Book New Beginning

A L B E R T O

&

M A N O N

C A R B O N E

NEW BEGINNING

BY ALBERTO & MANON CARBONE

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VISION 12 – Conferences & Publications inc. © 2015 Legal Deposit – Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2015 Legal Deposit – Library and Archives Canada, 2015 ISBN 2-923169-46-8 Printed in Canada Reproduction in whole or in part of this book in forbidden in any form, graphic or audiovisual, without written permission from the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Texts credited to NIV are from the New International Version.

Texts credited to NLT are from the New Living Translation.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 1. Salvation

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2. Grace

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3. Doubt

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4. The assembly

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5. Prayer and Bible reading

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6. Baptisms

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7. The church

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8. Conclusion

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9. Questionary

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10. Bible verses to help you stay in victory

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11. The 1 Epsitle of John the Apostle

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12. Our pastors testimonies

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I NTR ODUC TION

Welcome to the family of God! We want to congratulate you for having accepted Jesus Christ into your heart and into your life as your personal Saviour. It is the greatest and wisest decision that you’ve ever made. You’ve taken a major step today because Jesus is the way to the Father, and thanks to Him, you have now been reconciled to God. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14: 6 God loves you and wants what is best for you. Your reconciliation with Him opens the door for you to experience the many facets of His love and grace for you on a personal level. By persevering in your walk with Him on this earth, you will discover that the main goal in His plan for your life is your well-being.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11 (NIV) We put together this simple book in order to answer some of the questions most often asked by those newly saved 9

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and to help guide your first steps in this new life. This guide is not meant to replace the help that you will receive from your brothers and sisters placed in the role of leaders in the church, but it will provide you with basic, foundational information about your new life in Christ. After that, through reading the Bible and hearing preached sermons, you will gain understanding.

It is our prayer that this book will strengthen your decision to follow the Lord and enable you to develop a personal relationship with Him. We ourselves, as well as the pastoral team, are here to serve you, should you need advice or have any questions.

We are praying for you and your loved ones.

May God bless you and keep you throughout your journey.

Alberto & Manon Carbone, Pastors

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Our good works can not save us. Not any more so than being a member of a church or offering sacrifices. So how is one saved? Jesus provided the solution by dying on the cross for us. He took our place and suffered our punishment. When we ask God to forgive us our sins and we believe that Jesus died for us, God forgives us because of Jesus; our sins are forgiven and Jesus becomes our Saviour.

It is written in 2 Corinthians 5: 17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Jesus became your Saviour and you have become a child of God. That is what we refer to as salvation. Christ is now your righteousness before God. (Romans 10: 9-10) Why do you need to be saved?

1. You were a sinner (Ephesians 2: 1-10) Salvation is based on the fact that man, condemned to death and eternal punishment because of sin (after the fall of Adam and Eve), needed to be redeemed and saved through the intervention of a divine Saviour.

Read Romans 3: 21-26. Verses 23 and 24 (NIV) say: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the 14

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redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

(Romans 5:8-10, NIV) 2. You could not save yourself 1 John 5:12-13 (NIV) says: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4: 14, NIV) 3. Only Christ can save you It is written in Acts 4: 12 that salvation can be found in no one else because there is no other name in heaven or on earth by which we must be saved.

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“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2: 5) What does it mean to be born again?

In the same way that at the moment of your physical birth, you received natural life from your parents, you receive the spiritual life that comes from God by your new birth in Jesus Christ. When Jesus became your Saviour, He gave you new life, spiritual life, that comes from God. That is what the Bible refers to as being born again. Read John 3: 1-8: “Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” (verses 5-7, NIV) At the time of your first birth, you became the child of your human parents. At the time of your new or second birth, you became a “child of God”; He is now your Father.

1 Peter 1: 15-16 (NIV) says: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

To God, “holy” means “set apart”, “consecrated to God” and not that we are perfect. We are holy, set apart, His children.

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John 17: 14-19 (NIV): “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

Conclusion Jesus is God’s gift to humanity. He is the only way to the Father and thanks to Him, you have been reconciled with God and have become a child of God.

