The Christian Worker's Handbook

Billy Graham

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The Christian Worker's Handbook

594 Chapters
234,269 words
≈ 1802 min
English

Table of Contents

1God loves you and wants you to experience His peace and life.2Being at peace with God is not automatic, because by Good WorksReligion Religion 3God's love bridges the gap of separation between Christ 4People God 51. ADMIT your spiritual need. "I am a sinner."62. REPENT and be willing to turn from your sin.73. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross.84. RECEIVE, through prayer, Jesus Christ into your heart and life.9JESUS said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me,10The BIBLE says: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to 11The BIBLE says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten 12about your decision.13fellowship, and service.14fellowship, and service.15fellowship, and service.16which will help you in your Christian life and future witness. What is 17Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"18you who believe in the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal 19they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never 20about your decision.21ship, and service.22ship, and service.23ship, and service.24which will help you in your Christian life and future witness. What is 25The BIBLE says: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our 26The BIBLE says: "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses 27It is important not only to confess and forsake sin, but also to make things 28The BIBLE says: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellow-29Him. Tell someone about your decision.30which will help you in your Christian life and future witness. What is 31which will help you in your Christian life and future witness. What is 32which will help you in your Christian life and future witness. What is 33which will help you in your Christian life and future witness. What is 34mine just where he or she really is.35question: "If you were to die tonight, would you go to heaven?"36question: "If you were to die tonight, would you go to heaven?"37study booklet, Living in Christ, which will help in the caller's Christian life 38patronizing. You are glad to share, and hope that some solution can be 39out with Scriptures that condemn; these emerge normally as you share 40complete picture of the circumstances. At the same time, don't press for 41want to work on solutions, but that first you would like to ask if he or 42we confess adultery as sin, but that we put it out of our lives. "He who 43we confess adultery as sin, but that we put it out of our lives. "He who 44and share those reasons with you. You might mention some of the 45demonstrating true remorse and asking forgiveness. Suggest that he or 46spouse. This will illuminate them both as to their responsibilities, and 47A. How may I have contributed to my mate's infidelity? Am I 48A. Forgiveness. Things can never be worked out unless there is 49a conversation with the alcohol and not with the person; it could even be 50must evidence a "tough love" in dealing with them. Ask if he or she 51can't cope with alone, and must be willing to make a commitment to quit 52Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Christ went to the cross specifically for 53alcoholic must:54encourage him or her that a relapse doesn't mean that all is lost. Renewal 55under, and for a transformation of mind and life by the power of God 56the above steps, then share "Restoration," page 17, emphasizing 1 John 57from a pastor or psychologist who understands alcoholism or chemical 58the same time, try to pinpoint the things that cause you to become 59about the irritating behavior of others that has caused your anger.60while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26, NIV). Learn to balance the 61striving for supremacy. We must learn to practice the "put off—put on"62causing it.63not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Galatians 5:16, NIV).647. Let the Word of God permeate your life as you read, study, and 65problem. Ask the inquirer if he or she has entered into this relationship.66her problem with unresolved or excessive anger. Share from the 67offense before God and man"(Acts 24:16), and the faith to trust God for 68soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall 69more than just a temporary relief. As much as possible, seek to get at 70read the Bible, but must assimilate its teachings in such a way that they 71His promises. See "Scripture."72Thinking of and serving with others can be an antidote to negative and 73If you detect deeper problems than you can deal with, suggest that the 74whether or not he or she has trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord, due to 75on the biblical facts of the Gospel, not on emotion. Share "Assurance,"76"Restoration," page 17. Emphasize 1 John 1:9 and 2:1, and Romans 12:1.77arrested spiritual development, stress that either we grow or we die.78relationship with Christ:79or she can be renewed. There is no sin that God will not forgive in Christ.80or she can be renewed. There is no sin that God will not forgive in Christ.81Living in Christ, which will help launch serious Bible study.82opportunities for service.83others might have been offended or taken advantage of.84to seek solutions to problems related to bad habits. Change is possible for 85Lord. One might assume that someone inquiring about conquering bad 86necessary to identify