In Purpose (Leader's Manual)

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’s IN PURPOSE {leader manual }

IN PURPOSE

by the grace of god

GRACE

GRACE one rmy

IN PURPOSE

SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: Who are these Salvationists? An Analysis for the 21st Century.

DVD: Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to our life in the world’.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following, remembering to include reference to the suggested Scripture and how it relates to the topic (see page 03 of the In Purpose book): 1. How would you describe the grace of God as mentioned in the following Bible verses? What does the grace of God mean to you?

John 1:14, 16, 17 2. John’s Gospel says Jesus was ‘full of grace’. List ways in which grace was evident in Jesus’ life.

Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 8:9; John 8:1-11; Luke 23:43; Mark 10:16; Mark 1:41; Matthew 14:31 3. How has God’s grace shaped your life?

1 Timothy 1:14-16; Ephesians 2:4, 5; Romans 12:6 4. As it is God’s purpose that we each share God’s grace with others, how well do you achieve this?

1 Peter 4:10; Acts 20:24 Activity Ideas •• Read the passage from page 23 of Who are these Salvationists? (see text on page 07).

•• From your version of the Song Book, find some songs which speak about God’s grace. Sing some of the verses together.

•• Share some ways in which others have shown God’s grace to you.

•• View also the ‘Call to our life in the world’ on the Called to be God’s People DVD. IN PRAYER Thank God for the gift of his grace.

Ask him to help you share his grace with others.

Dear Lord, we know we do not deserve your grace, but you offer it to us because you love us. Thank you. We also thank you for the way our lives are transformed by your grace. Help us to show your grace to others.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding the meaning of the grace of God. •• Understanding that the life of Jesus shows God’s grace in action.

•• Understanding that the grace of God can transform lives.

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GROW SAINTS

SAVE SOULS SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 05 of the In Purpose book): 02 1. From what do we need saving?

Romans 3:23, 24; Galatians 5:19-21; Luke 18:9-14 2. Who needs saving?

Romans 3:10; John 3:17, 18 3. What part should fear play in our turning to God? Psalm 34:9; Deuteronomy 31:12; Psalm 111:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13 4. John wrote: ‘There is no fear in love.’

What does this mean?

1 John 4:16-18 Activity Ideas •• Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but all Christians have a testimony.

Invite group members to write out a testimony which would help a nonChristian to understand what it means to be a Christian.

•• Imagine that, as a Christian, you go to help someone in need – you can decide what kind of help you might be giving.

Then imagine that the person asks why you are doing it. Think about how you would answer.

•• Make a list of sins which you have avoided committing because of God’s grace. Try to imagine how different in purpose

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your life may have been without knowing Christ’s salvation. It may be useful to refer to The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, Chapter 5 (G) – see text on page 07.

IN PRAYER Thank the Lord for his provision of salvation. Thank him for the difference it makes to our lives.

Dear Lord, we thank you for sending Jesus to make it possible for us to be saved.

Thank you that you want us to enjoy your presence in our lives. Help us to do our part to share this good news with others.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding why everyone needs to be saved.

•• Understanding what the saving grace of God does in our lives.

•• Recognising the need to take the message of salvation to the whole world.

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SUPPORTING RESOURCES Books: Love – Right at the Heart.

Unsung Heroes.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 07 of the In Purpose book): 1. List some reasons why we each need to keep growing spiritually.

2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 6:13; Galatians 6:1, 2; Revelation 3:14-16 2. What things help us grow spiritually?

2 Corinthians 6:3-10; Colossians 3:1214; Habakkuk 3:17; Philippians 3:10, 11 3. ‘Faith is not static.’ What does this mean?

Galatians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1, 2 and 39, 40 4. What new things have you learned about yourself and God during the past five years?

Psalm 139:1-16 and 23, 24 Activity Ideas •• ‘There are times when the unfairness of life seems to attack us.’ Share your experiences of such times, and how you responded to them. Looking back, could you have done better?

