This document provides an introduction to a catechism guide for members of the United Church of Zambia. It discusses who God is according to the Bible. The main points are:
1) God is the Creator of all things
2) God is the Provider who gives humanity all that we need
3) God is the only Savior, who redeems and saves his people as described in the Bible.
This document provides an introduction to a catechism guide for members of the United Church of Zambia. It discusses who God is according to the Bible. The main points are:
1) God is the Creator of all things
2) God is the Provider who gives humanity all that we need
3) God is the only Savior, who redeems and saves his people as described in the Bible.
This document provides an introduction to a catechism guide for members of the United Church of Zambia. It discusses who God is according to the Bible. The main points are:
1) God is the Creator of all things
2) God is the Provider who gives humanity all that we need
3) God is the only Savior, who redeems and saves his people as described in the Bible.
(REVISED) A Guide for Catechumens Seeking Membership in the United Church of Zambia
i FOREWORD (BY THE SYNOD BISHOP) FORWARD
1 INTRODUCTION
1. This book is a guide for Catechumens, Catechumens’ Leaders and Church Members of the United Church of Zambia. It is hoped that Catechumens’ Leaders, Catechumens and Church Members will buy and study this book. It is recommended that anew convert to Christ- that is a person who has just given his/her life to Christ for the first time- should not begin his/her studies with this book. The new convert who has just become a Christian in an evangelist campaign or in some other way, needs special help and guidance. It is recommended that such a new convert should begin his/her studies with a specially prepared booklet of 8 Bible Studies entitled, ‘A NEW LIFE for New Convert to Christ.’ When these 8 studies together with daily Bible readings have been completed during a set period of 4 weeks, then the new convert may be ready to begin this larger book. 2. Read the ‘Contents’ page of this book carefully. Note the 4 sections and the topics you will be studying. 3. Study each Topic of this book at home. The 36 topics will be studied in your group at church. But for your HOMEWORK it would be good for each Catechumen and Church Member to study each topic again at home. Notice the following: 1. Opening Prayer: Begin your study at home with a prayer, asking God to help you. 2. Introduction: Where there are questions, see if you can answer them.
3. Main Points: Study the points carefully. Read the verses in your Bible. Where there are special commands from Christ, try to obey them in your life. • Topics 15a and 16 speak about repenting and giving yourself to Christ. You need Christ. Turn to Him and receive Him.
• Topic 15b tell of how to defeat temptations. Are you having trouble with temptations? • Topic 17 tells how to grow up in Christ. Read your Bible and pray every day. Are you doing that? • Topic 19 speaks about witnessing. Are you telling others about Jesus? • Topics 20 and 21 talk about serving God. How are serving God?
• Read topics 29 and 30 carefully. They speak about marriage. How are you preparing for marriage? • When you read Topic 35, you will see that the Christian need not fear death. 4. Summary: This gives the teaching of a whole topic in a few words. 5. Memory Work: The Catechumens and Church members must give much time to the memorising of Bible verses at home. Those who cannot read should have someone to teach them the verses.
a) Be sure to see the Index of Memory at the back of this book. There are 17 selections in all to be memorised.
2 b) The Catechumens and Church members should remember these 17 selections all of their lives. These are the verses they can use many times in helping others. Even the person who cannot read should
use John 3:16 and 1 John 1:9 in helping those in need. These verses speak of the love and forgiveness of God. c) When you memorise a Bible verse, also memorise where it is found in the Bible. For example, when you memorise Romans 3:23 you will say - ‘‘Romans 3:23-‘Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ 6. Discussion: You should try to answer all the questions. It would be helpful for you to write your answers in your notebook. 7. Closing Prayer: You will need to thank God for helping you and to remember the needs of others.
4. Things to Remember: a) From the Beginning of your study of this book, give your whole life to Jesus. - If you have not invited Christ into your heart, remember that he is waiting to come in. In prayer ask Christ to come into your life, so that God may make you His child. Obey Him in all things. b) Right from the beginning get yourself a Bible. - The Bible is your guide and you must have your own copy so that you can underline verses which you wish to remember. Also get yourself a notebook for taking down important facts. Some people prefer not to mark their Bibles but make notes in their notebook. You will also want to have your own copy of this book, ‘On Becoming a Christian.’ c) Do not wait until you complete this book to begin serving God.-
i) If you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, go out and tell others about Christ now. ii) Give part of your wages to God now. If you are not earning wages, try to give to God part of whatever money you receive. And if you are a farmer, give part of your farm produce to God. Many like to give one tenth of all that they receive to God.
iii) Ask your church leaders how you can help in the work of the church. d) Attend church worship every Sunday. e) Attend your catechumens group every week. f) Be sure you read the Bible and pray every day at home. – Follow daily a Bible reading guide such as those produced by Scripture Union. g) When you complete this book do not stop studying God’s Word. - You will want to join a Bible Study and a Prayer group in your church. A Christian must always be a learner – learning from Jesus. If you stop learning and praying, then you will be a very weak Christian indeed. When you complete this book you should have a fuller understanding of Christian living and loving – and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Hopefully you will have come closer to God through your prayers, your Bible reading and your service to others. If you do not seem to be walking in Jesus ways as you should, ask God to help you. Perhaps you need to confess some sin in your life. Perhaps you need to put right some wrong that you have done to another
3 person. Perhaps you are not trusting and obeying God. God loves you and He wants to help you. 5. If you are a Catechumens’ Leader, be sure to purchase the ‘HANDBOOK FOR CATECHUMENS’ LEADERS.’ This handbook has been especially prepared to help the leader to use this guide book –‘On Becoming a Christian.’
4 TABLE OF CONTENT
SECTION ONE: GOD AND YOU
Topic 1 – Who is God? Topic 2 – Jesus Christ (Part 1)
Topic 3 – Jesus Christ (Part 2)
Topic 4 – The Holy Spirit. Topic 5 – The Work of the Holy Spirit. Topic 6 – The Trinity
- The Apostle’s Creed.
Topic 7 – Who is a Human Being? Topic 8 – What has God done for Human Beings? Topic 9 – Doctrine of Sin Topic 10 – The Bible
Topic 11 – Baptism and Confirmation.
Topic 12 – Infant Baptism and Dedication. - The Mode of Baptism Topic 13 – The Church
Topic 14 – The United Church of Zambia
- The Doctrine - Rules and Regulations - Committees.
SECTION TWO: YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN
Topic 15 – Repentance
- Overcoming Temptation and Sin.
Topic 16 – Receiving and Trusting Jesus Christ. Topic 17 – Growing Up in Christ. Topic 18 –Prayer and Fasting 5 Topic 19 – Telling others about Christ.
Topic 20 – Christian Stewardship
- Utilising Your Talents - Entrepreneurship. Topic 21 – How can a Christian Serve God?
Topic 22 – Avoiding Sinful Habits
- Drink and Drugs - Premarital Sex - Issues of HIV/AIDS and STI’s. - Bad Company - Poor Dress Code Topic 23 – Giving Ourselves Fully to God. - Offering, Giving and Tithing. - Supporting the Mission of the Church.
SECTION THREE: UNDERSTANDING CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS
Topic 24 – The Christian and Friends.
- Dating and Courtship
- How to Relate to the Opposite Sex. Topic 25 – The Christian and His/ Her Neighbour. Topic 26 – Christian Fellowship
- Sections and Church Groups
Topic 27 – Knowing, Developing and Using Your Spiritual Gifts. Topic 28 – Discipleship Topic 29 – Christian Marriage
Topic 30 – Preparation for Christian Marriage
- Types of Marriage - Steps to take when preparing for Marriage. Topic 31 – The Christian Family Topic 32 – Christian Worship
- Sunday Worship as opposed to Sabbath
6 SECTION FOUR: THE CHRISTIAN AND THE FUTURE Topic 33 – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the Christian Hope.
Topic 34 – The Resurrection of the Body and Life after Death
Topic 35 – The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Topic 36 – The Judgement.
INDEX OF MEMORY WORK
APPENDIX - THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
CONTRIBUTORS
7 SECTION ONE: GOD AND YOU TOPIC 1- Who is God? __________________________________________________
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Who is God? Every language and people has its own name for God. There are many stories about what God does and what He is like. We can find out something about God as we look at the world which He has made. But how can we know who God really is? We come to know who God is as we read the Bible and especially as we see God’s Son, Jesus Christ, in the Bible. Jesus said, ‘He who has seen me has seen the Father (God).’ (John 14:9). 3. MAIN POINTS THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT GOD. WHO IS GOD? 1. God is the Creator – ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth….God created man in His own image.’ Read Genesis 1:1 and 27. 2. God is the Provider – God gives us all that we need. God said, ‘I have given you every plant…….and every tree with the seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.’ Read Genesis 1: 29. What does God give us? 3. God is the only Saviour – Read Isaiah 49: 26. God said, ‘I am the Lord your Saviour and your Redeemer.’ God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt. God was continually leading His people out of the hands of their enemies. In the New Testament we see God as our Saviour in His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus saves men from slavery of sin. 4. God is the Father – Read Matthew 6: 9-13. This is Jesus prayer to God our Father. It is called the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus says that God is our FATHER (Matthew 6:9). In this prayer, Jesus show how God loves us. He gives us food. He forgives our sins and He delivers us from evil. (Matthew 6:11-13). Who does Jesus say God is? (Our Father). 5. God is Holy – Read 1 Peter 1
8 6. God is Faithful- Read 4. WHAT IS GOD LIKE? 1. God is LOVE – Read 1 John 4: 8. God loved us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins. 2. God is GREAT – God has many names which tell us of His power and greatness: God Almighty (Genesis 17: 1), Judge (Genesis 18: 25), Lord (Exodus 6:2), Lord of lords (Deuteronomy 10:17), Most High (Deuteronomy 32:8), Eternal God (Deuteronomy 33:27), Holy One of Israel (Psalm 71:22), King (Psalm 84:3) and others. 5. SUMMARY
God is the Creator of the world. God is the Provider of all that we need. God is the Saviour of the world. God is the Father of His people. God is love. God is great. We come to know who God is as we find Him in the Bible and especially in the life of Jesus Christ.
6. MEMORY WORK – (The Lord’s Prayer.)
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed beThy Name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
7. DISCUSSION 7.1 How can you come to know who God is? 7.2 What do we find out about God in the first chapter of Genesis? 7.3 In what special way has God shown love to man? 7.4 What special name did Jesus give to God? Why do you like this name? 7.5 What are six names which the Bible gives to God?
8. CLOSING PRAYER:Name some of the things God has done for us. Let us thank God for these things. Let us pray-
9 TOPIC 2 - JESUS CHRIST(PART 1) 1. OPENING PRAYER.
2. INTRODUCTION It was not by chance that Jesus was born into this world. He came into this world for a special purpose. What was that purpose? Rad 1Timothy 1:15. ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 The birth of Jesus Christ – Read Matthew 1:20.21. Who was Jesus’ mother? Mary. ‘She will bear a son and you will call his name Jesus.’ (Matthew 1:21). Who WAS Jesus’ father? The Holy Spirit of God. ‘For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’ (Matthew 1:20). Therefore, Jesus was God and man.’ He was called ‘Jesus‘whichmeans ‘Saviour’, because He would ‘save his people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21).
3.2 The Life of Jesus on earth -
a) Jesus grew up in Nazareth in the home of Joseph and Mary. Joseph was a carpenter. b) At the age of 30 years Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Read Matthew 3:13. c) For three years Jesus taught people about God’s Kingdom; He healed the sick and delivered people from evil spirits. Read Matthew 4: 23-25. d) Jesus chose and trained twelve disciples to be His followers and to do His work. Read Mark 3: 14, 15. 3.3 The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross – Read Mark 15: 21-39. Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross and there He died. a) Why did Jesus die? Read 1 Peter 3: 18. ‘Christ……died for our sins….that He might bring us to God.’ He died for you to save you from your sins. b) Why did Jesus shed His blood? Because the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from all sin. (1 John 1: 7). c) Can any other person save you? Read John 14:6. Jesus alone can save you.
3.4 What should you do with Jesus Saviour? Believe in Him. Read Acts 16: 31. ‘Believe in the Lord and you will be saved.’
10 4. SUMMARY Jesus was born of a woman, Mary, and of the Holy Spirit of God. He was both God and man. He came into the world to save sinners. For three years He taught and healed people. Because of our sins He died on the cross, so that He might bring us to God. God’s Word encourages us to believe in Jesus.
5. MEMORY WORK
Acts 16: 30, 31– ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.’
6. DISCUSSION a) Who is Jesus Christ? (Matthew 1: 20, 21). b) Why did Jesus come into the world? (1 Timothy 1: 15). c) What was Jesus’ work during the three years before His Death? (Matthew 4: 23-25). d) Does God love sinners? How do you know? (Read Romans 5: 8). e) What should you do with Jesus? (Acts 16:31).
7. CLOSING PRAYER.
11 TOPIC 3 JESUS CHRIST(PART 2) 1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION In Topic 2 we looked at Jesus’ birth, life on earth and His death. Why did Jesus come into the world? Why did He die?
In Topic 3 we continue to look at Jesus. After He died, what happened to Him? Where is Jesus today? 3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 The burial of Jesus Read John 19:40-42.Following Jesus’ death on the cross, Jewish leaders took His body and laid it in a new tomb
3.2 The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead -
a) Read Mark 16: 1-7. Three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, women came to His tomb. It was the first day of the week (Sunday). They heard the wonderful news about- ‘He has risen, He is not here.’ (Mark 16:6). b) Death could not hold Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He rose up from the dead showing His great power over death, sin and Satan. Jesus is alive for evermore! Read Revelation 1: 17, 18. c) The Risen Christ was seen by over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15: 6). d) The Risen Chris appeared on earth for forty days (Acts 1: 3).
3.3The ascension (lifting up) of Jesus into Heaven –
a) Read Acts 1: 6-11. The Risen Christ talked with His disciples. Then, ‘He was Lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.’(Acts 1:9). This took place Forty days after He had risen from the dead. b) Where is Jesus today? He is in heaven with God, the Father. Jesus ‘was Taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.’ (Mark 16:19). c) What is Jesus Doing today He is working in our lives. He is praying for us (Hebrews 7: 25).
4. What should do with the risen Lord Jesus?
4.1 Confess (say) with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.’(Romans 10: 9). 4.2 Obey Him (John 14: 15).
5. SUMMARY After His death on the cross, Jesus was buried. Three days later He rose from the dead. The risen Jesus was seen by 500 people. After forty days He ascended into heaven. He continues to work in our lives. We must tell others that Jesus is Lord. We must obey Him.
6. MEMORY WORK
12 Romans 10: 9 – ‘If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.’
7. DISCUSSION 7.1 What happened to Jesus after He died on the cross? 7.2 Who raised Jesus from the dead? (Romans 10: 9). 7.3 Is Jesus alive for evermore? (Revelation 1: 17, 18). 7.4 For how many days did the risen Jesus appear on earth? (Acts 1:3). 7.5 Where is Jesus today? (Mark 16: 19). 7.6 What is Jesus doing today? (Hebrews 7: 25). 7.7 What should you do with the risen Lord Jesus? (Romans 10: 9, John 14: 15).
8. CLOSING PRAYER Thank God for the resurrection of Jesus. Thank God for Jesus’ victory over death, sin and Satan. Ask Him to help you to obey Him in all things.
