We are delighted that you have decided to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. You have received the life of Christ and His salvation, and because of this, you are now embarking on a new way of life. The studies in this course are to direct you to the Bible, which is God's word, and show you some fundamental truths from the Holy Scriptures upon which you may build your spiritual life. You may have been searching for the real meaning and purpose of life for a very long time, but now you have found that meaning and purpose in the person of the Lord Jesus. The exciting thing about becoming a Christian is that you have been brought into a personal relationship and friendship with the Lord. This relationship can become deeper day by day. You have not been brought into a new set of rules, but into a New Life. Our desire and prayer is that as this new life develops you will discover the principles that cause you, not only to grow in Christ, but also enable you to understand His great purpose in your life.
A certain man bought a very expensive computer and never bothered to read the manual that came with it. The computer could do many amazing things, but the man remained ignorant of its potential. After tinkering with it for a while, he set it aside. If he had read the instruction book, he would have been amazed. We pray that you will not do that with your life in Christ. We pray that you will discover from the Bible, God's instruction book for life, all the necessary principles which, when put into practice, will help you reach your potential in Christ.
It is vital that you realize from the commencement of your life in Christ that this is a new beginning. Our desire is to help and encourage you in starting out on a wonderful journey of life in Christ.
The great task and commission Jesus gave to His Church is found in Matthew 28v19-20. The command is to make disciples. Please do not think for one minute that a disciple of Christ is someone who walks around so restricted that they never enjoy life again. It is the opposite. Jesus promised to set us free as we come to know the truth. There is a freedom from all things that have held us back from becoming what God wants us to become. There is a wonderful added bonus of living in the reality of righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Spirit (Romans 14v17).
These studies are so designed so that for five days per week for ten consecutive weeks, you will need to spend at least fifteen minutes per day studying and/or discussing them. Have your Bible and a pen with you so that you can answer the questions as you go through the studies. Select an appropriate time and place where, if possible, you will be undisturbed.
We assume and hope that you will be attending one of our Home Life Groups. From this group, someone will be introduced to you as your mentor. Your mentor will meet weekly with you and answer any questions relative to your studies. He/She will be praying for you and so will we. Let's begin the journey.
God bless you,
Pastor Keith Tipple
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