Forgiveness

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

In discipleship sessions with Noura and her daughter Sabrina, we frequently talked about their family and friends. It became clear that each woman had encounters with family members that had resulted in bitterness and continued anger. When I suggested forgiveness, their reply was that this would be impossible. Noura would say. “I know that I should but you don’t know what the person did to me”. Sabrina would say, “I try but my sister-in-law continues to do the same things. I can’t keep forgiving her repeated misdeeds against me, can I”? It became increasingly clear that we needed to do some intense Bible study on this subject. This is the lesson that has needed to be repeated several times as new problems have occurred. Both women have made efforts to follow Jesus’ teachings regarding forgiveness.

By presenting the biblical concept of forgiveness we can, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, create a desire to follow Christ’s teachings regarding the forgiving of those who have harmed us in some way. Biblical examples of forgiveness demonstrate that even in very difficult circumstances, ordinary people can forgive.

Three lessons of forgiveness are provided. Occasionally it may be necessary to do further study on one point that seems to give difficulty. It will be important for the teacher to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in deciding when to advance and when to stay longer with one point. The teacher should also help the new Christian understand that every Christian has a problem with forgiveness at some point in her life. Hopefully she will have the examples around her of Christians who have successfully forgiven others as well as those who are in the process of forgiving. She may also see some who are ignoring this teaching of Bible. Encourage her to pray for these individuals rather than judge them. She will also need to learn that forgiveness is a lifelong struggle for the Christian. This study provides the biblical teachings on forgiveness as well as the consequences of an unforgiving spirit. By studying both, the new Christian will be better able to choose for herself the ways that God would have her choose.

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Stories Jesus Told

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

There are several points about the story of the Prodigal Son that would be significant for a Muslim. Inheritance is given when the father dies. Therefore, to ask for the inheritance is the same as wanting the father to die and is, therefore, a dishonorable act. When a child dishonors the family, this child is usually cast out of the family and treated as dead. A human father would refuse to receive again a child who had dishonored the family. Therefore, most Muslims would see the father’s action in this story as humiliating and degrading both for himself and for the family. To them the son has disgraced the family and should not be welcomed again into the family circle. The contrast between the actions of human father and the actions of our Heavenly Father has a powerful impact on the Muslim.

The new Christian would be aware of these cultural factors in her family background. Therefore, these stories of repentance and consequent rejoicing by God would be an important contrast to her own experience with her family and culture. She would have learned as a small child not to admit wrongdoing in order to avoid the disgrace that would come as a result of public admission of fault. Through the teachings of Jesus, she learns that God expects and rejoices when a different behavior is learned and practiced. These stories emphasize the importance of repentance.

The new Christian would also need to learn that God already knows her attitudes and actions. Through previous studies she would have learned that sin leads to a broken relationship with God. Repentance is necessary in order to restore the relationship. As she studies these stories, help her to understand that God truly wants the relationship with her and that rejoicing does occur when that happens.

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Repentance

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

This lesson studies the lives of Saul and David. After reading the two stories, note the following similarities. Each was a king who was chosen by God and who knew the commandments of God. Each king had a personal relationship with God. Saul had received a specific order from God while David had the Ten Commandments to follow. Each king was disobedient. Each repented. Why was Saul’s repentance rejected while David’s was accepted? What was the difference? What type of repentance does God desire? Note that even though God accepted David’s repentance, God did not remove the consequences of David’s sin.

While studying this lesson, the Christian should be guided into thinking of various times that she might disobey God, repent and be forgiven, and yet the consequences remain. Some examples would include: gossip or slander, sexual sin, child abuse, substance abuse, lying, etc. Attitudes that result in actions such as envy or jealousy, anger, resentment, etc. should also explore. The Christian have a desire to apply this lesson to her own everyday life.

Repentance is essential to a relationship with God. In the Old Testament story of Saul, God removed His spirit when Saul refused to accept responsibility for his actions and repent.

David repented and asked that God not take His Spirit away. (Psalm 51:11) David would have been aware of what had happened to Saul. Jesus included confession and asking for forgiveness in His model prayer. (Matthew 6:12) He told parables that emphasized the need for repentance and the rejoicing that occurs in heaven when someone repents. Even though a Christian’s sins have been forgiven and she has assurance of salvation, 1 John 1:9 seems to indicate that God still expects ongoing repentance from each Christian.