•• Idea for a role play: two friends are insulted by someone else. The two friends discuss what they should do.

They then carry out what they have decided. You could devise two plays – one where the reaction of the two friends shows spiritual maturity, and

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IN PURPOSE

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one where it shows immaturity. Or perhaps the two disagree about what should be done!

•• The discussion between Sam and Joe in 03 the ‘Love and reactions’ chapter of Love – Right at the Heart (see text on page 07), may also be used as a role play to highlight the part spiritual maturity plays in our life together.

•• Read the story of W. Stanley Cottrill in the book Unsung Heroes (pages 1-13).

IN PRAYER Pray that by God’s grace you will continue to grow spiritually.

Dear Lord, we thank you that you have provided all that we need to enable us to grow spiritually. Forgive us if we have become complacent or casual about our journey of faith. Whatever comes our way in life, may we look for your purpose and may our faith be strengthened.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding the need for growth and progress in our spiritual life.

•• Understanding that we need to share everything with God – the good things and the difficult things.

•• Recognising that we are fellow-workers with God.

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rmy leader’s manual

SERVE SUFFERING HUMANITY SUPPORTING RESOURCES Books: The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

From Generation to Generation.

Salvation Army periodicals.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 09 of the In Purpose book): 1. Who or what is ‘suffering humanity’?

How would you describe it?

Romans 8:22-27; 1 Peter 2:19, 20 2. Why did Jesus choose to suffer?

Isaiah 53:3-5; 1 Peter 2:21-24 3. Why do you think an artist would 04 depict a hungry Jesus in a queue for bread, rather than giving out the bread?

Matthew 4:3, 4; Luke 9:58; John 1:10, 11; Hebrews 2:17, 18 4. Discuss the place of suffering in human experience.

John 16:32, 33; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 19; 1 Peter 3:14, 15; James 1:2-4; Romans 8:18 Note on question 4: This question may lead to discussion on what is sometimes called ‘the problem of suffering’ and questions such as ‘Why did God allow my child to die young?’, ‘Why did my mother go through such a long period of suffering before she died?’ or ‘Why was one person’s life saved in the fire and another one died?’ There are no easy answers. Reference may be made to The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, Chapter 2, ‘For further exploration 2’ Section C, pages 43-48.

Activity Ideas •• If you have access to Salvation Army periodicals, look for some ways in which Salvationists from other in purpose

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territories ‘serve suffering humanity’, looking in particular for examples which may not apply in your country.

•• Make a list of any people you know who are going through struggles and difficulties. Is there anything you can do to help?

•• ‘We are here on earth to help one another without wanting reward or praise.’ Discuss how easy or difficult it is to serve in this way.

•• Read the ‘Am I my Brother’s Keeper?’ chapter (pp 49-54) in From Generation to Generation, and consider in particular the first paragraph of page 51 (see text on page 08).

IN PRAYER Think of some people in need or in difficult situations and pray for them. Pray that you will be more aware of those around you who may be hurting or in need.

Dear Lord, we thank you that Jesus came to share the human life and that he is still sharing our lives today. Thank you for the way The Salvation Army helps many needy people around the world. Help us to do our part just where we live.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding that Jesus chose to suffer in order that we might be saved.

•• Understanding that Jesus still shares our lives today through his Spirit.

•• Recognising that we all encounter suffering, and we should all help each other.

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IN PURPOSE

YOUR KINGDOM COME! SUPPORTING RESOURCES Book: The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

IN DISCUSSION Take time to discuss the following (see page 11 of the In Purpose book): 1. How do you visualise the Kingdom of God? See parables of Jesus in Matthew chapter 13, beginning at verses 24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47; Matthew 18:1-4; 1 Corinthians 4:20; Luke 1:29-33; Matthew 5:3; Romans 14:17, 18 2. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is within us. What did he mean?

Luke 17:20, 21 3. Why did Jesus never seek earthly power?

