GROWING IN DISCIPLESHIP

COMPILED VOLUME ONE

KNOWING GOD
GAINING ASSURANCE
LAYING THE FOUNDATION

iii
Growing in Discipleship: Compiled Volume One

Copyright © 2014 The Navigators–Kenya

First Printing (First Edition) 2014 Nairobi, Kenya
ISBN-13: 978-9966-010-12-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author,
except where permitted by law.

Published by: The Navigators–Kenya and The Navigators–Uganda

Cover design by Christopher Bupe
Printed in Nairobi, KENYA

For more information contact:

The Navigators–Kenya
P.O. Box 47300–00100 GPO The Navigators–Uganda
Nairobi, KENYA OR P.O. Box 2743
www.kenyanavigators.org Kampala, UGANDA
communications@navigatorskenya.org

Grateful acknowledgment is made to the following for permission to reprint and/or adapt
material copyrighted by them: NavPress for excerpts from Design for Discipleship Series.
Copyright 1973 by The Navigators (www.navpress.com);. Also for some material from The
2:7 Series copyrighted by Church Discipleship Ministry of The Navigators. Used with per-
mission. All rights reserved.

These Bible study materials were developed by the staff of The Navigators of Uganda and
Kenya. The Navigators is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian or-
ganisation. Jesus Christ gave His followers the Great Commission to go and make disciples
(Matthew 28:19). The aim of The Navigators is to help fulfil that commission by multiply-
ing labourers for Christ in every nation.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in this publication are from the Holy Bi-
ble, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.

iv
 Contents
Before you begin ix
Quiet Time Basics: Bible Reading and Marking xi
Scripture Memory Principles xiv

SECTION 1: Knowing God xvi

Chapter 1: What Is God Like? 1

Chapter 2: What Is Man Like? 5
Chapter 3: Who Is Jesus Christ? 9
Chapter 4: Why Did Jesus Come? 14
Chapter 5: How Should Man Respond? 18
Chapter 6: How to Pass On the Good News 23

SECTION 2: Gaining Assurance 27

Chapter 7: How to Spend Time Alone with God 28

Chapter 8: Assurance of Salvation 34
Chapter 9: Assurance of Deliverance and Protection 38
Chapter 10: Assurance of Victory 42
Chapter 11: Assurance of Forgiveness 46
Chapter 12: Assurance of God’s Help 50
Chapter 13: Assurance of the Holy Spirit’s Presence 54
Chapter 14: Assurance of God’s Guidance 58

SECTION 3: Laying the Foundation 61

Introduction 62
Chapter 15: Christ the Centre 66
Chapter 16: God’s Word in Your Life 68
Chapter 17: Prayer 73
Chapter 18: Witnessing 77
Chapter 19: Personal Testimony 81
Chapter 20: Fellowship 86
Chapter 21: Obedience to Christ 90

APPENDIX 94

v
vi
BIBLE STUDY INITIALS DATE
Chapter 1: What Is God Like?
Chapter 2: What Is Man Like?
Chapter 3: Who Is Jesus Christ?
Chapter 4: Why Did Jesus Come?
Chapter 5: How Should Man Respond?
Chapter 6: How to Pass on the Good News?
Chapter 7: How to Spend Time Alone with God
Chapter 8: Assurance of Salvation
Chapter 9: Assurance of Deliverance and Protection
Chapter 10: Assurance of Victory
Chapter 11: Assurance of Forgiveness
Chapter 12: Assurance of God’s Help
Chapter 13: Assurance of the Holy Spirit’s Presence
Chapter 14: Assurance of God’s Guidance
Chapter 15: Christ the Centre
Chapter 16: God’s Word in Your Life
Chapter 17: Prayer: Conversation with God
Chapter 18: Witnessing
Chapter 19: Personal Testimony
Chapter 20: Fellowship
Chapter 21: Obedience to Christ

SCRIPTURE MEMORY
God’s Plan Jeremiah 29:11
Man’s Problem Isaiah 59:2
Jesus the Man 1 Timothy 2:5-6
God’s Remedy 1 Peter 3:18
Man’s Response John 5:24
God’s Promises John 1:12
Quote all six memory verses in one session
Quiet Time Psalm 143:8
Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:11-12
Assurance of Deliverance and Protection 1 John 4:4
Assurance of Victory 1 Corinthians10:13
Assurance of Forgiveness 1 John 1:9
Assurance of God’s Help Hebrews 4:16
Assurance of the Spirit’s Presence 1 Cor. 6:19-20

vii
Assurance of God’s Guidance Proverbs 3:5-6
Quote all fourteen verses in one session
Christ the Centre Galatians 2:20
The Word 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Prayer Philippians 4:6-7
Witnessing 1 Peter 3:15
Testimony Mark 5:19
Fellowship Hebrews 10:24 25
Obedience John 14:21
Quote all twenty-one verses in one session

OTHER
Explain and draw the Bridge Illustration
Read and mark the Gospels daily through section 1
Listed books from Matthew–Colossians
Read and mark the Gospels daily through section 2
Draw and share the Wheel Illustration
Demonstrate the Hand Illustration
List all books of New Testament in order
Write out and share your salvation testimony
Read, mark and record thoughts daily in QT journal
through section 3

LEADER’S CHECK
Complete Volume

viii
 Before you begin
Personal Bible study can be an exciting adventure! When answering a question, do not just
copy the verse into the blank. See how the verse of Scripture answers the question. Then
write the answer in your own words. Personalise your response by using “I…my…me…”
in your answer. Be sure to pray before you begin and during each study.

“Open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18

What is Growing in Discipleship all about?

Welcome to the exciting journey of growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ! You are about to
discover the thrill of growing closer to God and how to live the Christian life with joy, free-
dom and discipline. You will learn many truths from God’s Word. While these books may
look, like simple Bible study at first glance, there is much more in store for you. You are
beginning the adventure of growing in discipleship compiled volume with Jesus Christ.

In Volume 1 you will:

t
&xplore the essence of the Gospel and come to a deeper understanding of
salvation through faith in Jesus.
t
(BJO
#JCMFCBTFE
OPU
FNPUJPOCBTFE
BTTVSBODF
PG
ZPVS
TBMWBUJPO
GPSHJWF


ness and victory over sin.
t
(SPX
NPSF
DPOĕEFOU
UIBU
(PE
XJMM
IFMQ
QSPUFDU
BOE
HVJEF
ZPV
ćJT
XJMM
CF


a time of solid building in your life, as you become firmly rooted and estab
lished in your faith and deepen in your devotion to Christ.
t
#FHJO
UP
CVJME
DMPTF
SFMBUJPOTIJQT
XJUI
PUIFST
XIP
TIBSF
ZPVS
EFTJSF
UP



know God better.
t
#FHJO
UP
FYQFSJFODF
UIF
CBTJDT
PG
B
$ISJTUDFOUSFE
MJGF
NFFUJOH
(PE
EBJMZ
JO


prayer, meditating on His Word, memorising key verses of Scripture, etc.
t
#FDPNF
TFMGGFFEJOH
EVSJOH
UIJT
TUBHF‰MFBSOJOH
UP
MFBO
PO
$ISJTU
BOE
GFFE



on His Word daily.
t
(BJO
FTTFOUJBM
TLJMMT
GPS
TIBSJOH
$ISJTU
XJUI
GSJFOET
BOE
SFMBUJWFT
BOE
QFS


haps lead someone to Christ as you practice these skills.

