issue No. 2

CONSOLIDATION FOLLOW-UP CONVERSATIONS

“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4)

Three Words of Advice in Having These Conversations:1.Don’t go with words of human wisdom, but rather with the Holy Spirit’s power. Don’t

preach. Present God as alive and real, capable of changing anything & everything because He has the power to do it. In other words, don’t be boring!

2.Be totally dependent upon God, knowing that everything you say and do is from Christ. It is not through your ability but through God’s mercy.

3.Expect the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He is the only One who knows the heart of the new believer. He can reveal to us what they need, so that we can touch their lives with the power of God. Study!

SHARE THE LESSON WITHIN 10 MINUTES. The simpler the message, the better the results will be. Always use the Bible as the foundation of your explanations. Use practical and personal examples that will help your listener to develop their faith. Make sure your objectives are clear, and do not get sidetracked from them. The lesson must be simple, practical, and centered on Christ. Be positive and never condemning. Give encouragement, inspire faith, bring about restoration, and don’t forget to bring them to true repentance.

*Always edify and build up the faith in your listener, emphasizing that we are children of God. Remember, a conversation that fails to show the love of God and inspire faith, does not build life in the new believer, nor does it encourage them to follow Jesus.

Conclude by inviting the new believer to put into practice what they’ve learned. Share the benefits of obedience, listening to God’s Word, and daring to find out that He will never disappoint those who trust in Him. Remember, you have the power of God to do this work and that is why He chose and sent you. Believe God. He does not send anyone out to fail. He will support and use you, thanks to your obedience and willingness.

*NOTE: If a person receives Christ at Life Group, or anywhere other than at church, you should still have them respond to the altar call at church that weekend (Matt. 10:32-33).

FOLLOW-UP LESSONS:

1.Confirm Salvation & Importance of Church and Life Group (Within 24 Hours)2.Spiritual Growth & Devotions 3. How to Overcome Temptation & Water Baptism4. Finances5. Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Right Before Encounter) 6. Encounter Follow-Up & Post Encounter Preparation (After Encounter / Before Post)7. Sharing Your Testimony with Your Friends & Family (After Encounter)

SINGLES AND RELATIONSHIPS

Objective: To make the new believer aware of the importance of godly principles regarding romantic relationships with the opposite sex.

1.GOD’S BEST FOR YOU. God loves you and wants the best for you. “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)There is no one that knows you better than God. He knows exactly the type of person who is best for you, and He will give him or her to you. Just how God made Eve for Adam, He has made someone just for you!

2.LET GOD CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERSON. God knows your heart, and He knows better than you who will be the best for you. ”For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)By far the best and safest way of choosing the right person is to seek the guidance of the One who knows our hearts. Our own wisdom can fail us, but God does not make mistakes.

3.WHAT IS COURTSHIP? Courtship is a preparation for marriage. For this reason we should be very careful who we give our hearts and affection to. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

4.SUBMIT YOUR HEART TO CHRIST. Lead the person to commit their emotions to the Lord, seeking His direction until He gives them an answer. Encourage the person to ask God if the person they are friends with is the right person for them. Get them to ask God to develop a close spiritual harmony between them if the person is right for them to marry and, if not, for Him to take away their peace. If the person is not right, tell them to ask God to give them the boldness to end the relationship.

5.DON’T BE UNEQUALLY YOKED (2 Corinthians 6:14). We become like the people we hang around with, this is especially true with those closest to us. As Christians, we can either influence others or be influenced.

6.PRAYER. Pray for them that they will have a pure relationship, focused on God and His plan.

7.ACCOUNTABILITY. Tell them that you will hold them accountable for the things that they desire in this relationship.

Note: Life Group Leaders should encourage, not control, the new believer’s relationships.

CONFIRM SALVATION & IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH AND LIFE GROUPS (Within 24-Hours)

Objective: To make sure the new believer completely understands their new decision and knows the importance of going to Church & Life Group.

1. GOD LOVES YOU. He loves you so much that you are called His child (1 John 3:1). 2. SIN separates you from God; it is not to be tolerated or laughed at. Rom 3:23, “…all have

sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rom 3:12, “All have turned away from God; all have gone wrong. NO one does good, not even one.”

3. CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY. Rom 5:8, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Jesus Christ was crucified for your sins. John 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me…” There is no other way; His sacrifice was perfect!

