NOTICE:  These Studies are Provided by the International Churches of God, and can be found at the following website:  http://icoc.org/StudyTools/Studies/first_principles.htm

 first principles

discipleship


Introduction: Matthew 28:18-20

  1. What does Jesus want everybody to become?
  2. Which is the more popular term-disciple or Christian?
  3. The word "Christian" only appears three times in the New Testament. It was the name those in the world gave the disciples (Acts 11:19-26), seven years after the church began.
  4. The word "Disciple" occurs over 270 times in the New Testament. Jesus defines the term disciple throughout his ministry.
  5. Jesus came to make disciples. Only disciples will be saved.

1. Mark 1:14-18

  1. Calling of the first disciples
  2. Come follow me (Christ).
  3. ...make you fishers of men-Jesus gave these first disciples the real purpose for living.
  4. Immediately

2. Luke 9:23-26

  1. If any man...
  2. Deny self. Notice Christ in the garden (Matthew 26:36-39, "Not my will, but your will.") Don't give in to moods.
  3. Carry the cross-daily.
  4. Gain world ... forfeit soul. Lose your life for Jesus ... save it.

3. Luke 14:25-33

  1. If any man...
  2. Count the cost (vv. 28-30).
  3. Consider the alternatives (vv. 31-32).
  4. Love Christ more than any person (v. 26).
  5. Persecutions (v. 27)
  6. Everything, not just anything (v. 33)

4. Luke 11:1-4

  1. Must learn to pray-disciples saw the strength Jesus received from the Father.
  2. Daily personal relationship with God (v. 3).

5. John 13:34-35

  1. Love one another.
  2. Be an active part of the fellowship.

6. Matthew 28:18-20

  1. Command-make disciples (given to all).
  2. Who is a candidate for baptism? Disciples.
  3. You need someone to disciple you to maturity in Christ.
  4. This is the only way to save the world!

chart: disciples vs preacher

Conclusion Questions:

  1. Am I a disciple?
  2. Am I a Christian?
  3. Am I saved?
  4. What do I need to do to become a disciple?

word of god

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

  1. All Scripture is inspired by God.
  2. It is to be applied to our lives.

2. Hebrews 4:12-13

  1. The Word is relevant.
  2. The Word cuts (hurts)-compare it to a scalpel.
  3. It is good to be cut because it cuts the "cancer" (sin) out.

3. 2 Peter 1: 20-21

  1. There is no private interpretation of the Bible.
  2. The Holy Spirit inspired the men who wrote the books of the Bible.

4. John 8:31-32

  1. Intellectual belief is not enough-nor can we go by our feelings.
  2. Everyone must hold on to and follow the teachings of Jesus to be a true disciple.
  3. Sincerity does not equal truth.
  4. Religious people can be wrong.

5. Matthew 15:1-9

  1. Do not go by traditions or creeds.
  2. Worship by traditions (which supersede the Word of God) is worship in vain.

6. 1 Timothy 4:16

  1. Watch you life and doctrine closely-they are inseparable.
  2. Which is more important, life or doctrine? Neither-an airplane with only one wing cannot fly.
  3. Why is it so important to learn and to teach and to live the right doctrine? To save yourself and those who hear you.

7. Acts 17:10-12

  1. Must check what religious leaders say.
  2. Your challenge: Read and study the Bible every day!

8. John 12:48

  1. Why study the Bible? The Word will judge us.
  2. Decision: Will I live by the Bible or my feelings, traditions, needs, etc.?

the coming of the kingdom

Importance of this study:

  1. Produce faith in the continuity of the Word.
  2. Kingdom is the church-importance of the church in the eternal plan of God.

1. Old Testament Predictions of the Kingdom (The height of Israel's glory was under the kingship of David approximately 1000 B.C.)