By the time you finish Volume 1 you will have built a strong foundation for your ongoing
healthy spiritual growth.

But there is more to come! Going through Volume 2 will challenge you to become a true
disciple of Jesus. This begins by growing in Christlike character such as love, humility,
servant-hood, and purity. During this stage of your discipleship, the spiritual disciplines of
prayer, word intake, fellowship, and quiet time would become a part of you.

In the third Volume, you will learn to help others grow spiritually. In fact, the book focuses
on equipping you to become actively involved in personal ministry to others through indi-
vidual evangelism, follow-up, and leading others in Bible study. Because you will be build-

ix
ing a strong walk with God and practical skills for helping both Christians and non-Chris-
tians discover Christ, you will be challenged to respond to Jesus’ Great Commission.

The third volume concludes with a broad view of God’s over-arching purposes, His char-
acter and kingdom, Satan’s dominion and schemes, and how you can labour effectively for
the Lord until He returns.

If you complete this discipleship training, you will be prepared and ready to participate
as a mature labourer in the Church’s many ministries, or wherever else God calls you to
serve Him. Therefore, we encourage you to make a commitment to be faithful and give this
USBJOJOH
ZPVS
UPQ
QSJPSJUZ
*U
XJMM
CF
DPTUMZ‰DPTUJOH
ZPV
UJNF
BMNPTU
UXP
ZFBST
EJMJHFODF

and a willingness to obey God in all things. Nevertheless, the cost will be well-worth it.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him,
rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2: 6-7)

x
 Quiet Time Basics: Bible Reading and Marking
The Bible is God’s Word to mankind. The Bible gives us an overall picture of what God has
done in the past and wants to say to us today. In the Bible we discover what God says so
we can love and obey Him.

Jesus told His disciples that, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you …” (John
15:7) their prayers would be answered, they would bear much fruit, and this would prove
that they were truly His disciples. That is why your participation in this discipleship train-
ing begins with Bible reading. Many Christians find it helpful to make a habit of reading
TZTUFNBUJDBMMZ
UISPVHI
UIF
#JCMF‰UIF
XIPMF
#JCMF‰POF
CPPL
BU
B
UJNF
POF
DIBQUFS
B
EBZ

every day! You too can begin this easy and refreshing habit of daily Bible reading. And we
will show you how!

Sadly many Christians rely solely on printed devotional books written by men rather than
reading the actual Bible for themselves. Other Christians limit their Bible reading to a few
favourite books and verses. But God through the apostle Paul urges us to read the whole
Bible because it is so useful for us.

“The whole Bible was given by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us
what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us
out and helps us do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Living Bible)

If you can read the newspaper, you can read the Bible. If you can read a textbook, you have
all the skills you need to read the Bible. All you need is a simple plan and fifteen minutes
each day devoted to listening to God speak to you through His Word. Do not worry about
how long the Bible is. Think of the Bible as a library, consisting of 66 individual books.
Just pick one book from the “shelf ” and read it from beginning to end. Return that book
and select another. By following this easy plan, you will have read all 66 books in only 2–3
years. You will be one of the few Disciples of Christ to have read the whole Bible! Make
this your goal, follow these simple steps, and you too will experience the joy of discovering
what God says and obeying it.
The Plan
1. Select the Bible or New Testament that you will read from every day. It should be a
modern translation and a Bible you feel free to make marks in.
2. Select one book to begin your systematic Bible reading. We suggest that you begin in
the New Testament with the Gospel of Mark.
3. Each day pray before reading, asking God to open your eyes and ears to Him.
4. Read through the first chapter once for a general overview. Do not go on to chapter
2 yet. Re-read chapter 1 a second time, pausing to think about and mark a few key
words or ideas that particularly impress you.

xi
 GRID Complied Vol. One
5. Use a pen to make your marks: circle a key word, underline an interesting phrase, or
use a vertical mark in the margin for longer highlights.

6. End your reading by asking God to focus your attention on one and only one thing
that you marked today. Ask Him how He wants you to apply the key thought that
you marked to your own life. Thank Him for speaking to you.

7. The next day, use the same plan to read chapter 2 of the Gospel of Mark. Continue
to read and mark one chapter each day until you complete this book. Do not skip
chapters; do not skip from book to book. When you finish reading Mark, begin to read
the Gospel of Luke, beginning with chapter 1.

8. If you miss one day of Bible reading, simply read two chapters the next day.

9. By using this simple plan for just fifteen minutes a day, you will read through the en
tire New Testament in only nine months. You will complete the whole Bible in less
than three years! To get started, do the following exercise by reading and marking
these verses from Mark chapter 1.

Assignment in Bible Reading and Marking

Instructions: For your first reading and marking exercise, you will meditate on the Gos-
pel of Mark, chapter 1, and verses 1-20, printed below. First, pray that God will speak to
you from His Word. Next, read and think through the passage at least twice. Mark the
parts, which impress you most, using circles, {brackets}, or underline or vertical lines in
the margin to mark thoughts that impress you. Be prepared to share one thing that you
marked with others in your Bible study group.
Mark 1:1-20 NIV
6
John wore clothing made of camel’s hair,
1
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus with a leather belt around his waist, and
Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this
Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my mes- was his message: “After me will come
senger ahead of you, who will prepare one more powerful than I, the thongs of
your way 3 a voice of one calling in the whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop
desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, down and untie. 8 I baptize you with wa-
make straight paths for him.’” 4 And so ter, but he will baptize you with the Holy
John came, baptizing in the desert region Spirit.”
and preaching a baptism of repentance
9
for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole At that time Jesus came from Nazareth
Judean countryside and all the people of in Galilee and was baptized by John in the
Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of
their sins, they were baptized by him in the water, he saw heaven being torn open
the Jordan River. and the Spirit descending on him like a

xii
 Quiet Time Basics

dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: lee, he saw Simon and his brother An-
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I drew casting a net into the lake, for they
am well pleased.” were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,”
Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of
12
At once the Spirit sent him out into the men.” 18 At once they left their nets and
desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty followed him. 19 When he had gone a lit-
days, being tempted by Satan. He was tle farther, he saw James son of Zebedee
with the wild animals, and angels attend- and his brother John in a boat, preparing
ed him. 14 After John was put in prison, their nets.
Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the
20
good news of God. 15 The time has come,” Without delay he called them, and they
he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Re- left their father Zebedee in the boat with
pent and believe the good news!” the hired men and followed him