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It is important to understand the grace of God because it is directly linked to your salvation. It is what enabled you to accept Jesus as your personal Saviour, without relying on your own righteousness or works.

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2: 4-5) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

(Ephesians 2: 8-9) In other words, it is not the works which you have done in the past, nor the works that you will accomplish for Christ in the future that save you, because: “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” (Titus 2: 11) Grace manifested at the cross Grace is not only an effect of the mercy of a God ready to forgive all in love. The conditions of holiness and justice had to be met as well as His love. And so the atoning sacrifice of Calvary was required. Jesus was brought low “so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2: 9) Grace can only be received by faith

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We are freely justified by His grace. “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6). All that you receive by grace, be it your salvation or the power to walk in this new life, it is a gift from God. What effects does grace have in us?

They are wonderful and complete to the point where we could say that grace is the Lord acting to save us.

1. It gives us full forgiveness for our faults.

“But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20) 2. It justifies us.

“So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3: 7) 3. It brings blessing.

Many blessings will attain you in your Christian walk, and they all will be given to you by grace. It is why you must stand firm in grace in order to not have them snatched away from you.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by 21

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faith into this grace in which we now stand.� (Romans 5: 1-2) Conclusion Let us always be grateful to God because it is by grace that we receive all things from Him.

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In the first weeks following your salvation, at one time or another, doubt may overtake you in the form of thoughts like: you didn’t really accept Jesus... you weren’t sincere... what proof do you have that you are saved?... what assurance do you have of your salvation?…

When such questions enter our thoughts, it is important to go and see what God himself declares in the Bible.

John 3: 16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever [Nicole, Louise, John, Mark...] believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” You have eternal life. It is God, through this word, who proves to you that you are saved because you have life: Jesus.

John 3: 36 and Romans 10: 9-10 give us the assurance of our salvation, if we have done what is written: believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths.

Also, Romans 8: 15 says: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.””

In reading these verses we see that doubt no longer has its place. It will leave and you will have peace and assurance concerning your salvation.

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Conclusion Always refer to what God says. He is the one who leads us in all truth. And the truth will chase doubt from your life.

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In the New Testament, the term « assembly » is generally applied to Christians gathered together for worship.

“So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

(Acts 11: 26) “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18: 20) Jesus is present in the midst of His assembly to satisfy every need and to feed us with His word. In this verse, we see that God wants us to come together to glorify His name.

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders.” (Psalm 107: 31-32) Psalm 22: 25 says: “My praise shall be of You in the great assembly.” (Read also Psalm 35: 18.)

“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV)

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This verse explains that we must not neglect the assembly.

There we receive what we need to grow n our new family (the family of God), and are surrounded by the love of our new brothers and sisters in Jesus. And so, it is important that we attend the assembly.

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Bible Reading It is written in 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

The Bible, being the Word of God, enables us to know His will. This is why it is important to read it every day, because it is food for our spirit. In the same way that we eat to feed our body to be in good health and develop normally, the Word of God causes us to grow in the wisdom and understanding of Jesus Christ for our spiritual health.

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:17-18) When reading the Bible, we suggest you start with the Gospel of John, followed by the book of Ephesians. You should focus on reading the New Testament before the Old because it is through the New Testament that you will understand the Old. We recommend that you get an international Bible translation, translated from the original Greek and Hebrew texts (ex.: the New King James Version 34

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(NKJV), the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), ...)

To truly understand what we read, we must allow the Holy Spirit to make us understand. We must not interpret the Bible according to our own personal ideas or desires, using it to say what we please. Instead, we must let the Holy Spirit renew our intelligence through the Word of God (Romans 12:2).

The Bible is its own commentator. No verse should be subject to specific interpretation in isolation from the rest of Scripture. The entire Bible was inspired by God and [each book, chapter and verse] is part of the whole. It is imperative to always interpret a verse in its context. This allows us to understand the topics put forth by the Holy Spirit who enlightens us.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:2021) As part of your daily reading, underline or make a note of the verses that you want to look up again later and meditate on them.