John 18:36; Matthew 16:21-23 4. What is God’s on-going purpose for mankind?

Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 1:9, 10; Ephesians 3:17-19; Matthew 18:12-14; Revelation 21:1-4 Activity Ideas •• In his parables, Jesus used illustrations which would have been very familiar to his listeners. Ask members of the group to choose one of the parables listed in discussion question 1, and rewrite it using a 21st-century illustration. The results should be shared with the group to see whether they agree that the original meaning of the parable is still clear. in purpose

•• Try to envisage what your village/ town would look like if everyone was a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Describe this in words, or draw a picture.

•• When considering the Kingdom of God, there is tension between ‘now’ and ‘not yet’. Read the passages from The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine (see text on page 08).

IN PRAYER Thank God for the possibility of being a citizen of his Kingdom.

Dear Lord, we thank you that Jesus came to make it possible for us to belong to your Kingdom. Help us to do our part to extend your Kingdom on earth.

SESSION OUTCOMES •• Understanding that Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God on earth.

•• Understanding that by God’s grace we can belong to his Kingdom.

•• Understanding that ultimately there will be a new earth where the Kingdom of God will be fully established.

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YOUR KINGDOM COME! one rmy

SERVE SUFFERING HUMANITY one rmy

IN PURPOSE

05

REFERENCED RESOURCES one rmy

one rmy CHAPTER 2 p 23 ‘The centrality of Grace’ – from Who are these Salvationists? An Analysis for the 21st Century.

REFERENCED RESOURCES FOR THIS UNIT This unit in part relates to Doctrines 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11

BOOKS Who are these Salvationists?, p 23, Shaw Clifton, Crest Books The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, pp 115-116, and pp 43-48, IHQ 06 Unsung Heroes, pp 1-13, Derek Elvin, Salvation Books Love – Right at the Heart, pp 42-43, Robert Street, Salvation Books From Generation to Generation, p 51, Robert and Janet Street, Salvation Books Salvation Army periodicals DVD Called to be God’s People, ‘Call to our life in the world’, Salvation Books WEBSITES www.salvationarmy.org/onearmy www.salvationarmyspirituallife.org

There is no more important word in the Protestant vocabulary than ‘grace’. It is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the loving and undeserved favour of God shown to us in the person of Jesus. In Romans 5:8, we are told that God showed his love for us ‘in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us’. So grace is not a ‘thing’, but is God giving us himself in Christ. The Old Testament speaks of God’s loving-kindness, his steadfast love, while the New Testament stresses his mercy and forgiveness. Grace is also empowerment for right living. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 we read: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ All this is absolutely at the heart of Salvationist belief and witness. Our eighth Article of Faith states: ‘We believe we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.’ The Song Book of The Salvation Army abounds in hymns and choruses of grace and faith, with over 270 occurrences of the word ‘grace’ in evidence.

‘Salvation through the grace of God’, pp 115-116, The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

@TSAOneArmy What resources would you add?

Let us know by emailing OneArmy@salvationarmy.org or visit www.salvationarmy.org/ onearmy/resources

referenced resources

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Scriptural revelation and our personal experience confirm the powerlessness of human nature to achieve moral reformation. Our only hope is in the grace of God which issues from God’s will to overcome the separation caused by sin (Jeremiah 29:12, 13; 31:31-33; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

Because the divine image has been marred through sin, because humanity now lives

under the compulsion of sin, and because sin has caused separation from God, unaided human nature has been rendered powerless to achieve righteousness on its own. A saving relationship with God is not earned by good works. But what we cannot do for ourselves God has done for us as a work of divine grace (Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19; Ephesians 2:1-10).

‘At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly’ (Romans 5:6).

‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:8).