16
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Gali-

Date: _________________ What I read today:__________________________________

Summarise the best thing you marked: _______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Summarise how this applies to you: __________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

xiii
 GRID Complied Vol. One

Scripture Memory Principles

Why memorise scripture?
When Satan tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus answered by quoting Deuteron-
omy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s
mouth.” (Matthew 4:4, The Message). Every believer needs to feed on God’s Word as regu-
larly as eating food. Here are some other reasons why Christians should memorise verses
of Scripture on a regular basis:

t
It defends you against temptation, sin, and Satan (Matthew 4:1-11 and Psalm 119:9,
11).
t
It assists you in finding God’s direction and guidance (Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 119:105).
t
It is God’s command (Deuteronomy 11:18-19).
t
It helps you tell others about Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
t
It increases your peace of heart and mind (Psalm 119:165).
t
It makes God’s power available to you (Hebrews 4:12).
t
It pleases God and prepares you to give sound answers (Proverbs 22:17).

You can get started by memorising one verse today, and then another next week, and then
another the following week! The rewards and benefits you experience over time will moti-
vate you to continue. Stop for a moment and ask God why He might want you to begin or
strengthen the habit of systematic Scripture memory. Then answer this question:

Why would you like to be disciplined in Scripture memory? _______________________

_______________________________________________________________________
HOW TO MEMORISE SCRIPTURE
Many Christians would like to memorise Scripture, but they don’t know how to do it. Fol-
low these simple suggestions when you memorise, and you will be surprised at how easy it
is to “hide God’s word in your heart”!
1. Select: Select a key verse or memorise the one assigned in your lesson. Memorise from
a good modern translation of the Bible, if possible. Copy the verse you selected accu-
rately onto a small card, or cut out the card from the back of your Growing in Disciple-
ship Compiled Volume study book.
2. Prepare: Before memorising, meditate on the verse in its context by reading the verses
before and after it in the Bible. Pray about its meaning and message.
3. Aloud: Speak the verse aloud, not silently, while you are memorising.
4. Topic + Reference + First phrase: Using the verse card, read aloud the topic of the
verse, and the reference, and the first phrase of the verse. Then repeat that much sev-
eral times until you can say it perfectly. For example, say without pausing: “God’s Plan
… Jeremiah 29:11 … For I know the plans I have for you …” Repeat just that much,
out loud, several times.

xiv
 Scripture Memory Principles
5. Add on phrase by phrase: Add the second phrase to the topic + reference + first
phrase. Repeat this much several times until you can say it perfectly. For example, say:
“God’s Plan … Jeremiah 29:11 … For I know the plans I have for you … declares the
Lord.” Then add the third phrase, and so on. Say: “God’s Plan … Jeremiah 29:11 … 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.” Be sure to repeat
the reference again at the end of the verse. When you can say the verse perfectly, repeat
it ten times aloud to anchor it in your memory.
6. Word perfect: Do not be careless by allowing any errors. It is easier to learn the verse
perfectly at first than to try to re-learn it later. Remember that Satan deceived Eve by
changing only one word of what God had said to her!
7. Check accuracy: Refer to your verse card frequently to check your accuracy. You could
also write the verse on paper or quote it for a friend to check your accuracy.
8. Apply: Apply it to your own life, pray over it, and share it often with others.
9. Revise! Revise! Revise!: Keep your verse cards organised and available so that you can
revise your newly memorised verse aloud every day for six weeks. Each day it will be-
come more firmly planted in your memory and heart. After six weeks of daily revision,
you may revise it once each week to keep it fresh.
10. Over-learn: You will soon forget what you learned unless you over-learn it with repeti-
tion. This is the key to long-term retention.

HOW TO MEMORISE VERSES WITH OTHERS

One of the best ways to learn Scripture verses is to have a Scripture Memory Partner.
When you revise your memory verses with a partner, remember these suggestions:

1. Use cards: Your partner should read silently from your memory cards while you recite
each verse aloud, listening carefully to each word.
2. Correct errors immediately: If you make a mistake, your partner should indicate im-
mediately with a hand gesture. Do not interrupt verbally.
3. Try again: Try to correct the error alone first. If you need help, ask for it. Then start the
verse again from the topic until you can quote it perfectly.
4. In groups: Revise your verse aloud in unison, go around the circle each one adding a
phrase, or write it out for your partner to check.
5. Poorly memorised verses: If you make several errors and need lots of help, you prob-
ably failed to memorise it in the first place. Do not be discouraged! Devote extra time
to this verse during the week, and ask your partner to check it again next week.

xv
 SECTION 1
Knowing God

xvi
 CHAPTER 1
What Is God Like?
INTRODUCTION: Some people think that God
created us, but then abandoned us to take care of
ourselves. Some even say there is no God. Some THINK ABOUT IT:
think there is a God, but it is impossible to know Judging from your daily experi-
ences, observations, and relation-
Him. Others think that a holy God spends most ships, would you conclude that
of His time punishing us for our sins. Still others people are good or wicked?
imagine God as merely a “big” version of their local
“little” gods, who is just as ready to curse us as He
JT
UP
CMFTT
VT
0VS
HSFBUFTU
OFFE
JT
UP
LOPX
(PE‰BT

He truly is! Nothing in life affects us more deeply
than what we know and believe about God and our
relationship with Him.

Begin by memorising Jeremiah 29:11.

GOD KNOWS THOSE HE CREATED

1. What did God create? Isaiah 45:12 ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. As the Creator of all mankind, God knows all about your life. List several things God
knows about you, according to these verses.
1 Chronicles 28:9 _____________________________________________________
Jeremiah 17:10 _______________________________________________________
Psalm 139:1-4 ________________________________________________________

3. Read Psalm 139:23-24. How did David respond when he realised that God knew Him
completely? __________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
What is your response to God’s complete knowledge of you? ___________________
____________________________________________________________________

GOD DEFENDS THOSE HE LOVES

4. What does Jeremiah 31:3 teach us about God’s love for those He made? ___________
____________________________________________________________________
5. Read Psalm 72:12-14. To whom does God show His compassion? _______________
____________________________________________________________________

1
 GRID Complied Vol. One
HE IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD
6. Read the first two commandments in Exodus 20:3-6. Then write them in your own
words.
First commandment (v. 3) _______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Second commandment (vs. 4-5) __________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

7. What differences do you find in Jeremiah 10:1-16 between idols and God Himself?
Idols One True God
v. 5 Only “pretend” gods. They cannot v. 6
talk, walk, harm, or help us.

v. 11 v. 10

v. 14 v. 12

v. 15

8. Moses described God in Deuteronomy 32.

a. What does verse four say about God? ______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

b. What things did the Israelites do that offended God so much? (vs. 16-18)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

c. How did God respond to their unfaithfulness? (vs. 16, 19-20) ___________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

GOD JUDGES WHAT HE HATES

9. In addition to idolatry, list seven things God hates. Proverbs 6:16-19.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2
 What is God like?
10. a) Read Psalm 96:9, 13. What do you think is meant by God’s holiness? ___________
____________________________________________________________________

b) Explain in your own words how God will judge the world. (v. 13)______________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

THINK ABOUT IT
The man who would know God must give time to Him. He must count
no time wasted, which is spent in the cultivation of His acquaintance.
(A. W. Tozer) The Pursuit of Man) What would you be willing to give
in order to truly know God?

GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO THOSE WHO SEEK HIM

11. Study Jeremiah 29:11-13. What kind of plans does God have for you? (v. 11)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

b) Would you like to know God better______ If so, what should you do? (vs. 12-13)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

12. From your study so far, what is the most interesting thing you have learned about God?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Can You Make This Boast?

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or
the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this: That he understands and knows
me,That I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness
on earth,for in these things I delight,”declares the LORD.

3
 GRID Complied Vol. One
SUMMARY STEP 1: God’s Plan
When God created you, He had a purpose in
mind for your life. We learn in Jeremiah 29:11
that His plans for you are good, giving you pur-
pose now and hope for the future. This is be-
cause He loves you very much. In fact, His love
is constant and unconditional, and He promises
that He will never stop loving you, even when
you are weak and helpless. He longs for you to
seek Him, so that He can reveal His love and His
plans to you more fully. However, the choice is
yours. God also gave you freedom either to fol-
low His plan for your life, or to go your own way
without Him.

Assignment for chapter 1

1. Revise Jeremiah 29:11 daily.
2. Memorise Isaiah 59:2, and revise both verses daily.
3. Complete Chapter 2 of the Bible study called “What Is Man Like?”
4. Also, continue to read and mark one chapter a day from the Gospel of
Mark. Tick the chapters you read on the Bible Reading Chart at the end
of this book.

4
 CHAPTER 2
What Is Man Like?
INTRODUCTION: Many people wonder, “Who
am I? What is my purpose? CAN I find meaning in THINK ABOUT IT: Judging
this life?” The Bible provides answers to these ques- from your daily experiences,
observations, and relationships,
tions as it reveals the true value, nature, and destiny would you conclude that people
of people. are good or wicked?

Begin by memorising Isaiah 59:2

MAN’S VALUE TO GOD

1. What does the Bible teach about your value to God and His care for you?
Isaiah 43:4. __________________________________________________________
Matthew 10:29-31 _____________________________________________________

2. Why did God make man?

Acts 17:26-27_________________________________________________________
Isaiah 43:7 ___________________________________________________________

3. a) According to Matthew 22:35-40, what does God say about your highest duty in life?
____________________________________________________________________

b) From God’s view, what then are the greatest wrongs? _______________________
____________________________________________________________________

MAN’S NATURE
People are very valuable to God, but we have a problem in our relationship with Him. Let
us look at this serious problem and its cause.

4. a) Why are men separated from God?

Isaiah 59:2 ___________________________________________________________
Colossians 1:21 _______________________________________________________

b) What have men lost as a result of this separation? Ephesians 2:12

____________________________________________________________________

5. Read Romans 1:21-32. How does the Bible describe people’s attitude toward God and
behaviour toward others?

5
 GRID Complied Vol. One

Attitude Toward God Behaviour Toward Others

v. 21 v. 24 Do filthy and shameless things with
their bodies

v. 25 vs. 26-27

v. 28 Do not value true knowledge about v. 29

God

v. 32 v. 30

v. 31 No conscience, no kindness or pity,

break their promises

6. a) What did Jesus say is the source of our evil thoughts and actions?
Mark 7:21-23_________________________________________________________

b) So our individual acts of sin reveal and come from our basic sin nature. How does
the Bible describe this sin nature?
Psalm 78:56-57 _______________________________________________________
Isaiah 53:6 ___________________________________________________________

7. a) Read about Paul in Romans 7:15-20. How does he describe his struggle with his
own nature? (vs. 15, 18-19) ______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

b) What does he identify as the cause of his struggle? (vs. 17 and 20) _____________
____________________________________________________________________

c) In what ways can you identify with Paul’s struggle? _________________________

____________________________________________________________________

MAN’S PROBLEM
8. Man sins because he chooses to. But according to John 8:34, everyone who sins even-
tually becomes a _____________to sin.

9. Read James 4:1-2. How are our relationships with people affected by our evil desires?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

6
 What is man like?
10. a) In this life, sin separates us from God and damages our relationships with others.
Read Hebrews 9:27 and Romans 6:23. What else does man face after he dies?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

b) Do you think man will be found guilty or innocent? ________________________

c) What is the fair penalty (“wages”) for our sin? _____________________________

MAN’S EXCUSES
11. Man naturally wants to avoid God’s judgement, so we often try to justify ourselves
with excuses. What does the Bible say about these common excuses?

a. “But I try to keep the Ten Commandments (the Law).” Romans 3:20.
____________________________________________________________________

b. “But I have done lots of good deeds (righteous acts).” Isaiah 64:6.
____________________________________________________________________

D
i#VU
*
IBWF
POMZ
DPNNJUUFE
B
GFX
TNBMM
TJOT‰OPU
CJH
POFTw
+BNFT

____________________________________________________________________

d. “But I have gone to church and been very religious.” Ezekiel 33:30-32.
____________________________________________________________________

e. What other excuses do people give?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

12. Who is good enough to measure up to God’s standards? Romans 3:23.

____________________________________________________________________

13. How does God feel about the wickedness of those He created? Genesis 6:5-6.
____________________________________________________________________

14. Review what you have learned in this lesson. Write a short paragraph describing how
God views mankind’s value. Also, describe how God feels about mankind’s rebellious
and sinful nature, and the problems this creates for both you and God.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

7
 GRID Complied Vol. One
SUMMARY STEP 2: Man’s Problem
Every person has great value in God’s eyes. How-
ever, according to Isaiah 59:2, sin has separated all
of us from God. The Bible states that every person
has chosen to go his own way apart from God. God
views this attitude of independence and rebellion as
sin. It traps us in patterns of evil behaviour, in dam-
aged relationships, and in not really caring about
God and the things He cares about. In this sepa-
rated condition, each person will be judged by God
and required to face eternal death. No amount of
religious activities or giving up certain bad habits
is ever enough to earn us pardon for this rebellion.
Even at our best, all of us are imperfect and cannot
attain on our own the perfection needed to bridge
the gap between our holy God and us.