those areas that need changing. It is a challenge to 87and to seek forgiveness. At the same time, help the person to make a 88of replacement or exchange—what the apostle Paul speaks of as the "put 89prayer are of great value. As God's thoughts invade our minds, things 90mutual sharing of problems, prayers, and victories. This sort of "buddy 918. Suggest seeking opportunities to serve Christ. As we begin to share 92he or she should seek such a relationship. This will give opportunity for 93"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,94quoting it scores of times in their writings and ministries. Jesus said, "I 953. The historical church has recognized and used the Bible as God's 96The historical record is obvious and indisputable. Many of the places 97living hundreds of years before Christ predicted that He would:98reveals a single author—the Holy Spirit—behind the diversity of its 99exploded on the human scene in New Testament times to turn the world 100willingness to accept its Author. At some convenient point during the 101study. Approaching it with an open mind and asking God to reveal 102and fellowship with others who take the Bible seriously.103fulfillment in life through the power of the Word: "And now, brethren, I 104him or her to get started at once, following the same method as with any 105• "The Bible says that humans have been on the earth for only 106from Dwight L. Moody concerning the power of the Bible's message:107that God's Word has the solution to any problem.108received Christ. If this is not the case, then share "Steps to Peace with 109bitterness and resentment, or if he or she is aware of it and sincerely 110fellowship with God. Share "Restoration," page 17, emphasizing 1 John 111order, especially if there has been accusation, recrimination, criticism, and 112whether or not reconciliation occurs: "Love . . . keeps no record of 113stubbornly maintains the correctness of his or her position, share Paul's 114Scripture 115obedient to God when we identify with the local church. In church we 116a church because we are saved and desire to be obedient. Jesus said, "I am 117with a local church. Suggest that he or she pray for God's guidance in 118very important.119always available if we offer ourselves in service to God.120ministries are worthy of our giving but in order to function and grow, the 121encouraged to:122necessary to assume command of the conversation; otherwise, you may 123enduring bereavement, brings changes and adjustments. Try to be 124for death a person must make the all-important decision about his or her 125fellowship, worship, and Bible study. This will also help the person to be 126fellowship, worship, and Bible study. This will also help the person to be 127sinful problems: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all 128every day. Offer to send Living in Christ for help in getting started. He 129follow the steps outlined below in regard to "Dealing with 130involved? Sometimes fears are induced by other well-meaning but 131• Satan is a defeated foe (1 John 3:8).132The Christian is assured of victory as he or she submits constantly to the 133unconfessed sin, and is raising the issue of demonic influence in an 134demonized. If so, follow the steps outlined below.135Lord for wisdom and discernment. A demonized person is just that. He 136tenacious and much time may be required to properly deal with the 1371. Your inquirer may reveal symptoms of depression as a result of such 138appropriate, present "Steps to Peace with God," page 11. Remember that 139experience with Christ offers real hope. It should bring new awareness 140ways of God. It will bring the person's thinking in line with God and will 141Through prayer we confess our sins and are renewed. We learn to 142support and encouragement. Such friends may be found in a Bible-143continued counseling in order that all the facets of the depression may be 144defeats, and setbacks such as a death in the family, a rebellious son or 145unresolved sin in such areas as anger and bitterness, jealousy, grudges, a 1463. A Christian may also be depressed because of setting standards and 147first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things 148her abilities.149her abilities.150to professional counseling. A qualified pastor or Christian psychologist 1511. He wants to lead us to repentance: "Yet now I am happy, not because 152heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and 153have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2, NIV).154because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a 155we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord,156beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the 157disciplining. By disciplining, God is not discarding His child or 158"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties;159the basis on which you can ask him or her to repent, confess, and be 1601 John 1:9.161with God through reading His Word and praying.162After receiving God's discipline, one can go on to obedience and blessing 163fellowship. Christian friends help to make us stronger!164Scripture 165lost his or her sense of personal worth. This is common for divorced 166he or she ever received Jesus as Lord and Savior? If indicated, share 167strength. Does he or she have a Bible? If not, suggest going to a local 168worship, and opportunities for service. If the church has a singles group,169strength, and spiritual understanding.170Christian psychologist may be helpful.171from there.172engage in