13 TOPIC 4: THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION The Holy Spirit filled the followers of Jesus on the day of Pentecost. Who is the Holy Spirit? How can you receive the Holy Spirit? 3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 The Holy Spirit is the Breath of God. – In Genesis2: 7 Then the Lord formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living creature. 3.2 The Holy Spirit is God - In Acts5:3 Peter says that Ananias has lied to the ‘Holy Spirit.’ In Acts 5: 4 Peter says that Ananias has lied to‘God.’ This example and others shows that the Holy Spirit and God are one. 3.3 What is the Holy Spirit like? – a) He is Holy – Read John 14: 26. He is not like evil spirits. He is called ‘Holy’ because He is God Himself. b) He is a Person – The Holy Spirit is not a ‘thing.’ Read Acts 8: 29. The Holy Spirit speaks’ to Philip. A ‘thing’cannot speak. c) He cannot be seen – Read John 3: 8. The Spirit like the wing. You cannot see Him. On the day pf Pentecost the disciples were gathered all together in one place and suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind that filled the entire house where they sitting. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-2, 4). d) He is everywhere – You cannot hide from Him. Read Psalm 139: 7-10. ‘Whither shall I go from theSpirit. 3.4 The Holy Spirit has many names–Spirit of God (Genesis 1: 2), Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11: 2), Counsellor(John 14: 26), Spirit of truth(John 16: 13), Spirit of Christ(1 Peter 1: 11) and other names. It will be noted that the Holy Spirit appears in both Old and New Testaments of the Bible. 3.5 All people can receive the Holy Spirit – What must we do to receive the Holy Spirit? Repent and turn to Jesus Christ. Read Acts 2: 38, 39. All believers in Christ have received the Holy Spirit. 3.6 ‘Be filled with the Spirit’ – Read Ephesians 5: 18. As you obey God and give yourself more and more to Jesus then the Holy Spirit is able to fill more and more of your life.
4. SUMMARY The Holy Spirit is the Breath of God. He is God. He is a Person who is holy, cannot be seen and is everywhere. He has many names. When a man repents of his/ her sin and turns to Christ, he receives the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to be filled by the Holy Spirit.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW: Romans 3:23, Romans 6: 23 and John 3: 16.
14 6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Who is the Holy Spirit? 6.2 How do you know that the Holy Spirit is a Person? 6.3 What are the names given to the Holy Spirit? 6.4 Can all people receive the Holy Spirit? 6.5 What must you do to receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2: 38).
7. CLOSING PRAYER Read Ephesians 5: 18. Let us pray.-
15 TOPIC 5: THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT___________________________________________________________________ 1. OPENING PRAYER Let us thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and let us ask God, the Holy Spirit to lead us in our study. Let us pray. –
2. INTRODUCTION In Topic 4 we learned that the Holy Spirit is God and that He is everywhere. In Topic 5 we learn that the Holy Spirit is always at work in the life of a Christian. What does the Holy Spirit do in the life of a Christian? Let us look at the story of Pentecost.
The Bible story of how the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost – Read Acts 2: 1-21.
Christ’s followers were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 4). Peter, who had once denied Christ, now preached with great courage to many people about Jesus. The Holy Spirit had changed him. Peter was filled with great power to do the work of God.
3. MAIN POINTS WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO IN OUR LIVES? 3.1 He gives us power to be Jesus’ witnesses in all the world. Read Jesus’ words in Acts 1: 8. We can speak and live for Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. 3.2 He brings love, joy, peace and goodness to our lives. – Read Galatians 5: 22-23. As you live in Christ, the Holy Spirit produces good fruit in you. You will not want to sin. 3.3 He teaches us as Jesus taught His Disciples – Read Jesus’ words in John 14: 26. 3.4 He guides into truth - Read John 16: 13. 3.5 He gives different spiritual gifts (the ability and power to do special work for Him). If you have time in your group read 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 or read these verses at home.
4. SUMMARY The Holy Spirit gives us power to be Jesus’ witnesses. He brings love, joy, peace and goodness into our lives. He teaches us and guides us. He helps us to pray and He gives us spiritual gifts (ability) to do His work.
5. DISCUSSION 5.1 Name six things that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. 5.2 Peter received great power on the day of Pentecost. Do we see this power in Christians today? If not, why not? 5.3 Does the Holy Spirit ever show you what to do? In what ways does He help you? 5.4 What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5: 22-23). Do we see all this fruit in our lives?
6. CLOSING PRAYER Let us thank God for the fruit of the Holy Spirit. May this fruit ever be found in us – God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control. Let us pray – 16 TOPIC 6 THE TRINITY ___________________________________________________________________ 1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Christians speak to God as: 2.1 God, the Father; 2.2 God, the Son (Jesus Christ); 2.3 God, the Holy Spirit. Do we believe in three Gods? No.
3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 There is one God – Read Mark 12: 29. ‘……..the Lord is one.’ Also read Isaiah 43: 10.‘…..Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.’ 3.2 In the one God there are three Persons: a) The Father; b) The Son (Jesus Christ); c) The Holy Spirit. We call these three together ‘The Trinity.’ 3.3 Each person of the Trinity is God Himself – The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. This difficult to understand but the following story about ‘Mr John’ will help us partly to understand the meaning of the Trinity:
THE STORY OF A GOOD MAN CALLED MR. JOHN
Let us imagine that Mr John is your father. At home he loves and cares for you. He protects you and provides for your needs. But when he goes to his parents’ home, they say,‘ Oh here comes our son!’ There he is known as a son. However, when he goes to his church to teach his Bible Class, the people say,‘ The Teacher is here.’ At church he is the Bible teacher. Mr John is a father – he is a son – he is a teacher- but he is only ONE man and not three. This simple story helps us to understand in part how our ONE God can appear to us in three Persons – as Father as so – and as the Holy Spirit.
3.4 The three Persons of the Trinity appear together at Jesus’ baptism – Read Matthew 3: 13-17. Here we see clearly the three Persons of the Trinity, shown in three different ways. God the SON is being baptized and blessed. God the HOLY SPIRIT comes from heaven upon the Son. God the FATHER speaks from heaven about His Son. 17 3.5 The three Persons of the Trinity are named in our own baptism – Read Matthew 28: 19. Jesus says to baptize ‘in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ 3.6 The three Persons of the Trinity appear in Jude 20, 21. 3.7 The blessing of the three Persons of the Trinity appears in 2 Corinthians 13: 14. It is a blessing from God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit – our one great God.
4. SUMMARY There is only One God. In the one God, there are three persons- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We call these three together ‘the Trinity.’ Each of these Persons is God Himself. We are baptised ‘in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW: Revelation 3: 20; John 1: 12; Acts 1: 8.
6. THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead, I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Catholic church; the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen
7. DISCUSSION 7.1 By what word do we name the three Persons of God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? (Trinity). 7.2 How does the story of ‘Mr John’ help to explain that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are just ONE God? 7.3 Describe the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3: 13-17). What did the Holy Spirit do At baptism? (Matthew 3: 16). What did God, the Father, say? (Mathew 3: 17).
8. CLOSING PRAYER Let us give thanks for God’s love and care through the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
18 TOPIC 7 WHO IS A HUMAN BEING?
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Today in the world we find wars in many countries. There is even quarrelling in many homes. Would you say human being is good? Discuss briefly.
3. MAIN POINTS WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TELL US ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS? 3.1 Human beings are created by God. God made human beings gave them life. Read Genesis 2: 7. Without God human beings cannot live. 3.2 Human beings are created in GOD’S IMAGE (LIKENESS). This means that human Beings are made like God. Read Genesis 1: 27. 3.3 Human beings have been GIVEN A VERY HIGH PLACE by God. God has given humans power over all creatures and appointed them to care for the world. Read Genesis 1: 28. 3.4 Human beings have FALLEN. They have failed to use God’s power to honour and Please Him. Humans were made to be friends of God but they CHOSE to go their own way. This is sin. Read Romans 3: 12.
The story of the Tower of Babel is a Bible example of human beings and sin. Read Genesis 11: 1- 9. This story tells us that God had given power and knowledge to humans but they had misused these things. They knew how to burn bricks and how to build. It was good that they should plan a city where they could live together, a place where they could have shelter and comfort. But as well as doing well, the people did evil. They said. ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for or selves… (Genesis 11: 4). The people were trying to make themselves into gods by climbing up into heaven with their tower. They had the sin of pride and selfishness. They chose to go their own way.
What is your sin?
Who has fallen? Who has sinned? Read Romans 3: 23. What are the wages (the results) of sin? Read Romans 6: 23. 3.5 Human beings need SALVATION. Humans need help. They have lost and Separated from God. Jesus can save them. ‘For the Son of humans (Jesus) came to seek and to save the lost.’ (Luke 19: 10).
4. SUMMARY Human beings have been created by God in His image or likeness. God has given humans a high place of honour and responsibility to care for the world. Humans have fallen and have failed to please God. They need help. Only Jesus can help them.
19 5. MEMORY WORK Romans 3: 23 – ‘Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’
Romans 6: 23 – ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 The people who built the tower of Babel misused the thing God had given them. They wanted praise for themselves (Genesis 11: 4). Give four examples of how humans misuse the things God has given them. 6.2 Humans are made in the image of God. What does this mean? 6.3 Humans have fallen. What does it mean? 6.4 What is sin? 6.5 What are some of the sins of human beings? 6.6 Who can help human beings?
7. CLOSING PRAYER Let us ask Jesus to help us in our need. Let us pray.-
20 TOPIC 8 WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR HUMAN BEINGS? ___________________________________________________________________________ 1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION The Bible from the beginning to the end, tells us what God has done for human beings. Name some of the things that God has done for us.
3. MAIN POINTS
WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR HUMAN BEINGS?
3.1 God created humans in His own image and provided for their needs. Read Genesis 1: 27 -29. 3.2 God prepared Abraham and his people to be a nation which would guide all Humans. Read Genesis 12: 1, 2. God said to Abraham, I will make of you a great nation.’ And in Acts 3: 25 we read that God said to Abraham, ‘in your posterity (descendants) shall all the families be blessed. 3.3 God gave His Laws to Moses, so that human beings would know how to please Him. At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments. There were rules to teach them the right way to live. 3.4 God sent the prophets to call human beings back to Himself. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah and many more prophets called people to repent of their sins and return to God. 3.5 God sent His own Son, Jesus Christ to give human beings new life. Read John 3:16. How do you know that God loves you? Because He has given you a Saviour, His Son, to bring you out of sin into new life. 3.6 God gave the Holy Spirit to human beings in order to strengthen andguide them. Read Acts 1: 8 and Jon 16: 13. 3.7 God in Christ is preparing a place for human beings in heaven. Read John 14: 1-3.
4. SUMMARY God created human beings in His own image. He prepared Abraham and his people to be a blessing to all humans. He gave Laws to Moses for the people. He sent prophets to guide humans. God sent His Son to give humans new life. He gave the Holy Spirit to strengthen and lead them. And God in Christ is preparing a place for human beings in heaven.
5. MEMORY WORK John 3: 16 -‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Abraham and his family were sent to a new land. What was God going to do with Abraham and his family? 6.2 Why did God give the Ten Commandments to Moses? 6.3 Why did God send out the prophets? 6.4 Why did God give His only Son to the people of the world? 21 6.5 Why has God sent the Holy Spirit to human beings? 6.6 Do you think God loves human beings? Why do you say this? 6.7 What has God done for you?
7. CLOSING PRAYER Let us pray silently – thanking God for the thing He has done for us. Then sing together one verse of a hymn of praise.
22 TOPIC 9DOCTRINE OF SIN
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS SIN? Let us look at Genesis 3: 1-12.
The passage talks about God having forbidden the tree of Good and Evil. But because the serpent was clever, it cunningly told Eve to eat the fruit which was forbidden and so committed sin. From Genesis 3: 23-24, the Lord burnished them from the Garden.
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 What does it mean to sin?
To sin means to go against the Law of God. God has given us the Law to follow each time you do not live accordingly, then you are sinning against God. It also mean offending our fellow members. Read James 4: 17-’so whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for it is sin.’ Sin is that which says, do not do and think according to the Law. Of God.
3.2 What are the consequences of sin?
a) Just as God burnished them from the Garden, means God will not be responsible over certain things of our life. We are bound to lose our blessings and become cursed. b) God said that you will surely die when you eat from the tree of god and evil. So sin brings in eternal death. According to Romans 6: 23- The wages of sin of sin is death. c) Sin causes our relationship with God and one another to be broken and hence results into spiritual death. Just like a fish can’t live without water, so we can’t live without God (Isaiah 59: 1-13). d) Sin causes us to fall from glory. All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3: 23). The glory of God makes us have the relationship and beauty of being God’s children.
4. SUMMARY Sin puts us in awkward position. It deprives us of our blessings and inheritance God has given to man. Genesis 4: 6-7 tells us to do right and to master sin.
5. MEMORY WORK Romans 6: 23 – for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is sin? 23 6.2 What are the consequences of sin? 6.3 How can we that we have sinned? 6.4 How can we avoid sin?
7. CLOSING PRAYER In silent prayer, each catechumen to look deeply into their own lives and ask God to help them overcome sin. Then say the prayers that all can hear. One or two catechumens could prayer thanking God for showing them the way to eternal life.
24 TOPIC 10 THE BIBLE
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION More Bibles are sold in the world than any other book. In Zambia the Bible, or parts of the Bible, is printed in many languages. Why do so many people want to read the Bible? The Bible brings comfort, strength and wisdom to people everywhere.
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 What is the Bible? – The Bible is the book that tells us about God and His way for all the people. The Bible means ‘the Books’. In the Bible, there are 66 books. The Bible is divided into two parts- a) The Old Testament, and b) The New Testament. The Old Testament tells the story of God and the Jewish people from the time of creation up to 400 years before Christ was born. The New Testament tells the story of Jesus and of the Jews and Gentiles at the time of Jesus’ birth and following that time.
3.2 Who wrote the Bible? - God used men to write the Bible….. Moses, David, Isaiah, Luke, Paul and others. God Himself through the Holy Spirit gave men power and Help to do this writing. Read 2 Peter 1: 21. ‘Men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.’ Read 2 Timothy 3: 16. ‘All scripture is inspired by God.’
Look at the example of Jeremiah the prophet. ‘The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord ……’ Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.’ (Jeremiah 30:1, 2).
3.3 What is the main teaching of the Bible? – The Bible teaches us about God’s plan Of salvation a new life as found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament looks forward to the coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ). The New Testament tells the story of how Jesus Christ came and saved us from our sins. The Bible tells of God’s Commandments and rue for living day by day.
3.4 When should you read the Bible? – Every morning is a good time and at other Times. Read it alone and with your family. Read the Bible when you need guidance (Psalm 119: 105). Read the Bible when you are tempted (Psalm 119: 11). Read the Bible when you are weak and discouraged (Psalm 23: 1). Read it when you want to praise God (Psalm 150: 1).
3.5 How should you read the Bible? – Pray first, and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare Your heart, so that God can speak clearly to you from His word. Pray again after you have read His word. You will want to memorise important verses.
25 Buy yourself a Bible as soon as possible. Read through a whole book like the Gospel of Mark. Use a daily Bible reading guide such as those prepared by Scripture Union. Join a Bible Group in your church. Those who cannot read can listen to others reading the Bible.
4. SUMMARY The Bible is the book that tells us about God and His way for all the people – the Way of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Bible contains 66 books written by men of God. All people should read or hear the Bible daily in order to find strength and guidance.
5. MEMORY WORK Begin today to memorise the names of the books in the Bible- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, etc. This week learn all the names from Genesis to Esther. To help you in memorising, see the Appendix to Topic 10 – The Bible.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is the Bible? 6.2 Who wrote the Bible? 6.3 What is the main teaching of the Bible? 6.4 When should you read the Bible? 6.5 How should you read the Bible? 6.6 Are you reading your Bible? How often do you read it?
7. CLOSING PRAYER The Bible is a book of great hope and blessing for every day. Let us give thanks to God for His wonderful word.
26 TOPIC 11BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION We all look forward with joy to the day of our Baptism or Confirmation. On that day before God and God’s people, we speak publicly of our faith and love for Jesus and our desire to follow Him forever.
The minister will ask us about our faith. He will say words something like this: ‘Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and as your Saviour?’ You will reply: ‘I do so believe.’ And then the minister will say something like this: ‘Will try with the help of God to walk in the ways of Jesus al the days of your life?’