Assignment for chapter 2

1. Revise Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 59:2 daily, meditating on their meaning.
2. Memorise 1 Timothy 2:5-6a and revise it daily. Use your small cards to
help you revise.
3. Complete Chapter 3 of the Bible study titled “Who Is Jesus Christ?”
4. Also, continue to read and mark one chapter a day in the Gospel of Mark.
Tick the chapters you have read at the bible-reading chart at the end of the
volume.

8
 CHAPTER 3
Who Is Jesus Christ?
INTRODUCTION: Why is it so difficult for us to
fully understand God? Because God is invisible and
holy, while we are sinful. God knew that we could THINK ABOUT IT:
never reach or know Him unless He took the initia- If you had something important
to tell an ant, what would be the
tive to reveal Himself to us. So that is what He did! best way to go about it?
He bridged the gap between us by coming to us in
UIF
GPSN
PG
B
NBO‰UIF
NBO
+FTVT
$ISJTU
5P
CF
UIF

complete expression of God, He had to be God. To
speak to and understand us, He had to be human.
Jesus Christ has a dual nature; He is the God-man,
“the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).
In order to begin understanding Jesus Christ, we
must explore both His deity (His divine nature) and
His humanity.

Begin by memorising 1 Timothy 2:5-6a.

JESUS’ LIFE AS A MAN

About 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ was born in the obscure town of Bethlehem. While
Jesus was an infant, Joseph and Mary took Him into Egypt to escape the wrath of an angry
king, Herod the Great. Then, while He was still a young child, they moved to Nazareth of
Galilee.
1. When the angel announced His birth, what purpose did he give for Jesus coming into
the world? (Matthew 1:21 and Luke 1:31-33) ________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2. In what areas of life did Jesus grow and develop? Luke 2:52 _____________________
____________________________________________________________________

3. How do you know that Jesus was a real man?

John 4:6-7 ___________________________________________________________
John 11:35 ___________________________________________________________

4. Read Hebrews 4:14-15 and Hebrews 5:7-9. Then answer these questions.
a. How was Jesus like other people? ______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
b. How was He different from others? ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

9
 GRID Complied Vol. One
“He was not like any other man, and yet so much like me!”
-Michael Card-

5. What touches you most about Jesus’ humanity? ______________________________

____________________________________________________________________

6. What are some activities of Jesus’ public ministry? Matthew 4:23. ________________
____________________________________________________________________

7. What was His purpose in selecting the twelve apostles? Mark 3:14. _______________
____________________________________________________________________

JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION

8. What did Jesus predict would happen to Him? Matthew 16:21 __________________
____________________________________________________________________

9. From Matthew 27, what facts do you learn about Jesus’ death?
v. 35 ________________________________________________________________
v. 38 ________________________________________________________________
vs. 62-66 ____________________________________________________________

10. From Matthew 28, what do you discover about Jesus’ resurrection?
vs. 1-7 ______________________________________________________________
vs. 11-15 ____________________________________________________________

11. a) We find in Luke 24 that Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection.
What was their first response? (vs. 36-38) __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

b) What things did He do to show them He had a body? (vs. 39-43) ______________
____________________________________________________________________

12. Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. In verse 5 Jesus is described as a “mediator between God and men.”
a)What does a mediator do? _____________________________________________

b) Why do you think we need a mediator between God and us? _________________
____________________________________________________________________

c) In verse 6 Jesus is described as a “ransom for all men.” What is the purpose of a
ransom? ____________________________________________________________

How was Jesus like a ransom for us? What price did Jesus pay to ransom us? _______
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

10
 Who is Jesus Christ?
JESUS IS GOD
13. What does God call Jesus in Hebrews 1:8? __________________________________

14. a) Read John 10:30-33. According to verses 30 and 33, what did Jesus Christ claim
about Himself? _______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

b) If this claim is not true, then what would that make Jesus? ___________________
____________________________________________________________________

15. What else can we learn about Jesus’ relationship with His Father, from John 14:8-10?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

16. While on earth Jesus performed many miracles which demonstrated His divine
power. List some ways Jesus showed supernatural power.
Mark 4:39-41 ________________________________________________________
John 10:27-28 ________________________________________________________
John 11:43-44 ________________________________________________________

17. After observing Jesus’ life, power, and preaching, what did Peter conclude about Je-
sus? Matthew 16:13-16. _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

18. Review what you have learned about Jesus in questions 13-17. Also, read the chart on
pages 31-32, which illustrates how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. What most strongly con-
vinces you that Jesus is truly God? ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Assignment for chapter 3

1. Revise Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 59:2 and 1 Timothy 2:5-6 daily.
2. Memorise your new verse 1 Peter 3:18 and revise it daily.
3. Complete Chapter 4 called “Why Did Jesus Come?”
4. Also, continue to read and mark one chapter a day in the Bible. If you fini
sh reading the Gospel of Mark, start reading the Gospel of Luke next.

11
 GRID Complied Vol. One
PROPHECIES ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Fulfilled prophecy helps verify the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Looking at
prophecies which preceded Jesus by hundreds of years and seeing how Jesus fulfilled them
in every detail reveals the authenticity of His claims. The chart below is a brief list of some
of the prophecies made concerning the Christ and how Jesus fulfilled them.

TOPIC PROPHECY FULFILMENT

Place of birth “But you, Bethlehem “Jesus was born in Bethle-
Ephrathah, though you are hem in Judea.” (Matthew
small among the clans of 2:1).
Judah, out of you will come
for Me one who will be
ruler over Israel, whose ori-
gins are from of old, from
ancient times.” (Micah 5:2),
700 B.C.
Born of a virgin “Behold a virgin shall “His mother Mary was
conceive, and bear a son” pledged to be married to
(Isaiah 7:14, KJV), 700 B.C. Joseph, but before they
came together, she was
found to be with child
through the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 1:18).
His triumphal entry “Rejoice greatly, O Daugh- “They took palm branches
ter of Zion! Shout, daughter and went out to meet
of Jerusalem! See your King Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!
comes to you, righteous Blessed is He who comes
and having salvation, gentle in the name of the Lord!
and riding on a donkey, on Blessed is the King of
a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Israel!’ Jesus found a young
(Zechariah 9:9), 500 B.C. donkey and sat upon it.”
(John 12:13-14).
Betrayed by a friend “Even my close friend, “Then Judas Iscariot, one
whom I trusted, he who of the Twelve, went to the
shared my bread, has lifted chief priests to betray Jesus
up his heel against Me.” to them.” (Mark 14:10).
(Psalm 41:9), 1000 B.C.
His rejection “He was despised and “He came to that which
rejected by men…Like one was His own, but His own
from whom men hide their did not receive Him.” (John
faces. He was despised, and 1:11).
we esteemed Him not.”
(Isaiah 53:3), 700 B.C.

