THIS IS HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN

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2.9 PREFACE This study series was put together with much love, faith, and prayer to help people seeking God to come to a full knowledge of the truth. It lays a foundation for their spiritual walk with God that will last a lifetime- until they meet God- if they accept the scriptures and put them into practice. The first century church appeared to teach similar basics as elementary or foundational teachings: Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings1 about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. The outlines offered here are, as Hebrews 6 says, elementary teachings or principles. They are not the final word. Simply reading these outlines to your friend will not guarantee salvation to anyone. Keep in mind that you are studying the Bible, not just these outlines, with your friend. If you have other scriptures - or other basics - in mind, by all means, include them! In all these things, do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. TIPS ON USING A STUDY SERIES: . A study series is a guide. People did not use this study series on the day of Pentecost. They did however, fully understand what Jesus did, were cut to the heart (broken), repented, and were baptized because of their faith. A good study series really helps as a tool because it joins scriptures together so God.s purposes are understandable and clear. . A study series is like an outline. It is a skeleton, and you must put the flesh on it with your life, knowledge and understanding of God, and your love. You CAN interchange scriptures and put the studies in a different order- the goal is that your friend will come to understand God and live for him. TIPS FOR LEADING STUDIES: #1) Pray before you lead studies. Pray or God.s spirit to guide you, and for you to treat your friend with compassion and conviction like Jesus would. Pray for all of your hearts to accept and be fertile soil for God.s Word. 1 Translated as .first principles. in the American Standard Version. #2) Get to know them well. It is always good if you can have a .lifetalk. with someone leading up to the studies- lifetalks are conversations where you can get to know the person.s family, background, and perspectives. Building a relationship with someone and understanding why they think as they do can prove vital in helping someone to remove spiritual roadblocks and get a correct view of God. Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. #3) Your job- to plant and water. You don.t have to force something- God has the power to make it grow! (1st Cor 3:5-9) #4) Check if they have a Bible! Make sure your friend has a Bible with a good translation they he/she can readily understand. If not, a great gesture would be to get your friend one! #5) Be a great example yourself. 1 Tim. 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. #6) Get a good feel for each study. The studies are laid out in a very practical manner. . There is a brief note at the very top to explain the purpose of each study. . The box underneath the note lists all of the main scriptures in the study and the main idea for each. . Underneath the box is an opening question and then each scripture is listed in order with more depth. . The study ends with a conclusion that contains some challenges that help practically apply the study to our lives. . NOTE: There is also an additional resources section at the end that generally includes Extra Passages, Homework, and Facilitation Questions. You can use these resources to further bolster the power of each study! #7) Be led by the Spirit, and enjoy yourself. God is about to do a miracle, even if we don.t know how! Mark 4:26-29 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." WALKING WITH GOD The most important thing that you can do in life is have great relationship with God. Some of this comes naturally, but like all relationships, many things are learned. It is important to recognize how important God should be in our lives, and how close he desires to be with us everyday. This study is designed to help anyone learn how to connect with God on a deeper and more intimate level. ? Genesis 2:8-25; 3:8 God.s plan since creation was for us to spend time with him. ? John 17:1-6 Jesus came so that we would know God more intimately. ? Genesis 5:21-24; Exodus 33:11 Heroes of the faith who learned to walk with God ? Luke 5:16 Jesus often spent time with God alone and connected. ? Isaiah 54:5-8; Hosea 2:19-20 God describes his relationship with us like a marriage. ? Jeremiah 9:23-4 The only thing worth boasting about is knowing God deeply. ? Isaiah 26:7-9 Our souls should yearn for God constantly. ? John 11:32-5; Luke 7:11-15 Jesus feels things deeply and has deep empathy. ? Mark 1:35 Jesus set the example by starting his day by spending time with God. ? Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with every possible facet of your being. What really is the point of having a time with God everyday, anyway? (I) GOD DESIRES AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU Genesis 2:8-25; Genesis 3:8 From the very beginning, God has desired a relationship with man. . Why did God create the Garden of Eden? . What did Adam and Eve have to do in the Garden except spend time with God, each other, and care for the Garden? . God walked in the Garden with them in the cool of the day . From the very beginning, our lives were meant to include God, and our lives will not feel complete without him. Spending time with God (not trying to hide) is the only way to truly feel fulfilled every day . Do you really believe that God desires to spend time with you everyday? John 17:1-6 The whole point of Jesus. mission was that we would be reconciled to God and get to know him intimately (II) LEARN TO WALK WITH GOD Genesis 5:21-24; Exodus 33:11 These heroes of the faith learned the art of walking with God in a corrupt world. . Moses spoke with God as he would to a friend . How is your prayer life? Is it deep conversation like with a friend? Luke 5:16 Jesus was in constant communion with God and went often to spend time alone with him. (III) GET TO KNOW GOD MORE INTIMATELY EACH DAY Isaiah 54:5-8; Hosea 2:19-20 God describes our relationship with him like a marriage! . A .Quiet Time. refers to a time alone God. learn to build your relationship with God deeper each day . Connect daily- imagine a spouse just not showing up one day! . Spend quality time with God- don.t learn facts as much as understand who he is.when you get to know him better you will learn to love him . Learn how God feels about certain things- sin, different things of life, etc. Jeremiah 9:23-4 Understanding God is the greatest thing you can do! . .Knowing. someone starts intellectually, then gets emotional, then goes to the soul. . Be fascinated with God.s incredible character and nature (Isaiah 55:9) . Meditate on the wonders of the universe that God has created. (Psalm 19) . Do you believe the most important thing you can boast about is to know God deeply? Isaiah 26:7-9 Our souls should long for God constantly. John 11:32-5; Luke 7:11-15 Don.t be afraid to be vulnerable and real with God- he loves us and feels things deeply. . Jesus wept. Are there emotions in your prayers??? Even crying, laughing- these are signs of a real relationship! . Jesus. heart was moved when he saw the widow in Nain. Share your heart vulnerably with God in prayer- he cares about your situation PRACTICALS Find special ways to connect with God (in every close relationship there are unique and special connections) . Take a walk with God, sing to God, pray on your knees, find a special spot to spend time with God. Does my time with God to be in the morning??? . Actually, you should walk with God all day long! Jesus was in constant communion with God. BUT- it is extremely important to spiritually prepare our hearts for the day (which can so easily go astray), and Jesus set the example for this. . Mark 1:35 Turn to God FIRST in your emotions. . Be real, but humble, and let him help you through the storm. Learn to love God with everything! . Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ CONCLUSION . Start walking with God! THE GOSPEL OF JOHN STUDY NOTE: 1. The purpose of the John study is to produce faith in Jesus (John 20:30-31). 2. At least these verses should be covered. 3. This material should be covered in one or more studies. 4. Each one studying should read the assigned chapters for homework and come back ready to share questions raised and what was learned. 5. Key questions in each chapter: Who did Jesus say he is? Who did others say he is? Who do you say he is? 1:1-5,14 God became flesh in the form of Jesus. 1:12-13 Belief does not make us children of God; it only gives us the right to become children of God. 2:1-11 First miracle. The disciples put their faith in Him. 2:12-17 Clearing the temple. He had strong convictions. 3:1-7 We must be born again of water and spirit to enter the kingdom. 3:16-18 Without belief in Jesus, one is condemned. 4:1-2 They were co