F I R M F O U N D A T I O N S A CHRISTFAN CHURCH COURSE
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Table of Contents Introduction Page 2 Part One – Our Vision Page 4 PartTwo – Our Firm Foundations Page 5 PartThree – Next Steps Page 35 Appendix – Statements of Belief Page 36 1
Welcome to Christ for all Nations New Membership Course
We’re glad you’ve chosen to find out more about Christ for all Nations! This is an orientation class that gives the basic foundational teachings of the Christian faith. Our faith is firmly rooted in what God’s word says. If God’s word says it, that settles it! Since we have members from many different church backgrounds and some that have no Christian background, this class was designed to clearly explain the basic teachings of what we believe as Christians.
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS
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Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS The Basis for This Class: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2 (KJV) Key Foundational Truths ● Repentance from dead works ● Faith toward God ● The doctrine of baptisms ● Laying on of hands ● Resurrection of the dead ● Eternal judgment The goal of this class is that you will commit yourself to Christ and to being doers of the Word and not hearers only (see James 1:22). 3
GROWING IN LOVE- (Prayer Growth Groups) We offer Prayer GROWTH Groups on a semester basis. Real GROWTH happens within the context of covenant relationships. Paul said that real GROWTH is summed up in having loving relationships. We realize that most people don’t know how to pray and feel that church people don’t know how to love. So at Cfan, we offer opportunities for GROWTH where you can empower your life through prayer and connect with people in small groups to foster loving relationships.
CONNECTING TO GOD- (Weekend Services)
SERVING THE WORLD- (Cfan Partners)
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Part One: Our Purpose, Our Process... Our VISION
We offer worship experiences for real people to CONNECT with a real God.The average person feels that their past keeps God from making a real CONNECTION with them. At Christ for all Nations, we believe that despite your past, God still desires that CONNECTION. John said, God seeks real worshippers to CONNECT with.
EXPANDING GOD’S KINGDOM – (KingdomAmbassadors)
Now is the time for you to start SERVING your purpose in Christ. Discover your destiny! We want to help you find a place to reach your full potential as a SERVANT of God.You don’t have to wait until you are perfect. The time for your life to have real meaning is now. Cfan offers many opportunities to SERVE the community and the world for Christ.
“For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.” Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:… your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” Here at Cfan, we will help you discover how you can EXPAND and demonstrate the power of God’s kingdom in this generation. We believe that your destiny will only be fully experienced as you EXPAND God’s kingdom in your home, our communities and throughout the world. But like Jesus said, “First, the kingdom starts in you!” Luke 17:20-21 (paraphrased) 4
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS If Jesus Christ is our FOUNDATION… 10 “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 … Christianity is relational! We are called to be a Presence Driven people… Part Two: Our Firm Foundations “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2 (KJV) 5
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Foundation Meditation Scriptures (Meditate and Memorize) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matt 6:33 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” Matt 5:6 “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you” Hosea 10:12 6
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a. Repent in the O.T. =To Sigh with Regret and to Cry over. That’s how you can tell when we don’t have a repentant heart if we don’t Care either way!
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,…foundation of repentance from dead works”
c. Faith in God (John 6:29) d. Anything we do for Christ (Matt 26:1 13) 9
IV. What are Works?
b. Preaching and Miracles (Matt 11:2-5)
b. Repent in the N.T. =ToThink, toThink Differently, toThink Again, to Reconsider. It means to Change the Mind. Repent in the N.T. is a Conscience Word.
c. Repent is also an Obedience Word (seeActs 26:19-20).
a. Miracles, Signs and Wonders (Psalms 103:7)
I. Understanding Salvation II Believe =Trust and Repent III. Repentance (see Matthew 3:1 3)
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Repentance from Dead Works
d Repentance prepares the way for the Lord to accomplish God’s will for your life (Luke 1:76-79; Matt 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8).