Repentance restores the Christian to fellowship with God. Repentance does not remove the physical consequences of disobedience. David’s son died. The prodigal son’s inheritance was gone.

Through the use of case studies, the Christian begins to understand that God wants each person to accept responsibility for her actions and to repent. The case studies illustrate the consequences of disobedience. They also illustrate the desire of each person to have God’s Spirit within. God rejoices when one of His children repents. As a result of having studied these lessons, the Christian will recognize her disobedience and will confess it to God without offering excuses.

Some of the questions in these lesson assume that the Christian understands sin as being disobedient to God in thoughts, attitudes or actions. Sin should not be understood to be simply breaking one of a list of cultural rules.

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Identify Problems In The Christian Life

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

This lesson is more abstract and may need some illustrations to help clarify for the readers the role of “light” in the Christian’s life. John 1:1-18 refers to Jesus as the Light. John 3:16-21 explains why those who sin love the darkness. These passages can also be studied as a part of this lesson if needed for further explanation. It might be helpful to use some practical illustrations from everyday living that show how dust and dirt are hidden in darkness but easily seen in the light. She can then compare this to the way that sin is hidden when not compared with Jesus.

During this lesson, help the new Christian to learn to compare her own thoughts, attitudes and actions to Christ. As she prayerfully reads and meditates on the Scriptures, God will show here where she needs to confess, repent and grow as a Christian. She needs to understand that as an individual, God will deal with her differently from others. However, God will always expect obedience. Failure to obey God is sin. Try to help the new Christian to understand that her growth will be a lifelong process.

As the new Christian has studied this lesson, her definition of sin has hopefully grown from that of doing certain forbidden things to include anything that is obedience to God. Eventually she will need to understand that she has a sin nature that makes her want to disobey and put self first. This sin nature is in constant battle with the new nature that she has in Christ. This sin nature is in constant battle with the new nature that she has in Christ. Romans 7:16-25 explains this concept. However, this lesson would probably be better left for a mature Christian.

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Jesus Anointed By A Sinful Woman

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Many aspects of this story are similar to present day Islamic culture. A practicing Muslim like the Pharisee won’t touch anyone or anything unclean. To do so renders him unclean and he must undergo a ritual of purification before being able to pray. Women in many Islamic countries and cultures keep their hair hidden from all men except those in the immediate family. The rules of hospitality are strict and are designed to honor the guest. To ignore these rules shows disrespect and a lack of honor.

            This story shows us what is required for salvation:

1.      Approach Jesus with an attitude of repentance for sin.

2.      Have faith that Jesus can and will forgive those sins.

The Pharisees considered sin to be an action. This lesson teaches that sins involve attitudes as well as actions. Hopefully, she will come to understand that sin is disobedience of God’s word whether in actions or attitudes.

Try to help the new Christian recognize the difference in the attitudes of Simon and Jesus towards the woman. He was condemning her and saw her as unworthy and a nuisance. Jesus was loving, kind and accepted her as she was. He recognized her value as a person. He did not condemn her but helped her to find salvation.

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What Is Sin?

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

As we read the New Testament, we find that belief in Jesus as the Son of God results in Salvation. We also learn that the early Christians needed further teaching on how to live like a Christlike life. Many Muslim converts come to Jesus as Paul did in Acts 9 and, like Paul, they need an Ananias and a Barnabas to help them grow in their faith and in their relationship with God. Others come to Jesus through a belief in His power to save them from evil spirits and that through Him they can have eternal life. Few seem to come with an understanding of themselves as sinners needing forgiveness.

Jesus and the early Church taught that sin is a continuing problem for the Christian. Sin interferes with Christian growth. It also hinders the Christian testimony. The Christian who does not recognize the sin in her life does not confess it and, therefore, does not have the vital, growing relationship with God is stunted, and her Christian life is empty. Because of unconfessed sin, she lacks the vital, direct communication with God that enables her to bear fruit in her life.