  1. Isaiah 2:1-4 (750 B.C.)
    1. Last days
    2. All nations
    3. Jerusalem
  2. Daniel 2:44, 7:18 (550 B.C.)
    1. Endure forever
    2. Possess forever

2. New Testament Predictions of the Kingdom

  1. John the Baptist (25 A.D.)
    1. Kingdom is near (Matthew 3:1-6)
  2. Jesus (30 A.D.)
    1. Kingdom is near (Matthew 4:17)
    2. Kingdom will come in the lifetime of some of the disciples (Mark 9:1)
    3. Kingdom will come with power (Mark 9:1)
    4. Kingdom entered by new birth (John 3:1-7)
    5. Kingdom is within you (Luke 17:20-21)
    6. Peter has the keys (Matthew 16:13-19). Church and the Kingdom are the same and will be built on the truth that Jesus is the Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
    7. Joseph of Arimathea was still waiting for the Kingdom when Jesus died (Luke 23:50-51).
    8. Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached first in Jerusalem to all nations (Luke 24:44-49).

3. Fulfillment of the Old and New Testament Predictions Acts 1-2

  1. Last days (Acts 2:17)
    1. Isaiah 2:2
  2. All nations (Acts 2:5)
    1. Isaiah 2:2
    2. Luke 24:47
  3. Jerusalem (Acts 2:5)
    1. Isaiah 2:3
    2. Luke 24:44-49
  4. Eternal kingdom (Acts 2:37-42)
    1. Daniel 2:44, 7:18
  5. Date of coming approximately 33 A.D. (Acts 1-2)
    1. Old testament prophecy
    2. John the Baptist "is near" (Matthew 3:1-2)
    3. Jesus-"is near" (Matthew 4:17)
  6. Lifetime (Acts 2:14)
    1. Mark 9:1
    2. "Some"-Judas died (Acts 1:18-19)
  7. Power (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4)
    1. Mark 9:1
  8. New birth (Acts 2:38)
    1. Water and Spirit (John 3:1-7)
  9. Kingdom within (Acts 2:37)
    1. Luke 17:20-21
  10. Peter with the keys (Acts 2:14, 38)
    1. Matthew 16:19
  11. Repentance and forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38)
    1. Luke 24:44-49

4. Conclusion

  1. The church is the kingdom of God on earth established in approximately 33 A.D.
  2. Acts 2:42 As citizens of the kingdom and members of the body (the church), we must be devoted to:
    1. Doctrine
    2. Fellowship
    3. Breaking Bread
    4. Prayer
  3. Matthew 6:33 We must seek his kingdom first. Ask them to commit themselves to at least Sunday services and Midweek services.

light and darkness 1


Introduction: 1 Peter 2:9-10

  1. Darkness = Not a people of God, No Mercy
    Light = People of God, Mercy
    Lost = Not a Christian = Not a Disciple
    Saved = Christian = Disciple
  2. Every person is either in the darkness or the light. There is no twilight zone. Where are you?

1. Darkness

  1. Isaiah 59:1-2
    1. Sin separates us from God.
    2. In order for a man to have a relationship with God the wall must be broken down-sin must be forgiven.
    3. The point in time sin is forgiven is the point in time a person is saved.
  2. Romans 3:23-25
    1. Who has sinned? Everyone!
    2. Who is further away from God, a person who sins a little or a person who sins a lot? All are equal, all lost. Therefore a good moral life does not save you. You cannot earn your salvation by your good deeds.
    3. Faith in the blood of Jesus saves you (v. 25).
  3. What is Sin?
    1. Galatians 5:19-21 (sins of commission)
    2. James 4:17 (sins of omission)
  4. What is the eternal consequence of sin? Romans 6:23

2. Light

  1. John 3:1-7 - Born again (v. 3), born of water and spirit (v. 5), born again (v. 7).
  2. Personal decision as an adult
  3. What message must one believe to be in the light (to be saved?) Acts 2:22-24.
    1. Jesus is from God(v. 22).
    2. Jesus raised physically from the dead (v. 24).
    3. Everyone is responsible for the crucifixion of Christ (v. 23). All have sinned (Romans 3:23).
  4. Response of people Acts 2:37
    1. Cut to the heart
    2. What shall we do?
  5. Once the people believed, what did they do? Acts 2:38-42
    1. Repent (Greek = to turn)
    2. Be baptized (Greek = to be immersed).
      1. Sin forgiven. Therefore this is the point in time a person is saved.
      2. Holy Spirit given to each who responded-power to live as God commands.
  6. Baptism Romans 6:1-4
    1. Baptism is the sharing (a participation) in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (More than just a symbol.)