You will reply: ‘I do so promise, God being my helper.’ Then the minister will baptize or confirm you. Do you know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord? Are you read to walk in His ways at all times? Do you think that you are ready for Baptism or Confirmation? 3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 Baptism and Holy Communion are the two Sacraments of the United Church – Christ commanded that all Christians should be baptized and take part in Holy Communion. 3.2 Baptism is a sign of entry into the Christian faith and the church- Read Matthew 28: 19. Jesus says, ‘…..Make disciples …….baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Jesus Himself was baptized. Read Matthew 3: 13-17. 3.3 Before we are baptized, we need to repent of our sins and trust in Jesus. Read About baptism on the day of Pentecost. Read acts 2: 37 – 42. Peter said, ‘Repent and be baptised……in the name of Jesus Christ…’ At the time of our baptism we speak of our faith in Jesus publicly. 3.4 We are baptised with WATER. Sometimes water is poured on the head and Sometimes we go right under the water in a river or lake or some other place. There is nothing magic in baptism. The water itself does not save us or change us. Our baptism in water is an outward sign of our new life in Christ. The important thing is that we have Christ living within us. 3.5 The WATER of baptism can help us to understand the meaning of baptism. a) WATER is used in WASHING and so baptism is a sign that we are CLEANSED from our sins by God. Read Ezekiel 36: 25. b) GOING UNDER the WATER in baptism is a sign of dying to the old life and being BURIED. COMING UP from the WATER is a sign of RESURRECTION to the new life in Christ. Read Romans 6: 3, 4. c) WATER is a sign of LIFE, as without water, we die. The water in baptism is a sign that we receive new life in Christ. 3.6 We baptise children, praying that God’s blessing will especially be with them. Even before a little child knows God and can love Him, God already loves the child. At the child’s baptism, parents give themselves a new to God, so that in their home the child will be blessed and surrounded by the love of Christ. Christian parents, therefore, bring their children to be
27 baptized, confessing their own faith in Jesus and promising to help their children to grow in Jesus’ ways. 3.7 Confirmation is for those who were baptized as little children. When we are old enough to understand, we think about Christ’s ways and of the baptism we had as a child when our parents brought us to be baptised. Before seeking Confirmation, we repent and turn from our sins, trusting in Jesus Christ. In the Confirmation service, we speak publicly of our faith in Christ and promise to follow Him all of our life. The minister lays hands on our heads. As we give ourselves to Christ, the Holy Spirit strengthens us.
4. INFANT BAPTISM AND DEDICATION
Infant Baptism is a solemn obligation of the parents to present their children to Christ for baptism. It claims for the children of Christ’s redeeming work and signifies their admission into the visible community of the His church. Parents thereby dedicate them to God and pledge at a service of public worship and bring them up in the nurture and love of God. Before baptism, parents receive lessons related to baptism. Normally the sacrament is administered in the church by an ordained Minister. Infants can either be baptised by water or dedicated.
5. THE MODE OF BAPTISM
The children are baptised by sprinkling of water on the heads of children. Then a cross is made on the forehead of the child saying, “(Name of the child), I baptise you in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy spirit.” This is a sign of new life in the Lord. Read Mark 10: 13-16. Parents brought their children to Jesus that He might touch them. And He took them in His hands and blessed them, laying His hands upon them. This is called dedication. This kind of baptism is done without water. A Baptismal Roll book shall be kept for all baptised children and the officiating Minister shall see that the parents receive a Certificate of Baptism.
6. SUMMARY Baptism is a sign of entry into the Christian faith and the church, given to us by Jesus. Before we are baptized, we need to repent f or sins and to trust in Jesus. At baptism, we speak of our faith publicly. We are baptized with water. We baptize children and pray that God’s blessing will especially be with them. Confirmation is for those who were baptized as little children and who are prepared to speak of their faith publicly. Children are welcomed into the visible church through water baptism or dedication.
7. MEMORY WORK REVIEW the Apostle’s Creed. (See Topic 6).
8. DISCUSSION 8.1 Why do you want to be baptized or conformed? 8.2 Can the water baptism save you or save a baby/ who can save you? 8.3 The person who is coming for baptism is one saying, ‘I have turned away from my sin and I am trusting in Christ.’ Is this true of you? 8.4 In baptism you are saying publicly to all people, I belong to Jesus. I wish to be His follower in all things. Is this true of you?
28 9. CLOSING PRAYER Let us ask God to prepare us for the day of our baptism or confirmation. Let us pray.
TOPIC 12HOLY COMMUNION
1. OPENING PRAYER Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Saviour and Redeemer. He paid the price through His death by the shedding of His blood. Forgive us Lord for our selfishness and lack of love. Cleanse us and renew us in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
2. INTRODUCTION All over the world in thousands of churches, Christians gather for Holy Communion to remember the death of Jesus Christ. Why should we remember Jesus’ death in this way?
3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 What is Holy Communion? a) It is a command that was given by Jesus to the believers (Luke 22: 14-20). b) It is a sacrament in which we receive the grace of God as we take the bread and wine at the Lord’s Table prepared during the church service. c) It is the divine service in which Christians remember the Passover and Christ’s death on the Cross. d) It is coming together of Christians in Holy Fellowship.
3.2 How did Holy Communion Begin? It began with Jesus Christ on the night before He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot (1 Corinthians 11: 23). He had to demonstrate His crucifixion even when He knew that His disciples would not understand what He meant. Christ met His disciples in an Upper room in Jerusalem. This was to be His Last Supper with them before He died. Read Matthew 26: 26-30. 3.3 What is the Significance of Holy Communion?
a) Jesus gave details of the Nutritional value of His flesh when He told His disciples: ‘This is the bread which cometh down from heaven that a man may eat thereof and not die.’ (John 6: 50-51).
The promise of eternal life to believers.
b) The blood of Jesus is God’s antinodes for sin. In Hebrews 9: 13-14, we read that: ‘For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctified to the purifying of the flesh. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God’
3.3)what does the broken bread mean?‘Jesus took BREAD, and blessed, and broke it and then gave it to the disciples saying, ‘Take, eat this is MY BODY’
(Matthew 26:26). The broken bread is a symbol (sign) of Jesus’ broken body – pierced by nails on the cross. The broken bread tells us that Jesus died for our sins 29 3.4) what does the wine mean? Jesus ‘took a CUP (of wine), and when He had Given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you; for this is MY BLOOD of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ (Matthew 26: 27, 28). The cup of wine is a symbol of Jesus’ blood poured out for us. The blood means forgiveness for all who Repent and believe in Jesus. 3.5 Why should we come to Holy Communion to remember Jesus? Because Jesus commands us to do so. Read 1 Corinthians 11: 24, 25. Also, because We want to remember Go’s love for us shown through Jesus Christ’s death For us.
3.6 What do we do at Holy Communion?
a) We repent of our sins. b) We give thanks to God for His great love to us which we find in Jesus Christ who died for us. c) We give ourselves anew to Christ, remembering He rose from the dead And is our Lord forever. d).We receive bread and wine, remembering that Jesus gave His life for us. 3.7 How should we come to the Lord’s Table? Read 1 Corinthians 11; 27 -30. If We are not willing to repent of our sins, and if we are not seeking to love People, then it would be unwise to come to the Lord’s Table. Let us come
4. SUMMARY Holy Communion is a sacrament in which we receive bread and wine at the Lords Table and remember Christ’s death on the cross. The bread is a symbol of Christ’s body which was broken for us. The wine is a symbol of Christ’s blood which was poured out for us. The blood means forgiveness for all who repent and believe in Jesus. We come to Christ’s table with repentant and thankful hearts.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW the Lord’s Prayer ( See Topic 1), Romans 3: 23 and Romans 6: 23 ( See Topic 9), John 3 : 16 ( See Topic 7), Acts 16: 30, 31 ( See Topic 2 ), Romans 10 : 9 ( See Topic 3). 6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Why should we remember Jesus’ death in a Holy Communion service? 6.2 What is Holy Communion? 6.3 How did Holy Communion begin? 6.4 What does the broken bread mean? 6.5 What does the wine mean?
30 6.6 What do we do at Holy Communion? 6.7 How should we come to the Lord’s Table?
7. CLOSING PRAYER Read Isaiah 53: 5, 6 and then pray. TOPIC 13 THE CHURCH
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION When someone says, ‘The church’, what do you think of? A church building? A group of Christians? A Sunday service? What really is the church?
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 What is the church?
a) It is the FAMILY OF GOD. It is the family of all people who believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. The church is ‘God’s own people’ (1 Peter 2: 9).
b) It is the BODY OF CHRIST. ‘For by one Spirit we were all baptized into ONE BODY - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free….’ (1 Corinthians 12: 13). ‘Christ is the HEAD of the church, HIS BODY and is himself its Saviour’ ( Ephesians 5: 23) c) It is a holy WORLDWIDE FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS IN CHRIST. In the Apostles’ Creed we say, ‘I believe in the holy Catholic Church.’ It is ‘holy’ because it is God’s and is made by Him through Jesus Christ. It is ‘Catholic’ because there is only one church in the world. The word ‘Catholic’ means worldwide. Roman Catholics sometimes call themselves simply ‘Catholics’, but The Roman Church is only part of the Catholic Church. 3.2 How did the church begin? a) Jesus called people to be with Him. He said, ‘ Come to me’ (Matthew 11: 28) Jesus looked forward to the day of Pentecost when His church (His family of believers) would begin its work with power. b) The church was truly born on the day of Pentecost. Read Acts 2: 1-4. The believers were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2: 37-41. About three thousand people became members of the church at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. 3.3 What was this first Jerusalem church like? Read Acts 2: 42-47. Here is a church Full of power! The Christians lived faithfully in the ‘apostles’ teaching, fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers’ (Acts 2: 42). Day by day they attended the temple together. They praised God! ‘And the Lord added their number day by day those who were being saved’ (Acts 2: 47). If your church full of power like this? If not, why not? 3.4 The church spread out into the whole world. Paul and other helped to bring the church into different parts of Asia and Europe. We read in Acts of an Ethiopian becoming a Christian. And so, day by day, year by year, the church has moved into the whole world. 3.5 What is the work of the church? a) Worshipping God;
31 b) Caring for all the people in the church; c) Preaching Good News to the people everywhere; d) Serving the world’s needy.
4. SUMMARY The church is the family of God, the body of Christ and a holy worldwide Christian Fellowship. The church was born on the day of Pentecost and since that day it has spread out into the whole world. The church worships God and seeks to serve all people.
5. MEMORY WORK– The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is the church? 6.2 How did the church begin? 6.3 What was the first Jerusalem church like? 6.4 What is the work of the church? 6.5 What can you do to help in the work of your own church? 6.6 To learn more about other churches, such as the Anglican and Baptists, etc. you could visit other churches as a group and you could talk to members of other churches.
7. CLOSING PRAYER Sing a hymn and then pray for the church of Christ throughout the world.
32 TOPIC 14: THE UNITED CHURCH OF ZAMBIA
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION We call our church ‘The United Church of Zambia.’ Are we united? Are we one in Christ? Do we love one another?
3. MAIN POINTS
THIS IS THE STORY OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF ZAMBIA
The people of this church came from different tribes, different races, different provinces, different countries and different churches.
3.1 Our hope is to be one in Christ. In this Topic, let us remember that Jesus has called us into one family – the family of God. This is the church. Jesus wants us to be a family of love – love for one another. The differences we find in our different tribes and races are not important. Read Galatians 3: 25-28. ‘ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor master, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ ( Galatians 3: 28). Now let us begin the story of our church in Zambia – when the missionaries first brought the Good News. 3.2 The Good News of Jesus came to Zambia. Before the year 1900 missionaries Began to come to Zambia from other countries to speak about Jesus. Mission Churches, schools and hospitals began to appear in many parts of the country. 3.3 Christians of different tribes and races came to live in Zambia’s Copper belt. From the year 1927 the copper mines began to give employment and Christian were among those who came to new towns. They came from different provinces of Zambia and from different countries. These Christians of different tribes, races and churches began to worship TOGETHER on the Copper belt. Here was the beginning of a united church. 3.4 A new group called ‘United Missions on the Copper belt’ conducted, schools and welfare programmes on the Copper belt. In the year 1935 teachers, social workers and others from the Church of Scotland, London Missionary Society and the Anglican Church came TOGETHER as a United Mission to teach and do welfare work in four mining towns. There were no government schools. 3.5 The Christians plan for church union. ‘The United Missions on the Copper belt’ Helped church leaders to see the need of forming a United Church. Church members from different parts of Zambia had already been worshipping together since they came to the Copper belt. After 1940, church leaders began to plan for a United Church. It meant bringing together Christians of different tribes, different languages and different missions. In 1945, the Church of Scotland congregations (of the Northern Province) came together with the London Missionary Society congregations (of the Northern and Luapula provinces) and a number of African congregations on the Copper belt, to form the Church of Central Africa in Rhodesia (C.C.A.R.). In 1953, missionaries of the United Church of Canada began to serve the church in Zambia and to help in the planning of church union.
33 In 1958, the European Free Churches of the Copperbelt joined with the African congregations of the C.C.A.R. To form the United Church of Central Africa in Rhodesia (U.C.C.A.R.). 3.6 The United Church of Zambia( U.C.Z.) came into being on the 16th of January 1965 at Mindolo, Kitwe. This church union came soon after the coming of independence to the Republic of Zambia. Following prayer and years of hard work, three churches came together to form the U.C.Z.: a) The Church of Barotseland(established by the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society of France and Switzerland) working amongst the Lozi people and other tribes of the Western province. b) The Zambia District of the Methodist Church (establishedby the Methodist Missionary Society of Britain) working amongst the three related tribes of the Bantu- Botatwe of the central and Southern provinces, namely Lenje, Ila and Tonga (and other tribes). c) The United Church of Central Africa in Rhodesia working in the Northern, Luapula and Copperbelt provinces amongst such tribes as the Bemba, Namwanga, Mambwe, Lungu, Lunda and other tribes including those from Southern Tanzania and Malawi, etc. NOTE:
European and Asian Christians are also found in the U.C.Z.
United Church of
Central Africa
In Rhodesia
Church UNITED CHURCH
16 January 1965 Of OF Barotseland ZAMBIA
Zambia District
Of the
Methodist Church
We thank God for the union of 16th January, 1965. Let us ask God to help us to grow in His Spirit.
3.7 The new church and its organization (see picture – plan on the previous page). The Synod is the chief council of the U. C. Z. with its officers – the Synod Bishop, the General Secretary and others – such as the Health Secretary, Education Secretary, Communication
34 Secretary, Community Development and Social Justice Secretary, and Mission and Evangelism Secretary, etc.
The Presbytery is a council which can cover an area as large as a province. The Presbytery Bishop is its leader. There are ten Presbyteries in different parts of Zambia. Presbyteries are responsible to Synod.
The Consistory covers an area smaller than a Presbytery. There are a number of consistories in each Presbytery. The Consistory is responsible to the Presbytery.
The Congregational Council is the council which guides the local church. There are a number of Congregational Councils in each Consistory. The council is responsible to the Consistory.
3.8 Leaders and Leadership Training in the U. C. Z.
Congregations of the U. C. Z. are led by ministers together with Deacons and Deaconesses. Elders, stewards, Ly Preachers, Sunday school teachers and other leaders such as Committee Convenors all assist in the leadership of the U. C. Z. congregations. The U. C. Z. trains its own ministers, deacons and deaconesses and gives lay training to many others. 3.9 Life and Work of the U. C. Z. Worship is the main work of the church. Choirs play ab important part in this worship. The church encourages group activities in the Men’s Christian Fellowship (M. C. F.), Women’s Group, Prayer Bible Study Groups (Section Groups), Sunday Schools and other youth groups such as Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade. Open are evangelistic services and house to house visitations are conducted in many parts of Zambia. 3.10 Social Outreach of the U.C.Z. The U. C. Z. has one University, four Secondary
35 Schools, an Agricultural Training College and an Agricultural Training Centre. The church still carries on some medical work. The U.C.Z. is concerned with Christian citizenship and seeks to play its part in the social needs of Zambia.