Psalm 119:11 says: “Your word I have hidden in my heart.”

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If when you read, you notice that what is written is not being manifested in your life (ex.: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says “Rejoice always.”), then ask the Lord to help you put that verse into practice. The Bible is a book of instruction to be applied in our lives.

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” (James 1:23-24) Here are some useful tips for reading the Bible: - Key point: Be sure you understand what the passage or verse is saying, what the subject matter is, etc…

- Problems: If you don’t understand a passage or a verse, take note of the sections you’re having difficulty with; you’ll find the answer later on in your studies. You can also ask you leader or a member of the pastoral team to explain it to you.

- Parallels: Try to find and compare similar ideas found elsewhere in the Bible. The more you study the more you will discover on your own.

- Promises: As you read, you will discover the promises of God. Write them down and receive them by faith in your life.

- Pitfalls: You will also come across cautions and warnings; 36

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they are for your good, in order that you might be happy.

Don’t feel condemned by them because when God warns us about something it’s because He loves us.

Prayer Prayer can be compared to breathing: inhale and exhale. It’s us reaching out to God and His answer. Whoever says they can’t find time to pray says so with just cause. You must organize your time for prayer. A good approach is to pray when you do you daily Bible reading.

1. Praying is talking to God There are many categories of prayer, but the thing to remember is that prayer is simply talking to God: - Supplications: this refers to asking God to meet certain needs.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) It’s normal to ask God for help. He Himself encourages us to come to Him with our needs. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) says “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

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Thanksgiving: Prayer works in two directions. Don’t forget to thank God for what He has already done for you. Thank Him in advance for what you ask Him for. Jesus did this as well: “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” (John 11:41) Remembering what God has done for you is a good way to start your prayer/praying. It will edify you.

- Praise: Praise is similar to thanksgiving except that it deals with God’s nature rather than what He has done.

“Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!’” (Revelation 19:5) Read also Palms 145, 146, 147, 148, 149 and 150.

- Worship: Worship is very similar to praise but it is done with an attitude of adoration and reverence. Sometimes words cannot fully express our feelings. At times, you may keep silent, overcome by God’s greatness. John 4:23-24: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

- Intersession: You can be so deeply moved by the needs of another that the Lord places in your heart the desire to keep praying until you have the assurance that God has answered your prayer.

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2. God answers all prayers said in faith Mark 11:24 (NIV): “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV): “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

James 1:6-8 (NIV): “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

John 15:7 (NIV): “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 16:24 (NIV): “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

1 John 3:22 (NIV): “[We] receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”

3. Why pray?

- To submit our needs to God (Philippians 4:6-7)

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- To not worry (Philippians 4:6) - So that our spirit can be further opened to the promises of God for our life (Matthew 7:7-11) - To bear fruit (Matthew 13:23) - To resist temptation (Matthew 26:41) - To tell Him all of our worries and cast it all on Him (1 Peter 5:7) “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

(1 Timothy 2:1-2) “When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.”

(Acts 12:12) Conclusion Make prayer and reading the Bible a way of living. This will favour growth in your walk with God.

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Water baptism The word baptism means: plunge, immerse, submerge.

Water baptism is also known as “baptism by immersion” and should be performed by a spiritual authority, be it a pastor or a leader to whom this authority was delegated. It is also called the “baptism of John the Baptist”, in reference to the baptism that Jesus submitted to, a sign of repentance for the remission of sins.

“John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

(Mark 1:4) Christ’s disciples continued to baptize as John had done.

“Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples).” (John 4:1-2) As He left them, Jesus commanded them to have baptism be the sign of the saving work that was done in them and of their union to God, whom He had come to reveal: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) 44

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This is why, since the birth of the Church, the apostles started baptizing. Read: Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12, 38; Acts 10:47-48 Baptism represents death and resurrection; the burial of the sinner crucified with Christ and the birth of the regenerated man, born from above.