Confession of sin and repentance are closely related. The Christian growth should occur in all aspects of a Christian’s life. The Christian will be able to define sin as disobedience to God. Disobedience may occur by an action or failure to act or by an attitude. The Christian will describe her as having a sin nature. She will able to explain the importance of confession of sin to her growth into a mature Christian and to her Christian testimony.

These passages review the origins of sin and its consequences. Help the new Christian to discover that on each occasion God gave instructions and then allowed the individual free choice regarding obedience. God came and saw what was happening and then punished the individuals involved. The sinner did not escape punishment. The desire to disobey came from within the individual and each person bore responsibility for his attitudes and actions.

Depending of the individual involved, it may be necessary to add some of the Old Testament stories that describe sin and its consequences. For example a comparison between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife and David and Bathsheba may help the new Christian to understand that obedience is a choice. The number of stories read and discussed would depend on the ability of the new Christian to grasp the concept of the sin nature of mankind.

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The New Testament Teachings About Fasting

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

The teachings of Jesus touch on the form of manner of fasting as well as the appropriate time. Without giving the details of how fast was done, the book of Acts gives several examples of fasting and praying by the early church members. The teacher’s goal is to help the new believer to discover for herself when and how to fast accordance with the teachings of Jesus.

Summary: According to Bible, fasting can be done for several different reasons. All have the same common factor of drawing closer to God. There are no guidelines given in the Bible as to how often, how long, when or in what circumstances a person should fast. Jesus did give specific instructions regarding the behavior of the person during a fast. There is evidence that the New Testament church fasted to seek divine guidance for certain task. Fasting for the Christian, therefore, would be a personal decision done for a specific purpose and time should follow the guidelines given by Jesus.

Biblical fasting is always combined with meditation and prayer. Fasting is an appropriate spiritual exercise when used in combination with meditation and prayer for the purpose of focusing the individual’s total attention on God and His will. It should not become a ritual or a ceremony or be seen as way of forcing God to take certain actions which would turn fasting into a form of magic. The challenge for the former Muslim who has experienced the Ramadan fast as a cultural/religious event will be to find an appropriate Christian way to participate with her family and friends in a cultural event. To fast or not to fast is a personal decision based on the individual’s current desired relationship with God.

While most of Jesus’ teachings seems to indicate that fasting a personal and private experience, examples of large group fasting are found in the New Testament. This would seem to indicate that fasting to show solidarity with the poor or a day of fasting and prayer for a group of people are also appropriate. Church leaders may call a period of fasting and prayer for a specific purpose but it would always be the individual’s personal decision to participate or not to participate.

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Fasting

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Sabrina, a new Christian, faced a dilemma during Ramadan. Her husband, who did not know what she was a believer in Jesus, wanted her to keep the fast with him. She wondered how could she obey her husband and not disobey God. Imaan is the only Christian in her family. During Ramadan, she said, “My mother doesn’t believe in Jesus. She is purifying herself by fasting. Since I have accepted Jesus, I don’t need to fast in order to be accepted by God”. Fatima’s father-in-law was critically ill. She asked if fasting would help him be healed. Each of these women had as adults faithfully followed the rules of Ramadan even when they had not practiced the other pillars of Islam. Now as a Christians, each woman needed to understand fasting from a biblical perspective.

Fasting was a common occurrence during Bible times. No rules for fasting were given in the Old Testament. However, the Old Testament includes many stories of fasts that were done for different reasons and in different ways. Since Jesus seemed to assume that His followers would fast, His rules were only for the procedure. There are also many stories in the New Testament regarding the fasting of Jesus and later the Christians. The question for the Muslim convert often seems to revolve around how to fast in a manner of pleasing to God.

The Old Testament lesson provides a list of fasts that seem to have been performed around three different purposes. Examples of fasts that support each purpose have been selected for study. There are many other stories of fasts in the Old Testament. A concordance will provide references for those who wish to have more examples. The New Testament lesson focuses on the teachings of Jesus and the examples of fasts by Jesus and the early Church. These are intended to be a guide to help the Christian decide when, how and for what purpose to fast. The teacher should keep in mind that neither the Old Testament nor the New Testament commands fasting.