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS V The Works of God and Repentance go hand in hand (Matt 11:20) VI. WhatAre Dead Works? “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,…foundation of repentance from dead works” a. Works that have no LIFE in them (Matt 7:22-23 KJV). b Works that have no LOVE in them (1 Corinth 13:1-3 NKJV) c. Works consisting of LABOR that won’t last (1 Corinth 3:10 15 NKJV) VII How are we to Work the Works of God? a. Obey God from a place of Intimacy and not from a place of Obligation (Matt 22:37) b. Read God’s Word (Hebrews 5:11 14). c. Stop making excuses for one’s sin (see Gen 3:10-13). d Ask God what you should do (compare James 5:16 KJV & Proverbs 20:27 KJV). e Ask God to reveal your heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Jer 17:9-10; Psalm 139:23). 10
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d. Living a life full of Impossibilities with Jesus (Luke 1:37; Jer 32:27; Eph 3:20).
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“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,…and of faith toward God”
b. Childlike Intimacy (Matt 18:3).
c. Seeking God’s pleasure over my own (Heb 11:5-6).
e. Hearing and Delighting inALLof God’s Word (Rom 10:17).
b. Faith = Is living, thinking and talking like we expect God to live up to His Word.
a. Unbelief = Expecting the enemy, or man, to Outperform God.
II. Difference between Faith and Unbelief
Faith Toward God
I. Faith isTrusting God
f. Loving others with Christ in mind (Gal 5:6; Matt 25:40; 1 John 4:20 5:1).
g. Seeing Jesus in Everything (Phil 1:21). 13
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Hebrews 11:1
a. Being Intentional in my Obedience (James 2:18; Heb 11:8).
III. What does a life of Faith look like?
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS IV Faith must beTested to Produce Perseverance (Luke 18:1-8) and a Bond with Jesus that cannot be easily broken (Eph 4:12).
c. Tested with Offense so that the Lord can get all the Quit out of us (John 6:61-71).
d. Tested with Blessings to see if we want Christ for Him or for what He can do (Deut. 13:1-4). Four kinds of Faith mentioned in the Bible Saving Faith (Eph 2:8; Rom 4:4 5) General Faith (Romans 12:3) Fruit of Faith (Gal 5:22-23) Gift of Faith (1 Cor 12:9) o The “Gift of Faith” Manifests in 4 Ways ▪ Preservation and Protection (Daniel 6:16-23;Acts 27:9-44) ▪ Provision for Supernatural Sustenance (1 Kings 17:2-6; Gen 22:1-13; Heb 11:17-19) 14
a Tested withTrials so that we can share our tears with Jesus (James 1:2-4).
b. Tested withTemptation so we can grow Stronger with the Lord’s help (Matt 4:1-11).
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS ▪ Proclaiming and Commanding [Luke 4:32; Heb 11:3; Gen 49; Numbers 16:28-35 (Moses); 1 Kings 18:37 (Elijah); Acts 5:1 10 (Peter);Acts 13:7 11 (Paul)] ▪ Catalyst for Power (Matt 17:14-21;Acts 3:12-16) How to Cultivate Faith: Walk in Love (1 John 4:18; Eph 5:1-2) Be Full of the Word (Rom 10:17). Remove Unbelief and Doubt with Prayer and Fasting (Mark 9:29). Fixing ourAttention andAffections on Jesus (Heb 12:2) Be Willing to Believe (Dan 3:17; 6:23;Acts 27:25). Obedience (James 2:20, 26; Mark 11:24; 14;22-33). Be Faithful (1 Kings 17:2-6, 9-16; 19:5-8 see the prophet Elijah) 15
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SESSIONIII
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d. Baptism of Suffering (Mark 10:35 39).
b Sets free people of spiritual bondages
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Doctrine of Baptism(s)
II. Water Baptism
a. Identifies a person with Jesus. Water Baptism says, “I’m crucified with Christ I have died with Christ. I’m buried with Christ. When I come out of the water, my old life is dead, and now he that is joined to the Lord is one in spirit and now Christ is my life” (see Gal 2:20; Rom 6:8; Rom 6:4; 1 Corinth 6:17; Col 3:4).
I. There are different Baptism(s) plural in the Bible
a. Baptism of Believers in Water (Matt 28:19; Rom 6:3 4).