John 3:3 - “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” Colossians 2:12-13 (NIV) - “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, ...God made you alive with Christ.”

Galatians 3:27 (NIV) - “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Read also 1 Peter 3: 18-22 Verse 21 (NIV): “this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.” The Greek word “baptizô” means to dip, immerse or soak.

This form of baptism requires that the whole body, including the head, be submerged under water.

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Mark 1:9-10 - “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.”

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit 1. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was clearly proclaimed

by John the Baptist: Matthew 3:11 - “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Read also Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33 Jesus repeats this promise in Acts 1:4-5 – “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’”

2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was first manifested to the disciples.

It is on the day of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit descended: Acts 2:1-4 “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together 46

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in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

After that, Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit (see Acts 10:30-48 and Acts 11:16). The Holy Spirit is promised to all those who have accepted Jesus as the Saviour of their lives so that they might have the power to walk in their Christian life and accomplish the will of God. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV) 3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is received by faith.

We must accept and invite the Holy Spirit in order to receive His baptism. Read Acts 2:38; Luke 11:13; Acts 8:19-20 “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:39) When we ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and we receive it, Jesus gives us new tongues (a new language), as

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it is explained in 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NIV): “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”

We must do as the disciples did when they received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:4 (NIV): “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

In receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is the manifestation of tongues that the Spirit gives to us, and all we need to do is simply speak as He inspires us to.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NIV) says: “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do?

I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding...”

1 Corinthians 14:22 (NIV) says: “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers” and Mark 16:17 (NIV) declares: “And these signs will accompany those who believe... they will speak in new tongues.”

Read also Acts 19:6 and Acts 10:46.

4. Speaking in tongues glorifies God. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;

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for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24) Conclusion Water baptism is a testimony that declares: “Now, I will obey Christ. I am dead to my old life and I am resurrected to a new life in Jesus.”

Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, He enables you to accomplish the will of God and walk in this new life.

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The Church, God’s family The church is God’s big family. When you became a child of God, you became a member of His family. Joining a church where His word is taught demonstrates that you are a member of this family. It will increase your sense of fraternal communion and will give you the chance to help/ assist other Christians. As well, the edifying interaction with other children of God will sustain in you the fire of the Holy Spirit, your zeal and your love for God. Christians need the encouragement of other Christians. If you take a burning coal from the fire and set it aside, it will soon be extinguished. The same is true for Christians. Hearing the word of God, praying with others, singing together, making Christian friends; all of these things will help you grow in God. Read Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 11:25-26 Matthew 18:20 says: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

The local church In essence, the Church is the community of all believers of the New Covenant, bound together by faith and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, in vital union to Jesus Christ. This spiritual Church makes up the Body of the Lord; it is universal because the children of God from every country and all backgrounds belong to it (Acts 2:47; Acts 9:31). It also includes all of the redeemed who have already 52

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gone to be with the Lord.

The church is also local because in the New Testament, the Christian community in each area was seen as a church.

There are many Christian churches in existence, but they have not all received the same mission from God. It is not God’s will that you belong to numerous churches, but to one, where you will flourish and can invest of yourself to the glory of His name. Read Acts 11:26; Acts 13:1; Acts 14:23, 27; 1 Corinthians 7:17.

You are a member of the Body of Christ You are a member of the body of Christ and you are a useful to the body. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) says: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

And Romans 12:5 (NIV) says: “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

1 Corinthians 12: 27 (NIV) The entire body is edified by a sort of chain reaction: Christ, His servants, His people. Love becomes the medium through which responsibilities and mutual encouragement are exchanged, and through which each part of the Church fulfils the role to which it was assigned.

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The organisation of the church Ephesians 4:11-12 says: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The pastor is therefore appointed by God to teach us and feed us the Word of God. There are also the elders. An elder is someone who is appointed to this position, and not necessarily someone who has been saved for a long time. A person could have been saved for many years and not have the function of elder in the church (Acts 14:23). Elders are there to serve the members of the assembly in all things concerning the proper functioning of the church. See Acts 15:2, 4, 6; James 5:14; Acts 16:4; 1 Timothy 5:17-19.