any "postmortems" of the experience. Try rather to direct 173innocent. A judgmental or "holier than thou" attitude will close doors to 174A. Confess any bitterness, anger, or other sin and, if necessary, face 175forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–22).176qualified pastor.177solution. In a case of physical or psychological abuse, homosexuality,178that you are glad to assist in his or her search for a solution. You want to 179until you feel you have a grasp of the situation.180scriptural point of view and challenge the inquirer to make the decision,181life to Christ, whatever the cost. This commitment must be permanent,182He or she will now find a new dimension to life and a new perspective 183solution.184according to Scripture.185emphasizing 1 John 1:9 and Romans 12:1–2.186emptiness, and sense of rejection may be very deep.187comment. Sometimes we respond too quickly with advice, when a 1883. When you feel you have a proper understanding of the situation,189perspective and insight as he or she tries to adjust to a new lifestyle and 190but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present 191Christian singles group can be found which will provide opportunities to 192transition as he or she seeks to build a new life.193important. God's Word has real encouragement for the doubter.194personal relationship with Jesus Christ, share "Steps to Peace with God,"195commitment to Jesus Christ, ask further:196the inquirer also to learn to walk with Him by faith.197to ask why in life.198in life. It may be that the doubter needs to get the focus off his or her 199past, to remember evidences of God's faithfulness in his or her own life 200pray for a dynamic faith.201of relationships with other Christians will be helpful. Getting involved in 202Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior: "For I am convinced that 203Father: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to 204Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues 205the Scriptures on sin only as opportunities to do so occur naturally in 206are sympathetic and willing to listen and offer help.207feelings and opinions. Offer reassurance of God's love. God's grace is 208addiction. At some point, he or she made a conscious choice to take 209God's Word. Learn to pray. Begin to fellowship with a Bible-teaching 210God's Word. Learn to pray. Begin to fellowship with a Bible-teaching 211that have tied him or her to drugs. He or she must stop all use of drugs.212for the power of the Holy Spirit to be released. All these are necessary in 213Word has something to say about enemies.214share "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.215Christ. Use "Restoration," page 17, emphasizing 1 John 1:9 and Romans 216understanding about reconciliation. Make an effort to understand the 2171. If you detect envy, jealousy, or covetousness in the inquirer, carefully but 218covetousness. Now that Christ has come into his or her life, the inquirer 219of repentance" (Luke 3:8; see also Philippians 2:3–4):220begins to occupy our thinking, it crowds out the works of the flesh 221worship, fellowship, and opportunities for service.222worship, fellowship, and opportunities for service.223Pray also for a transformed life through commitment to Christ.224recognizing the problem. He or she should focus on the real causes for 22517, emphasizing 1 John 1:9 and 2:1. He or she should be open and 226L. Moody said: "Either sin will keep you from this Book, or this Book 227the "put off—put on" principle (see the chapter on "Bad Habits"). This 228a Bible-teaching church. This could lead to more objective and 229people who cross his or her path. Substituting praise for criticism is a 230Christian life.231• Why do you want more faith?232Christ, then share ideas on increasing faith:233discover the truth. Tell him or her that you hope you can be of help as 234value, it may be that he or she has never received Jesus Christ as Lord 235A. Encourage reading and studying the Bible. Offer to send Living in 236mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) in all things concerning God's Word.237error or has been gullible. Remember that Satan often disguises himself 238information about the doctrinal issues involved. Perhaps something in 239Scriptures you share, for future reflection and study. Offer to send Living 240God's will as he or she seeks to know the Bible.241suggest that he or she seek to identify with a group of believers where 242of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to 243no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through 244yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your 245demands. Paul said, "By the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 246classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.247spirit of fear, but of power [sufficiency] and of love and of a sound mind"248the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in 249anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,250"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me"251• His presence: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be 252perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The 253know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep 254living sacrifice . . . to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 255"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in 256faith through such things as acts of kindness, watching one's attitudes,257witness together. Confidence is gained as one becomes