darkness and light compared

3. Traditions/False Doctrines-Matthew 15:6-9

  1. Infant Baptism
    1. Personal faith is needed (Colossians 2:12).
    2. Began approximately third century A.D.
    3. Original sin
      1. Ezekiel 18:20
      2. Became "church doctrine" in 549 A.D.
  2. Praying Jesus into your heart
    1. Revelation 3:20-taken out of context. This verse is addressed to Christians.
    2. Began in the early 1800s in America.

4. Sinful nature

  1. Suggest to the individual with whom you are studying that he or she write a description of their sinful nature, and then be specific about various sins they have committed. This is so that they might see the gravity and magnitude of their sin. He or she should keep this for personal use.

light and darkness 2

1. Review of Plan of Salvation

  1. Hear Romans 10:17
  2. Believe Hebrews 11:6
  3. Repent Luke 13:3
  4. Confess Romans 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:12
  5. Baptized Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21

2.The Major Conversions in Acts

  1. Conversions
    1. Acts 2:36-47 First Christian in Jerusalem
    2. Acts 8:26-39 Ethiopian Eunuch
    3. Acts 16:22-34 Philippian jailer and his family
    4. Acts 18:24-26 Apollos
    5. Acts 19:1-5 Ephesians
    6. Acts 9:1-22 Paul
    7. Acts 22:3-16 Paul
  2. Questions concerning Conversions
    1. What was preached?
    2. What was the person's (people's) response to the message?
    3. How long did the person (people) take to make the decision?
    4. What was their response after baptism?

3. Refuting False Doctrines

  1. "Pray Jesus into your heart": This phrase is never mentioned in the Bible. People may use Revelation 3:20 about Jesus knocking at the door, however, you must examine the Scripture in context. This scripture does not teach how to become a Christian and be saved, but how to come back to God after becoming lukewarm. It is addressed to disciples who already responded to Christ in faith, repentance, confession and baptism. "Accept Jesus into your heart": (same teaching as praying Jesus into your heart-just different terminology.) Based on Romans 10:9. You must look at scripture in context. Paul is addressing the problem of the Israelites: unbelief that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Read further on to Romans 10:13. When do you call on the name of the Lord? At baptism (Acts 22:16).
  2. Infant baptism: A baby cannot have faith, and since we are baptized through faith in the power of God (Colossians 2:12), babies cannot be baptized. Original sin: Ezekiel 18:20 teaches there is no original sin; each person is responsible for his own actions and will be judged accordingly. Therefore babies are born sinless and will be saved if they die.
  3. "Baptism does not save you": 1 Peter 3:21 says that baptism does save you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38 teaches that sin is forgiven at baptism-one is saved at the point sin is forgiven.
  4. "Baptism is a work-yet we are saved by faith" (Ephesians 2:8): Colossians 2:12 teaches we are saved by faith-in the working of God at baptism.
  5. "Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace": Romans 6:2-4 states that baptism is an actual participation in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is not merely a sign, seal or symbol.
  6. "Baptism isn't important, after all, look at what Paul said about it in 1 Corinthians 1:17": Paul does not diminish the importance of baptism here. (Paul himself was baptized to have his sins forgiven in Acts 22:16.) In context (read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17), he makes the point that he does not want people following men (denominationalism). He mentions baptism several times in the passage.
  7. "The thief on the cross was not baptized and Jesus told him that they would see each other in paradise": Jesus had not even died yet, and baptism is participating in his death (Romans 6:2-4); also on earth, he had the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2-6).
  8. "Believers baptism": This is baptism as an adult, but is not done in conjunction with the understanding that one is being saved at this point in time (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). "Retroactive understanding" is not sufficient for salvation.

the cross

1. Passion Account
Read Matthew 26:31 - 28:10.
Suggested Reading Intervals:
26:31-35 27:27-31
26:36-46 27:32-44
26:47-56 27:45-56
26:57-68 27:57-61
26:69-75 27:62-66
27:1-10 28:1-10
27:11-26

2.Physical Death
Read the medical account of Jesus' physical death.