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God Helps The Christian Who Faces Temptation

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

The previous lesson have explained why the Christian is not to use magic, charms or sorcery, etc. the primary defense of the Christian, which is the armor God, was presented. Lessons covered the personal experience of Jesus with temptation, Jesus’ power over evil spirits and the example that Jesus has the power of healing but objects do not. The experience of Saul demonstrates that even though Saul had been obedient by removing the mediums from the country, he was tempted to consult one when he was in trouble rather than renew his relationship with God. As with Jesus, the temptation came at a time when Saul was physically tired and hungry. The Christian needs to be aware of her vulnerable times.

This last lesson in this series studies Scriptures that give promise and guidance to the Christian. She is directed toward spiritual things. She has the promise that God will help her. By learning that everyone is tempted, she can gain strength for standing firm. She also learns what to do when she does fall into temptation. Through confession, repentance, and cleansing, she keeps her vital, close and growing relationship with God. She also develops into a more mature Christian with a testimony that brings others to Christ.

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King Saul Returns To Forbidden Practices

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

The woman who has abandoned her folk practices to follow Jesus needs to understand that she will frequently be tempted to return to those practices. This lesson is a case study of individual who had obeyed God and gotten rid of all practices forbidden by God. There was nothing left in his whole kingdom. However, he had disobeyed God and had not repented of his sin. Therefore, when he needed a communication from God, he went back to his old practices. Even so, in the story we find that God gave him the opportunity to stop and return to being faithful.

It probably will be necessary for the teacher to review the life of Saul and be able to explain in a few sentences what had happened to him before this lesson starts. First Samuel 13 and 15 explain his disobedience of God’s commands that resulted in his separation from God. Saul did not take the necessary steps to restore his relationship with God. The Christian may enjoy reading this story at home but there will not be time during the lesson session to review all of the past history that makes this story so important. Satan knew Saul’s weakness and he tempted Saul at a time when he was tired and hungry and had allowed himself to be separated from God. It is important for the new Christian to identify the reason for Saul’s vulnerability as well as to recognize that God provided Saul with several opportunities to repent and stop his evil practice before he went too far.

The concept of shame and bringing shame on oneself or one’s family is important for the Muslim. Most have been taught that honor is very important and the worst thing that can be done is to bring shame onto the family name. For this reason, the Muslim convert will able to understand why Saul tries to disguise himself so that he would not be recognized. However, this lesson that one cannot hide from God and the shame of having disobeyed God.

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The Power of Jesus Over Physical Illness

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

This lesson becomes even more powerful when the readers understand what this woman’s life would have been like for 12 years of her illness. Islam has the same laws regarding menstrual impurity as those given in the Old Testament. Help the readers to imagine the difficulties of this woman’s life. This review should also help the student to understand the courage needed for this woman to come forward and confess what she had done.

There is no evidence in this story that the woman used any folk practices for healing during the years of her illness. However, it would good to discuss what practices a woman would have used to “cure” this illness. It is important that they understand the point that it was this woman’s faith that healed her and not her touching the robe. It is also important to note that while no cause for the illness is given, the woman does not seem to think that it was caused by the “evil eye” or other folk causes.

Jesus took the time to be sure that the woman understood that her faith and not His garment had healed her. The new Christian who has converted from Islam will be tempted again and again to use amulets and charms for protection of herself and her family. Plan to spend enough time on this lesson to make sure that she understands that healing comes from God without the aid of any object or substance or magic.

God created medicine and medical treatment. God guides doctors and nurses in their care. Most people who are sick are healed through the use of medicine and procedures created by God. While occasionally God heals someone miraculously (cannot explained medically), He expects His people to use what He has provided. We cannot find in the Scriptures that He wants us to deny ourselves medical treatment while asking for miracle. It will be important for the new Christian to understand that Satan may tempt her to refuse medical treatment.

A secondary teaching found in this lesson, is the value of women in God’s eyes. The New Testament teaches us that Jesus cares for women and considers women to be person of worth. This lesson also helps her to understand that women are loved and valued in God’s kingdom. For many new Christians, this  will be a new concept and very different from what was taught in their previous religion.