a part of 258own or another church.259gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do 260my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only,261me, and I shall be whiter than snow. . . . Hide Your face from my sins,262change in relationship. Instead of hostility, there is love and acceptance.263original standing before God: "Purge me . . . and I shall be clean; wash 264He will not enforce judgment because of our sins. Jesus said to the 265how to deal with it. He forgives sin. And the inquirer, too, can know the 266Forgiveness" mentioned in the "Background."267NOTE: If your inquirer insists that he or she can't be forgiven, having 268bring great reassurance of forgiveness (1 John 3:19). Ask if he or she 269Christians. A good church will provide Bible teaching, worship, and 270daily forgiveness and renewal.271and its implications in everyday life.272of all to put his or her own house in order, confessing the bitterness and 273difficult, but God commands it! "Bear with each other and forgive 274Colossians 3:13. In all probability, this will mean "going the second 275transparently, all sin to God. If so, share "Restoration," page 17,276out that he or she is guilty of unbelief: If God has forgiven (1 John 1:9), it 277as God sees us—as a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).278leaves a person with a seeming paralysis.279dependence on the deceased.280dependence on the deceased.281done more," or, "I should have done something differently."282will help me get over this."283will help me get over this."284will help me get over this."285We must remember, however, that grief is not predictable nor can it be 286you about the loss and how he or she feels about it. Be a patient listener.287experience through which we all must pass. Someone has said that grief 288despair. These feelings should not be repressed by the sorrower or 289grieving process, and that acceptance and healing will come, though 290indicated, explain "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.291of life. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has defeated sin and 292heaven (Mark 8:36). Thus, He permits trials, sufferings, and the death of 293one (this is common in the case of suicides), advise not to second-guess 294uncertainty about the future, suggest confiding in family or friends,295children are especially precious to God. Referring to children, Jesus 296Lord and Savior, we have the blessed hope of seeing our loved one 297problem. God is able not only to forgive, but also to blot out any sin and 298disobedience and sinful behavior in every human, which needs to be 299Savior. Share "Steps to Peace with God," page 11. Emphasize that 300Offer to send Living in Christ, which will facilitate getting started.301she can confess all present sins, asking for forgiveness and cleansing. He 302or she can fellowship regularly with God's forgiven people, and hear and 303"He Himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14).304Christ, and if he or she continues to struggle with guilt, encourage 305our guilt! If God has forgiven the inquirer, he or she must practice self-306length on such passages as Psalm 103:1–6; Psalm 51; Isaiah 53; and John 307without offense toward God and men" (Acts 24:16). He or she should 308Scripture 3091. Reassure the inquirer of God's love and of His ability to meet all our 310to speak about the matter but you would first like to ask a very 311due, possibly, to habits or excesses such as those mentioned in the 312as well as for complete restoration to health.313related to a lack of harmony with God's will and plan for his or her life.314God's will, go immediately to prayer, claiming God's promise according 315the peace and completeness which can be experienced as we learn to 316The fellowship, care, and prayers of God's people are a great strength.317life, share the material in the "Background." Perhaps he or she has lost a 318share the material in the "Background," turning, if indicated, to the 319the need for certainty about his or her eternal salvation. Explain "Steps to 320"Background."321point out that "the everlasting fire," according to Matthew 25:41, was 322have never had an opportunity to hear the Gospel, remind him or her 323in the "Background."324Spirit, share the following points:325life, and pray that he or she may be filled with the Spirit.326or her life, you may review the appropriate information from the 327• Is there any unconfessed sin in your life which is keeping you from a 328and the fruit of the Spirit may be fulfilled.329the area of the gifts of the Spirit. It is possible to be diverted by some 330appropriate the gifts of the Spirit. Contrary to the insistence of some, this 331Holy Spirit and identification of a gift, encourage prolonged and careful 332insist on a kind of standardized approach for the receiving and exercising 333constantly seek to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the 334or her life, and for increased and effective service to the body of Christ 335God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was 336• His enemies observed: "He . . . said that God was His Father, making 337• Jesus challenged His enemies: "Which of you convicts Me of sin?"338• The scribes said: "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7).339• He healed the sick (Matthew 8:9–13; Luke 4:31–41; 5:12–15; John 4:43 340"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name 341have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your 342He became tired (John 