4. REPENTANCE. To repent means to turn around and go the other way; it’s a choice. Acts 3:19, “Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins”. To repent is to change your way of thinking to think like God.

5. RECEIVING CHRIST. Rom. 10:9-10, “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH & LIFE GROUP. Emphasize 4 things: Support, Strength, Friends and Encouragement. Acts 2:44, 46-47, “And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity--all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.” Hebrews 10:25, “…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

7. ENCOURAGE THEM TO READ THE MINI-BOOK, “LIVING 360 A TURNAROUND LIFE (Given in the Consolidation Room) & PRAY FOR THEM.

OVERCOMING REJECTION

Objective: To show the new believer that rejection is a trick of the enemy, and to demonstrate that God accepts them unconditionally.

1. WHAT IS REJECTION? Rejection is a feeling that you are inferior to other people and that you have no value; feeling unwanted. Desiring love, but not believing that anyone cares. Left out, no sense of belonging, unable to give or receive love.

2. THREE KEYS TO OVERCOME REJECTION:• Understand that Love is Our Biggest Need. We were created with a need to love

and to be loved. To us, love is acceptance. This is the reason that we are always looking for acceptance. Everyone needs to “feel” loved.

• Renounce Rejection. The devil specializes in making people feel rejected. This is one of his most powerful weapons. If you want to be a good wife, mother, friend…you have to get healed emotionally. -Things that cause rejection: Not loved as a child (feel loved), negative or destructive words, physically or emotionally abused, adultery, divorce, constant criticism as a child, sexual abuse.

-Signs & expressions of rejection: depression, violence, anxiety, escaping through excessive work, TV, drugs, hobbies, video games, psychosomatic disease (originates in the mind…ulcers), manipulation, lust and fantasies, obsessive behaviors, rebellion.

-A spirit of rejection can cause you to feel rejected, and cause you to reject others, and yourself.

-Rejection cannot be hidden in our heart or we will open a door to the enemy.• Releasing Forgiveness. Jesus was clear about forgiveness. “Forgive us for doing

wrong, as we forgive others.” (Matt. 6:12)3. YOUR VALUE TO GOD. It is important to show the new believer just how valuable he or

she is to God. Ephesians 1:13-14, shows how God blesses us and wants the best for us, He has adopted us as His children, forgiving us, and loving us in spite of everything.

Note: Encourage the new believer not to believe things that people have said about them in the past. Rather encourage them to believe what God says about them and to understand their adoption as a child of God and the real value God places on them.

RESOURCES: - Pastor Art’s Message Series, “How to Win the Battles of Life”- Pastor Kuna’s Message Series, “Wisdom for Life”

HEALING

Objective: To equip the believer to receive supernatural healing from God through faith.

1.GOD WANTS US WHOLE. Wickedness is not God’s purpose (John 10:10). Explain that God does not like to see His sons and daughters sick. On the contrary, He desires to heal them so that they can enjoy abundant life.

2.POWER OF THE CROSS. Jesus died on the Cross to give us salvation, which includes healing from sickness and disease (Isaiah 53:4). He also established freedom from infirmity for us. Therefore, He has the power to heal those who believe in Him.

3.LAYING ON OF HANDS. Jesus’ promise to us is this: if we believe, we will lay hands on sick people and they will get well. We must explain that our hands are nothing special- it is Jesus that heals through our touch (Mark 16:17-18).

4.ADDITIONAL HEALING SCRIPTURES. • Psalm 107:20• Psalm 103:1-4• Proverbs 4:20-23• Matthew 8:17• 1 Pet 2:24• Mark 11:23• Mark 16:20• Psalm 34:19

Note: Do not be afraid of praying for those who are sick. Pray according to Isaiah 53:4-5 and Exodus 15:26. Make sure the person you are talking to believes in Christ and has decided to obey Him.

RESOURCES: -Pastor Kuna’s Message Series, “Faith for the Miraculous”-Mini Book: “God’s Medicine” by Kenneth E. Hagin

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND DEVOTIONS (Second Visit)

Objective: To teach the new believer what they need to do in order to grow in their Christian life & how to receive Godly direction.

“For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.” (Hebrews 4:12)

1.MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A BIBLE. •Is it an easy version to read? •Explain the basics (e.g. Old & New Testament, Bible Books, Chapters, Verses...)

