HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH S.P.A.C.E.

PROGRAM

STAGE II

*****Series I “Christian Growth”*****

*****Series II “Basic Christian Beliefs”*****

Welcome to “Stage II of the H.B.C.’s S.P.A.C.E. program.

We are excited with you that you have decided to learn more of God’s Word by entering
into Stage II. You will learn some important fundamental truths that will make you solid in
doctrine.

Now that you are in Stage II you are qualified to become part of the working ministry of
the Church. Upon completion you will be able to remain in your present position or move on to
Stage III to a more trusting position.

It is wonderful and pleasing to God to have people who are hungry for His Word and are
willing to follow the program of the church. By this willingness, it will create unity and strength
which is very needed in the church today, also, the Lord is pleased with unity among the brethren
(Psalm 133).

64
 CHRISTIAN GROWTH

OUTLINE

I. GROWING THROUGH BIBLE STUDY.

II. GROWING THROUGH PRAYER.

III. GROWING THROUGH WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP.

IV. GROWING THROUGH GIVING.

V. GROWING THROUGH WITNESSING.

65
Lesson 1
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Growing Through Bible Study

Matthew 4:4

INTRODUCTION:

This week's lesson is "Growing Through Bible Study. "One would not think of going
without physical food for a very long time. Without it, the body weakens and eventually dies.
Lack of spiritual food produces the same results in our spiritual lives.
The guidebook for your spiritual growth is the Divinely inspired Word of God. It is the
means by which God nourishes your faith, see Romans 10:17. For this reason you should read it
carefully, study it systematically, memorize it diligently, meditate upon it continuously and
practice it faithfully.

I. THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED BY GOD.

It is assuring to know that God so inspired the chosen men who wrote the scriptures that
they were guarded against any error in their selection of words to express the truth which he
wanted revealed. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21.

II. THE BIBLE IS THE MOST PROFITABLE OF ALL BOOKS.

In II Timothy 3:14-17, Paul says the inspired Scriptures are profitable for four things:

A. Doctrine: Teaching.
The word of God teaches those things which men cannot find out for themselves -
who God is, the forgiveness of sins, the hope of eternal life, etc.
B. Reproof: To convict. See Hebrews 4:12.
The word of God convicts of sin, as was illustrated in the case of Nathan dealing
with David. See II Samuel 12:1-4.
C. Correction.
This implies restoration to a previous state, such as a broken bone that is set.
D. Instruction in righteousness.
A person who lives according to the precepts of the Bible will be living a
righteous life; a life that is pleasing to God.

III. THE BIBLE IS OUR SPIRITUAL FOOD.

A. Note Job's high esteem for the Word of God. See Job 23:10-12.

B. Peter said we are to desire the Word as a newborn baby desires milk. I Peter 2:2.

C. Nourishing food prevents the effects of malnutrition. Psalms 119:11.

66
Lesson l (cont’d)

IV. HOW TO APPROACH YOUR STUDY IN THE BIBLE.

In addition to approaching the Bible with great respect and reverence "Speak Lord, for
thy servant heareth", you should ask the following questions of any passage you read:
1. Is there an example for me to follow?
2. Is there a sin for me to avoid?
3. Is there a command for me to obey?
4. Is there a promise for me to claim?
5. What does this teach me about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUSION:

The Bible, being a spiritual book: "HOLY BIBLE", can only be understood as we are
enlightened by its author, the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 2:9-16.

Answer the following questions:

1. Name five things one can do to nourish our faith.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2. Write a short definition of "inspired."

3. Name four profitable uses of the Bible.

a.
b.
c.
d.

4. Why should new Christians desire the "Milk of the Word?"

5. List five questions to ask when reading the Bible.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

6. Who helps us understand the Bible as we read?

67
Lesson #1
Answer Key

CHRISTIAN GROWTH

GROWING THROUGH BIBLE STUDY

1. a. Read it carefully.
b. Study it systematically.
c. Memorize it.
d. Meditate upon it.
e. Practice it faithfully.