4:6), He thirsted (John 19:28), He ate food 343A. The fact of His death: One-fourth of the material in the four gospels 344history and is fundamental to Christianity:345people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "Him God has exalted to His 346people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "Him God has exalted to His 347people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "Him God has exalted to His 348everlasting life (1 Corinthians 15:51–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18).349everlasting life (1 Corinthians 15:51–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18).350(2 Peter 3:10–13; Revelation 22:3–5).351this. Share "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.352lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matthew 15:8, NIV). "Therefore, I 353we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly 354Christ at Calvary:355judged for how he or she lived as a Christian:3563. There is also the daily self-judgment of the believer:357that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 358"Steps to Peace with God," page 11.359and be counted. He or she should begin reading and studying the Bible 360local Bible-teaching church.3615. Pray that the inquirer might know the reality of Christ in his or her life.362unbiblical views of this subject.363Scripture 364Scripture 365loneliness, the inquirer is admitting a need. This is important in solving 366information is forthcoming, ask relevant questions: Where does the caller 367"Steps to Peace with God," page 11. The first step in God's plan for the 368learning to pray. Offer to send Living in Christ for initial help with Bible 369warmth of fellowship and opportunities for worship and service can be 370should be. Communication with other members of the family will do 371relationships with both Christian and non-Christian friends.372never-failing presence will help diminish feelings of loneliness.373teaching church. Focusing on the needs of others will put our problems 374ends" in regard to family relationships. Constant efforts to communicate 375or her own. A pastor can help the person develop relationships and can 376commendation and encouragement, for this is also God's highest will for 377Christian, point out that we only begin to understand God's love as we 378Share the following Scriptures: "And the Lord God said, 'It is not good 379marriage, one must commit one's life to Jesus Christ. Share "Steps to 380previously a Christian or having just received Christ. He or she should 381(1 Corinthians 7:39). "Do not be unequally yoked together with 382A. Seeking God's blessing and control over his or her own life and that 383• Become involved in a Bible-teaching church where the marriage will 384her life and approaching marriage.385Spirit in his or her life, and for wanting to do right.386her mate, in order to discuss freely and fully the problems involved and 387her mate, in order to discuss freely and fully the problems involved and 388sincerely, demonstrating it through word and action. As much as 389situation (James 1:5), then for the unbelieving partner's obedience to the 390Billy Graham comments: "Complete fulfillment in marriage can never be realized 391Don't judge. Don't take sides. Sometimes the inquirer is at fault.392questions, if necessary. Does the inquirer feel that he or she has any 393"Steps to Peace with God," page 11.394A. Get into the Bible—reading, studying, and applying it to his or her 395Gospel with the unbelieving spouse. He or she must be aware, however,396force the mate to accept Christ. Those who try to take things into their 397rather than a judgmental one. Attitude is extremely important.398reading and studying God's Word and through faithfully practicing a life 399and actions. Let love overflow. True love cannot be counterfeited. Paul 400usually produce antagonism and deepen resistance. Peaceful coexistence 401unless there seems to be a disposition to do so. An alternative to church 402the right moment for openly witnessing, while putting into practice all 403Christian, one who is interested in a deeper walk with God. Commend 404some aspect of the "Background" to encourage and guide the person 4053. Encourage the inquirer to repent of any disobedience or vacillation. Only 406obedience. Our minds must be set always to seek the will of the Lord.407God's will.408a Bible-teaching church, where he or she can learn more of the will and 409an answer to the occult.410to God (see "Background").411to Peace with God," page 11.412and to get rid of any literature and paraphernalia on magic and the 413explaining its purpose.414teaching church for worship, Bible study, prayer, and Christian service.415and for full commitment to Christ.416"Background").417know the future, offer the assurance that God has promised to "never 418involvement. Go over "Restoration," page 17. Also share "Assurance,"419or she never becomes entangled with it again. Encourage a serious 420to get involved with a Bible-teaching church for worship, Bible study,421Scripture 422Lord and Savior. Explain "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.423A. Admit having a problem. Impatience is sin and should be dealt with.424Philippians 4:6–7 tells us:425Philippians 4:6–7 tells us:426Philippians 4:6–7 tells us:427Helping Strategy 428Helping Strategy 429Helping Strategy 430Helping Strategy 431Bible by reading and studying it daily. Offer to send Living in Christ.432Bible by reading and studying it daily. Offer to send Living in