Note: It is encouraging to remember that the U.C.Z. does not serve alone. There are many other Christian churches which are reaching out to the needs of Zambia.
4. SUMMARY All Christians are one in Christ Jesus. Differences of race, tribe and language must take to our oneness in Christ. The United Church of Zambia came into being on the 16th January, 1965, uniting Christians of different tribes, races and missions into one church. The United Church has an evangelistic and social outreach in the nation.
DOCTRINE The United Church of Zambia hold the faith which the church has ever held in Jesus Christ; the Redeemer of the world, in whom we are saved by grace through faith and in accordance with the revelation of God, which He made, being Himself God incarnate. The United Church of Zambia worship one God – The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, the UCZ accept the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament and the Creeds commonly called the ‘Apostles’ and the ‘Nicene’ as witnessing to and guarding that faith experienced in the spiritual experience of the church of Jesus Christ.
In addition, the UCZ believes that all human beings are sinners hence, in need of salvation by the grace of God through the redeeming work of the Holy Spirit. The church celebrates two sacraments – the Baptism and the Holy Communion although the divine grace cannot be limited.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The United Church of Zambia came up with its Rules and Regulations which are amended any time by Synod or Synod Executive meeting. They provide determinative guide to the interpretation and implementation of the Constitution throughout the UCZ.
Furthermore, the Rules and Regulations are normally called the SRR- ‘Synod Rules and Regulations’ followed by a number. For instance:
SRR 76: Approval for building projects. In the case of a capital building project that costs K25, 000, full details are submitted to Synod and obtain approval before construction can begin. SRR 84: Declaration to be signed by all church treasurers and by those handling funds on behalf of the church. It should be made before taking office if possible at a service of worship or meeting of any committee.
COMMITTEES
36 The life and work of the UCZ is in committees. Worship is the main work of the church. Choirs and Praise Teams playan important role in this worship. The members participate in the daily running of the church through various committees and groups at all courts of the church.
The following are some of the committees of the church: La Preachers; Stewardship; Doctrine, Worship and Evangelism; Christian Training; Church Planning and Development Projects; Finance; Community Development and Social Justice. Other committees may be formed as when the need be.Open air evangelism campaign and door to door or house to house visitations are conducted in all ten presbyteries of the church.
In addition, the church has main church groups such as
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW: The Apostles Creed (See Topic 6). 1. DISCUSSION 1.1 How successful have we been in the United Church of Zambia to be one in Christ And to love one another? 1.2 Explain the meaning of Galatians 3: 28. 1.3 In what year did the United Church of Zambia come into being? 1.4 What three churches joined one another in the United Church of Zambia? 1.5 What is the chief council of the United Church of Zambia? 1.6 What is the work of the United Church of Zambia? 1.7 How can we help our church to be stronger in its witness for Jesus in Zambia?
2. CLOSING PRAYER Let us read Galatians 3: 28. Let us ask God to help us to love one another and all people everywhere. Let us pray.
37 SECTION TWO: YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN
TOPIC 15 : REPENTANCE 1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION What does it mean to repent? Let us look at the Bible story of the Lost Son. Read Luke 15: 11-24. This story tells of a man who had two sons. The younger son went away from his father and wasted his life in selfishness and sin (Luke 15: 13). Because of his sin he suffered in body and in spirit (Luke 15: 14-16). Truly this son was lost. Then he repented. He turned away from his son and came back to his father and said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you……’ (Luke 15: 20, 21). His father received him with great joy. The son found blessing because he had repented.
3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 What does it mean to repent? To repent means to turn away completely from your sins and to come to God. In Luke 15: 20, 21 we see how the lost son repented. 3.2 Why must you repent? Because we are commanded to repent. ‘God…..Command all human beings everywhere to repent’ (Acts 17: 30). Remember ‘the wages of sin is death.’ Read Romans 6: 23. Therefore repent of your sin. 3.3 Who must repent? All people. Because all have sinned. Read Romans 3: 23 3.4 Can you see your sins? It is difficult to repent if you cannot see your sins. Read Galatians 5: 19-21. What are your sins? ‘Immorality’ or ‘jealousy’ or ‘anger’ or ‘selfishness’ or ……? Are you loving and kind like Jesus with all people? 3.5 How do you repent? a) In prayer ask God to forgive you for your sins. God will forgive you and Cleanse you. Read 1 John 1: 9. Trust in God’s Word. c) Put things right with other people you have wronged e.g. your wife, Your husband, your children, your parents and others. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I am sorry. Please forgive me.’ Pay up your debts. Read Matthew 5: 24, 25.
4. OVERCOMING TEMPTATION AND SIN
Many people say we must sin and tell lies because we are only people and not God. Do you think a Christian can overcome temptation and sin? Jesus says, ‘You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Matthew 5: 48). God does not want to live in sin. This topic will help to show you how to overcome temptation and sin.
4.1 Sin, Satan and Temptation
a) What is sin? Sin is when you go against God and His ways. Sin is when you put yourself and your own will before God and His will. b) Who is Satan? Satan is the devil. He is an enemy of God and man. He tries to tempt man and lead him into sin.
38 c) What is temptation? Temptation is not sin. And to be tempted is not sin. It is only sin when you yield (give way) to temptation and disobey God. Temptation is the invitation to sin. 4.2 Jesus was tempted but He did not sin. Read Matthew 4: 1- 11. Here Jesus Was tempted three times. Bu each time Jesus refused Satan and He used God’s Word against Satan. Finally the devil left Him. 4.3 Here are some ways to overcome temptation and sin: a) Remember Jesus’ example and how He refused Satan. All Christians must refuse (resist) the devil. Read Jams 4: 7. Ask Jesus to help. b) Leave sin and sinful ways. Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 22. ‘Abstain (keep yourself away) from every form of evil.’ Trust Jesus to keep you from telling lies, from getting angry, from being jealous and doing other sinful things. c) Leave all temptations. In Genesis 39: 12, Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph, a man of God. ‘She caught him by his garment, saying, and ‘Lie with me.’ But he ……fed and got out of the house.’ Joseph overcame because he ran away from temptation. A Christian must ran away from every temptation. d) Read your Bible. God’s Word will strengthen you in times of temptation. Read Psalm 119: 11. e) Pray. Read Luke 22: 40. And if you sin, tell Jesus, seeking His forgiveness and cleansing. Read 1 John 1:9. f) Keep busy for God. When you are lazy or when think only of your own pleasures, then the devil can easily tempt you. Work for God and He will help to keep you pure.
5. SUMMARY To repent means to turn away completely from your sins and to come back to God. God commands all human beings everywhere to repent of their sins. Sin is when you go against God and human beings. Satan is the enemy of God and human beings. Temptation is his invitation to sin. Jesus was tempted but He did not sin. Equally human beings are commanded to confess their sins and put things right with others. Here are some ways to overcome sin: a) Follow Jesus’ example, b) Leave sinful ways, c) Leave the devil and his temptation, d) Read your Bible, e) Pray, f) Work for God.
6. MEMORY WORK 1 John 1: 9 – ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ James 4: 7–‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.’
7. DISCUSSION 7.1 What does it mean to repent? 7.2 Why must you repent? 7.3 Who must repent? 39 7.4 How do you repent? How did the lost son show his repentance? (Luke 15: 20, 21). 7.5 If you have wronged your brother/ sister, is it enough to ask God to forgive you? Do you need to go to your brother/ sister and ask for forgiveness? Why? 7.6 Is temptation sin? What did Jesus do when He was tempted? (Matthew 4:1-11). 7.7 When you are tempted what should you do? 7.8 Can Jesus keep you from telling lies and from getting angry? 7.9 How did Joseph overcome temptation? (Genesis 39: 12). 7.10 What are five ways in which you can overcome temptation and sin?
3. CLOSING PRAYER In silent prayer, let each catechumen seek God’s forgiveness for his /her sins. Let us read 2 Thessalonians 3: 3. May we thank God for keeping us away from evil? Let us pray - In prayers that all can hear, one or two catechumens could pray giving thanks to God for His forgiveness and cleansing through Christ.
40 TOPIC 16 RECEIVING AND TRUSTING JESUS
1. OPENING PRAYER Pray that the Holy Spirit will meet with everyone in your group.
2. INTRODUCTION This topic is very important. Give it much thought, time and prayer. We saw in Topic 15 that we must repent and turn away completely from our sins. In Topic 16 we see that the only way to become a Christian is to be born into God’s family.
3. MAIN POINTS
HOW CAN YOU BE BORN INTO GOD’S FAMILY?
3.1 You must do more than just think about Jesus. You may know that you are a sinner. You may know that Jesus died for you. But this is not enough to save you. Read James 2: 19. ‘Even the demons believe’ – but they are not Christians. 3.2 You must do more than just go to church. The Pharisees often went to worship but many of them did not receive Jesus. Church going and other good works(deeds) in themselves, will not make you a Christian. Read Ephesians 2: 8, 9. You are saved ‘not because of works.’ 3.3 You must receive Jesus into your life, because Jesus alone can bring you into God’s family. Read carefully John 1: 12. ‘But to all who received him (Jesus), who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God. YOU CAN TRUST JESUS TODO WHAT HE SAYS
3.4 Jesus promises to come into your life. Read Revelation 3: 20. Jesus says ‘if anyone ……..opens the door, I will come into him/her.’ Jesus cannot lie. He will come into your life if you truly turn to Him. 3.5 Jesus says, ‘Come to me ‘(Matthew 11: 28). Read John 6: 37. Jesus says, ‘him who comes to me I will not cast out.’ Jesus wants you to come to Him. There is no need to wait until tomorrow. SEE HOW ZACCHAEUS RECEIVED JESUS Read Luke 19: 1-10. a) Zacchaeus was a sinner. b) Jesus wanted to help him and came to his home. c) Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully (Luke 19: 6). d) Zacchaeus repented of his sins and wanted to make things right (Luke 19: 8). e) Salvation (new life) came to Zacchaeus that very day (Luke 19: 9).
4. SUMMARY We become members of God’s family when we receive Jesus into our lives. Christ promises to come into our live if we invite Him in.
41 5. MEMORY WORK Revelation 3: 20 - ‘Behold , I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him/her and eat with him/her and he/she with me.’ John 1: 12 -‘But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave them power to become children of God.’
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Will going to church and giving gifts to God be enough in themselves to make you a Christian? 6.2 Will helping the poor and doing other good works be enough in themselves to save you from sin? (Ephesians 2: 8, 9). 6.3 Who can bring you into God’s family? 6.4 What must you do to become a child of God? (John 1: 12). 6.5 AN IMPORTANT QUESTION: Do you want to be born into God’s family today? If you are prepared to leave all your sins and to follow Jesus, then you can ask Jesus to come into your life.
7. CLOSING PRAYER In silent prayer – at church or at home – you may now be ready to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to come into your life.
42 TOPIC 17 GROWING UP IN CHRIST
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Trees need rain in order to grow. What do Christians need to grow up in Christ? In Topic 16, we learned that the Christian life begins when we receive Christ Jesus into our lives (John 1: 12). In Topic 17, we learn that as Christians we grow strong when we live in Christ day by day. Read John 15: 5. 3. MAIN POINTS
HOW CAN YOU GROW STRONG IN CHRIST?
3.1 Read your Bible every day. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly’ (Colossians 3: 16). Those who cannot read should ask others to read to them. 3.2 Pray and praise the Lord every day. Talk to Jesus and let Him speak to your heart. Read Psalm 34: 1. 3.3 Meet with other Christians everyday where this is possible. It may be with your wife, or husband or some other Christians. Share the Word of God together. Encourage one another. Attend church tether on Sundays. Read Hebrews 10: 24, 25. 3.4 Obey God in all things. Jesus says, ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments’ (John 14:15). 3.5 Let Jesus cleanse you from sin. Sin in your life can keep you from growing up in Christ. Read 1 John 1: 9. ‘If we confess our sins….. (God) will forgive our sis and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ 3.6 Tell other about Christ. Jesus says, ‘you shall be my witnesses’ (Acts 1: 8). As you tell others of Jesus, you will grow stronger in Him. 3.7 Help others. Follow the example of the Good Samaritan who looked after a man in need (Luke 10: 34). As you help others in Jesus’ name, His love will grow in you.
4. SUMMARY You can grow strong in Jesus Christ as you read your Bible daily; pray daily; as you meet with others Christians; as you obey God and let Jesus cleanse you from sin; as you tell others of Jesus and help others.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW the Lord’s Prayer (See Topic 1).
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Give seven ways of growing stronger in Christ. 6.2 When you stop reading the Bible you become a weak follower of Jesus. Name two other ways in which you can weaken your Christian life. 6.3 How often should you praise the Lord? (Psalm 34: 1).
43 6.4 Why should Christians meet together? (Hebrews 10: 24, 25). 6.5 If you love Christ, what should do? (John 14: 15).
7. CLOSING PRAYER In our prayer time let us ask God to help us to grow strong in the ways of Jesus, so that we can bring glory to God. Let us pray. –
44 TOPIC 18: PRAYER AND FASTING 1. OPENING PRAYER ‘Lord teaches us to pray’ (Luke 11: 1)
2. INTRODUCTION We read in Daniel 6: 10 that Daniel, the prophet of God, ‘got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God.’ Daniel was a great prophet and teacher. Do you think that his prayers three times a day helped him? In what ways can prayer help you and me?
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 What is prayer? Prayer is talking to God and listening from His voice. Prayer is opening our hearts and minds to Him. 3.2 Why should you pray? Because Jesus tells us to pray and tells you that your prayer will be answered (Matthew 7: 7). In prayer you come to know God and to understand what God wants you to do. In prayer you find strength and help. 3.3 Where do you pray? In a quiet place, if you can find one. Jesus said, ‘go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father (Matthew 6: 6). Jesus prayed in many places including the quiet of the hills. You can pray anywhere, even on a bus. 3.4 At what times should you pray? It is good to have special times to pray every day, especially early in the morning just as you wake up. Jesus prayed in the early morning hours. Read Mark 1: 35. He also prayed at night. And you to will want to pray at night and at other times. Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 17. 3.5 Do you kneel to pray? In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus ‘knelt down and prayed.’ Read Luke 22: 41. Kneeling is a good way to pray. But the Bible also gives examples of people praying when standing and bowing. You can pray when you are sitting down as well. 3.6 Do you pray alone? Yes. And you also pray together with your family, with friends and at the church. Jesus prayed alone and with others. 3.7 What do you pray about? Here is a guide to follow: a) PRAISE AND THANK GOD. Thank God for His gifts to you. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul ‘(Psalm 103: 1). b) CONFESS YOUR SINS and seek God’s forgiveness. ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18: 13). c) PRAY FOR OTHERS. Pray for your enemies, for the lost, for the leaders, for other Christians, for your own family and for all people. d) PRAY FOR OWN NEEDS. Read Matthew 6: 9-13. This Lord’ prayer was given to us by our Lord Jesus. It speaks of God’s holiness (v9), of God’s will for us (v 10), of our daily needs
FASTING It is abstaining voluntarily from food and drink. It is an act of worship where you practically Acknowledge the supremacy of the spiritual. There are ways of fasting and with different
45 Period of time. Prayer and fasting are linked. BENEFITS OF PRAYER AND FASTING 1. We receive wisdom to govern, rule and create new ideas (Acts 13: 1-3). 2. We receive deliverance from bondage and all sorts of trouble (Daniel 6: 18; Esther 4: 15- 16). 3. We receive healing and personal power to overcome the enemy. 4. SUMMARY Prayer is talking to God. In prayer you come to know God and His will. You can pray anywhere and t any time. You can pray alone and with others – praising God, confessing your sins, remembering the needs of others and yourself. Pray in Christ’s name. When things are tough prayer and fasting work together to bring total freedom.
