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new life following Christ

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How to become a follower of Jesus Christ

Getting StartedWe’re thrilled you’ve asked about the most important decision a person could ever make! Here are some basics to get you started in thinking about making a life-changing decision for Jesus. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is as easy as ABC (You might want to fi nd these verses in your Bible and underline or high-light them. If you do not have a Bible let a leader, pastor, or student know and we will get you a new one):

God created us because He LOVES us and wants us to ENJOY a personal relationship with Him.

Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ . . . because of His love, God had already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His children - this was God’s pleasure and purpose. (Ephesians 1:4-5).

A - Admit our problem of trying to live life our own way which the Bible calls sin. God is perfect and we are not. So sin separates us from God forever.

. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23).

B - Believe God’s solution in Jesus, who lived a perfect life to pay the price for our sin by dying on the cross. God gave His Son to restore our friendship to Him giving us forgiveness. We must accept God’s free gift by faith.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ J“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ J“ esus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).esus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).esus our Lord

C - Commit to Jesus being the leader of your life and following His way. His way brings peace.

“...confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” - Romans 10:9

“...we have peace with God.” - Romans 5:1 “...we have peace with God.” - Romans 5:1 “...we have peace with God

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HERE IS A SAMPLE PRAYER TO ASK JESUS INTO YOUR LIFE:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and lived my own way. I ADMIT my sins and that I need you in my life. BELIEVING you died on the cross for my sins, I ask you to for-give me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I COMMIT to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christ follower.”

A Christ follower is more than a church-goer or someone who is born into a Christian family.

A Christ follower is one who admits his/her sins, believes God offers forgiveness, and commits to giving God control of his/her life.

If you decide to become a Christ follower, we urge you to tell somebody who is a believer! Give us a call at 330-264-9459 x.230 or “like” our facebook fanpage and let us know. We would love to answer any ques-tions, offer encouragement, and share in the excitement of your new life!

Please check the appropriate space:

____ I choose to become a follower of Jesus Christ for the fi rst time by ADMITTING my sin, BELIEVING Jesus died for my sin and rose from the dead and I COMMIT to His leadership in my life.

____ I am unsure if I want to become a follower of Jesus Christ.

____ I do not want to become a follower of Jesus Christ.

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Lesson 1: A Child of God

My storyUse the space below to write out your story of what God has done in your life. Use the outline provided below:

Before ChristDescribe your life before you became a Christ-follower

Meeting ChristDescribe the circumstances surrounding your decision to follow Christ. Use Bible verses if you can.

The DifferenceDescribe your life since you’ve decided to become a Christ-follower

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Key VersesDoes your lifestyle match your identity? Write down what each verse reveals about a Christian’s identity and how Christians might live if they truly believed each verse.

VERSE IDENTITY LIFESTYLE

Ephesians 1:7-8 Freed from sin No guilt

John 1:12

Romans 6:1-6

1 Corinthians 6:17

1 Corinthians 3:16

1 Peter 2:11

2 Timothy 1:7

Hebrews 4:16

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Key QuestionsBefore you became a Christian you were God’s creation, but now, as a Christian, you’re His child. How does it make you feel to know you are God’s child?

What are three words that you think best describe God? Next to each word, write why you chose that one.

1. 2. 3.

Is it diffi cult or easy for you to accept God as your Father? Why?

How might your view of your earthly father affect your view of your Heavenly Father?

In what ways could being embraced and loved by the God of the universe affect how you view yourself?

What are two or three things you need from God right now?

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Key Step: ObeyBeing God’s child is both a privilege and a responsibility. This week when you’re tempted to do something wrong, pause for a moment and think about these two words: privilege and responsibility. Them remind yourself that you’re God’s child (privilege) and ask Him for strength to live His way (responsibility).

1. WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is the act of a BELIEVING Christ follower who wants to publicly confess their personal commitment to Jesus Christ. The act of baptism can be defi ned as an outward expression of an inward decision to receive God’s forgiveness of a sinful past and to live your life His way.

2. WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

Baptism illustrates Jesus’ BURIAL and RESURRECTION. Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again. (1 Cor. 15: 3-4).

Baptism illustrates NEW LIFE as a Christian. By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a NEW LIFE. (Romans 6: 4).

Baptism identifi es you with THIS group of Christ-followers. We believe that the church body is a family, and God expects all Christians to be a part of His family. A Christian without a Church family is an ORPHAN(Ephesians 2:19).

Baptism does not make you a Christian. It is a demonstration that you already believe. It is important to understand that baptism does not “save” you. You are “saved” only by your faith in Jesus.

3. WHY DO WE GET BAPTIZED?

To follow and obey the example set by CHRIST & because Christ COMMANDED it. Jesus said, “Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...” (Matthew 28:19-20).

4. WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO GET BAPTIZED?

As soon as you BELIEVE! THERE IS NO REASON TO DELAY! As soon as you have decided to trust Christ with your life, you can and should be baptized. If you’re waiting until you’re perfect, you’ll never be ready.

If you’re ready please fi nd the baptism application at the end of this Fresh Start study. Complete the appli-cation and return it to the SM Offi ce or your small group leader.

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Lesson 2: Rescued

Key VersesColossians 1:12-14Romans 6:20-232 Corinthians 5:17-21

Read the Bible passages above and choose two to answer the following questions:

QUESTIONS VERSE #1: VERSE #2:

Who or what is involved in the verse?

What’s the verse about?

Why is the verse important?

What difference should/could the verse make in my life?

What will make me care about this verse fi ve years from now?

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Key QuestionsAre there specifi c areas of your life in which you’ve seen a change since becoming a Christian? What areas?

What bad habits do you still struggle with that you want God to help you change?

People often forget how valuable their salvation is. Why do you think that is?

If someone asked you for advice on how he/she might be able to better appreciate what God has done for them, what would you suggest?

Did you know the angels in heaven had a party when you became a Christian? (See Luke 15:10.) How does that make you feel?

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Key Step: GrowWe’re thrilled you’re interested in growing in your faith. Our ministry exists to help students like you move toward full devotion to Jesus Christ. Full devotion in your faith isn’t easy-- but few things worthwhile in life are easy.

One of the best ways to grow is to develop some spiritual habits. We have created an acrostic to help you remember these habits:

Hang time with God Accountability with another believerBible memorizationInvolvement with the church bodyTithing commitment Study the Bible

We haven’t stopped at just identifying some habits for you to develop, but we have also created some tools to help you. One of our student ministries staff or your small group leader will show you the spiritual growth resource center. In this resource center you will fi nd:

Bibles - if you need a new one

Giving Envelopes - to begin the habit of tithing

Devotions - if you want some help in studying the Bible

Books - for more spiritual growth

You can get any of these tools in the resource center during any of the HSM services/programs. Don’t feel like you need to take all of them, just take the one that seems the most interesting to you. Start out slow, work at your own pace; remember, you’re developing habits that will last a life time. If you have any questions call the church offi ce at 330-264-9459 x.230 or message us on facebook.

SMALL GROUPS

At HSM we believe you grow where you’re connected. That means developing the habits that will last a lifetime are best developed with friends. So every week during the school year we have a ministry called Small Groups. If you are not in a small group already please complete the SMALL GROUP REGISTRATION found in the back of this study and return it to an adult leader in High School Ministries and then start attending on the night you choose. We want to see you develop habits and friendships that will last forever!

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Lesson 3: Secured

Key VersesLook up the following verses and answer the questions below.

JOHN 10:28-29 1 JOHN 5:11-13 ROMANS 8:38-39

Write down the key word and key phrase for each verse. Summarize each verse in fi ve words or less.

Is there a common theme for all three verses? What is it?

What do these verses teach about God?