2.SHOW THEM HOW TO DO A DEVOTIONAL. (Do the 5 X 5 X 5 X 5 Principle)•Read: Set aside time daily to read the Word. Use a Bible Reading Plan. •Meditate: Ponder and think about what God is speaking into your heart.•Journal: Personalize what you’ve read. How does it apply to your life personally? •Pray: End your devotional time with prayer. Talk to God. Ask for His help. Listen to

what He wants to say to you. 3.LEAVE A LEGACY. Share with your family what you’re learning and how it’s helping you. 4.PRAYER. Teach the new believer how to pray to God in a conversational way. Tell them to

be open with God; He wants to help them in every area of their life and their family. He hears their prayers!

5.THE BENEFIT OF CONSISTENCY. Prayer and a consistent devotional time will help them make decisions that shape their future. They need to listen to God and obey what He says, which will bring great blessings in their lives! The new believer doesn’t have to do it alone anymore; they have Jesus to guide them and you to help as well!

6.ENCOURAGE. Minister to the new believer to start on a daily discipline of reading the Bible and praying. Pray for them so that they see how to do it, and allow them the opportunity to pray if they would like.

RESOURCES: -Word of Life’s Bible Reading Plan-Pastor Art’s Book, “Living 360 – A Devotional Journal”-Pastor Kuna’s Message Series, “Spirit Led Prayer”

HOW TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION (Third Visit – Part I)

Objective: To give the new believer the tools needed to overcome sin and temptation, and to live in victory.

“But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

1. GOD KNOWS YOU and He will never let you receive any temptation that is too great for you to resist.

2. GOD PROVIDES us with A WAY OF ESCAPE from temptation.3. JESUS CHRIST was tempted and overcame it. He is there with us when we are tempted to

help us overcome. 4. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR NEED FOR HELP. Encourage the new believer to honestly

acknowledge their weaknesses and ask God for help. He is our only source of strength.5. STRENGTHEN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE through devotions, prayer, attending Church & Life

Group and the Encounter.6. SHARE. Ask them to tell you the things that have changed in their life since they got saved.7. PRAY FOR THEM.

TEACHING ON WATER BAPTISM (Third Visit – Part II)

Objective: To teach the new believer what baptism is and means.

1. WHAT IS BAPTISM? Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public acknowledgement of your faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is acknowledging that your sinful nature has been put to death, has been buried, and that a “new you” has resurrected with Christ to walk in the power of a new life (Romans 6:3-8).

2. WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED?• Baptism is only for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal

Savior & Lord. • Acts 8:36-37, “If you believe with all your heart, you may…”

3. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?• The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized immediately after he was saved (Acts 8:37-38). • Peter was baptized on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37-38, 41). • Paul and Silas immediately baptized the jailor after he was saved (Acts 16:30-33).

4. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? To be identified with the body of Christ. • You are letting everyone know that you are going to live for Jesus all the days of your

life.• To receive spiritual surgery and destroy your old self so that you can be free to live your

new life.5. CAN I BE BAPTIZED? Do you believe in the Lord Jesus with all your heart?6. ARE YOU READY TO GET BAPTIZED RIGHT NOW? Everyone who was saved in the Bible was baptized immediately!

GUIDELINES FOR LIFE GROUP LEADERS:Check the bulletin for the next monthly Water Baptism. Encourage them to attend and go with them.

OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

Objective: To restore hope, renew their thoughts, and help them to leave things in the hands of God.

1. WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a state of mind that causes people to see everything around them in a negative way. They experience feelings of sadness, failure, rejection, and lose sight of reality. They are overwhelmed by a feeling that God has abandoned them. Hopelessness.

2. DO LIFE TOGETHER. You must show that person that they are not alone. Emphasize the fact that God is with them and that they must seek Him.

3. RENEWING THE MIND (Romans 12:2). Changing their way of thinking will enable them to see the marvelous plans that God has for their life.

4. LIVE CARE FREE. Invite them to cast their cares on to Jesus (Matthew 11:28). It is His desire that we give Him all our worries so that we can find our rest in Him.

5. ENCOURAGE. Prayer must be a confession of victory, a declaration of the excellent things God has for us and must emphasize how much God loves us and believes in us.

COMMENT: Encourage the new believer not to let their problems oppress them. Encourage them to trust in Jesus and to bring all their feelings and problems to Him. Pray with them emphasizing God’s Sovereignty and the fact that God is in control of all things. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

RESOURCES: - Pastor Art’s Message Series, “Overcoming the Force of Disappointment”, and “What to

Do on the Worst Day of Your Life”- Pastor Kuna’s Message Series, “One Touch From God Will Change Your Life”

OVERCOMING FAMILY PROBLEMS

Objective : To challenge the new believer to overcome all obstacles in family reconciliation.