III. Baptism of the Holy Spirit a. Speaking in tongues when you’re baptized in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11;Acts 1:5, 8). 19
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,… of the doctrine of baptisms”
b. Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2; 1 Cor 12:13; Matt 3:11).
c. Baptism of Fire (Matt 3:11).
ii. Speaking in tongues is for every believer (Mark 16:15-18).
d Disciples were Filled with the Holy Spirit more than once
i. They already received the Holy Spirit in John 20.
iii Spoke what the Spirit of the Lord was saying (Acts 4:8)
iv. Spoke with Boldness for Christ (Acts 4:31).
v. Had the Joy of knowing the Lord (Acts 13:52). 20
b. Baptism is synonymous with being Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
iii. Speaking in tongues edifies the believer (1 Cor 14:4; Jude 20).
iv. We’re to be faithful stewards of this mystery of God (1 Cor 14:2; see 1 Cor 4:1-2).
i. Prayer language of believer to talk to God (1 Cor 14:2; Isaiah 28:11 12; talk to people in various languages Acts 2:1-12; speak various languages spoken in the Spirit realm 1 Cor 13:1).
i John the Baptist (Luke 1:15; seeActs 2:1-12)
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c. This had to do with the Holy Spirit using us for ministry.
ii. Spoke inTongues (seeActs 2:4).
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS e In Ephesians 5:18, the verb “Filled” means to keep being filled but WHY? i Being FILLED with the Holy Spirit has to do with having a GREATER MEASURE of the LIFE of CHRIST(His ways, mind, fruit and character) within us (See Ezekiel 47:1 7 and Matthew:13:1 23).
ii. See scriptures Gen 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah); Exodus 3 (Moses and burning bush); Exodus 13:21 (Fire by night); Jeremiah 20:9 (like fire shut up in his bones); 1 Kings 18:19 40 (Elijah); Isaiah 6:1 9 (Isaiah);Acts 2:1 4 (Tongues of fire); Rev 19:12 (Jesus’eyes like fire), etc…
V. Baptism of Suffering (Mark 10:35-39) 21
IV. Baptism of Fire a. This is a baptism of Deliverance. i. All throughout scripture, God uses fire in supernatural ways to bring about some type of deliverance for His people against the enemy, purifying hearts and revealing His glory.
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS a There are some people God called to a life of greater suffering for Christ and His name sake (Matt 5:10-11; John 21:17-19).
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b The attitude all believers must have is “If I live it is for Christ’s glory, but if I die I will gain rewards in the next life (Philippians 1:21).
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SESSIONIV
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a. Transferring SpiritualAuthority for Ministry b Healing c. Deliverance
c God honors authority even when we don’t
e Impartation of Spiritual Gifts II Transferring SpiritualAuthority for Ministry (Duet 34:9;Acts 14:1-2). a Always be Holy Spirit led when putting people in leadership or servant positions (John 17:24).
III Healing and Deliverance
a. Jesus has given you the authority to Lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover because He’s full of Compassion (Mark 16:17-18; Matt 9:27-30; Luke 22:50-51; Mark 1:32-34).
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Laying on of Hands
d. Minister Baptism of the Holy Spirit
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,… and of laying on of hands” I. There are at least 3 types of Laying on of Hands the Bible talks about.
b Don’t be quick to put people in positions just because they are qualified (1Timothy 5:22).
b. Jesus is a GREATLeader and all great leaders want their servants to do GREATER (John 14:12). 25
V. Impartation of Spiritual Gifts Is when God passes a spiritual gifting or supernatural ability that is on One person to the Next person for His glory.
b.
c.
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS i. But the Greatness we’re given is to make Christ look even GREATER (John 3:30).
IV. Minister Baptism of the Holy Spirit (seeActs 19:5 6).
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a. Elijah to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-15) Paul (Romans 1:11) Timothy (1Timothy 4:14)
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c There will be 2 Resurrections of the dead “the righteous” and “sinners” (John 5:25-30).
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Resurrection of the Dead
I. The Resurrection of the Dead is the very foundation of the Christian faith (1 Corinth 15:14; John 5:25-30* “Resurrection of the dead is God’s will”).
a Jesus got up from the dead with a physical body (Luke 24:39; John 20:1 John 4:3).
b Jesus’NEW physical body did not have physical limitations (John 20:26;Acts 1:9-11).
II. If God did the greatest miracle, then the Resurrection of the Dead is possible.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,… and of resurrection of the dead”
III. God still uses His people to raise the dead today. 29
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS IV. One day God will raise up the dead that are in Him and give us a glorious body just like Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:12 58; 2 Corinthians 4:14) 30
I. God is our Judge (Isaiah 33:22; Psalm 9:8).
c Life continues after we die d. Heaven and Hell are Real (2 Corinth 5:8; Rev 4; Rev 21:8).