What hope do these verses provide? What fears might these verses dispel?

JOHN 10:28-29 1 JOHN 5:11-13 ROMANS 8:38-39

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Key Questions:What guarantees have you heard proclaimed by a television salesperson or through some other form of advertising?

Have you ever been disappointed by a product’s “guarantee?”

Have you ever been let down by someone who “promised” they would do something for you? What happened?

How likely are you to trust that God will do what He says? Why?

Major events in our lives (like becoming a Christian!) are often followed by a season of confusion and doubt. Why do you think that happens?

What advice would you give someone who is having doubts over a major decision he/she just made?

How does it feel to know that you will never be separated from God? Is that easy or diffi cult for you to believe?

What are some questions, doubts, or fears that you have about being a Christian? Who can you talk to about them?

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Key Step: Trust10 PROMISES YOU SHOULD KNOW

If you believe, you belong in the family of GodYet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13).

Believers have the hope of eternal lifeAnd 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 life. (1 John 5:11-12).

Nothing can separate believers from God’s love“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39).

God has a great plan for every believer’s life“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).

God answers the prayers of believersUntil now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be com-plete. (John 16:24).

Believers aren’t tempted beyond what they can handleNo temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Believers are a brand new creationTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God will complete the work he begins in believersBeing confi dent of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6).

Believers have God’s protectionPut on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11).

God’s love is unconditional, it can’t be earned or lostBut when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit... (Titus 3:4).

These promises are all found in God’s Word, the Bible. You can trust God by discovering more about His character and nature. You discover that by studying the Scripture.

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WHERE DO I START READING?

A lot of people try to read their Bible from cover to cover. Few make it all the way through. One reason this is diffi cult is because the books of the Bible are not arranged so that one book always leads directly to the next. Trust us on this one, upon further study, you’ll discover what we mean.

If you want to get a good overview, start by reading the gospel of John (New Testament) and then Genesis (Old Testament). By reading these two books, you get an overview of the life of Jesus and the big picture of God’s creation and our human condition. Perhaps start by reading a chapter each day from one or each of these books of the Bible. As you read answer these questions each day:

+ What verse/phrase really stuck out to me today?

+ What did I think was interesting about that verse/phrase?

+ What truth is God revealing to me about Himself, me and/or my relationship with Him?

+ What am I going to do differently because of what I’ve read?

NOTE: You may want to use different versions while reading and that can be expensive. Instead try www.biblegateway.com and you can access for free many different versions of the Bible.

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Lesson 4: Forgiven

Key VersesSummarize each of the following verses in ten words or less:

Psalm 103:12

Isaiah 43:25

John 8:1-11

1 John 1:9

Which verse best explains God’s forgiveness to you? Why?

Which word or phrase gets you the most excited?

Looking at all of the verses, which theme(s) is repeated more than one time?

According to these verses, what responsibility do we have when seeking forgiveness?

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Key Questions:How would you defi ne forgiveness?

Is there any sin too big that God is unable to forgive?

Is there any sin so small that God doesn’t need to forgive?

Once you confess your sin, what is God’s view of it?

Who is an authority fi gure in your life? Explain how different you feel being around that person when you’re guilty of something versus being around that person when you’ve done nothing wrong.

What words come to mind when you think about forgiveness?

Are you a forgiving person? Explain.

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Key Step: GiveGood news! Just when you thought you were in big trouble, you’ve been completely forgiven. That’s part of the truth that you studied in the last lesson.

Whenever you choose to ask for forgiveness from God, He embraces you as a loving, forgiving Father, not as a condemning, “I told-you-so” judge. God’s arms are always open and always welcoming–never stop running to Him, no matter what you do.

KEY VERSE“Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, some-thing less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!” - Philippians 3:13-15

When you receive the grace of God in the person of Jesus Christ you benefi t by being forgiven of the mistakes you’ve made. Grace by its very essence must give back to others. You must extend the hand of forgiveness and mercy as it has been extended to you. You see...GRACE GIVES BACK!