5. MEMORY WORK Continue to memorise the names of the books in the Bible in order in which they appear. REVIEW the first 17 books – Genesis to Esther. This week learn the names of the next 5 books - Job to Song of Solomon.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is prayer? 6.2 Why should you pray? 6.3 Where do you pray? 6.4 At what time should you pray? 6.5 What is fasting? 6.6 What are the benefits of prayer and fasting? 6.7 How often do you pray and fast?
7. CLOSING PRAYER In the garden of Gethsemane before Jesus died on the cross, Jesus prayed. ‘FATHER …..NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE WILL TO BE DONE.’ (Luke 22: 42). Do we pray for God’s will to be done in our lives, even if His will leads to suffering? Let us pray.-
46 TOPIC 19 TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST _______________________________________________________________________- 1.OPENING PRAYER
2 INTRODUCTION When Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, he had power and courage to tell others about Jesus Christ. If you have received the Holy Spirit, you will have power to tell others about Jesus. How do you tell a person about Jesus? How did Philip, he deacon, tell an Ethiopian about Jesus? Read Acts 8: 26-40. 2.1 Philip was guided by the Holy Spirit to the Ethiopian (Acts 8: 29). 2.2 Philip asked the Ethiopian a question to learn of his need (Acts 8: 30).
2.3 Philip used God’s Word to help the Ethiopian (Acts 8: 35). 2.4 Philip told the Ethiopian the good news about Jesus (Acts 8: 35). 2.5 Philip encouraged the Ethiopian to believe in Jesus (Acts 8: 35-38). 3. MAINPOINTS HOW DO YOU TELL A PERSON ABOUT JESUS?
Follow the example of Philip, the deacon, given above (Acts 8: 26-40). 3.1 Let the Holy Spirit guide you to a person in need. Pray to God that the Holy Spirit will prepare your heart and the heart of the person you want to help. Ask God to give you courage.
3.2Ask questions to learn of the person’s needs. For example you might ask, ‘Do you go to church?’ or ‘Have you ever given your life to Jesus Christ?’ Or ‘Have you sins that you would like God to take away?’ or some other question. Find out the person’s need and then you can help him/her. 3.3Use Go’s Word to explain to the person God’s way to new life. Carry your Bible or New
Testament with you so that you may use it at any time.
3.4. Tell the person about Jesus and how He gives new life to the believer. 3.5Encourage the person to receive Jesus into his life. He may be ready to repent of his/her sins and to ask Jesus Christ to come into his heart.
3.6 Remember: you tell a person about Jesus with your lips. But in addition,you tell a person about Jesus with your life. He must be able to see Jesus in you - in your love, in your acts of kindness, in your humility and truthfulness.
4. SUMMARY In telling others about Jesu, let the Holy Spirit be your guide and strength. Ask questions. Use your Bible. Speak about Jesus and His work. Encourage those in need to receive Jesus into their hearts.
47 5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW :Acts 16: 30,31; Romans 10:9; 1 John 1 : 9.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Philip had the great joy of telling the Ethiopian about Jesus. Have you found joy as yo tell others about your Saviour? 6.2 How did Philip help the Ethiopian to trust Jesus? 6.3 What does the Holy Spirit do to help your witness and tell others about Jesus? (Acts 1: 8; Acts 8: 29). 6.4 Why is it good to use your Bible when you tell others about Jesus? 6.5 Where can you witness, that is, where can you other about Jesus (Acts 1: 8).
7. CLOSING PRAYER Let us remember those who need Jesus. Let us ask God to give us courage and strength to speak about Jesus. Let us pray. –
48 TOPIC 20: CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Christian Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God to nurture in love things entrusted to us so as to overcome selfishness and greedy. 3. MAIN POINTS
HOW DO YOU DEFINE STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship is taking care of property entrusted to us by God. It includes managing of resources
provided on earth by God (Genesis 2:15). We are all created to be stewards of God’s creation. God is the owner and we are managers. God wants us to use, improve and increase all that we have and not to waste the resources. We are called to be stewards of our own lives, body, finances, time, the Gospel, environment, relationships and talents.
4. UTILISING YOUR TALENTS
What are talents?
Talents are natural gifts given by God to every person regardless of his/ her spiritual standing. They are given to benefit human beings on natural level. On can develop a talent by learning. Some examples of talents are baking, decorating, bricklaying, singing, etc. God requires us to use our talents in order to serve and honour him. Read Matthew 25: 14-30. Jesus talked about utilising the talents we have been given to the maximum. When He returns He will ask each one of us to give an account. Talents are dormant if not used. The best way to keep your talent is to make use of it to the fullest. But no one should be proud what they are able to do because we owe it to God.
5. ENTERPRENUERSHIP
What is entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is a process under taken by an entrepreneur to create incremental value and
wealth by discovering investment opportunities, organising enterprises, undertaking risks and economic uncertainty, thereby contributing to economic growth. An entrepreneur is a person who is action oriented, highly motivated and takes risks to achieve goals. This person establishes his /her business with intention of making profits. In order to be successful, an entrepreneur should bear in mind five elements as follows:
5.1 Vision - having a mental picture of what to do that is identifying emerging opportunities; 5.2 Innovation- creating new business or new ways of doing something to sustain oneself.
49 5.3 Risk bearing – taking risks or facing unknown situations; 5.4 Organising – making collections and coordinating of the necessary resources; 5.5 Implementing- putting the picture into reality.
STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN STARTING A NEW BUSINESS
a) Find out a suitable idea of business and give a practical shape to the idea. b) Think of a goal for the business in the long-run; c) Identify the needs of the customers. d) Select the best need from the overall that will expand and bring profit. e) Make a business plan of how you will implement your business. Remember there are factors that may make your business to be difficult but be aware and try to overcome them. God is the one who gives power to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8: 18) 6. SUMMARY Christian stewardship is taking care or managing the property or resources entrusted to us by God. God expects us to be good stewards of all that has been provided to us. We need to take care of our bodies, time, and wealth. Environment, possessions, money, etc. to enable us to serve and honour God. God created us to be creative and succeed in life. That is why today we need to be entrepreneurs to achieve our improved standard of living. Remember to consider elements of entrepreneurship that would enable long-run business.
7. MEMORY WORK REVIEW: Genesis 2: 15; Deuteronomy 8: 18.
8. DISCUSSION 8.1 What is Christian stewardship? 8.2 Who is a steward? 8.3 Why is God looking for good stewards? 8.4 What is entrepreneurship? 8.5 Who is an entrepreneur?
9. CLOSING PRAYER
Let us pray that God make us to be good stewards who can serve and honour Him. Let us pray.-
50 TOPIC 21 HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN SERVE GOD?
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION God has done so much for me! He has given me a new wonderful life. He has given me my family and food. How good He is! How ten can I thank Him for His goodness? I sing praises to Him on Sunday – but how else can I show my love for Him? One important way you can show your thanks and love for God and Jesus, His Son, you will want to feed His lambs -you will want to help His people. 3. MAIN POINTS
HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN SERVE GOD?
3.1 God has given you many gifts to be used in serving Him. He has given you talents, time, money and many other gifts. How can you use these gifts so that you please God? If you say, ‘my time is my own, I‘ll use it as I like, then you are selfish and not helpful to God. If you say, ‘My money is my own and I’ll spend its own myself,’ you are indeed selfish. Too often we want others to serve us and we forget to serve them. Listen to Jesus Words in Matthew 20: 28. He says, ‘The Son of man (Jesus) came not to be served but to serve.’ And Jesus calls us to follow His example.
3.2 Serve God with your talents and labour. Read again John 21: 15. Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter relied, “Yes, Lord.” The Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” If you love God, then you must feed His people; you must care for the sick; you must comfort the sad. Serve God in your own home. Help your parents. Help your children. Be ready to help in your church- keeping the building clean, assisting your leaders in youth work, or in other ways. Can you sing? Sing for the Lord. “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3: 16). Begin serving now in your church. Ask your church leaders what you can do. Begin serving now in your community. Help at school, at work or in other places. Help those who are suffering and poor. 3.3 Serve God with your time. When you waste time, you are not serving God. Read Ephesians 5: 15, 16. Make “the most of the time.” Have you time to give to God in helping at church? How are you wasting time a school, t work or at home. How can you save time? 3.4 Serve God by giving your money and farm things to Him. We will look at this on another day. 3.5 Serve God by telling others about Jesus Christ. 3.6 Serve and love God with ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength. Read Jesus’ Words in Mark 12: 30, 31.
4. SUMMARY You can serve and love God as you help others. Serve God by feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and helping in your church. Serve God with your time, your money and in telling others about Jesus. Serve God with ALL your strength.
5. MEMORY WORK 51 Mark 12: 30, 31 – “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.” 6. DISCUSSION 6.1 How can a Christian serve God? 6.2 What gift has God given us? Do we always use these gifts to serve God? 6.3 In John 21: 15, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me….?” How could Peter show that he loved Him? How can you show Jesus that you really love Him?
7. CLOSING PRAYER First read Jesus’ Words in Matthew 20: 26-28. Then pray.-
52 TOPIC 22AVOIDING SINFUL HABITS
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION God does not delight in sinful life. He desires His people to live exemplary life of holiness and righteousness. Sinful behaviour and habits is a sign of rebellion. God created human beings to do what pleases Him. 3. MAIN POINTS
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SINFUL HABITS THAT NEEDS TO BE AVOIDED BEFORE CHRIST RETURNS?
3.1 DRINK AND DRUGS
Everywhere in our country, we find taverns and beer halls. Many people want to drink beer more than to worship God. What should a Christian do about beer drinking? 3.1 What does the Bible say about drinking? Read PROVERBS 23: 29, 30. “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Those who tarry long over wine…? Read Genesis 9: 18-23. NOAH BROUGHT SHAME to his God and his family through his drunkenness. Read Galatians 5: 21. 3.2 Is beer drinking and taking drugs good for the body? Food value in beer does not give the body Enough food for good living. And there is in alcohol that which can damage the body and the mind. Dagga and other drugs also can hurt the body. 3.3 How does drinking hurt the drinker? Read Hosea 4: 11. “ Wine and new wine take away the Understanding.” Your thinking is not helped through beer and dagga. Drinking beer does not bring you closer to Jesus. It can become your master and you can become its slave. Beer drinking often leads a man or a woman into adultery and even stealing. It can make you sick and weak. It takes away your money. Drunkards often lose jobs and their families. 3.4 What other damage does drinking do? a) Families suffer because money is spent on beer rather than on food and clothing. b) Accidents often happen on the road and in industry when men are drunk. c) The whole country suffers because some of its good workers become drunkards and are unable to work well. 3.5 Is it possible to drink just a little beer? Nobody wants to become a slave of beer. Most people Think they stop drinking when they want to. But many people cannot stand up against the temptation to drink and drink. 3.6 How can we help the man who drinks too much? The drunkard and the man who takes dagga can be freed from these habits by Jesus Christ. If such people want help, Jesus can free them. All beer and dagga must be put out of their houses. Then these people must be encouraged to live one day at a time without beer or drugs. Christian friends must see them often, every day if possible in order to read God’s Word, pray with them and give other encouraging help. 3.7 What can a Christian do to help others?
53 a) Many Christians will not want to drink any beer. By not drinking alcohol they can help a weak brother/sister. We have the examples of Daniel and John the Baptist. Neither of them drank alcohol. Read Daniel 1: 8 and Luke 1: 15. Many young people have started to drink beer because they have seen someone they honoured drinking – parents or teachers or elders or ministers. “It is right not to….drink wine or do anything that makes your brother/ sister stumble.” Read Romans 14: 13, 21. b) Show others the joy of the Christian life. Read Ephesians5: 18, 19. “Do not get drunk with wine….but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” You will find more joy in the spirit of God than in a bottle of beer.
4. PREMARITAL SEX Premarital sex is sexual activity practised by people before they are married. It also defined as voluntary sexual act between unmarried persons. Sex is restricted to a man and woman who are married to each other. God says that we should abstain from premarital sex because it is fornication. Read 1 Thessalonians 4: 3; 1 Corinthians 6: 18. God will judge and punish the fornicators.
Premarital sex should be avoided because it makes one to lose relationship and friendship with God (Colossian 3: 5, 6). A well as loosing personal dignity and a person needs to stay away from such habits because they detestable to God. Therefore, we should avoid feeding the mind with immoral thoughts because they lead us sexual misconduct.
The habit of co- habiting contributes greatly in the rise of premarital sex as well as watching pornographic videos and reading pornographic magazines. This should be abandoned from being practised because it violets the marriage laws as planned by God and makes a person move with guilt and shame
Pre-marital sex leads to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, as well as
committing sin and sin leads to death (Romans 6: 23). Paul describes more thoroughly what people lust after: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revelling, and such like” (Gal. 5:19-21).
5. ISSUES OF HIV/AIDS and STI’s.
5.1 What do the acronym HIV stands for? The acronym HIV stands for Immune deficiency Virus. It is a virus that attack the immune cells called CD4, which are a type T cells. These are white blood cells that moves around the body, detecting faults and anomalies in the cells as well as infections. 5.2 What do the acronym AIDS stands for? The acronym AIDS stands for Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Once HIV infection develops into AIDS, infections and cancer pose a greater risk. Currently, HIV/AIDS have no cure but advanced Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) decreases the number of people progressing to the AIDS stage. 5.3 What do the acronym STIs stands for? The acronym STIs stands for sexually transmitted infections. Meaning bacteria, viruses and other parasites can enter the body as a result of sexual contact with another person who carries these germs. 54 5.4 How issues of HIV/AIDS and STI’s do becomes consequences of a sinful habits? • Not everyone with HIV/ AIDS is as a result of a sinful life as this may have been transmitted into them through their wives or husbands or, through the use of contaminated vessels or in trying to help victims of Road Traffic Accidents and other such incidences where there is contact to blood. • Multiple sexual partners creates a very high risk of acquiring HIV and STIs. This is a bad habit and when you get infected out this kind of life, then it is as a consequence of a sinful habit or behaviour. • The worst consequence of HIV/ AIDS and STIs is that it carries a negative connotation that sometimes creates a temperament that affects someone’s performance due to the trauma and impact upon learning that they are infected. It becomes difficult for one to listen to others because they think they are going to die any time. That is why it is very important to adhere to the word of God that gives life even after death. HIV/ AIDS and STIs are not a death sentence to anyone but one of the things that anyone can meet in life. The solution is Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.
6. BAD COMPANY BAD COMPANY • The kind of friend you keep says a lot about you. A famous quote says, “Show me your friends and I will tell you your character” • The people you are with really affect us in life. • If we are with false teachers, we will be influenced by their false teachings. • If we are with gossipers, we will be influenced to listen and also begin to gossip. • If we hang around smokers or drunkards, most likely we will smoke and become drunkards. • It is not surprising that having friends with bad character will influence your choices. Kindly read: Prov. 12:26 and Prov. 13:20
7. POOR DRESS CODE
Definition: Dress- to put on clothes Code- to mark something with a code that gives information about something We are dealing with the human body. It was not God’s intention to create human beings with clothes but for His own glory, we took leaves. We were provided with animal skin (Genesis 3:21).
Why do we dress? 1. To keep warm 2. To be in fashion or have beauty 3. To maintain decency 4. To cover our privacy
FASHION: Popular style of clothes, appearance and hair, etc., at a particular time or place. The state of being popular – dressed in the latest fashioned. BEAUTY: The quality of being pleasing to the senses or to the mind.
