As we engage with our community, we’ll notice 3 levels of conversations that reveal a person’s spiritual sensitivity.

Good Conversations

(Casual becoming Connected)

• Conversations start around casual everyday topics. Eventually include observational conversation (life events, world events, etc.).
• Relationship is growing and connection is happening
• Important to ask questions. Some questions include: “Wow. I didn’t know that. Tell me more.” “What was that like?” “Tell me about your story.”

Crucial Conversations

(Connected becoming Trusting)

• Trust is growing and greater transparency in conversations.
• Jesus Involvement Topics. They are not overtly spiritual per se but they are topics that Jesus wants to be involved with.
• Topics include security, marriage, family, parenting, identity, purpose, finances, etc.
• Prayer is vital! When the conversation leans toward “God topics,” there will be resistance from the carnal mind and from spiritual forces.

God Conversations

(Trusting becoming Discipling)

• Trust is established and you have the level of transparency to share your transformation story. (e.g. How Jesus made a difference concerning that “just in time” topic in your life).
• The conversation develops from your transformation story and revolves around involving Jesus as part of the solution. This means asking them if they are open to allowing Jesus to bring his power and promises to bear on their life circumstances.
• Their discipleability level is discovered.

Here, a person has come to the point in their journey where they are ready to follow this Jesus they’ve been introduced to. They recognize that Jesus is worth following, and desire to surrender their life to Him.

They’re ready to make a commitment to become a follower of Jesus and express that to you. Here is where we invite them to commit to being a disciple and set up opportunities to meet regularly to establish their foundation.

The foundation of our faith lies in believing and experiencing the Good News of Jesus. The results are a transformational experience that enables us to effectively follow Christ.

Read Hebrews 6:1-3

According to this passage, there are 6 foundation stones that every Christian must have laid in their life.

1. Repentance from dead works
2. Faith toward God
3. Doctrine of baptisms (water & Spirit)
4. Laying on of hands (miracles)
5. Resurrection of the dead
6. Eternal judgment

Let’s explore each of these…

Repentance from dead works

Repentance is the turning away from sinful actions and is a crucial step in our journey towards God’s grace and forgiveness.

Scriptures:

1. Acts 3:19: Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.
2. 2 Corinthians 7:10: Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.
3. Luke 13:3: Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
4. Matthew 4:17: Jesus began His ministry by preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
5. Mark 1:15: Jesus’ message was, “Repent and believe in the gospel.”

Questions:

1. What is the significance of repentance, as described in Acts 3:19, in the process of receiving God’s forgiveness?
2. How does godly sorrow lead to repentance, according to 2 Corinthians 7:10?
3. Why was repentance a central message in the ministry of Jesus, as seen in Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15?

Faith toward God

Faith in God is the bedrock of our Christian journey, trusting in His character, promises, and plan for our life. Without faith, we cannot be saved.

Scriptures:

1. Hebrews 11:6: Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
2. Mark 11:22: Have faith in God.
3. Mark 16:16: The role of Faith/belief in salvation.
4. James 1:6: Let him ask in faith, with no doubting.
5. Ephesians 2:8: By grace, you have been saved through faith.

Questions:

1. Why is faith in God described as essential for pleasing Him, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:6?
2. How does faith empower us to overcome challenges and obstacles, according to Mark 11:22?
3. What role does faith have in our ability to be saved?

Doctrine of baptisms (Water/Spirit)

Water and Spirit Baptism are significant parts of the New Birth. Both baptisms cause us to become part of the family of God, and offer important value to us.

Water Baptism Scriptures:

1. Acts 2:38: 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.
2. Romans 6:4: We were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
3. Galatians 3:27: For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
4. Colossians 2:12: Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God.
5. Matthew 28:19: Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Questions:

1. What is the significance of baptism as a step of obedience, as mentioned in Matthew 28:19?
2. How does baptism relate to repentance and the receiving of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2:38?
3. According to Romans 6:4, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer, and how does it impact their walk with Christ?

Spirit Baptism Scriptures:

1. Acts 1:8: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.
2. Acts 2:4: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
3. Acts 10:44-48: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke with tongues.
4. 1 Corinthians 12:13: For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body.
5. Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Questions:

1. How does the promise of receiving power in Acts 1:8 relate to the experience of Spirit Baptism for believers today?
2. What happened when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:4, and what significance does this have for our spiritual lives?
3. According to Acts 10:46, how did they know they had received the Holy Spirit?

Note: For more study, read Acts 2:1-39, Acts 8: 14-17, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7, Acts 22:14-16.

Laying on of hands (miracles)

The laying on of hands is a biblical practice that signifies the impartation of blessings, healing, and empowerment for ministry. This speaks to the miraculous demonstration of the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures:

1. Mark 16:18: They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.
2. Acts 8:17: Peter and John laid their hands on the Samaritan believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
3. 1 Timothy 4:14: Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
4. Hebrews 6:2: Laying on of hands is one of the foundational doctrines.
5. James 5:14-15: The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up.

Questions:

1. How does the laying on of hands reflect the power and authority of believers, as indicated in Mark 16:18?
2. What is the significance of the laying on of hands in receiving the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 8:17?
3. Why is it important not to neglect the spiritual gifts imparted through the laying on of hands, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:14?