12
 Who is Jesus Christ?

Crucified with sinners “He…was numbered with “Two robbers were cruci-
the transgressors.” (Isaiah fied with Him, one on His
53:12), 700 B.C. right and one on His left”
(Matthew 27:38).
Hands and feet pierced “They have pierced My “Put your finger here; see
hands and My feet.” (Psalm My hands. Reach out your
22:16), 1000 B.C. hand and put it into My
side.” (John 20:27).
His resurrection “You will not abandon Me “You killed the Author of
to the grave, nor will you let life, but God raised Him
Your Holy one see decay.” from the dead.” (Acts 3:15).
(Psalm 16:10), 1000 B.C.
His ascension “Thou hast ascended on “He was taken up before
high.” (Psalm 68:18,KJV), their very eyes and a cloud
1000 B.C. hid Him from their sight.”
(Acts 1:9).

13
 CHAPTER 4
Why Did Jesus Come?
INTRODUCTION: Many have heard about the events of Jesus’ sinless life on earth. He
was condemned as a common criminal, hung from a cross until dead, and three days later,
He rose from the dead. However, few people understand the meaning of these events. In
this chapter, you will explore Jesus’ purpose for coming to live among us.

Begin by memorising 1 Peter 3:18.

JESUS THE SERVANT

1. According to Mark 10:45, why did Jesus set aside His divine nature and come to earth
as a man? ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2. a) In what practical ways did Jesus serve people?

John 13:3-5 __________________________________________________________
Matthew 9:35 ________________________________________________________

b Why did Jesus serve others? John 13:14-15 ________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. Meditate on Philippians 2:3-8.

a. What attitude did Jesus have toward His equality with God? vs. 5-7 ___________
____________________________________________________________________
b. How did He demonstrate His humble attitude? vs. 7-8 ______________________
____________________________________________________________________
c. What things are we urged to do to demonstrate the same attitude Jesus had? vs. 3-4
____________________________________________________________________
d. Is there some area of selfishness, pride, or conceit that you notice in your own life?
_________Explain what God wants you to do about it. ________________________
____________________________________________________________________

JESUS THE TEACHER

4. What was Jesus sent to preach about? Luke 4:43 _____________________________
____________________________________________________________________

5. What truths do you learn about Jesus’ teaching from these verses?
John 7:14-18 _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
John 8:31-32 _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

14
 Why did Jesus come?

6. How was Jesus’ teaching different from any other human teachers?
Matthew 7:28-29 ______________________________________________________
Matthew 24:35 _______________________________________________________

7. Many of Jesus’ followers turned back because what He taught them was too hard to
accept. However, Peter spoke for those who stayed when he said, “Lord, to whom
shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68). Why do you personally
want to keep learning about and following Jesus? ____________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

JESUS THE SACRIFICE

8. Why did God send His Son? Romans 5:8 ___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

9. What did Jesus see as His purpose in coming to earth? Luke 19:10 _______________
____________________________________________________________________

10. Meditate on 1 Peter 3:18.

a) For whom did Jesus die? ______________________________________________
b) What was the purpose of His death? ____________________________________

11. Did Jesus go to the cross voluntarily? Explain your answer. John 10:17-18. ________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

12. Does God accept Jesus’ death as full payment for sin’s penalty, or must you add some-
thing else? Explain your answer using Hebrews 10:11-14. ______________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

THINK ABOUT IT: When you make tea, you mix together wa-
ter, milk, tealeaves, sugar, and some spices. However, what if you
had no sugar, spices, or milk? Could you still make tea? Yes, you
could still make dry tea, because the essence of tea (the basic nec-
essary ingredients) is water and tea leaves. The others are nice,
but not necessities.

15
 GRID Complied Vol. One
13. What is the essence (the basic necessary ingredients) of the Gospel message?
1 Corinthians 15:1-5. __________________________________________________

“Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood,

Sealed my pardon with His blood; Hallelujah, what a Saviour!”
Philip Bliss

JESUS THE KING OF KINGS

14. In question 3 (Philippians 2:3-8) you discovered that Jesus:

t
XBT
USVMZ
(PE
)JNTFMG

t
WPMVOUBSJMZ
NBEF
)JNTFMG
iOPUIJOHw
CZ
CFDPNJOH
B
NBO

t
IVNCMZ
PCFZFE
(PE
BOE
OFWFS
TJOOFE

t
EJFE
PO
UIF
DSPTT
UP
TFSWF
VT

Now meditate on Philippians 2:9-11 to answer these questions.

a. As a result of Jesus’ obedience, what did God do for Him? (v. 9) ______________
____________________________________________________________________
b. What position does Jesus Christ now hold? (v. 11) _________________________
____________________________________________________________________
c. Eventually, how will every human being respond to Jesus? (vs. 10-11) _________
____________________________________________________________________
d. What, if anything, is preventing you from bowing in complete submission and
surrender to Jesus right now? ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

15. What have you discovered about Jesus Christ in this study that touches you most?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

16
 Why did Jesus come?
SUMMARY STEP 3: God’s Remedy—Jesus Christ
So far, what we have discussed is bad news:
that every person’s sinful rebellion or indif-
ference has separated him from God! But
God has Good News! God’s remedy for
man’s problem was to send His own Son,
Jesus Christ, to live with us. Jesus was truly
(PE‰XJUI
EJWJOF
QPXFS
PWFS
OBUVSF
BOE

over death. But Jesus was also completely
human. He experienced thirst, hunger,
TPSSPX
BOE
UFNQUBUJPOT
KVTU
MJLF
XF
EP‰
except that He never sinned. He showed us
how to live a life pleasing to God. More im-
portantly, 1 Peter 3:18 explains that Jesus let
Himself be crucified, even though He was
innocent, as a substitute for you and me. By dying on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for
my sin and yours, so we could be forgiven. By His resurrection, Jesus offers hope that any-
one can be reunited with God and enjoy unending life with Him.
+FTVT‰BOE
POMZ
+FTVT
JT‰UIF
CSJEHF
UP
MJGF
XJUI
(PE

Assignment for chapter 4

1. Revise daily the four verses you have memorised, using your cards.
2. Cut out the card for John 5:24 and memorise it, revising daily.
3. Review prayerfully Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the Gospel, found at the end of
each chapter.
4. Complete the next Bible study on the topic “How Should Man Respond?”
5. Also, continue to read and mark one chapter a day. By now, you should
have finished reading Mark. If so, read the Gospel of Luke. Tick the chap
ters you read on the Bible Reading Chart at the end of this book.

17
 CHAPTER 5
How Should Man Respond?
INTRODUCTION: “Saving faith is the heartfelt
conviction not only that Christ is reliable, but also THINK ABOUT IT: In what
that He is desirable. It is the confidence that He will ways is responding to Jesus like
a woman responding to a man’s
come through with His promise, and that what He marriage proposal
promises is more to be desired than all the world.”
(John Piper, Desiring God)

Begin by memorising John 5:24.