55 DECENCY: Honest and polite behaviour that follows accepted moral standards and shows respect for others or standards of behaviour in society that people think are acceptable.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Researchers have said that “clothes make the person” or the way in which someone is dressed speaks a strong message to the world. Certain professions or professionals dress accordingly such as: - Bankers - Lawyers - Medical personnel etc. These have special outfits for their jobs. This is because these outfits transmit a special message to the world. Even outside the business world. a) Christians are also encouraged to dress modestly at all times. 1Timothy 2:9 b) Clothes communicate message of belonging e.g. T-shirts (or uniforms) are used to show ones allegiance to a particular group; Church, college, University, club, or political organization. c) We should also note that fashions change with time and they also depend on place (context). Fashions come and go. d) We have to be critical with dressing. We should learn the art of looking good at a less expense and always avoid poor dressing, if it is within our sober mindedness. e) Christianity is neither African nor Western. It is a society on its own with its own orientation. f) Cleanliness should be first because it is next to Godliness.
1. Consider your body structure
2. Consider your work and place where you spend much of your time. 3. The dress should be above the knees for women because from there the body make-up begin to change Proverbs 7:10 4. Dress according to the context or occasion (place). 5. In everything let God receive all the glory. Romans 12:2
8. SUMMARY The Bible speaks strongly against drunkenness and of drinking too much alcohol. Beer gives the body little food and it can hurt the body and the mind. Families others suffer where there is drunkenness. Jesus can set the drunkard and dagga smoker free. MANY Christians choose not drink. They want to help the weak brothers/sisters.
9. MEMORY WORK a. Review on the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation b. Review the Lord’s Prayer
10. DISCUSSION
c. How does beer drinking and drugs affect believers?
d. What does the Bible say about pre- marital sex? e. How can bad company influence us? f. How can we avoid poor dress code? g. What is bad company? 56 h. What does the Bible say about who we are? (1Peter 2: 8- 10)
11. CLOSING PRAYER
57 TOPIC 23GIVING OURSELVES FULLY TO GOD
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION “ If any one says, “ I love God,” and hate his brother/sister, he/she is a liar; for he who does not love his/ her brother/sister whom he/she has seen, cannot love God whom he/she has not seen” (1 John 4: 20). Do you love God? Do you love your brother/ sister?
Here is a test to see how you live as a Christian: Do you love people? Is your love for others growing? Is there anyone whom you hate? Is there anyone you have not forgiven?
3. MAIN POINTS
HOW CAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF FULLY GOD?
Look at Jesus’ life: let Him lead and help you.
3.1 Take time to be alone with God. Read God’s Word and learn to talk with Him in prayer. On some days you will want to spend several hours alone with God, reading, praying and meditating (thinking). Jesus spent much time alone with His Father. (Often, of course, you will want to read and pray with others). 3.2 Love others. Jesus loved everybody and died even for His enemies. Do people see Jesus’ love in you? a) Read 1 John 3: 16. Would you die for your brother /sister? b) Read 1 John 3: 17. Do you share your things with the poor? c) Read Matthew 5: 44. Do you love your enemies, even those who hurt your own family? 3.3 Forgive others. On the cross Jesus forgave even those who were killing Him. Read Luke 23: 34. Stephen forgave those who were stoning him to death. Read Acts 7: 58-60. Have you forgiven everyone completely – even those who have done evil against your children, or your wife or your husband or someone else dear to you? You must forgive all people if you are to give yourself completely to God. Read Matthew 6: 14, 15; Matthew 18: 21, 22. In prayer ask God to help you to forgive others. 3.4 Walk with humility. When Jesus came to this earth He came as a humble servant. He even washed His disciples’ feet. The people laughed at Jesus, they beat Him, they spat at His face and they crucified Him. But Jesus did not hit back at these people. Are you prepared to go God’s way even when people laugh at you? Read Jesus’ Words in Matthew 5: 38-41. 3.5 Obey God. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done. Then, obeying God, Jesus went to the cross to die. Like Jesus, will you obey God in all things? Will you pray that God’s will be done in your life?
4. OFFERING, GIVING AND TITHING
Offering is rooted in the sacrificial system. God expects His people to give offerings, donations and tithes. The activities are the means the church can raise income for administrative and other works of the church. According to the Bible God delights in offering that is perfect (Leviticus 22: 18-24). Offering should be given regularly and systematically. Believers should plan what to give to God in 58 good time because God should not mocked with our left over’s. Let us read 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2; Exodus 36: 2-7; Acts 20; 35 2 Corinthians9:7. A tithe is a tenth of what you receive. God commands us to give tithe and offerings (Malachi 3: 8- 10). He has promised us blessings if we obey this teaching (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14).
5. SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
What is mission of the church? Read Matthew 28: 19-20. Christ while on earth commission his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. Now we are the disciples Christ who have been commanded to take up the mantle. In this task, each believer has a role to play in order to bring the lost souls into the Kingdom of God. We all have our talents, wealth and spiritual gifts that we need to use to support the mission.
6. SUMMARY How can you give yourself fully to God? Take time to be alone in prayer with God. Love and forgive others – even your enemies. Walk with humility and obey God. See the examples of Jesus and let Him lead you and help you in these things. We are now commission to go and make disciples. Give yourself as an offering to fulfil God’s mission. Remember no one has ever become poor by giving more to God. Many families are in financial doldrums by withholding what belongs to God.
7. MEMORY WORK REVIEW: 1 John 1: 9; Revelation 3: 20; John 1: 12; Acts 1: 8; 20: 38; Mark 12: 30, 31; John 14:6. 2 Corinthians 9: 7.
8. DISCUSSION 8.1 How can you give yourself fully to God? 8.2 Why should we tithe and give offerings? 8.3 How can you support the mission of the church?
9. CLOSING PRAYER
59 SECTION THREE: UNDERSTANING CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS
TOPIC 24: THE CHRISTIAN AND FRIENDS
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION As a new Christian you will find that you have two kinds of friends – those who are Christians and those who are not Christians. Should a Christian have friends who are not Christians? 3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 The Christian needs Christian friends. If you are a new Christian, you should look for Christian friends immediately. Many Christians fail to grow up in Christ because they have not got strong Christian friends to encourage them in the things of God. You need Christian friends with whom you can read God’s Word and pray – at least once a week. Read about Jesus and His friends. Read Mark 3: 13-15. Jesus chose twelve disciples ‘to be with Him.’ Jesus and these twelve friends prayed together, ate together, lived and worked together. 3.2 A Christian cannot choose a non-Christian to be his wife. Your wife or husband is your closest Friend and should be a Christian. Read 2 Corinthians 6: 14, 15. This reading will be studied on another day in Topic 30 – ‘Preparation for Marriage.’ 3.3 The Christians find Christian friends at church. God will guide to the right friends. Ask Him to Help you. 3.4 The Christian does not walk with his non- Christian friends in sin. The Christian cannot do Sinful things in order to keep his /her old non-Christian friends. If the Christian stops going to beer parties and doing immoral things, he may lose some of his/her friends, but this cannot be Helped. The Christian may have to leave some of his/her old friends, otherwise they would pull him back into sinful ways. Read Psalm 1: 1, 2. 3.5 The Christian cannot forget his/her non-Christian friends. When you are strong enough, you Can help your non- Christian friends come to Christ. But you may need the help of other Christians to do this. You can invite non-Christians to church and you can give them Christian literature to read. You can begin to pray now for your non- Christian friends – that God will help them. 3.6 The Christian must not cause any of his friends to stumble and fall. This means that you will Be careful about such things such as drinking, your moral life, wasting of God’ time and money. Your carelessness could make a friend fall. Read Romans 14: 21, Romans 15: 1. Yes, and be careful not to let pride come into your own heart. Not only the non- Christians need Jesus but you too need Jesus – you need Him to cleanse you and to keep you day by day.
4. DATING AND COURTSHIP
The world is ignorant of almost every RIGHT VALUE that produces the RIGHT RESULTS all people seek. While everyone wants to be happy—and assumes that following the established norm is the right way to achieve happiness—most remain miserable and never know why. This is especially true in the world of modern dating.
60 a. What is dating? A sampling of opinions reveals a variety of definitions, with seemingly no two alike. In the simplest form, a date is merely a set time agreed upon by two people to engage in an activity. The most commonly recognized definition is “an appointment for a specified time; especially a social engagement between two persons of opposite sex” (Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).
b. What about courtship? Courtship has principles and or its true PURPOSE. Webster’s states that courting is “to engage in social activities leading to engagement and marriage.” Most would reply, “But isn’t that dating?” The answer is no. Courting is a separate but important and intricate part of the process pointing toward and leading to marriage. There is closed and open courtship. Closed when it only involves the two concerned person and open when the parents or relatives have approved the relationship.
c. Forms of dating? There are numerous wrong forms of dating today:
a. Clubs: Perhaps one of the most common settings for young people today is meeting people through so-called “dance clubs.” This involves trying to find and potential dates—or more often, one-night sex partners—in an atmosphere of loud, pulsating music mixed with drugs and alcohol. b. Online dating: This exploding trend involves a simple Internet search to select one or more of the many—seemingly endless—dating services that all claim to be able to “help find and love.” c. Speed dating: Another recent trend is the practice of “speed dating.” This is billed as being able to “put an end to your lonely nights” because, apparently, it is seen as a more efficient way to increase your chances of finding “love.” d. Astrology: Others “consult the stars” about dating. Lacking true knowledge, they seek their “romance forecast.” To do this, they go online to find out if they are truly compatible by taking five-minute quizzes that are supposed to solve all their dating confusion!
4.2 True dating need to graduate to courtship and courtship to marriage of a man and a woman and not a man and a fellow man or a woman and a fellow woman. Dating, followed by courtship, is supposed to lead to a happy marriage. But marriage cannot be happy if it is not built on the RIGHT FOUNDATION. Most couples have no idea that the foundation of a successful marriage begins long before the wedding day building on love. Happy marriages do not come about by chance! Success requires much work and patience, and preparation must start before beginning to date. 4.3 And the foundation of true marital success has several components: 1. Understanding the True God. There is no book in the Bible titled “How to Date, Court and Marry.” Nor are there specific chapters or verses with the words “date” or “court.” This is why so many ask themselves, “Who or what is God?” Because God is Spirit, and He must draw individuals to Christ (John 6:44, 65). 2. The Give Way: The Bible teaches that there are two different, opposing ways of life. One is best described as the “GIVE” way—the other as the “GET” way. The give way is outgoing, out flowing concern for the needs, concerns and welfare of others. It is focused away from self! The Bible teaches that God has a “divine nature” (II Pet. 1:4). This nature is “natural” to God, but it is not natural for people. While His Way reflects the give way of life (James. 1:17). 61 3. Seek God’s way always. This is the way of love and self-respect and is the way that may not lead to pre- marital sex or cohabiting. So that the relationship may be given chance and time to grow and graduate into marriage.
4.4 You have learned the way to date, court and conduct yourself during engagement, all according to God’s principles. This has almost certainly required you to completely change your perspective.
5.HOW TO RELATE TO THE OPPOSITE SEX
• Relationship in the light of being able to do or share things and moments together with a male and female person(s). • Both need to recognise each other as people created by God (Gen. 1:27). • Both male and female need to observe and practice mutual respect for each other. There is no world for men alone neither for women alone. We co-exist. • We need to know and observe the limits or boundaries of our relationships as male and female friends. Not every male friend should be your sex partner and vice versa. There are many things we can do with persons of the opposite sex. • In the sight of God, Our Creator, we are “All one in Christ” (Gal. 3:28).
6. MEMORY WORK Memorize Galatians 3:28
7. SUMMARY Every person needs friends because we are all unique in the sight of God. Someone may seem to be meaningless today but soon or later, you will need them. We need to build our relationships so well if the result of our relationship is to be positive. Stages of life should be followed and respected such as when you want to get into marriage. The time to date, be in courtship, engage and finally marry need to be followed and respected if our relationship is to last. Even in being a friend with Christ, you need to follow and respect what Jesus is saying about everyone who wants to follow him.
8. DISCUSSION a. Can a Christian have friends who are not Christians? b. What is the value of courtship? c. What are the steps to follow when you want to marry as a Christian? d. How do you relate with a person of the opposite sex as Christian in this world of internet?
9. CLOSING PRAYER
62 TOPIC 25: THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS /HER NEIGHBOUR
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION For whom did Jesus die on the cross? He died for the whole world – for the African, the Asian, the European, your enemies, your leaders, the labourer, the poor, the widow, the orphan, the sick, the lonely, the prisoner, the drunkard, the prostitute, the stranger, every person everywhere. All the people in the world are Jesus’ neighbours. And all are the Christian’s neighbours. Jesus says, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Mark 12: 31). 3. MAIN POINTS
HOW CAN YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURS?
Remember your neighbours include your enemies, your leaders, and the labourers – all people in the world. 3.1 How do you love your enemies? Read Matthew 5: 44. Is it difficult to love your enemies? Then begin today to pray for your enemies. Jesus says, ‘pray for those persecute you.’ Ask God to bless them. And as you pray you will find that God will give you love of your enemies. You will want to help them. Read Proverbs 25: 21. 3.2 How do you love your leaders? Read 1 Timothy 2: 1, 2. You show your love for the leaders of Zambia when you pray for them. Pray that God will guide and help them. How do you show your love for your employers at work? By your faithfulness, hard work and honesty. In Jesus’ parable of the talents, our Lord speaks well of the faithful servant. Read Matthew 25: 21. 3.3 How do you love the labourer? Do you pay fair wages to those who work for you in your garden and other places? The labourer deserves his/her wages.’ (Luke 10: 7). Show him/her kindness. 3.4 How would you love the poor? Read Isaiah 58: 7. How do you show that you are a friend of the poor? 3.5 How do you show love to the widow and orphans? Over and over again the Bible speaks of the need to help widows and orphans. Read James 1: 27. 3.6 How do you love the sick, the lonely, the prisoner and others? Visit these people and bring them the comfort of God’s word. Remember to the drunkard, the prostitute and the stranger. They too need our Christian love and help. 3.7 How do the Good Samaritan show love to the man who was beaten by the robbers? Read Luke 10:25-37. What does this reading in Luke teach us?
4. SUMMARY All people on earth are God’s neighbours and our neighbours. ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ We are called to love our enemies, our leaders, labourers, the poor, widows and orphans, the sick, the lonely, the prisoner – everyone.
5. MEMORY WORK
63 REVIEW Proverbs 22: 6.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Who are our neighbours? 6.2 How can we show our love to those of other religions – Hindus, Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses and to those of no religion? 6.3 How can we show our love to those of other tribes and races? 6.4 How can we love our enemies? Why is it important to love our enemies? 6.5 The Good Samaritan might have been killed by robbers as he helped the wounded man (Luke 10: 25-37). Do you think he was wise to stop and help that man? Would you do the same thing? 6.6 Is our United Church showing love for the people of Zambia and the world? What more can we do to help the needs of our neighbours?
7. CLOSING PRAYER Let us pray for our neighbours. Let us ask God to show us how we can help them. Let us pray.
64 TOPIC 26: CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION
Why are so many church members weak? They seem to have so little life and power in them. Why is this? Perhaps they do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Or perhaps they fail to pray and read the Bible. Perhaps they have sin which they have not confessed to God. Perhaps they are failing to serve others and to tell them about Jesus. But one of the chief reasons for weakness in the church is that too often Christians fail to come together for CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. 3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 What is Christian Fellowship? In this topic, Christian fellowship means meeting together of Christian in groups at church, in sections, at home, at school, at work or elsewhere in order to encourage one another in the Christian life and to serve others. 3.2 Christian Fellowship is like a good fire! What make a good fire? Good logs of wood placed close together. Logs together burn well. But when a log is alone, the fire in that log goes out. Logs apart dead. Christians are like logs. When together in fellowship they burn brightly with the Holy Spirit. Outside the fellowship the Christian becomes col and dead in spirit. We need each other. Read Hebrews 10: 24, 25. 3.3 What do you do in a Christian Fellowship? a) You have Bible Study, discussion, prayer and singing. Read Colossians 3: 16. Here is fellowship with teaching and the singing of hymns! Share together what God is doing for each one of you. b) You help one another in the fellowship. Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 11. If you see a Christian in need within your fellowship, help him / her. Pray for him/her. If he /she is lonely, be his/her friend. If he/she is walking in sin, help him/her return to God. Be ready to apologise where you have wronged any member of the fellowship. c) As a fellowship group, you go out to tell others about Christ. With the Holy Spirit in your hearts, go and tell others about Jesus. Your group can visit the sick and the old people who are lonely. Sing, pray, read God’s Word and offer help to those in need. d) You meet every week in your fellowship group in order to get more strength. In the world you can get fearful and cold in heart. You need God’s help. See how the Christians in the Bible received boldness (courage) to speak about Jesus. They had suffered for their faith in Christ: They came together for prayer. God answered their prayers in a wonderful way. Read Acts 4: 29 -31. 3.4 Join a Christian Fellowship group NOW. It may be youth group, a church choir, a Bible Study group or other group. Receive God’s blessing together with others! Note: A group should not be too large, otherwise there cannot be good discussion and sharing.