Humanity is not only disfigured by sin but is also ready for hope. The gospel story 07 is infused with hope. It moves from the despair of sin to the triumph of grace. In mission, we are called to invite people to experience hope, receive grace and rejoice in a renewed relationship with God. We were created in the image of God to live in harmony with God and creation, a state which was broken by disobedience and sin and, as a result, we live under the compulsion of sin, separated from God and unable to save ourselves.

CHAPTER 8 pp 42-43 ‘Love and Reactions’ – from Love – Right at the Heart.

After the meeting Sam: I don’t think I do very well with my reactions.

Joe: In what way?

Sam: I lose patience too quickly.

Joe: I hadn’t noticed.

Sam: You ask my wife.

Joe: Shall I ask your children as well?

Sam: Probably not – but when things go wrong I do get irritated with them.

Joe: Even if it isn’t their fault?

Sam: Even if it is their fault I still shouldn’t get irritated as often as I do. leader’s manual

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Joe: I think we all feel like that sometimes.

But it’s how we deal with the more serious matters that shows what our heart is really like – at least, that’s what I think.

Sam: Such as?

Joe: Such as when someone intentionally hurts us – deeply. Do we harbour resentment?

Sam: Sometimes you just can’t help it.

Joe: Perhaps – but once we get over the initial shock – how good are we at deciding against revenge? Do we actually manage to leave it with God? Sam: There are also times when people don’t hurt us intentionally, yet they remain unforgiven.

Joe: I know. It’s not good, is it?

Sam: What about our reactions when 08 something happens that shakes our faith?

Joe: You mean like blaming God? Sam: It happens.

Joe: Some people live bravely with calamity, injustice and poverty nearly all their lives, but somehow when something unwelcome happens to us – we begin to question God… Sam: …and his love.

Joe: I think the remarkable way in which Jesus reacted to people who were labelled as ‘sinners’ is the best example to take.

Sam: So do I, but I’m not Jesus.

Joe: I know – but understanding how good he was to those who let him down…

Sam: …means we should be kinder to those who sometimes mess up our lives.

Joe: Exactly! So how do we react to that?

Sam: Only time will tell. But maybe we can think a little more before we react.

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CHAPTER 9 p 51 ‘Am I my Brother’s Keeper?’ – in From Generation to Generation.

A sense of responsibility for other people – needy or otherwise – is at the heart of Salvationism. People ‘join up’ and become soldiers (not members) of The Salvation Army to make an impact in the world.

Salvationists want to make a difference – to help the marginalised, the oppressed, the poor, the unloved, the neglected and forgotten. As Jesus tells us to look for him in the faces of the needy (Matthew 25:42), Salvationists cannot ignore them and still be true to their calling. The Army family includes every person who comes with a need – as well as some for whom it has to go looking. Not every problem can be solved, nor every sense of despair overcome, but the intention and motive to care must be at the heart of our response.

announcement of the Kingdom (Mark 4:30-32) (page 233 paragraph 3(c)).

John Wesley particularly emphasised the present reality of the Kingdom of God, an emphasis that was subsequently followed

by William Booth in The Salvation Army. Wesley was concerned for the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth as he preached the gospel of salvation by faith. He taught that as individual lives are transformed by the grace of God, they will experience the life of the Kingdom in the present and that this would be completed in Glory (pages 237-238 paragraph 4 (f)).

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The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

The coming of the Kingdom of God is the dominant theme in the teaching of Jesus.

By implication the doctrine looks forward to the complete fulfilment of God’s reign and suggests that the final transformation of the believer will be part of this process (1 Corinthians 15:22, 50-57). The victory of God and the establishment of his new creation are certain (page 230 paragraph 3).

The Kingdom is present reality, but also has a future aspect. This relates to the immediate future, arriving through the death and resurrection of Christ (Matthew 17:9; Mark 9:9), and to distant future at the time of the final judgement (Matthew 8:11, 12; 13:37-50; 25:31-46). Thus the one…

Kingdom arrives in successive stages. It is important to be aware of, and understand, the aspect of the ‘already, but not yet’ in the leader’s manual

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