1.TENSION & CONFLICT. Every family problem brings tension to members of the family and creates an environment of conflict and insecurity in the home.

2.POWER OF FORGIVENESS. It is necessary to forgive in order to bring Christ’s presence into the home (Matthew 5:21-26).

3.RECONCILIATION. Taking the first step towards reconciliation is a true Christian act, which is pleasing to God. At the same time we are receiving the forgiveness that God offers us (Matthew 18:32-35).

4.VISION FOR YOUR FAMILY. Tell them that their family must have a direction and a purpose (Proverbs 29:18). There must be one vision because two visions is die-vision (Matthew 12:25).

5.PRAYER BRINGS CHANGE. Teach them that prayer can help us to learn how to work out our differences and how to change.

COMMENT: We must not try to force others into reconciliation. It is better to allow the Holy Spirit to work in each person’s life. Pray for family members that forgiveness, restoration and love will come upon them. Wherever possible, look for a way in which the offended person can pray for and bless the one who hurt them, as this will bring true forgiveness. If you overcome your pride, you will take the first step to achieve reconciliation.

RESOURCES: -Pastor Art’s Message Series, “Building Lasting Relationships”-Pastor Kuna’s Message Series, “Meeting the Needs of the Ones You Love”

FINANCES (Fourth Visit)

Objective: To encourage the new believer to trust that God is able to take care of all their needs.

1.FINANCIAL PROSPERITY. It is God’s will for all people to prosper financially (2 Corinthians 8:9; 3 John 2; Deuteronomy 8:18).•Prosperity is when we have enough for our own needs and desires, as well as

enough to give to others (2 Corinthians 9:8).•If you are not prospering, it is hard to help the poor or help spread the Gospel.•God has always desired for His people to have enough to bless others.•Prosperity is a part of our covenant with God. Poverty is a part of the curse (Deut. 28;

Gal. 3:13; Gen. 12:1-3, 13:2). 2.GOD FIRST. We are to make sure that money doesn’t control us (Matthew 6:33).

•We are to have money; it is not to have us (1 Timothy 6:6-10). •The only way to guard against the love of money is to be a giver.

3.TITHES & OFFERINGS. God’s prosperity is always based on the seed-sowing principle (Luke 6:38). •Without sowing seed, there is no harvest (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Galatians 6:7-9).•Love is the basis for all giving and receiving. Tithing is the tool God uses to provide

for His church and His people. •If you do not tithe, you are not in God’s prosperity plan. (Malachi 3:8-11; Mat 23:23)•The tithe is one-tenth of your total income and goes to the place where you receive

regular spiritual feeding.•The giving of offerings is in addition to the tithe.

Giving for the gospel always brings a return. Offerings over and above the tithe should be a way of life.4.THE NEED FOR WISDOM. Wise people always use their money wisely!

•Use a budget. •Basic principles: 10%—tithe, 10%—save or invest, 10%—offerings, 70%—live on

Note: As Life Group Leaders, we should not direct people how to use their money or provide financial counseling. People need to make their own decisions based on their understanding of God’s Word.

RESOURCES: -Pastor Art’s Message Series, “El Shaddai: The God of More than Enough”-Mini Book: “Why the Tithe?” by Dr. Edward L. Haygood

THE BAPTSM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Fifth Visit)

Objective: To show the new believer their need for more power in their walk and a deeper intimacy with the Lord.

This lesson needs to be taught right before they go to the Encounter.

1. THE PROMISE• Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples (Jn. 7:37-39).• The disciples received the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).• Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us (Acts 2:39).

2. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKE IN MY LIFE?• The Holy Spirit communicates to us and through us (1 Cor. 14:2, Rom. 8:26).• Courage – you will receive power to reach others (Acts 1:8).

3. HOW CAN I HAVE THIS GIFT?• Thirst: you have to want it (John 7:37-39).• Believe: the Lord will give you the promised gift (Luke 11:10-13).• Ask (Luke 11:10-13)• Receive (John 20:22)• Keep being filled (Eph. 5:18)• The Holy Spirit will not take control of your mouth, your vocal chords, etc.... • The Holy Spirit will give you utterance (words to speak). You must receive these

words and speak them in faith. You must be expecting to receive the power of God.