2. God choosing Holy men, using their words without error, to express the truth that God
wanted revealed.

3. a. Doctrine
b. Reproof
c. Correction
d. Instruction in righteousness

4. That they may grow thereby.

5. a. Is there an example for me to follow?

b. Is there a sin for me to avoid?
c. Is there a command for me to obey?
d. Is there a promise for me to claim?
e. What does this teach me about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit?

6. The Holy Spirit.

Lesson 2
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Growing Through Prayer

James 4:2-3; Luke 11:9

Prayer is a miraculous vehicle which, through faith, brings to a person's, command the
power of the almighty God. It lifts a redeemed sinner into the presence of God. It brings the
power of God down into the life of men and women of faith. The Christian has not only the right
to pray; he has also assurance that his prayers will be heard and his petitions granted. The Bible
is filled with illustrations of people engaged in prayer, contains many invitations by our
Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, to pray and promises us the help of the Holy Spirit
when we pray. Let us all with this lesson begin anew, a life of regular, serious, prevailing
prayer.

I. HOW TO PRAY.
A. Prayers should be directed to God the Father; refer to Matthew 6:6-9 and Ephesians
3:14 and offered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. See John 14:13 -14; 15.16; 16:23-
24. Thus prayer begins with God the Father - it is addressed to Him - and ends with the
Son. The requests having been made “in his name.” The Holy Spirit is associated with
prayer also. Romans 8:26.

B. One must also pray with the right attitude. Mark 11:24. In this verse "believing" is
said to be the essential condition if we are to receive what we desire.

II. WHERE TO PRAY

A. Private prayer. There are many references in scripture to private prayer. See Matthew
6:5-8, 14:23, & 26:36.

B. Collective prayer. Praying together is also emphasized in scripture. See Nehemiah 8:6.
Matthew 18:19-20, Acts 1:12-13; 4:23-31; 20:36.

Private and collective prayer have a place in the Christian's life. There is a time and place
for both, and neither should be emphasized at the expense of the other. If prayer is to be
"without ceasing", then all places are relevant. See Romans 1:9.
Lesson 2 (cont’d)

III. WHAT TO PRAY FOR.

First, note Matthew 6:7-8 and Romans 8:26. These verses take away the worry of
deciding what to say and how to say what we mean. When we are yielded to the Spirit, He helps
us to distinguish between the things we want and the things we need.

Answer the following questions.

1. What does the miraculous vehicle of prayer bring us?

2. To whom should our prayers be directed?

3. What is the essential condition of prayer?

4. Write Matthew 6:6.

5. How many have to meet together to assure God's presence in collective praying? See
Matthew 18:19-20.
Lesson #2
Answer Key

CHRISTIAN GROWTH

GROWING THROUGH PRAYER

1. The power of almighty God.

2. The Father.

3 . Believe.

4. Matthew 6:6

5. Two or three.
Lesson 3
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Growing Through Worship and Fellowship

John 4:19-26

It is our Heavenly Father's plan for his children to assemble together in groups or
"churches." Although it is possible for a Christian to worship God in a solitary place, our
worship is enhanced as we gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The church
was designed in the beginning for the purpose of worship, fellowship and teaching. This week
we want to consider some important Bible teachings concerning the church and why it is vital to
our growth as the people of God.

I. THE MEANING OF THE WORD ”CHURCH”.

The New Testament was originally written in the Greek language. The word church as
used in the New Testament comes from a Greek word meaning "a called out assembly." The
term "church" is found more than 100 times in the New Testament. Except in a few cases,
where it is used in a general sense as referring to all local congregations, see Ephesians 5:25-
27 & Colossians 1:18; it is used to designate a particular congregation. Thus we read of "The
Church at Jerusalem”, “The Church of the Thessalonians”, “The Church in Smyrna”, etc. It does
not require a large number of persons to constitute a church. Paul refers to Aquila and Priscilla,
and “The Church that is in their house", I Corinthians 16:19.
A church then, is a congregation of baptized believers, united in the belief of what
Christ has said and agreeing to do what he has commanded.

II. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP.

See Acts 2:41 and 2:47. God's order is to receive the Word first (salvation), and
then be baptized. This order must NOT be reversed.

III. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORSHIP OF THE EARLY CHURCH.

Acts 2:42-47.
A. First, they practiced what they heard from the Apostles in verse 42.
B. They fellowshipped together, verse 42.
Definition of "fellowship:" "Community of interest, feelings, etc. An association
of persons having similar tastes, interests, etc."
C. They broke bread together in verses 42 & 46. This may mean either that they ate
common meals together or that they observed the Lord’s Supper.
D. They prayed together in verse 42.
E. They were of one accord, verses 44, 46. This word translated "accord" is a prominent
one in the Book of Acts. See 1:14; 2:1; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 12:20; and 15:25. The word
means "of one mind."
Lesson 3 (cont’d)

F. They were joyful, in verse 46. The word “gladness” means literally, “abounding in
joy.” True worship always abounds in joy.

G. They praised God, in verse 47.

IV. THE OBLIGATION FOR CHRISTIANS TO ASSEMBLE IN PUBLIC WORSHIP.

Hebrews 10:23-25.

Christian fellowship is a test of our faithfulness and our love for the Lord who bought us.

Answer the following questions:

1. Give the basic definition of the word "church."

2. What are the two qualifications for church membership?

a.
b.

3. Give five characteristics of worship.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

4. Write Hebrews 10:23-25.

Lesson #3
Answer Key
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

GROWING THROUGH WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

1. A called out assembly.

2. a. Salvation.
b. Baptism.

3. a. Fellowshipped together.
b. Broke bread together.
c. Prayed together.
d. Joyful together.
e. Praise God together.
Lesson 4
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Growing Through Giving

Luke 6:38

One of the first and most important lessons a Christian should learn is to give liberally.
It is then you begin to realize that God "increases" your supply by giving back to you MORE
than you gave to him. Then you are able to give more to help win souls. And giving to win
souls is a scriptural thing. God has ordained it.
Jesus stood in the temple and watched the widow give her "two mites" and highly
commended her act, see Mark 12:42. He sees your gift too, and he sees how much you have left
after you give.
The matter of giving is a matter of acting on God's Word. When Jesus gave the promise
in Luke 6:38, he did it to induce you to give and to claim his blessings in a material way. The
same Lord who said, "Ask and ye shall receive," said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.”
There is clear evidence that God wants his people to prosper. He has opened the door to
prosperity, if you will co-operate with him by giving. It is impossible for God to receive more
than he returns to the giver. Study Proverbs 3:9-10.

I.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT THE PRINCIPLE OF TITHE-GIVING
“Tithe”: Means giving one-tenth.

Study the following scripture:

Luke 6:38. Matthew 5:42. Luke 12:33-34. Mark 12:41-44.
John 12:3-8. Mary gave a costly gift to Jesus.

II.
LIBERAL GIVING WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF A SPIRIT
FILLED CHURCH IN APOSTOLIC TIMES.

Study: Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:33-37.

Lesson 4 (cont’d)

III.
THE FIRST TERRIBLE NEW TESTAMENT JUDGEMENT HAD TO DO
WITH DECEPTION IN THIS MATTER.

Ananias and Sapphira. Study Acts 5:1-11.

IV.
NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS WERE INSTRUCTED TO GIVE
PROPORTIONATELY EACH FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.

See I Corinthians 16:1-3.

V.
THE GRACE OF GIVING IS TAUGHT IN PAUL'S AND JOHN'S EPISTLES.

Read and study II Corinthians 8 and 9. I Timothy 6:17-19 & I John 3:17-18.