SEEKING GOD
1. If someone is serious about knowing God, what is he urged to do in Isaiah 55:6-7?
____________________________________________________________________

2. Read Jeremiah 29:12-13. How does God promise to respond to the person who seeks
Him earnestly? _______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

TURNING FROM REBELLION AND SIN

In Chapter 2 we learned that man is separated from God because of his own evil nature
and acts of disobedience, and is a slave to sin. Therefore, an important step in know-
ing God personally is for us to admit that we are absolutely helpless to save ourselves. If
we want God to save us from the penalty we deserve, we must hate and turn from our
known acts of sin, as well as from the rebellion or indifference in our hearts that prompt-
ed those sins.
3. a) According to Romans 3:23, who is not guilty of sin? ________________________
b) What is the penalty to be paid for sin? Romans 6:23 ________________________

4. a) According to Titus 3:5, we are not saved by _______________________________

b) According to Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by ____________________________

5. a) In his preaching, what two things did Paul tell people to do? Acts 20:21. ________
____________________________________________________________________
b) What do you think it means to repent? __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

6. What wrong attitudes will prevent us from repenting sincerely? Psalm 36:1-2.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

18
 How should man repsond?
7. Review your answers to Question 11 from Chapter 2. Are you still justifying yourself
with any of these (or other) excuses? _____ Take time now to talk with God about
any sin or excuse which may still be keeping you from trusting yourself totally to
Jesus in faith.

DEPENDING ON JESUS
8. Some say there are many paths to God. What does the Bible say?
John 14:6 ____________________________________________________________
Acts 4:12 ____________________________________________________________

9. a) According to John 3:36, “Those who believe in Christ have ______________, while
those who do not believe shall not see life but ____________________________.”

Now meditate on this same verse as translated in the Amplified Bible:

“And he who believes on (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal
life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject
to) the Son will never see (experience) life. But instead the wrath of God abides on him (God’s
displeasure remains on him); His indignation hangs over him continually.” John 3:36

b) According to the Bible, what does it really mean to “believe” in Christ? _________
____________________________________________________________________

BECOMING GOD’S CHILD

10. In Chapter 1 we discovered that we are all creations of God. According to John 1:12-
13, are we also automatically His children or not?
a. How do you become God’s child? ______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
b. Do you think that becoming God’s child is something you do, or something God
does? Explain. (Compare John 1:13 with John 3:6.) ___________________________
____________________________________________________________________

11. a) Read John 14:23. When we become children of God, what will our love for Him
motivate us to do? _____________________________________________________
b) What is promised to anyone who loves and obeys Jesus? _____________________
____________________________________________________________________


*G
TPNFPOF
BTLFE
ZPV
IPX
IF
DPVME
CFDPNF
B
$ISJTUJBO‰B
DIJME
PG
(PE
XIP
LOPXT

)JN‰XIBU
XPVME
ZPV
UFMM
)JN

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

19
 GRID Complied Vol. One

Saving faith is more than just agreeing to the facts about Jesus Christ. It means
turning away from sin and depending on Him for salvation. You may agree to the
fact that a bridge over a river is safe. But you have not really trusted the bridge
until you have stepped out on it and committed your life to it. Faith in Jesus Christ
as personal Saviour means committing your eternal destiny to Him completely.
When you do, you receive God’s forgiveness, are saved from the punishment for
your sins, and possess eternal life.

13. Even God’s true children need help to live a life pleasing to God. What helps are men-
tioned in these verses?
John 14:26 ___________________________________________________________
Hebrews 10:24-25 _____________________________________________________
Philippians 4:6-7 ______________________________________________________
Acts 20:32 ___________________________________________________________
Jude 24 _____________________________________________________________

The most important question you will ever answer…“What then shall I do with
Jesus who is called Christ?” This is a question asked by Pontius Pilate (Matthew
27:22). It is a question we must all answer. Having studied what the Bible says
about Jesus Christ and becoming a Christian, pause at this point and think about
your position before God. Consider that one day you will face God as your judge.
Also consider the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, making it possible for
you to be right with Him now.
“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3

RECEIVING SALVATION
14. Read Revelation 3:20. As Jesus Christ stands at the “door” of your life:
a. What is He doing? _________________________________________________
b. What must you do to have Christ enter your life? _________________________
____________________________________________________________________
c. When you do this, what is His promise to you? ___________________________
____________________________________________________________________

If you want Christ to come into your life and know God personally, you could pray
something like this:
t
-PSE
+FTVT
*
LOPX
UIBU
*
BN
B
TJOOFS
CPUI
CZ
NZ
EFFET
BOE
JO
NZ
IFBSU

*
DBOOPU

find my way to the Father without You. But I know too that You love me in spite of my
sin.
t
*
CFMJFWF
UIBU
:PV
BSF
(PET
4PO
UIBU
:PV
EJFE
PO
UIF
DSPTT
UP
QBZ
UIF
QFOBMUZ
GPS
NZ

sins, and that you rose from the dead to give me hope.
t
*
OPX
BTL
:PV
UP
GPSHJWF
NF
BOE
UP
DPNF
JOUP
NZ
MJGF
BT
NZ
4BWJPVS
BOE
UP
IFMQ
NF

turn away from my sins.
t
*
BMTP
XBOU
UP
TVSSFOEFS
NZ
XJMM
BOE
NZ
FOUJSF
TFMG
UP
:PV
BT
NZ
-PSE
GPS
UIF
SFTU
PG

my life. Please give me the grace to follow as You guide me.

20
 How should man repsond?
GAINING ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE
1 John 5:11-13 says, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life
is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God, does
not have eternal 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.”