RESOURCES: - Mini Book: “Why Tongues?” by Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin- Mini Book: “Why You Should Speak in Tongues” by Norvel Hayes

SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHINGS

After the initial teachings you can use the following messages according to their needs. If they need ministry in one of these areas you may substitute it in place of one of the initial teachings but make sure that you make up the missed lesson from the initial teachings.

OVERCOMING FEAR

Objective: To motivate people to trust in the Lord as their source of help.

1. WHAT IS FEAR? Fear is a negative emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat; a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety or well being of someone. If you focus on your fear, it will take root in your heart. It then comes out of your mouth and is empowered. “The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the righteous.” (Proverbs 10:24)

2. FEAR LIMITS OUR LIFE (Proverbs 29:25). It causes you to miss opportunities, to be negative and think that everything is impossible. What controls your life, fear or faith? Are you afraid to surrender your life to Jesus? Are you afraid to trust God with your money? Are you afraid to trust God with your children?

3. THE ANSWER IS FAITH. We are called to live a life motivated by faith and not fear. Fear is the opposite of faith.

4. FEAR IS CONQUERED THROUGH LOVE. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18). His presence brings us strength, value and faith, and takes away every negative thought. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

5. ENCOURAGE. Minister to the new believer about not letting fear and negative thinking dominate them. Pray with them, emphasizing the fact that Jesus is in them and that He will remain with them.

RESOURCES: - Pastor Art’s Message Series, “Overcoming the Monster of Fear”.

SHARING YOUR TESTIMONY WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY (Seventh Visit)

Objective: After they attend the Encounter, show them how to prepare their testimony and explain the importance of sharing it with others.

This lesson is to be taught after they attend the Encounter.

1. WHY DO WE GIVE OUR TESTIMONY? The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

•We are commanded to share our faith with others. •God has changed you. You are different. You are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). •Tell people what He has done for you, what has changed, how you have changed.•What God has done in you, He wants to do in your family. •Rev 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of

their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”2. GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW IN GIVING YOUR TESTIMONY:

•My attitudes, needs, and problems before I received Christ...-Some examples are: lack of peace, no meaning to life, fear of death, desire to be

in control, lack of security, no real friends, lack of purpose, no motivation, lack of significance, loneliness

•My life revolved around me, and I gained “happiness and security” from...-Examples are: marriage, family, social life, drugs, alcohol, money, hobbies, work,

sports, education, relationships •How did this/these disappoint me?•When and how did I first hear about Christ?•What were my struggles just before I received Christ?•What happened when I received Christ and how did my attitude begin to

change? -State specifically the steps you took to become a Christian.

•What happened after I received Christ? •How has my life changed, and when did I notice that change?

-State how Christ is filling your needs. -Briefly show the difference that Christ has made in your life. -One of the greatest benefits is that you know with certainty that you have eternal

life (1 John 5:11-12).

LIFE GROUP LEADER:•Empower them to give their testimony (be encouraging).•They need to know there is power in their testimony. •Go with them when they meet with their friend.•Do not let them go 30 days without winning someone.•Doesn’t have to be same age, sex or gender.

ENCOUNTER FOLLOW-UP & POST ENCOUNTER PREPARATION (Sixth Visit)

Objective: To help the new believer understand what took place in them at the Encounter and share the value of the Post Encounter.

This lesson is to be done the week after they go to the Encounter and before they begin Post Encounter.

LIFE GROUP LEADER: This is can be a sensitive time for the new believer. It should be done individually (one-on-one) because they may not open up to you around others.

1. FIND OUT WHAT THEY RECEIVED FROM THE ENCOUNTER•What was your favorite part of the Encounter? •Which teaching ministered to you the most?•What were the major things you dealt with?•Did you speak in tongues at the Encounter? Do you have any questions about it?

2. WHAT AREAS DO YOU NEED ME TO CONTINUE TO HELP YOU WITH?•Remember that for some of them the healing process has just begun and it’s up to

you to make sure it’s completed.•Help them cancel any arguments or doubts that they might have. Answer any other

questions they might have.3. NOW WHAT?

•POST ENCOUNTER! Provide them with the current class schedule and locations. •Make plans to bring them to their first Post Encounter class. Don’t send them alone.

Go with them. •MOTIVATE! Read Acts 9:18-20 and explain that this is what Paul did after his

Encounter! God wants to use them!