4. SECTIONS AND CHURCH GROUPS
65 The congregations of the United Church of Zambia are made up of sections “A” section is composed of a group believers living in one area. The members meet regularly to study the word of God (Acts 2: 42-47), to pray together, to encourage one another and carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Each section has elders, stewards, secretaries and treasurer as administrators. These leaders work hand in hand in serving God and the believers.
The United Church of Zambia has several church groups in which members participate in order to grow in their faith and works of God. The main church groups include the:
4.1 Women Christian Fellowship ( WCF);
4.2 Men Christian Fellowship (MCF); 4.3 Youth Groups namely Boys Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Sunday School, Choirs, and Praise Teams.
5. SUMMARY Christian fellowship means the meting together of Christians in groups in order to encourage one another to help others. In a group there is Bible study, discussion, prayer, singing, witness and service.
6. MEMORY WORK REVIEW the Ten Commandments
7. DISCUSSION 7.1 What is Christian Fellowship? 7.2 What do you during the fellowship meeting? 7.3 How often do you meet for fellowship? 7.4 Describe what you understand by sections? 7.5 Name the main church groups at your congregation? 7.6 What are the benefits of having sections and church groups? 7.7 Do you belong to any section? Mention section you are in.
8. CLOSING PRAYER Pray for members to be regular attendants to section meetings. Let’s us pray.-
66 TOPIC 27: KNOWING, DEVELOPING AND USING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION We are living in days when the spirit of God is again being outpoured among the believers all over the world. As a result the minds of born again people everywhere are being reminded of their spiritual gifts. These gifts are leading believers to experience all the fullness of life, power and blessing which God has for His people.
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
Spiritual gifts are divine gifts or power of the Holy Spirit that operates through human beings. They are not humanly developed. They include spirit of the word of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues ( 1 Corinthians 12: 1-10). 3.2 The spiritual gifts are divided into three classes: a) Intellectual gifts – wisdom, knowledge and faith. b) Practical gifts – healing and working miracles. c) Vocal gifts – Prophecy, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. 3.3 What is the purpose of the gifts? Read John 16: 8. ‘And when he comes, he will convict the World concerning sin, righteousness and judgement.’ Read John 16” 13, 14. The spirit will Guide the people into all truth.
The gifts are operated in individual members of the church. The spirit does not give all gifts to one person but divides them among the different members of the body of Christ. Each member has at least one or more according to the measure of faith. Therefore, each member is expected to know his/her gift to use it to profit the Church (1 Corinthians 7: 7).
4. SUMMARY Spiritual gifts are divine gifts given by Holy Spirit. They are not developed by human beings but by God. Paul describes the nine spiritual gifts in his First letter to the Corinthians. These gifts are in three classes intellectual, practical and vocal. They are given to individuals for the benefit of the whole church.
5. MEMORY WORK Review 1 Corinthians 12: 1-10, John 16: 13, 14.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What are spiritual gifts? 6.2 How can one receive these gifts? 6.3 Can the gifts be developed by human beings?
67 6.4 Do you know your spiritual gift? How often do you use it? 6.5 What is the purpose for having the spiritual gifts?
7. CLOSING PRAYER I f we do not know our spiritual gifts, we need to ask God to reveal them to us. Let us pray.-
68 TOPIC 28: DISCIPLESHIP
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION It is our duty as believers to help one another to grow spiritually and develop a strong relationship with Jesus and one another. 3. MAIN POINTS
WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP? 3.1 Discipleship is imparting life in someone. It is an educational and spiritual process meant to form people who are obedient, think like Christ and live and become mature like Christ. In discipleship there are three important parts: prayer, relationship and teaching of the Word of God. 3.2 Who is a disciple? A disciple is one who walks with God in every area of life, live according to the Word of God, contributes to the work of God and impacts the world for Christ. He /she is one who has an attitude of commitment in applying the truths of Jesus Christ to his /her life. A true discipline church is a church that brings people to Christ, builds hem in their faith and equip them to win others. Read Matthew 28: 19-20. 3.3 What are roles of a disciple? There are several roles of a disciple as follows: a) The disciple must carry his/her cross and follow the master who is Jesus Christ. Read Luke 14: 27. Following Christ is being willing to be like Him and if possible die for him. b) The disciple must give up possessions to God as his priority. This means that we do not live for ourselves or material wealth but Christ must always be first in our lives. Read Luke 14: 33. c) The disciple must submit and bear much fruit. Jesus chose us to bear good fruit and become strong people in the Lord (Matthew 10:24; John 1 5:8). d) The disciple must love and be faithful to Christ’s Doctrine. A true disciple must practice love and be committed to Jesus’ teachings. Loving the truth of the doctrine is loving Christ since He I the way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6; John 8: 31).
4. SUMMARY Discipleship is helping another Christian to grow spiritually and develop a relationship with Christ. It means imparting spiritual life in another believer. A disciple must carry the cross and follow Christ, give up possessions, bear much fruit, love and be faithful to Christ’s teachings.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW Matthew 28: 19-20; Luke 14: 27, 33; John 8: 31; John 13: 36; John 15: 8.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is discipleship? 6.2 Who is a disciple? 6.3 What are basic roles of a disciple? Mention three important part in discipleship
7. CLOSING PRAYER
69 In silence pray that Jesus can help you to become loving and committed disciple of the sound doctrines. Let us pray. -
TOPIC 29: CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION What is the difference between a Christian Marriage and a non- Christian Marriage? 3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 What is Christian marriage? It is a life-long union between one man and one woman. Read Genesis 2: 18. Both the man and the woman promise in the sight of God to be together in love for as long as they live. 3.2 God’s plan for Christian marriage. Read carefully Mark 10: 2-12. In these words Jesus explains God’s plan for marriage. In His plan: the man leaves his parents. He is joined to his wife by God. The man and woman become one. The Christian marriage is a new creation of God and must not be broken. Some people do not ant God’s plan. They want the freedom to get another wife or another husband. These people do not want God or the church or the Law to tell them what to do. These people will not find true happiness. 3.3 The husband and wife should love and respect one another. Read Ephesians 5: 21-25. In this chapter Paul compares the wife and the husband to the church and the Lord Jesus Christ. a) The husband is encouraged to love his wife ‘as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her’ (Ephesians 5: 25). This is a very great love. b) The wife is to be subject to her husband, as the Lord (Ephesians 5: 22. The husband and wife are partners together – equal in the sight of God. 3.4 The husband and wife should pray and share together. The husband and wife will find that their real oneness is in Jesus Christ. They should begin their married life praying together and reading God’s word together. Their greatest joy will be found as they seek to please God. 3.5 The husband and wife should always be ready to forgive one another when they quarrels. 3.6 There should be no divorce. When marriage problems arise in a home, the help of the minister and the church elders should be sought. They can give guidance. They can pray. Jesus does not encourage divorce. Read Mark 10: 9-12. 3.7 There should be no polygamy. Read Genesis 2: 18 and 24. In the creation God gave Adam one wife, Eve, to be his helper. One wife is all Adam needed. In 1 Timothy 3: 2 and 12 we read that the church leaders should have only one wife. This is a good example for all Christians. Abraham, Solomon and others in the Old Testament had more than one wife. But this did not bring peace to their lives. 3.8 Some married people have no children. This does not mean they should seek divorce. A true Christian marriage is where the husband and wife love one another and remain together even when they have no children.
4. SUMMARY
70 A Christian marriage is a life-ling union between one man and one woman. The husband and wife should love and respect one another. They pray and share together. There should be no divorce or polygamy.
5. MEMORY WORK Continue to memorise the names of the books in the Bible in order in which they appear. This week learn the names of the first 14 books of the New Testament – Matthew to 2 Thessalonians.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is Christian Marriage? 6.2 What is God’s plan for marriage? 6.3 Why do some people not like God’s plan for marriage? 6.4 How many times should the husband and wife forgive one another? (Matthew 18: 21, 22). 6.5 Does Jesus encourage divorce? (Mark 10: 9). 6.6 Must there be children in a marriage?
7. CLOSING PRAYER
71 TOPIC 30: PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION How can a Christian choose a wife or a husband? Who can guide th Christian in preparing for marriage?
3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 STEPS TO TAKE WHEN PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE
a)How do you choose your wife or husband?
i) The Bible will guide you. Read 2 Corinthians 6: 14, 15. If you are a Christian, it is important that you choose and marry a Christian. How can you share Jesus Christ together in one of you is a non-Christian? Your home would be divided. Read 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-5. We do not choose a wife or a husband just to satisfy our bodies. Marriage is more than sex. We want Christ to be Head of our marriage. ii) Ask God in prayer to guide you to the right wife or husband. iii) Your parents and others can also help you in choosing. iv) Ask yourself these questions when choosing a wife or husband. Do I love this person? Does
Does this person love me? Does this person love God and want a godly home? Am I Prepared to live with this person all my life even if we have no children? b) The man and woman will seek the consent (approval) of their parents. Read Exodus 20: 12. It may be difficult for some non-Christian parents to understand some Christian engagements. Show patience with your parents. Sometimes, eve after waiting, Christians may not receive their parents’ consent before marriage. c) The man and woman will discuss important things together before their marriage. They can ask themselves: How will we spend money we receive at work? Where will we live? If God gives children, how many children should we have? In what church will we worship? At what times will we pray together and read the Bible in our home? How can we both help our church and our community? Are going to be happy to welcome our families when they visit us? d) The man and woman will seek the helpof the church minister and elders many months before their wedding. These leaders can guide you on the full meaning of marriage and how to prepare for marriage. e) Sex and marriage are made by God and are good in themselves. Sex out of marriage is wrong and is not approved anywhere in the Bible. Sex out of marriage can bring unhappiness to both the man and the woman and unwanted children. f) The man and woman will plan for a church wedding. You will want to make your marriage promises to one another in the sight of God and His people in the church. g) The man and woman will plan for Christian reception. The reception after the wedding service can be simple and at a time when God is honoured. It can be at the church at family home. A church reception cost very little money and no one needs to have debts. 72 h) It is not in God’s plan that all people should marry. God may call some people to serve Him as single people all of their lives. Paul chose a single life. 1 Corinthians 7: 7-9. 3.2 TYPES OF MARRIAGES There are four main types of marriages: a) Traditional /Customary Marriage This is a marriage according to the traditions and customs of the tribes from which the couple intending to marry have come. It can be entered into within a relative short period. Usually, that man and woman meet and agree to marry. In some cases, the parents identifies wife or a husband of their child. b) Marriage Act of the Laws of Zambia This type of marriage is entered into by a man and a woman by Cap 50 under Laws of Zambia. It is strictly monogamous marriage. If a person is married under the Marriage Act he/she cannot enter into another marriage with another person while the earlier marriage under Act is still existing. This marriage is entered into by registering or giving notice at the local council offices. This notice to marry is put up on the notice board for twenty – one days and if no objection has been raised by any other member of the public, the parties are then married at the Council Offices. c) Co habiting: This type of marriage is very much illegal in Zambia though the Zambia citizens are practising. In this marriage am and a woman decide to stay together and have children without any official consent to the parents or the church. The couple can have children and deicide to marry officially after sometime. d) Christian Marriage: This is a Marriage for believer in the Christian Faith. It is solemnized according to the beliefs and teachings of the church and officiated by gazetted minister. For U.C.Z. this marriage is covered under article 7 of the UCZ Constitution.
4. SUMMARY In choosing a wife or a husband you can be guided by the Bible Teaching, through prayer and by your parents or others. Plan together. Get your parents’ approval. There should be no sex out of marriage of before marriage. Plan for a Christian marriage, a church wedding and reception. Remember not all people are called to marry.
5. MEMORY WORK Continue to memorize the names of the books of the Bible in order in which they appear. REVIEW the first 14 books of the New Testament – Matthew to 2 Thessalonians. This week learn the names of the last 13 books of the New Testament – 1 Timothy to Revelation.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 How would you choose your wife or husband? 6.2 What good things would you want to fine in your wife or husband? 6.3 Why should a man and a woman seek consent of their parents before they marry? 6.4 What important things should the man and woman discuss together before they get married? 6.5 What is good about a church wedding and church reception?
7. CLOSING PRAYER Let us ask God to help us in choosing the right wife or husband. May Christ lead us in His ways before marriage and after marriage! Let us pray.- 73 TOPIC 31: THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION What is the difference between a Christian Family and a non-Christian Family?
3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 The Christian Family should pray together.Read Luke 2: 41-52. JESUS’ PARENTS WORSHIPPED every year in Jerusalem. At the age of 12 years Jesus went with His parents to worship in the temple. Every Christian family should worship and pray together at church every Sunday and t home every day. Children should go to Sunday school. The family can gather together once a day for Bible reading and prayer. Both parents and children can share together in the reading. All the family ca pray. Even the youngest child, if he can talk, can pray too. Pray for the family needs and the needs for others. Sometimes you will want to sing a hymn. The family will pray also at meals and at other times. It is not wise for Christian parents to send their children away to live in the homes of non- Christians relatives. In a non -Christian home children could be led away from God. 3.2 The Christian Family should serve others: a) Let your home be a place of light and hope to those in need. Read Hebrews 13: 2. As you serve others in your home, you and your children will grow closerto Jesus. b) Your family should go out to help others. Visit the sick. Help the poor. Comfort those who are alone. 3.3 Guidance to parents a) Give time and love to your children. Listen to them. Do not go out and leave alone too often. Help them. b) Teach your children the ways of God. Read Proverbs 22:6. Begin now when your child is young to teach him God’s ways. When you delay in training your children may leave God and enter into sin. c) Teach your children the way of obedience. Read 1 Timothy 3: 4. d) Prepare your children for the future. Teach them how to use money. As a family, discuss some of your family money matters with your children. Help your children prepare for true Christian marriage. Guide them in their school studies. e) Be a good example for your children. How can you help your children if you lie, get angry and get drunk? When there are quarrels, let the father and mother apologise to one another and to their children. Then the children will learn how to apologise. Jesus brings peace when you say, ‘I am sorry. Please forgive me.’ f) Encourage (but do not force) your children to receive Jesus into their hearts. In prayer even the young child can invite Jesus into his /her life. 4. SUMMARY
74 The Christian Family should pray and serve others. Christian parents should give time and love to their children. They should teach their children the ways of God and give them a good example. They should encourage their children to receive Jesus into their lives.
5. MEMORY WORK Proverbs 22: 6 – ‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 6. DISCUSSION 6.1 Who should d read the Bible and pray at family prayer times? 6.2 How can a Christian family serve others? 6.3 Explain the meaning of Proverbs 22: 6. 6.4 How can parents help to prepare children for their future? 6.5 If parents and children quarrel together what should they do?
7. CLOSING PRAYER Read Revelation 3: 20. Let us pray. ‘Come Lord Jesus into our homes and into ou hearts. Take away our quarrels. Forgive us for our selfishness. Help us to serve you. Thank you Lord in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN
75 TOPIC 32: THE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
1. OPENING PRAYER Begin with a hymn of praise. Now let us pray.-
2. INTRODUCTION Joy! Wonderful Joy! DAVID, writes ‘I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’’ (Psalm 122:1). People of both the Old Testament and the New Testament found great joy as they entered the house of the Lord to worship God. Do you find joy as you praise the Lord on Sunday? Who brings this joy to your heart?