Spiritual manifestations God has given gifts for His people.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) We must desire these gifts in order that the needs of each individual are met. “…Desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14:1). “ Un seul et même Esprit opère toutes ces choses, les 54

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distribuant à chacun en particulier comme il veut. “ (1 Corinthiens 12 : 11) A gift of the Spirit (a spiritual gift) is the supernatural qualification given to each believer for service in the Body of Christ.

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11) 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

Tithes It is very important that we tackle this subject because, if you truly understand what tithes are, you will be blessed and you will see that it is God’s will concerning you.

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The word “tithe” means “due portion”, the tenth part or a tenth of the income consecrated to God. In offering tithes to God, believers express gratitude towards Him and acknowledge the fact that God is the owner of the goods and revenues that they enjoy.

In giving our lives to the Lord, we give Him everything, 100%. God is our provider; everything that we have comes from Him. It is He who gives us the strength to work to acquire what we have. Given that the tithe is a tenth of our income, God is giving us 90% to benefit from, keeping 10% towards the advancement of His Kingdom on earth.

God works with His church (believers) and tithes are necessary to accomplish the work of God. This involves a voluntary act on our part. In reality, according to the Gospel, it is not our tithes, but all of our income and goods that belong to God (Luke 14:35; 5:11; 21:4). In Malachi 3:8-12, God refers to someone who is cheating Him out of His tithes. Tithes belong to Him, and if we withhold them, it is stealing and cheating God, plain and simple.

In the Old Testament, there are numerous verses that make reference to the tithe consecrated to God. Some will think: “But now we are in the New Testament, under grace and no longer under the law.” This is true, but Jesus said that He came to fulfil the law (Matthew 5:17), and He also says: “[Give back to] God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21, NIV).

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Here are a few verses that speak to this subject: Leviticus 27:30; Hebrews 7:1-6; Numbers 18:21; Nehemiah 10:37; 2 Chronicles 31:5; Galatians 6:6; Genesis 14:20 and 28:22.

Abraham and Jacob gave their tithes on everything, even before God established the law, and without Him having to ask them for anything. God gives and I give back, as I sow, so shall I always reap in return.

“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) In Luke 11:42, Jesus reprimands the Pharisees because they neglected God’s love. He reminded them that we must practice God’s love without forsaking paying our tithes. The tithe given to your local assembly makes it possible to cover all of the expenses associated with the building (heating, electricity, taxes, maintenance, repairs, equipment, etc.), as well as pay those who work full time in ministry (“the laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV) “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” In verse 14, “living from the gospel” refers to those workers who have earned their salary (Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7).

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dom]. What a joy to be able to contribute financially to the accomplishment of God’s work! Plus, at the end of each year, the church will provide you with a receipt for your taxes, because your tithes are considered a charitable donation and are therefore tax deductable.

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8. CONC LUSION 1 Corinthians 12:31 advises us to earnestly desire the best [spiritual] gifts because they are given to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in the family of God. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 talks about love. In short, if the love of God is not manifested through my actions, even if I had everything else—[spiritual] gifts, knowledge, faith— it would do me no good. And so, it is important to not only desire [spiritual] gifts, but also to demonstrate them through the love of Jesus.

It follows that the most important fruit that you can ask of God is love: for Him and others. Love contains all of the other fruit that God wants to develop in you. It will keep you close to the Lord and will make you mindful of others.

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:8-14) Read also John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-21. Verse 7 (NIV) says “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes 61

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from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” This is why we love you, and we desire to see you grow in this assembly and have purposed in our hearts to help you and encourage you in your Christian walk.

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25, NIV)

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Salvation 1. What happens to those who receive Christ? (John 1:12)

2. How did John the Baptist call Jesus? (John 1:29)

3. What advice did Jesus mother give to the servants?

(John 2:5)

4. What must we do to see the Kingdom of God? (John 3:3)

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5. Name the two types of birth. (John 3:6)

6. How can we avoid perishing? (John 3:16)

7. If someone believes in Jesus, what will that person receive? (John 3:36)

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8. According to Romans 3:23, does God make a distinction of persons for salvation?