Christ.433worship, Bible study, and prayer.434experienced.435bitterness that might be blocking a full experience of the peace of God.436the Lord" and experiencing His peace. The person should:437the Lord" and experiencing His peace. The person should:438fellowship, worship, prayer, Bible study, and opportunities for service.439Scripture 440control. Express your willingness to encourage and help as you can.441inquirer must seek deliverance from personal sins and immoral sexual 442A. Frankly face the truth of addiction to lust through pornography.443freedom and restoration will demand a sincere commitment to seeking 444A. Becoming actively involved in a Christ-centered church.445Christian (not always a pastor) or group of Christians to whom the 446professional help of a Christian psychologist or psychiatrist who follows 447in the Bible):448• The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:6–14; Luke 11:1–4)449• Abraham's servant's prayer and God's answer (Genesis 24:12–66)450merciful to me a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Do not assume that because the 451reading these two prayer promises from the Bible:452his or her prayers. Encourage such a person to continue praying in faith,453his or her prayers. Encourage such a person to continue praying in faith,454things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them'455receive of him.456I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son' (John 14:13). We are not worthy 457moment, said, 'O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it,458concludes with, 'Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory' (Matthew 6:13).45924:42–44; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 22:12).460Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with 461Believers will be judged for their faithfulness in life and service 462Revelation 7:14); and the "man of sin" (Antichrist) will be manifested 463(Revelation 19:11–16). The decisive Battle of Armageddon takes place 464(Revelation 20:4–6).465throughout the ages. They will be judged "according to their works, by 466their everlasting life in the "new heaven and new earth" (Revelation 467the present and the future. Paul said, "Brothers, we do not want you to 468involved with a Bible-teaching church where he or she can learn about 469involved with a Bible-teaching church where he or she can learn about 470basis of 1 John 1:9 and 2:1. Share "Restoration," page 17.471basis of 1 John 1:9 and 2:1. Share "Restoration," page 17.472• Getting involved in Bible reading and study 473rededication. The helper who is personally experienced in the will and 474and is rewarded by Him (Hebrews 11:6; James 4:7–8).475for cleansing (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:9).476citing Romans 12:1–2 and Ephesians 5:15.477and Ephesians 3:16–19.478passages in a planned and disciplined way (Psalm 119:9, 11, and 4796:18–19).4808. Recommend that the inquirer be a witness for Christ on a daily basis:481Then, pray with the inquirer that his or her life may become a daily walk 482This is God's world. He made it. He made you. He wants you to have 483Instead of living our lives to please God, we have been pleasing 484When God's Son, Jesus, died on the cross, He took the punishment for sin 485If you are willing to ask God to forgive your sins, and you receive Jesus 486you to say these words after me:487A. Read the Bible every day. Tell the child we are sending an interesting 488world: His name is Satan. Share facts about Satan from the 489While Satan is a defeated foe and will someday be cast into the lake of 490Savior. Share "Steps to Peace with God," page 11. Mention that part of 491positive stand for Christ, start reading and studying God's Word, pray 492Holy Spirit, on the other hand, is almighty; as a member of the Trinity He 493we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,494is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4, KJV). Jesus Christ 495constantly to the dominion of Christ, to the authority and illumination of 496concerns and fears about the enemy and his influence and power.497to be abandoned. "A conscience without offense toward God and men"498adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he 499A. Resist the devil:500fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).501caring, concerned person—without being patronizing. Don't be 502problem. Draw no conclusions nor offer any spiritual solutions until you 503about it will explain his or her sexual behavior. What were the 504extramarital sex. Emphasize that the Bible is a trustworthy source in 505To please God, he or she must repent of all immorality and renounce it 506contributed to the immoral behavior: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company 507may need serious counseling for a period of time to experience freedom 508glory of God.509problems. Guide the conversation so that you can offer spiritual help.510is happening. He or she is not alone: "When you pass through the 511Sometimes God permits affliction in order to get our attention and bring 512strength and perspective on the problems in life. Offer to send Living in 513strength and perspective on the problems in life. Offer to send Living in 514Christians will have a maturing influence. The church can also provide 515comfort. You may share some of the insights from "Reasons for Human 516God will reveal His reasons for the suffering:517God will reveal His reasons for the suffering:518teaching church. Bible study can lead to deeper understanding of God's 