HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH S.P.A.C.E. PROGRAM

STAGE II*****Series I “Christian Growth”**********Series II “Basic Christian Beliefs”*****

Welcome to “Stage II of the H.B.C.’s S.P.A.C.E. program.

We are excited with you that you have decided to learn more of God’s Word by enteringinto Stage II. You will learn some important fundamental truths that will make you solid indoctrine. Now that you are in Stage II you are qualified to become part of the working ministry of the Church. Upon completion you will be able to remain in your present position or move on toStage III to a more trusting position.It is wonderful and pleasing to God to have people who are hungry for His Word and arewilling to follow the program of the church. By this willingness, it will create unity and strengthwhich is very needed in the church today, also, the Lord is pleased with unity among the brethren(Psalm 133).64

CHRISTIAN GROWTH

OUTLINEI.GROWING THROUGH BIBLE STUDY.II.GROWING THROUGH PRAYER.III.GROWING THROUGH WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP.IV.GROWING THROUGH GIVING.V.GROWING THROUGH WITNESSING.65

Lesson 1

CHRISTIAN GROWTHGrowing Through Bible Study

Matthew 4:4

INTRODUCTION:

This week's lesson is "Growing Through Bible Study. "One would not think of goingwithout physical food for a very long time. Without it, the body weakens and eventually dies.Lack of spiritual food produces the same results in our spiritual lives.The guidebook for your spiritual growth is the Divinely inspired Word of God. It is themeans by which God nourishes your faith, see Romans 10:17. For this reason you should read itcarefully, study it systematically, memorize it diligently, meditate upon it continuously and practice it faithfully.

I.THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED BY GOD.

It is assuring to know that God so inspired the chosen men who wrote the scriptures thatthey were guarded against any error in their selection of words to express the truth which hewanted revealed. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21.

II.THE BIBLE IS THE MOST PROFITABLE OF ALL BOOKS.

In II Timothy 3:14-17, Paul says the inspired Scriptures are profitable for four things:A. Doctrine: Teaching.The word of God teaches those things which men cannot find out for themselves -who God is, the forgiveness of sins, the hope of eternal life, etc.B. Reproof: To convict. See Hebrews 4:12.The word of God convicts of sin, as was illustrated in the case of Nathan dealingwith David. See II Samuel 12:1-4.C. Correction.This implies restoration to a previous state, such as a broken bone that is set.D. Instruction in righteousness.A person who lives according to the precepts of the Bible will be living arighteous life; a life that is pleasing to God.III.THE BIBLE IS OUR SPIRITUAL FOOD.A. Note Job's high esteem for the Word of God. See Job 23:10-12.B. Peter said we are to desire the Word as a newborn baby desires milk. I Peter 2:2.C. Nourishing food prevents the effects of malnutrition. Psalms 119:11.66