Grace 1. How can we be saved? (Ephesians 2:4-5)

2. Why don’t our works save us? (Ephesians 2:9)

3. In what must we stand firm? (Romans 5:1-2)

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Doubt 1. What gives you assurance of your salvation?

2. Which verse proves that you have now eternal life as a believer?

The Assembly 1. Why does God want us to assemble together? (Matthew 18:20)

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Reading and prayer 1. How can we truly be Jesus disciples? (John 8:31)

2. What effect will the truth have on those who know it?

(John 8:32)

3. What happens to those who don’t put the Word into practice? (James 1:23-24)

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4. What is the purpose of the Scripture? (2 Timothy 3:16)

5. Who is the good shepherd? (John 10:11)

6. What is needed to see the glory of God? (John 11:40)

7. How must we worship God? (John 4:23-24)

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8. What types of prayers does God respond to?

9. Give at least two reasons why we must pray.

Baptisms 1. What is baptism according to 1 Peter 3:21?

2. To whom a person speaking in tongues is addressing to?

(1 Corinthians 14:2)

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3. Why must we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

(Acts 1:8)

4. When I receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, who begins to speak in tongues? (Acts 2:4)

The Church 1. In Ephesians 4:8, 10, 11, what are the gifts that are given to the Church?

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2. In Acts 2:36-42, who persevered? And in what?

The Organization of the Church 1. Name a few people who have been chosen by the Church to serve you, help you, etc.

The gifts of the spirit 1. Who chooses the gift(s) that we receive? (1 Corinthians 12:11, 18)

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BIBLE VERSES TO HELP YOU STAY IN VICTORY Salvation John 3:16, Romans 10:9.

Faith Hebrews 11 Love 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-8 Edifying thoughts Philipians 4:8 Purity Psalm 119:9-11 Dealing with the family of God Romans 12 The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12 If you are experiencing Doubt Hebrews 11:1-6, Matthew 21:21, Romans 4:20 Worry Matthew 6:25-34 Fear Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 46:1-3 Weakness Psalm 1; 73:26 ,Romans 5:1-5 Loneliness Psalm 100:23 Temptation James 1:12, 2 Peter 2:29 Discouragement Hebrews 12:2-3, John 14:1-3, Peter 4:1213, Romans 8:28-29, Matthew 11:28-30

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Verses to memorize Ephesians 2:10

Hebrews 13:15

Proverbs 3:5-6

James 1:22

1 Corinthians 6:19

Philippians 2:14

2 Timothy 3:16

John 14:21

Philippians 4:13

Hebrews 4:15-16

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The Word of Life 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.

Walk in the light 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

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Christ, our advocate 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,� but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

The new command 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the

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darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.

14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

On Not Loving the World 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Warnings Against Anti christs 18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They 83

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went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.

26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

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29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

Son of God 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of 85

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the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.

15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep 86

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his commands and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them.

And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

God Spirit and Anti christ spirit 1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

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God is Love 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love.

But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

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to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Faith that overcome the world 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Testimony of the Spirit 6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God ac89

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cepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Knowing eternal life 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we 90

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may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

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O U R PA S TO RS T ESTIMONIES

Pastor Alberto Carbone It’s at the age of 22 that I met the Lord. It was the most extraordinary experience of my life. Finally, peace and joy. I felt a weight lift off me that I hadn’t even realized was there.

My eyes still filled with tears, I was overcome by the reality of Jesus’ love for me and of His blood that purified me.

I felt this assurance: I am saved and Jesus is alive and living in my life.

September 15, 1968, in my friend’s mom’s kitchen—a woman who was praying for me—I faced a decision that would change the rest of my life, and my future.