II. Every man will face Judgment after we die. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto Hebrewssalvation.”9:27-28
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b. We don’t just die and Don’t ExistAnymore.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,… and of eternal judgment”
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Eternal Judgment
Revelation 20:11-13 NIV a. There’s no such thing as Reincarnation (Heb 9:27).
KJV “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.”
i. This judgment is for the Rewards we will receive once we get into Heaven (1 Corinth 3:10 15; 9:24 27; ref Gal 5:23).
IV. We will even Judge the world and angels (1 Corinth 6:3). 32
ii. There will be different levels of Punishment in Hell (Matt 10:14 15; 11:20 24).
ii. God will give us a New Earth and Heaven (Universe) 1 Corinth 15:35-54.
a. God will Judge the Unsaved.
iii. There will be no more Pain, Death or Sorrow (Rev 21:4).
i. The unsaved will be sent to Hell (Matthew 25:41 46; Rev 20:11 15).
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS III. Two types of Judgment after death (Rom 2:14 16).
b. God will Judge the Saved (His children) Matt 25:31 40.
“For no one can lay any FOUNDATION other than the one already laid, which IS JESUS CHRIST” (1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV).
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Conclusion: Jesus HIMSELF is our Firm Foundation
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24-27 NIV).
V God will MakeAllThings New a. New Earth and New Heaven (Rev 21:1-2; 1 Corinth 15:35-44; Isaiah 65:17).
“The stone the builders rejected has become the CORNERSTONE” (Psalm 118:22).
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Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Commit to coming Sunday mornings. Complete the Connecting to God Course. Join a Prayer Growth Group. Serve through giving faithfully through tithes and offering. Questions/Comments Appendix: 35
In all of our theological understanding, we hold the following three statements dear: In essential beliefs- we have unity. Ephesians 4:4-6
In non-essentials- we have liberty. Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22 In all our beliefs - we show charity. 1 Corinthians 13:2 Christ for all Nations is theologically conservative, emotionally expressive, mission focused, and relationally interconnected. We are a community-focused church welcoming all regardless of background. For purposes of World Missions cooperation, connection, and accountability, we are a part of the Church of God. For more detail on our doctrinal statements, please see our Declaration of Faith. Otherwise, you can find an overview of our positions below.
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We believe the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. In order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1, 2, 14; Luke 1:35). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom. 3:24; 1 Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3–5). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, andAdvocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25, 9:24; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1–2).
THE PERSONAND WORK OF JESUS CHRIST
Christ for all Nations 101 FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASS Statement of Beliefs
THE SCRIPTURES
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God–breathed (2Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).
THE GODHEAD We believe in oneTriune God, eternally existing in three persons––Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; co–eternal in being, co–eternal in nature, co–equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).
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We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowing of spiritual gifts. It is, however, the believer’s responsibility to attempt to develop their sovereign given spiritual gift(s). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and is the placing of the believer into the Body of Christ. We believe that Spirit Baptism is a second definite work of God in the life of the believer (Acts 9:1-7). We also believe that particular spiritual gift(s) are not essential to salvation, nor do they prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 13; Eph. 4:7–8). We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14, 15). We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to him (Rom 12:1–8; 1 Cor. 13; 1 Peter 4:10–11).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the SupernaturalAgent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling them unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8–11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor.12:12–14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18). He has not ceased functioning. But, He is active, functioning today in the lives of believers as He functioned in the lives of the believers after the ascension of Jesus Christ.
THE MINISTRYAND SPIRITUALGIFTS
THE CHURCH We believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born–again persons (Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:25–27; 1 Cor. 12:12–14; 2 Cor. 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27, 18:22, 20:17; 1 Tim. 3:1–3;Titus 1:5–11). We recognize believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church (Matt. 28:19, 20;Acts 2:41, 42; 18:8; 1 Cor. 11:23–26).
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SIN We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam’s sin, the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man is born into sin and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen. 1:26, 27; Rom. 3:22, 23, 5:12; Eph. 2:1–3, 12).
SALVATION We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 1:7, 2:8–10; John 1:12; 1 Peter 1:18–19).