Did you ever hear of the Minnesota Scotchman, who planted a single grain of wheat in
1881? The grain produced two stalks, yielding 560 grains that year. In 1882 the 560 grains
became one-fifth of a bushel. In 1883 the yield was 17 bushels. In 1884 this was sown in 17
acres and produced a large yield. In 1885 a hundred bushels were sown and 2,800 bushels were
harvested. If one grain could become 2,800 bushels in five years, will God not multiply all of his
seed equally? God's promises are live seeds. Plant them by acting upon them. They will
produce an abundant harvest.

Answer the following questions:

1. What did Jesus say about the widow's giving in Mark 12:42?

2. What does “tithe” mean?

3. Read the account of the first New Testament judgement and its results. See Acts 5:1-11.

4. What day of the week are we to give?

5. Read I Corinthians 8 and 9.

Lesson #4
Answer Key
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

GROWING THROUGH GIVING

1. She gave more than all --- for she gave all her living.

2. A tenth.

3. Ananias and Sapphira sold land for so much and told Peter they sold it for so much and kept
the rest. They lied to God and God killed them both.

4. The first day.

Lesson 5
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Growing Through Witnessing

Acts 1:8

Every Christian has a responsibility to witness to others. Introducing others to Christ

is normal Christianity. Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" in Matthew
4:19. Since our Lord's Ministry on earth, those who have followed him closely have always
been engaged in the work of soul winning.
Scripture abounds with encouragements, commands and illustrations of personal
witnessing. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature," Mark 16:15. This is exactly what the early Christians did. Refer to Acts 8:4. Notice
in the context here that it was the rank and file Christians, today's laymen, who did this; the
apostles remained at Jerusalem - see verse 1.
Unfortunately today this command to go is generally interpreted to mean: "Ask them to
come and hear." We need to remember that our responsibility is not to bring the lost to the
gospel - but to take the gospel to the lost.

I. WHY WE SHOULD WITNESS

A. We have a debt of obligation to get out the Gospel.
1. Someone discharged their obligation to us, otherwise we would not be saved at
this moment.
2. Paul considered himself a debtor in Romans 1:14. Note how he hazarded his
life to discharge this obligation in II Corinthians 11:23-31.
B. We are ambassadors or official representatives of Christ.
1. II Corinthians 5:18-20.
2. John 20:21.

If an ambassador had power to mediate between two countries and prevent war and he
failed to do so, he would be accountable for the loss of lives.

C. We have been divinely chosen for this task. John 15:16.

D. No other business is so important. Mark 8:38.

E. We should witness out of gratitude for what our Savior did for us on the cross. See II
Corinthians 5:14-15.

F. Because of the Terror of the Lord. II Corinthians 5:11. He speaks here of the coming
judgement, so full of terrors to unbelievers.

G. Because success is definitely promised. See Psalms 126:6 & John 15:5.
Lesson 5 (cont’d)

II. HOW TO WITNESS

Tell the lost person:
A. All are sinners, as shown in Romans 3:10 & 3:23.
B. How we became sinners. Illustration in Romans 5:12.
C. There is a price on sin. Romans 6:23a.
D. Christ paid the price for us. Romans 5:8.
E. Salvation is a gift. Romans 6:23b.
F. Call on the name of the Lord. Romans 10:9-13.

Answer the following questions:

1. If we follow Jesus, what will he make us?

2. List five reasons why we should witness.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

3. Write, in order, the steps on “How to witness” and read the verses.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.
Lesson #5
Answer Key
CHRISTIAN GROWTH

GROWING THROUGH WITNESSING

1. Fishers of Men

2. a. Debt of obligation.
b. We are ambassadors.
c. We have been chosen.
d. Out of gratitude.
e. Because the terror of the Lord.

3. a. All are sinners.

b. How we became sinners.
c. There is a price on sin.
d. Christ paid the price for us.
e. Salvation is a gift.
f. Call on the name of the Lord.