519helps to have a listening ear. This will result in comfort, understanding,520Scripture 521individual is really suicidal. Has he or she taken pills or poison? Is there 522Be prepared to listen! Let your inquirer do most of the talking until you 523suicidal caller. Stress that he or she has called the right place, because we 524his or her problems. He or she should be permitted to vent all the stored-525there is hope! If he or she will permit God to intervene, He can forgive all 526the catalyst for real change: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new 527the catalyst for real change: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new 528read and study the Bible. Offer to send Living in Christ for help in getting 529effecting change. We can turn over to God all our emotions and our 530her the best you can. Explain that he or she can act on what you have her the best you can. Explain that he or she can a 531individual is really suicidal. Has he or she taken pills or poison? Is there 532has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).533emphasizing Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9. Confession results in 534emphasizing Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9. Confession results in 535problems and circumstances (Matthew 14:27–32; Proverbs 3:5–6).536meditate, and memorize.537part of a Christian's life (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6–7).538important step in recovering emotional stability. Such identity permits 539call from a supervisor the following evening. This will give him or her 540Savior and Lord. If he or she is not, explain "Steps to Peace with God,"541A. We must resist the tempter: "Resist the devil and he will flee from 542she begins to bring his or her mind into subjection to God. Offer Living in 543she begins to bring his or her mind into subjection to God. Offer Living in 544prayer. Ask the caller to note Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–13, where 545Bible study, and opportunities for service.546For the Worldly Christian:547A. The Lord Jesus Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in 548A. The Lord Jesus Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in 549important issue. Explain that God's Word, the Bible, speaks eloquently of 550way to understand the Trinity is to receive eternal life through Jesus 5513. If the inquirer invites Christ into his or her life, share verses from 552understanding of the Bible.553any way you can. Point out that, in spite of what he or she may think,554When Jesus cast a demon out of a blind and mute man, the people were 555of any sin which he or she may confess (Galatians 5:19–21). If such an 556in Christ without delay, emphasizing that although his or her sin is 557committing the "unpardonable sin." Only unbelievers reject the Holy 558perspective. God hates sin but loves the sinner; He will forgive any and 5591. Advise him or her to make right any conduct or relationships that may 560whatever it may cost: "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to 561circumstances related to knowing God's will. Tools for doing this would 562Scripture. What principles, commands, or prohibitions apply? Has the 563spiritual perception to discern it. Isaac's servant said, "As for me, being 564He moving me toward, or away from, a particular course of action?565involved? Or am I restless and impatient because of uncertainty or inner 566to proceed, or stop, or wait? What principles in the Scriptures considered 567list under the headings of "pros," "cons," and "alternatives." As the 568personally. Ask the inquirer if he or she has received Jesus Christ as Lord 569someone else if the witness doesn't seek and maintain a close walk with 570will spiritually condition the Christian for witness. A prayer list of 571considered a likely candidate for Gospel witness. The more carefully he 572without being patronizing. Don't overwhelm the prospect by trying to go 573Christ—how Christ came into his or her life and what His presence 574explain God's plan of salvation (see "Steps to Peace with God," page 11).575comprehensive, intelligent, and definite. The witness should invite the 576sufficiently knowledgeable, suggest offering his or her own prayer of 577emphasis is placed on personal witness and soul winning.578learn from them: Observe, then do. Evangelism Explosion teaches in its 579your own or another church.580witnessing. A few that are available are:581how to become a spiritually minded person, commend his or her interest 582person to consciously renounce all sinful, selfish desires; to ask 583come to us all when we determine to keep ourselves "unspotted from the 584daily prayer. There is no substitute for these if a person desires to grow 585to pursue life in the Spirit without encumbrances. Recommend seeking 586spiritual victories to confirm that commitment.587work on them, monitoring his or her progress from victory to victory.588"What about the person who has never heard of Jesus Christ? Will he or 589Neither sincerity nor intensity of faith can create truth. Faith is no more 590"If God is all-good and all-powerful, why do the innocent suffer?" Here we 591"How can miracles be possible? In this scientific age, how can any 592"How do you reconcile your faith with the fact that the Bible is so full of 593Some suggest that we have faith only because we have been conditioned 594A student at Duke University said, "If God grades on the curve, I'll make

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