3. Personal Responsibility
  1. Remember there were many others who died by crucifixion in the first century. It was not that Jesus was painfully crucified that makes him unique-it was that he was crucified for you, in your place. He died on the cross for you.
  2. Romans 3:23
  3. Isaiah 59:1-2
  4. Matthew 27:46
  5. Share the sins that you have had forgiven. Ask the person with whom you are studying to go over their sins.
  6. Isaiah 53:4-6 (substitute your name).

baptism with the holy spirit

introduction
Introduction: Jesus was given the Spirit in full measure, no limit (John 3:34). There are three measures of the Holy Spirit:

1. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Received at baptism (Acts 2:38)

2. The baptism with the Holy Spirit

  1. Characteristics in Acts 2 and Acts 10
    1. Promise (not command), Acts 1:4-5
    2. Predicted (prophesied)
    3. Came without warning. (People were not specifically praying for it.)
    4. Languages
    5. Purpose: to usher in the Kingdom with power
  2. Accounts of the baptism with the Holy Spirit
    1. To the Jews-in Jerusalem (Acts 2)
    2. To the Gentiles-begins with Cornelius (Acts 10)
      1. Note: Cornelius and his household were water baptized in v. 48, saved at baptism.
      2. Peter explained actions to the Jews (Acts 11:1-18).
      3. "At the beginning," (Acts 11:15)
  3. Does the Baptism with the Holy Spirit still exist today? Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one baptism-which one? (Written about 60-62 A.D.) There are three options:
    1. John's baptism-passed when new covenant began (Acts 19:1-5).
    2. The baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2 and 10). No longer present as it was a prophecy/promise that has been fulfilled. It was never a general command for all Christians.
    3. Baptism with water in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins to receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
      1. Jesus commanded this baptism (Matthew 28:18-20).
      2. This baptism is recorded all the way through the book of Acts and the epistles. 1 Peter 3:21 (also written around 62 a.d.) makes reference to this water baptism of salvation.
      3. It had to be the one baptism of Ephesians 4:4-6 as it was the only one practiced by 60-62 A.D. when Ephesians was written.

3. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (next lesson).

  1. Received by the apostles' laying on of hands
  2. No longer present today

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1. Types of Miraculous Gifts

  1. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
    1. Wisdom
    2. Knowledge
    3. Faith
    4. Healing
    5. Miracles
    6. Prophecy
    7. Distinguishing Spirits
    8. Tongues
    9. Interpretation
  2. (Mark 16:16-18) Some will be able to:
    1. Drink poison and not die
    2. Be bitten by snakes and not die (Acts 28:5)

2. Types of "Laying on of Hands":

  1. Blessing (Acts 13:3)
  2. Healing
    1. Ananias heals Paul's blindness (Acts 9:17-18).
    2. Paul heals Publius' father on Malta (Acts 28:8).
  3. Passing on the Gifts
    1. Apostles would pass on the gifts (Acts 8:18).
    2. These people could not pass on the gifts they received.
      1. Acts 6:1-8: Context is the choosing of "The Seven". This is the first occasion that the gifts were passed. Stephen immediately starts to perform miraculous signs among the people with God's power (v. 8).
      2. Acts 8:1-25: Context is after Stephen's martyrdom. Great persecution breaks out. Many leave, but apostles stay in Jerusalem. Philip, one of the seven who had received the gifts in Acts 6:1-8, goes to Samaria. He performs many miraculous signs and healings to get people to believe (v. 12), including Simon the Sorcerer (v. 13) and they are baptized. (They became Christians and thus receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift (indwelling) of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38.) When apostles come to Samaria, Simon saw the Spirit's gifts were only given by apostles' laying on of hands and offers them money for the ability (Acts 8:18). Note: Simon didn't ask Philip for the gifts because Philip could not pass them on. Simon is rebuked for having the wrong motivation.
      3. Acts 19:1-6: Paul finds disciples in Ephesus who didn't know what the Holy Spirit was because they had only received John's baptism of repentance. Then they were baptized into the name of Jesus Christ to receive the forgiveness of their sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (v.5). Then they receive the miraculous gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues by the laying on of Paul's hands (v.6). Paul is an apostle.