3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 WHAT IS WORSHIP? We worship God- a) When we praise God with our hymns; b) When we pray to God; c) When we give God our gifts; d) When we listen to God and His Word and agree in our hearts to obey Him. This kind of worship can take place anywhere at any time. But in this topic we are thinking especially about the worship we gave to God in our church on Sundays. 3.2 WHY DO CHRISTIANS MEET TOGETHER FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP? We meet for Sunday worship for the following reasons: a) Because it is a custom which Christians have followed since the beginning of Christianity? The Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday. The Jews remember this day as being the day on which God rested after He had finished creating the world. Christians call Sunday the ‘Lords Day.’ It is ‘the first day of the week’, the day on which Jesus rose from the dead. Christians meet together on this day remembering the victory of Christ over death. Read Acts 20: 7; 1 Corinthians 16: 2. b) Because we need God’s strength and help. Temptations, sins and difficulties come to us each week. On Sunday we are strengthened as we worship Godreceiving His forgiveness and cleansing. c) Because we want to thank God for all His gifts to us. God gives us new life, love, friends and food. ‘ It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to thy name, O Most High’ (Psalm 92: 1).As members of God’s family in order to encourage one another d) Because in Sunday worship we come together as members of God’s family in order to encourage one another. As Christians we belong to the church (the family) of God. We need each other. Hebrews 10: 24, 25.
3.3 BIBLE EXAMPLE OF ISAIAH WORSHIPPING
Isaiah the prophet, tells his own story of worshipping in the temple. Read Isaiah 6: 1- 8. Isaiah had a vision of the Lord God. God showed Isaiah his sin. Isaiah confessed is need and the he was cleansed. God called him to His work. Isaiah answered, “Here I am! Send me.” This is worship: God spoke and Isaiah obeyed.
76 4. SUNDAY WORSHIP AS OPPOSED TO SABBATH. Sabbath in Christianity is the all about the Lord’s Day. The worship on Sunday was instituted on the Resurrection Day of Christ Jesus. Therefore Jesus is Sabbath Day and not the Seventh day. The Pentecost was the day the church began and this was called the dirt day of the week. After working for six days God’s plan was for human being to rest from their work. Hence the Sunday worship Christians are not under the law Jews or Gentiles but they are new creation in the Lord hence set aside the first day of the week to worship the Lord and conclude the week with rest.
5. SUMMARY We worship God when we praise Him, pray to Him, listen to Him and obey Him. As Christians we worship God in church on Sundays. In this way we are strengthened and encouraged.
6. MEMORY WORK Continue to memorise the names of the book in the Bible in the order in which they appear in the in the Bible. REVIEW the first 22 books – Genesis to Song of Solomon. This week learn the names of the next 17 books – Isaiah to Malachi.
7. DISCUSSION 7.1 What is worship? 7.2 Why do Christians meet together for worship on Sundays? Give four reasons. 7.3 The story of Isaiah in temple. (Isaiah 6: 1-8). What was Isaiah’s reply to God’s question?
8. CLOSING PRAYER Read Psalm 103: 1-5. Let us give praise to God. Let us pray.-
77 SECTION IV THE CHRISTIAN AND THE FUTURE
TOPIC 33: THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE CHRISTIAN HOPE
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION If Christ did not rise from the dead then His mission would have died a natural death. Christianity still stands today and will continue until Christ returns to judge the living and the dead. The resurrection of Christ is real. It revels extraordinary power of God and His love for humans. 3. MAIN POINTS
3.1 WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE RESSURECTION OF CHRIST?
a) The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian Faith. It was the central teaching of the apostles. Read Acts 4: 2. “……greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” b) Both the Old and New Testaments speak the truth about Jesus being raised from the tomb. The tomb was found empty when Mary Magdalene, Salome and others went to the tomb very early in the morning on Sunday. Read John 20: 1-10. c) When Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to many different people including to the disciples who were meeting in the upper room in fear of being arrested. His resurrection confirms His identify as the Son of God whose work was redeem, reconcile and save human beings from the wrath of God. It also confirms that God revealed victory over death. d) Therefore, without the resurrection of Christ, the belief in God’s saving grace through Christ would have been destroyed.
3.2 WHAT IS CHRISTIAN HOPE?
Hope is referred to as open -ended future. It is one of the three virtues including faith and charity. It also means a positive expectation. All believers are expected to have hope of the better future. Read Jeremiah 29: 11-14 What is so important about Christian hope? If our future is not secured and satisfied by God then we are going to be excessively anxious. But Christian Hope helps us to paralyse fear and control greedy. Therefore, Christian hope is the birth place of Christian self-sacrificing love. Read 1 Peter 1: 13- “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Christian Hope can further be described as that which God promises to happen and makes us to trust in that promise. 4. SUMMARY The Resurrection of Christ is the foundation of Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Christ, the preaching of the Word would have been in vain. The Resurrection indicates that Jesus was the
78 Son of God and that He was God Himself. The power of God had victory over death. If Christ rose from the dead, eve faithful believers will rise. We have hope of the better tomorrow.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW The Apostles Creed.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What do understand by the Resurrection of Jesus? 6.2 What does the revelation reveal to us as believers? 6.3 What is Christian hope?
7. CLOSING PRAYER
79 TOPIC 34: THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY ANDLIFE AFTER DEATH
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Our life in this world is short. Death comes to everyone at some time: we cannot escape it. We all know this. But we want to know in our hearts that death is not the end of everything. We want to know if there is another life that does not end – a better life than this. What does the Bible tell us about the resurrection of the body and life after death?
3. MAINPOINTS 3.1 THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
Will our bodies be raised to life again?
a) The resurrection of the body is a fundamental part of the Christian gospel. It will take place at the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 15: 23. There will be resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. b) All who are in their graves will hear Christs voice and will come out of them. Those who have faithful to God will rise to live and those who have done evil will be condemned (John 5: 28, 29). c) Even as Christ was raised from the dead, so will the believers be raised. Just as death came into the world through a man, Adam, so now the resurrection of the body will come through another man, our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 20 -21). Christians will be like Christ. He will change their lowly bodies so that they are made like His glorious body by the power that enabled Him to bring everything under His control. d) The assurance of the resurrection of the body should take away fear of death.
3.2 LIFE AFTER DEATH
When the body returns to dust to the earth as it was, and the spirit return to God, the body may be described as asleep.
a) The Bible brings us good news about life after death. Because Jesus lives after His death, all Christians shall also live after death (John 14: 19). Jesus is preparing a place for His people in heaven. Christians after death go to heaven to be with Jesus. Read John 14: 1-3. b) The Book of Revelation gives us a glorious picture of heaven. Read Revelation 21: 1-4. In heaven there will be no tears, no death, no mourning and no pain (Revelation 21: 4). There will be no hunger or thirst (Revelation 7: 16). Heaven is beautiful! c) The Christians will have special things to do in heaven. They will worship God (Revelation 19: 1). He will reign (rule) with Christ (Revelation22: 5). He will serve God (Revelation 7: 15). d) The person who does not follow Christ will not be in heaven. Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 8: 10-12. The ‘sons of the kingdom’ in verse 12 refer to those who have refused Christ’s message. e) What should you do NOW here on earth? i)Turn from your sins. In prayer ask Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord.
80 ii) Look forward to a richer and better life in heaven. If you are a Christian, you need not fear death. Death is the doorway to heaven. Rad Paul’s words in Philippians 1: 21-23. Paul says, ‘to die is gain….. My desire is to depart and be with Christ.’ iii) Serve Christ faithfully here on earth until you are called to heaven. Paul, although he wanted to be in heaven with Jesus, was willing to serve God on earth until he should be called home to heaven.
4. SUMMARY The resurrection of the body is fundamental to the gospel truth. Truly speaking, faithful believer will be raised from the dead while the wicked will be condemned. The assurance of the resurrection of Christ, brings us good news about life after death. Because Jesus lives after His death, all Christians also shall live after death. They will be in heaven with Jesus. Heaven is beautiful with no tears or pain. Those who do not follow Christ will not be in heaven. All people should repent and receive Christ NOW.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW 1 Corinthians 15: 23-29; John5: 28, 29 and Revelation 21: 4.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is fundamental of the Christian gospel? 6.2 What will happen to the dead when Christ will come? 6.3 What dos the Bible say about life after death? 6.4 What should we do now before Christ returns to the earth?
7. CLOSING PRAYER
81 TOPIC 35: THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION Most Christians know something of the first time Jesus came to this earth. He was born as a baby in Bethlehem. He taught and healed many people. He died on the cross and was buried. The rose from the dead and went back to heaven.
But did you know that Jesus is coming a second time to this earth? How will He come? What is He coming to do? 3. MAIN POINTS 3.1 Jesus will come the second time in power and great glory. Read Matthew 24: 30. He will not come again as a little baby. The Son of Man (i.e. Jesus) will come ‘on the clouds of heaven.’ 3.2 Jesus will come as a Judge and He will rule King of kings. Read Revelation 19: 11, 15, and 16. Evil will finally be destroyed and Christ’s Kingdom will be set up. 3.3 No one knows the day or the hour when Jesus will come back. If people tell you the day when Jesus will return, do not believe them. Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:42. 3.4 The Bible warns us to be prepared for Christ’s second coming. a) Read Matthew 25: 1-13. Jesus Himself tells us about the Kingdom of heaven. He compares it to ‘ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom (i.e. Jesus Christ).’ Five maidens were well prepared for the bridegroom is coming (Matthew 25: 10). The other five were not prepared and the bridegroom refused them (Matthew 25: 11, 12). This story warns us to be ready at all times for Jesus’ second coming (Matthew 25: 13) b) For the faithful Christian, the second coming of Jesus will be a time of great joy. We shall be with Lord forever! It is ‘a blessed hope.’ Read Titus 2: 13.
4. SUMMARY Jesus is coming back again to this earth, not as a baby, but as a Judge and King of all the world. He will come suddenly in power and great glory. We must be prepared at all times for Jesus’s coming – watching for Him and doing His will. Then He will say, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you’ (Matthew 25: 34).
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW all the books of the Bible. Give me the names of the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. See Appendix.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 In what way did Jesus come to this earth the first time? For what purpose did He come for the First time? 6.2 How will Jesus come to the earth for the second time? For what purpose will He come the Second time? 6.3 On what day will He come? 6.4 How can you be prepared for Jesus’s coming?
7. CLOSING PRAYER
82 Let us prepare for Jesus’ return. It could be at any time. Let us repent of our sins, trust Jesus and serve Him. Let us pray. –
83 TOPIC 36: THE JUDGEMENT
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. INTRODUCTION The day of judgement is coming. God has set a day when He will judge the living and the dead with justice. His will happen at the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Christ will come to reign, there will be gnashing of teeth by the wicked and rejoicing by the faithful.
3. MAIN POINTS Judgement is the certainty that follows everyone after death. Read Hebrews 9: 27 The LORD Jesus band Son of God will be the Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10: 42; 2 Timothy 4: 1). Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25: 32, 33). This will be His responsibility. Unfortunately no one knows when CHRIST WILL COME TO JUDGE WORLD.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON JUDGEMENT DAY?
3.1 Christ will be the judge. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who has been appointed by God with the task of judging all men and women (John 5: 22. 27). 3.2 All people will appear before God’s judgement seat. Each of us will narrate of what they did while on earth in all nations to the judge (Hebrews 9: 27). Each one will receive what is due to them for the thing done while in the body, whether good or bad (Romans 14: 10). The fallen angels will also be judged (2 Peter 2: 4). 3.3 God’s perfect justice will be seen. The judgement will be in proportion to the opportunities and privileges of men and women. It will be entirely individual and personal. Neglected opportunities of repentance and faith will attract condemnation on judgement day (Matthew 11: 20-24). 3.4 Faithful servants of God will be rewarded by Christ. To those who by persisted in doing good, seeking the glory of God and honouring Him will be given eternal life as promised (Revelation 20: 12, 15). Those who will be rewarded will discover the value of work they did for Christ (2 Corinthians 1: 14).
4. SUMMARY Judgement will take place when Christ comes to reign on earth and destroy the kingdom of the devil. Christ will be the judge who will separate the righteous from the wicked. All people will appear before God’s judgement seat to give accounts of what they had done in the body. FAITHFUL servants who persevered will be rewarded eternal life. Therefore, before Christ comes we need to prepare ourselves for the future salvation.
5. MEMORY WORK REVIEW Acts 10: 42; Matthew 25: 32, 33; John 5: 22, 23; Romans14: 10; Revelation 20: 12, 15.
6. DISCUSSION 6.1 What is judgement/ 6.2 Who will be the judge on this day? 6.3 What will happen on judgement day?
84 6.4 Are you living in righteousness or wickedness? 6.5 What will the faithful servants of God receive on that day?
7. CLOSING PRAYER
85 INDEX OF MEMORY WORK There are 17 selections to memorise Page
1) The Lord’s Prayer
2) Romans 3: 23 3) Romans 6: 23 4) John3: 16 5) Acts 16: 30, 31 6) Romans 10: 9 7) 1 John 1: 9 8) Revelation 3: 20 9) John 1: 12 10) Acts 1: 8 11) Names of the Books of the Bible 12) Mark 12: 30,31 13) John 14: 6 14) James 4: 7 15) Proverbs 22: 6 16) The Ten Commandments 17) The Apostles’ Creed
Note: It will be helpful for the Catechumens and Church Members to memorise all 17 selections above. However, those who find it difficult to memorise should try to learn the first 13 selections beginning with the Lord’s Prayer.
86 APPENDIX - THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE The Bible is divided into two parts: a) The Old Testament. b) The New Testament.
The whole Bible contains 66 books within it.
a) THE OLD TESTAMENT contains 39 books and it can be divided into 4 sections: a) 5 Books of Moses ( Books of the LAW): Genesis Numbers Exodus Deuteronomy Leviticus ii) 12 Books of the HHISTORY (Story) OF THE JEWS Joshua 2 Kings Judges 1 Chronicles Ruth 2 Chronicles 1 Samuel Ezra 2 Samuel iii) 5 Books of POETRY
Job Ecclesiastes Psalms Song of Solomon Proverbs iv) 17 Books of PROPHETS
Isaiah Jonah Jeremiah Micah
Lamentations Nahum
Ezekiel Habakkuk
Daniel Zephaniah Hosea Haggai Joel Zechariah Amos Malachi
Obadiah b) THE NEW TESTAMENT contains 27 books and it can be divided into 4 sections: b) 4 GOSPELS – which tell of the LIFE OF JESUS on earth. Matthew Luke Mark John ii) 1 HISTORY (Story) of the EARLY CHURCH Acts of the Apostles i) 21 LETTERS of CHRISTIAN TEACHING
87 Romans 1 Thessalonians James 1 Corinthians 2 Thessalonians1 Peter 2 Corinthians1 Timothy 2 Peter
Galatians 2 Timothy 1 John
Ephesians Titus 2 John Philippians Philemon 3 John Colossians Hebrews Jude
ii) 1 Book of PROPHECY
Revelation
88 CONTRIBUTORS
1. Rev. Lydia Mwaba Mwale - Former Synod CTC Convenor/CBSI National Coordinator 2. Rev. Mwila Moses Chapakwenda –Synod CTC Convenor/CBSI National Coordinator 3. Rev. Lydia Chela Sichinsambwe – Copperbelt Presbytery 4. Rev. Milner Kangende - Luapula Presbytery 5. Rev. Jones Mutembo – Eastern Presbyter 6. Rev Maria Kamekela – Copperbelt Presbytery 7. Rev Alex Chikwanda – Western Presbytery 8. Rev Melvin Mubanga- Southern Presbytery 9. Rev Ezekiel Nyambe – Synod Lay Preachers Convener