What does it mean to you that you’ve received forgiveness and everything in your past (that is sin) is not held against you?

Is there anyone who needs to receive forgiveness from you?

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Bonus Lesson: Prayer

Learning how to Pray

He’s waiting! Imagine having access to the God of the universe anytime you want. Well, you do. God not only wants to talk with you, He’s also available to you whenever you choose to talk to Him. What are you waiting for? Before starting this bonus lesson re-read “A Fresh Start” Day # 7

How would you defi ne prayer?

Some people say God only hears your prayers if you’re in a certain location (like a church) or assume a spe-cifi c posture (like kneeling). What do you think? Why?

How would you answer someone who says, “I prayed for something and didn’t get it. Why?”

What’s the best thing about prayer? What’s the hardest thing? What benefi ts do you think there would be in having a friend to pray with?

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Look up the following verses and write down what you learn about prayer:

Matthew 7:7-8

John 15:7

Commit to pray regularly and share that commitment with a Christian friend.

Have a friend hold you accountable to praying regularly by asking about your prayer life a couple times a week. Ask your friend if he/she would like to commit to praying with you on a regular basis (maybe once a week).

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Student MinistriesBaptism Application

Offi ce Use OnlyInterviewed by Initial/Date __________________Date of Baptism ___________________________Date of Membership ________________________

Offi ce Use Only

Name: _________________________________________ Birthday: _____________

Parents: _______________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________

School: __________________________________ Grade: ____________________

Parents: _______________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________

School: __________________________________ Grade: ____________________

1.) Have you publicly identifi ed with Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior in one of our services?

Yes _______ No _______ Date ____________

2.) Have you been baptized by triune immersion since your decision to receive Christ?

Yes _______ No _______

3.) If no, will you agree to be obedient to the Lord in this ordiance?

Yes _______ No _______

4.) Are you planning to become a member of our church?

Yes _______ No _______

5.) Present Church Membership, if any? ________________________________ Address of Church __________________________________________

6.) Do you agree to submit to the Word of God and its administration by the leaders of our church? Yes ________ No _______

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My Personal Testimony As you know, baptism is for b

My As you know, baptism is for b

My elievers, those who have clearly decided to trust Christ

Testimonyelievers, those who have clearly decided to trust Christ

Testimony alone for their salvation. If this is true of you, please write a paragraph or two describing how and when you decided to trust Christ, using the following guidelines:

1. What was your life like before you decided to trust Christ? 2. Describe how and when you decided to trust Christ alone for your salvation and what He now means to you. 3. How has this decision made a difference in your life? 4. What has your attendance at Grace done to encourage your commitment to Christ and spiritual growth?

As you know, baptism is for b alone descri

2. Describe how and when you decided to trust what He now means to you. 3. How has this decision made a difference in your life? 4. What has your attendance at Grace done t

Name of person you would like to read your testimony: __________________________

In what areas of Student Ministry do you hope to be invloved in?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list hobbies/interests that you have: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Student Ministries Small Group Registration

Last First MI male

female

Address City Zip

Phone: Cell:

Email Address: Facebook: Yes No

Birth Date:

/ /Grade: School:

Small Groups meet September - May

male

female

Please list your extra school activities and/or hobbies:

Two people you want in your small group (you’ll be with at least one providing they attend the same day [sunday/wednesday]):

I request ___________________________ for a leader (no guarantees).I will attend small groups on (check one):

SUNDAY WEDNESDAY

Wooster Grace Student Ministries 9459 Burbank Rd. Wooster, Oh 44691(330) 264-9459 ext. 230 info@woostergracestudents.org

Please complete the registration form & return to the SM Offi ce or your small group leader.

www.WOOSTERGRACESTUDENTS.org

SUNDAY WEDNESDAY SUNDAY WEDNESDAY

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