3. General Observations

  1. Apostles were able to pass on the gifts because they were apostles. The Apostles possessed the ability to perform miracles even during the ministry of Christ (Luke 9:1). This ability to pass and perform the gifts were not given at Pentecost.
  2. 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 are not the directives on how to receive tongues (the church there had already received them), but rather the correctives on how to use them because everyone was speaking at the same time and misusing the tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 shows that tongues as a gift were not given to everyone in the church. Thus the concept of a "Pentecostal church" (every member speaking in tongues) is against scripture.
  3. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. "Perfection" here could not mean the coming of Christ because it is in the neuter gender in Greek, not the masculine gender. When perfection comes probably refers to the canonization of the Bible sometime after the first century. At that time, all the miraculous gifts would be gone because all the apostles and those to whom they passed the gifts would have died.
  4. The purpose of the miraculous gifts from 1 Corinthians 14:20-22
    1. To get non-believers to believe (tongues were only to be used to bring non-believers to faith.)
    2. To edify the Christians and strengthen their faith.
    3. Now the Bible fulfills these needs-thus the church today does not need apostles or miraculous gifts.
  5. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 shows there can be miracles by Satan today. Satan's purpose is to deceive people about the truth, so they will not be saved.
  6. Speaking in "tongues" is common in many religions (Mormon, Catholic, Islam, etc.) because religion gets dried and staid. These are also called "ecstatic utterances"-non-understandable sounds and fragments of speech.
  7. A person can be filled with the Spirit without speaking in tongues (Ephesians 5:18-19).
  8. Jesus never spoke in tongues and he was accorded the full-measure of the Spirit (John 3:34-36).

the church
1. Colossians 1:15-18
  1. The church is the body of Christ. The body needs the head. The church is essential to Christianity.
2. Ephesians 2:19-21
  1. The church is the family of God.
  2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: baptized into the body of Christ, the church
  3. Romans 6:34 teaches we are also baptized into Christ. Baptism is when we become a Christian, a son of God, and at that same point we become members of the church, the family of God.

3. Ephesians 2:20

  1. Cornerstone: Christ
  2. Foundation: Apostles and Prophets
    1. Apostles = New Testament Bible
    2. Prophets = Old Testament
  3. The church is based on the Word of God only.

4. Have you ever wondered why there are so many denominations? (450 or more exist in the U.S. alone.)

  1. The Bible teaches there is one church.
    1. Ephesians 4:4-6-One Body
    2. Romans 12:4-5-One Body
    3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13-One Body
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13: no divisions. Following personalities and in time their writings (traditions) have caused the divisions (Matthew 15:6-9).
    1. Denominations
      de nomin ation
      Latin Latin English
      of name group
    2. Denomination = a group of a name. Unscriptural according to 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.
    3. Examples:
      • Lutheran
        From Martin Luther
      • Methodist
        From John and Charles Wesley
      • Presbyterian
        From John Calvin and John Knox
      • Mormon
        From Joseph Smith
      • Catholic
        Tradition through the ages

5. What is the one church called in the Bible?

  1. Matthew 16:18: I will build my church.
  2. Romans 16:16: Churches of Christ.
  3. There are other names in the Bible.

6. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

  1. We need the body. The body needs us (v. 21).
  2. Be involved on a relationship level in the church (v. 26).

7. Hebrews 10:23-25

  1. Do not miss church.
  2. The fellowship helps us to be unswerving in our commitment (v. 23).
  3. Another purpose of fellowship is to encourage each other so we will remain faithful (v. 24)
  4. Must come to all meeting of the body: i.e. Sunday and midweek services, special devotionals, Bible jubilees, retreats, seminars, etc.