15. What three things does God promise to the person who puts his faith in Jesus Christ?
John 5:24. ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

16. a) Based on the truth of these verses, do you think it is possible for someone to know
for sure that he has eternal life, even now? __________________________________
b) Do you know that God has saved you and given you the gift of eternal life? ______
c) If your answer is yes, how do you know? _________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
d) If your answer is no, what doubt or fear is preventing you from trusting Him to-
day?________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY STEP 4: Man’s Response

God promises that everyone who truly seeks to
know Him personally will find Him, through faith
in Jesus. God wants to save every person from sin
and its penalty, and give him the free gift of eter-
nal life. So what should you do? (See John 5:24) In
order to receive this free gift, you must first stop
trying to earn it with goodness or religion. Instead,
accept the finished work of Jesus on the cross. You
should also sincerely confess. This means to agree
with God that you are rebellious, leading to wrong
things in your life. In prayer, thank Jesus for dying
for you. Ask Him to forgive you and help you turn
from your sins. In addition, you should surrender.
This means to allow Christ to be the final authority
in every area and decision of your life. Commit yourself to please, serve, and follow Him,
instead of yourself. When you open yourself to Jesus, you will receive His Holy Spirit in
your life forever. You will also receive total forgiveness and His promise of eternal life. By
UIJT
XBZ‰BOE
POMZ
CZ
UIJT
XBZ‰ZPV
DBO
CFDPNF
B
USVF
GPMMPXFS
PG
+FTVT
$ISJTU

Assignment for chapter 5

1. Cut out the card for John 1:12 and memorise it. Revise all 6 memory
verses daily.
2. Study the four steps of the Gospel using the Bridge Illustration. You will
find these explained at the end of each chapter.
21
 GRID Complied Vol. One
3. Also, read the information in Chapter 6 “How to pass on the Good News.” It will de-
scribe how you can explain the Gospel clearly using the Bridge Illustration. Complete
the assignment at the end of the chapter by practising the Bridge Illustration several
times this week. Each time you practice, be sure to explain and draw the illustration,
using the six memory verses you know.
4. Continue to read and mark one chapter a day in the Gospel of Luke. Tick the chap-
ters you read on the Bible reading chart at the end of the book.

22
 CHAPTER 6
How to Pass On the Good News
INTRODUCTION: Congratulations! While completing
the previous five chapters in this volume, you have learned
many vitally important truths about knowing God. In this THINK ABOUT IT:
last chapter, you will learn how to tell others the Good How is trusting Jesus similar
to crossing a bridge?
News. When you finish, you will be able to explain the
Gospel message to a friend in a clear and simple way, by
using the Bridge Illustration. By passing on what you have
learned, you will become more convinced of it for your
own life.

Begin by memorising John 1:12.

HOW TO EXPLAIN THE GOSPEL USING THE BRIDGE ILLUSTRATION

Have you benefited from the truths you have learned so far? If so, why not pass on the
Good News? Using a simple visual diagram like the Bridge Illustration, and referring to
the verses you have already memorised, you can communicate the wonderful message of
forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some practical sugges-
tions to follow.

1. Know the basic content of the Gospel thoroughly, and be able to explain it clearly in
your own words. Keep revising the memory verses you have learned so they are fresh
and word perfect. Study the four Summaries printed after Chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5 in this
book until you can explain all of them in your own words.

2. Ask the listener to hold the Bible for you

and to read the verses out loud. This frees
your hands to draw the diagram, and it in- Step Step
volves the listener in the illustration. Howev-
er, you should locate each verse in the Bible, 4 1
to avoid embarrassing someone who is not
familiar with the books of the Bible.

3. Draw the illustration exactly as shown here.

Fold a full sheet of paper into fourths. Draw Step Step
Step 1 (found at the end of Chapter 1) in the
upper right portion, as you read and discuss
2 3
together the truths about God’s Plan, from
Jeremiah 29:11. When you finish explaining
Step 1, your drawing should look exactly like

23
 GRID Complied Vol. One
the one at the end of Chapter 1. Add the diagram for Step 2 in the lower left portion
while you discuss Man’s Problem and Isaiah 59:2. Refer to end of Chapter 2 for help.

Step 3 is drawn in the lower right corner during your explanation of God’s Remedy
for man’s problem. This is when you draw the cross of Christ bridging the gap, and
you discuss together 1 Timothy 2:5-6 and 1 Peter 3:18, as suggested in the Summary of
Chapter 4.

Lastly, draw Step 4 in the upper left corner and over the cross as you discuss Man’s
Response from John 5:24. You may want to summarise the whole diagram by using
John 1:12. Be careful to make your diagram, the Bible references, and the key points
very neat. If you do it correctly, your finished diagram should look just like the one at
the end of this chapter. Give the diagram to your listener to think about further.

4. Make your presentation conversational—NOT a lecture or sermon. Your objective

is that your listener understands the Gospel. Only the Holy Spirit can cause him to
CFMJFWF
BOE
BDDFQU
UIF
(PTQFM‰OPU
ZPV
4P
USZ
UP
ESBX
UIF
MJTUFOFS
JOUP
UIF
DPOWFSTB-
tion and check his understanding by occasionally asking a good question. Some good
questions might be ones like these:
(Step 1) From Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God have for your life?
(Step 2) Why do you think God turns His face away from us when we disobey Him?
(Step 3) According to this verse, what did Jesus have to do in order to bring us back
into closeness with God, as He had planned?
(Step 4) When someone offers you a gift, what must you do before it becomes yours?
Do not ask Yes/No questions unless you follow it up with a deeper question. For ex-
ample, you might ask during Step 3:
YOU: “Let us read 1 Peter 3:18. Did Jesus ever rebel against God by sinning?”
LISTENER: “No.”
YOU: “Then whose sin penalty did He pay when He died on the cross?”

5. Illustrate key words or ideas with:

t
"
DPNQBSJTPO … “This separation between God and man hurts God, much like a
divorce hurts both husband and wife.” … or … “When Christ died on the cross to pay
your penalty for sin and mine, it was like a judge finding a thief guilty of stealing, but
then offering to pay for what the thief had stolen, or even volunteering to go to prison
in the thief ’s place!”
t A definition … “When the Bible uses the word ‘sin’, it is referring to all of our indi-
vidual acts of disobedience and breaking of God’s law. But the word ‘sin’ also refers to
PVS
OBUVSBMMZ
XJDLFE
DPSF
OBUVSF‰UIBU
IFBSU‰MFWFM
SFCFMMJPO
XIJDI
NBLFT
VT
BMM
FT-
sentially rebels who defy God’s right to control our lives.” … Or … “To ‘believe’ means

24
 How to pass on the Good News
more than merely to agree with certain facts. Believing in the biblical sense means to
completely trust and surrender oneself to God, and to depend solely on what Jesus has
done for us, not on what we do for Him.”
6. Be brief and do not be sidetracked. Practice until you can explain the Bridge Illus-
tration clearly in 15 minutes or less. Answer relevant questions that may come up as
briefly as possible. Defer sidetracking questions by saying, “That is an interesting ques-
tion. Would it be all right if we discuss it after we have finished the illustration?”
7. Pray. Always pray silently before, after, and even during the time when you are sharing
the Gospel.

Assignment for chapter 6

1. Study the Bridge Illustration as it is explained in four steps at the ends
of Chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5. Follow the suggestions given above. Practice
explain ing it aloud and drawing the diagram enough times to become
confident. Compare your drawing with the one on the next page. Come
to your next group meeting prepared to have someone else check you
while you share the Bridge Illustration in 15 minutes or less. Trust God
to use you as one of His witnesses in passing on the Good News of salva
tion through Jesus Christ!

25
 GRID Complied Vol. One

The Bridge Illustration

26