It was at the age of 12 that, for the first time, I became aware of God’s presence. While walking alone in a field after a spring rain, I saw a rainbow and instantly, I started talking to God. I don’t know how long I stayed there, but the result was a great joy came and filled my heart. But it wouldn’t last: the world, misery and sin lead me to question God. In the fourth grade, I questioned a religion teacher on the meaning of what he was teaching: “what is born of the flesh is flesh and what is born of the spirit is spirit.” His answer was that it’s a mystery.

That answer made no sense to my young mind; I told myself that if God hadn’t wanted me to understand, He wouldn’t have written it.

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I went to a church, made my way to the [foot of the] cross and prayed: “If You exist, speak to me.” I waited there, but no answer came. And so the influences of youth replaced those of my parents. As you can image, things went from bad to worse. I’ll spare you the full account of the sins that resulted.

One day, a co-worker of mine committed suicide, and the big questions of life resurfaced: where did I come from?

What is there to life? Where do we go after death? Does God exist?

My friend’s mother, whom I barely knew, would write bible verses on little pieces of paper and leave them in my pockets. For the first time, I read what Jesus said, what He had done, and I was moved. I made my way to a church and, filled with suspicions, I understood nothing.

The pastor, filled with patience, gave me pamphlets on unbelief and only then did I start to let down my guard and open my heart to Jesus. Through a simple prayer, I spoke yet again to Jesus, and this time, enlightened by His Word and through faith, revelation came into my heart and a miracle happened. I am now a new creature! Hallelujah! Thank you Lord!

Pastor Manon D’Astous Carbone (14th of 15 children) At the age of 17, on April 18, I was invited to church by

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my brother-in-law. God’s unconditional love had an impact on me that turned my life upside down / that completely changed my life. I realized that God loved me unconditionally, that His love was incomparable and very different from human love. From then, it brought deep peace and security into my life. I was no longer alone.

From that moment, I wanted to give myself to God as a sign of gratitude for His infinite love for me. From there, I realized that God desired to bless His children. The more I trusted Him, the more He blessed me and brought success in my life.

Today, He has transformed me from the insecure young girl that I was, into a pastor, wife and accomplished business woman. Allowing God to guide your life is the best decision that you will ever make. Of course, living the Christian life does not mean that you will never have any problems, but it does assure that you’ll have the help, support and love of your Saviour.Si Dios ha hablado a su corazón a través de las enseñanzas de este libro, nos gustaría invitarle a aceptar a Jesús como su Señor y Salvador.

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If God has spoken to your heart through the teachings in this book, we would like to invite you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. You can receive Him right now by faith through a simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank you because you love me and you know what I need. Thank you for dying at the cross for my sins. Today, I open the doors of my life to you, and I receive you as my Lord and Saviour. Take your place on the throne of my life. Make me the person You want me to be. Thank you for forgiving my sins and for giving me eternal life.�

CONSOLIDATED BY: Name: Ministry: Telephone # (home): Telephone # (business):

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For more information, you can contact us or visit us at: MCI Canada (Intergenerational Christian Mission) 5685 Chauveau Montreal, QUEBEC Canada H1N 1G8 Phone : (514) 253-3303 Fax : (514) 253-6796 Website : mcigc.ca E-mail : mci@mcigc.ca

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Alberto Carbone, speaker and pastor of the Intercultural Christian Mission of Canada (MCI Canada), began in 1971 with 8 members. Currently, the church has more than 3,000 members of various cultural backgrounds. He has conducted seminars in various countries and his main concern is the growth and development of each human being in all areas of life. That is why he keeps working with his wife, Manon Carbone, in that mission field.

« For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. » Jeremiah 29: 11 We have prepared these pages to answer questions often asked by newly saved people and to help you guide your first steps into this new life. This guide does surely not replace the assistance you will receive from the pastoral staff of your church, but it will give you basic informations about your new life in Christ. Then, reading your Bible and listening to Sunday preachings will add more knowledge.

We pray that this book allows to reinforce your decision to follow the Lord and allow you to develop a personal relationship with Him.

For more information: www.mcigc.ca mcicanada.ca Éditions VISION 12 - Conférences et Publications