Resurrection of the dead

The resurrection of the dead is a foundational Christian belief, providing hope for eternal life through Christ.

Scriptures:

1. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
2. John 11:25-26: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16: The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command… and the dead in Christ will rise first.
4. Romans 6:5: We have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.
5. Philippians 3:20-21: Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.

Questions:

1. How does Christ’s resurrection serve as a guarantee for our own resurrection, according to 1 Corinthians 15:20-22?
2. What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life” in John 11:25-26, and how does this impact our faith?
3. How does the hope of the resurrection influence our perspective on life and eternity, as described in Philippians 3:20-21?

Eternal judgment

The concept of eternal judgment reminds us of the accountability we have before God and the importance of living according to His will.

Scriptures:

1. Hebrews 9:27: It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:10: We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
3. Matthew 25:31-46: The parable of the sheep and the goats, highlighting the final judgment.
4. Revelation 20:12: The dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their works.
5. Romans 2:5-6: God’s righteous judgment will be revealed, and He will render to each one according to his works.

Questions:

1. How does the concept of eternal judgment in Hebrews 9:27 emphasize the significance of our choices and actions in this life?
2. What does 2 Corinthians 5:10 teach us about the basis of judgment and the importance of accountability before God?
3. How does the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 shape our understanding of the final judgment and our responsibility as believers?

Prayer is a powerful and essential aspect of the Christian walk, allowing us to communicate with God and grow in our relationship with Him.

We highly recommend that the disciple and the disciple-maker immediately start the 20-Day Prayer Reset together, which will help establish the foundation of a consistent and effective prayer life.

Scriptures:

1. 1. Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s Prayer
   2. Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious, but pray with thanksgiving.
   3. James 5:16: The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.
   4. 1 Thessalonians 5:17: Pray without ceasing.
   5. Mark 11:24: Whatever you ask in prayer, believe and receive it.

Questions:

1. 1. What does the Lord’s Prayer teach us about the priorities in our prayers?
   2. Why is it important to pray with thanksgiving, according to Philippians 4:6-7?
   3. How can persistent prayer, as mentioned in James 5:16, impact our lives and our relationship with God?

Scriptures:

1. Acts 2:42: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
2. 1 John 1:7: If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
3. Hebrews 10:24-25: Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.
4. Ephesians 4:16: The whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow.
5. Romans 12:10: Love one another with brotherly affection, outdo one another in showing honor.

Questions:

1. According to Acts 2:42, what are some essential components of Christian fellowship, and why are they important?
2. How does walking in the light, as described in 1 John 1:7, relate to the quality of our fellowship with other believers?
3. What is the significance of not neglecting to meet together, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:24-25, for our spiritual growth and encouragement?

Action:

We have made Fellowship Gatherings available throughout our church family, and encourage every disciple to regularly attend one. Learn more about our Fellowship Gatherings here:

Fellowship Gatherings

Bible reading and study are essential disciplines for every believer, allowing us to grow in our knowledge of God’s Word and deepen our relationship with Him.

Scriptures:

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
2. Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
3. Joshua 1:8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.
4. Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.
5. Romans 10:17: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Questions:

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes and benefits of studying Scripture in the life of a believer?
2. How does Psalm 119:105 depict the role of God’s Word in guiding our lives, and why is this guidance important?
3. Why is it essential to meditate on God’s Word day and night, as commanded in Joshua 1:8, and how can it impact our spiritual growth?

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food or other worldly comforts for a set period, seeking intimacy with God, self-examination, and spiritual growth.

Scriptures:

1. Matthew 6:16-18: When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, but anoint your head and wash your face.
2. Joel 2:12: “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
3. Isaiah 58:6-7: Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free.
4. Acts 13:2-3: While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
5. Matthew 17:21: “But this kind [of demon] does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Questions:

1. What is the significance of maintaining a joyful and discreet demeanor while fasting, as advised in Matthew 6:16-18?
2. According to Joel 2:12, why might fasting be a means of returning to God with a repentant heart, and how can it help believers draw closer to Him?
3. In Isaiah 58:6-7, what are some of the practical outcomes of genuine fasting, and how can these actions reflect a heart that is truly seeking God’s will?

This section will deal with:

• Spirit Sensitivity
• “Be the disciple“ questions
  1. What has driven you to prayer and to scripture this week?
  2. What did you learn, and how is it speaking to you?
  3. What will you do about it to apply it?
• Fruit to Root exercise
• Fruit of the Spirit (and differences between “good” characteristics and true spiritual fruit)

Witnessing is the act of sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with others, and it is a fundamental calling for every believer to spread the Gospel and make disciples.

Scriptures:

1. Matthew 28:18-20: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
2. Acts 1:8: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:20: We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.
4. Romans 10:14-15: How can they believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching?
5. 1 Peter 3:15: Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Questions:

1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what is the Great Commission, and how does it emphasize the importance of witnessing to others?
2. In Acts 1:8, it speaks about receiving power to share your faith with others. What gives you this power, and why does it matter where you start sharing and how far you go?
3. Why is it crucial for believers to be ready to give a reason for their hope, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15, and how can we prepare ourselves for this task?