.

If you want to get baptized or if you still have questions, make sure to talk to your Discovery Partner or your Discovery Teacher to help you as you continue to move forward in your faith.

Do You Want to get Baptized? It is so exciting that you want to get baptized. Please make sure to let your Discovery Partner or your Discovery facilitator know. Together we can talk about joining our church family, help you build a support network to help you as you live your life for God and set the date for your baptism.

Do You Want to Join the Family? Thank you so much for participating in Discovery Class. It is important to us that before you decide to make this your church family, that you have a clear understanding of our values and biblical convictions. We are so pleased that you want to make this your home. Please speak with your Discovery Class facilitator to move forward with placing membership. You will be provided with a supplemental reading, and our membership covenant along with a membership form.

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5.5 DISCOVERY AT HOME

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: When pondering a bible passage, reading it a few times, even at a slower pace, helps capture the intention and meaning of the passage. Imagine God speaking to you as you read…what is He desiring for you to know about Him, you and your journey with Him? Luke 24:46-47 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 1. What is a dignifying response to the Messiah’s suffering?

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2. In what ways does Jesus’ resurrection give you hope and courage?

3. “Repentance and forgiveness will be preached in His name” – Write your thoughts on this passage. Which areas of your life have you seen repentance (change) since you started Discovery?

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NOTES

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2.7 RESOURCES If you have finished reading through the book of John, consider reading Acts or Colossians. Actually, Acts is called the Acts of the Apostles – which means the “deeds of the Apostles.” It depicts the works of the followers of Jesus and the spread of Christianity to all corners of the ancient world. More importantly, it tells stories of the first Christian community and how Jesus’ message impacted their lives. Colossians is a little book with only four chapters but one of the most practical and Christ-centered letters in the Bible. It will help you not only understand your new life in Christ, but also serve as a guide for your continual growth in Christ. Beyond these, there are many books and resources – let us know how we can help you address your specific needs and interest.

Sample Reflection Guide Using John 15:1-17 as a reference, answer the following questions:

1. What is the relationship between the vine and the branches? 2. How do the branches bear fruit? 3. If you can, memorize this passage: “I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” – John 15:5. This passage is comforting but can also be challenging and even humbling. Explain how it gives you hope and how it can challenge you as well.

4. How can verse 5 shift your focus from self-reliance to Christ reliance (the branches remaining and depending on the vine)?

5. What obstacles can prevent you from remaining in Christ or becoming a follower of Christ?

6. How can the promise in verse 7 ignite your prayers? 7. The phrase “Remain in me” is repeated several times in this chapter. Why did

Jesus spend so much time preparing His followers to remain in Him?