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The Power Of Jesus Over Evil

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Most of the religious life of Muslim has been spent in trying to protect herself and her loved ones from the influence of the evil spirits. These evil spirits are a real force in the world around her. Since her view of God has been that of a disinterested person who is far away, she will need help in understanding that Jesus is more powerful than the evil spirits. The evil spirits must obey His authority. The teacher will want to use this Bible study to show that Jesus overcame evil in His own life when He was tempted, and He overcame the evil in the lives of others. The new believer will learn that being tempted is not a sin.

In studying Mathew 4:1-11, try to get the student to recognize that temptation came when Jesus was in a difficult place. He was tired, hungry and alone. Help her to use this in identifying when she is most likely to be tempted by Satan. Satan attacked Jesus through several different domains. Knowing this should help the Christian be more alert to temptation coming from more than one direction. Satan will attempt the Christian just as he tempted Jesus. He will know and use the Christian’s personal weak areas and will tempt her during difficult circumstances. A Christian who has memorized Scripture would be “carrying her sword with her at all times” and would be able with the help of the Holy Spirit to use this Scripture in defeating Satan.

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Christian Armor And How It Works

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

In Genesis 3, we meet the serpent who personifies evil. It is the serpent who tempus Eve to disobey God. Later in the Bible, evil is identified by names such as Satan or the Devil and terms such as evil spirits. We continue to use these names today to identify the presence of evil forces around us. The individual faces a continual battle within herself to follow God or to follow the forces of evil (Romans 7:15-20).

Just as a physical armor protects a soldier going into war, the spiritual armor protects the Christian who is engaged in a spiritual battle. The new Christian needs to understand the purpose of each piece of armor. With her armor in place, she can protect herself from enemy and with her weapons she can defend herself when attack comes.

A soldier seldom goes into battle alone. He stands with other soldiers to make a strong army capable of defeating enemy. However, the strength of the army is based on each soldier being responsible for putting on his own armor and taking his position as a prepared and fit soldier ready for the battle. The new Christian should understand that while she is one of many fighting in the battle, she alone has responsibility for ensuring that her armor is in place and intact. God has provided the weapons and defense needed. It is the Christian’s choice to use what has been provided.

The study of this lesson would be greatly enhanced by the use of a simple drawing of a soldier wearing the armor described. The soldier could be surrounded by other figures similarly dressed but his armor should be clearly defined. Simple line drawings using stick figures would be sufficient.

After having completed this lesson, the student should be able to describe each piece of armor and its proper use. She should be counseled to practice putting on her armor each morning as part of her devotional time. An individual troubled by bad dreams could try putting on her armor before sleeping. The image of a prepared soldier ready for battle or a surprise attack at every minute of the day and night is powerful one.

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God's Laws Regarding Folk Practices

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Some of the folk practices that a Muslim woman would have seen, and may have used include: using the evil eye, practicing sorcery, wearing amulets, going to a medium, marabout or spiritist, visiting a saint’s tomb and praying there, visiting special shrines, trying to divine the future through the use of certain objects or rituals, the use of special charms or specific actions to provide personal protection from evil spirits, etc. The teacher will need to have these practices in mind as she works with her disciple during this lesson. It would be rare to find a Muslim woman who has not used several of these folk practices. She might need a guided discussion to help her recognize that has been an accepted part of her culture/religion but which has been forbidden by God. Occasionally the student will need evidence that the teacher knows about these practices before she feels free to talk about them.

The child learns religious practices by observing those around him, especially his mother. In most households, the mother is the one who spend the most time with the child and models for him the accepted behavior of culture. In this way, folk practices are passed without special teaching to the next generations. The Christian will need to develop some self-awareness of her behavior and actions at home and the testimony that these give to others including her children.

The teacher should be careful to ensure that her own jewelry doesn’t give a false idea of protection. For example, wearing a cross continuously may be perceived by others as being worn for protection.

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Learning To Listen To God

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Prayer is dialogue with God. A dialogue means that two people are talking and listening to each other. The new Christian needs to learn to listen to what God is telling her.

Encourage the new Christian to read one prayer each day. Ask her to think about the prayer, the circumstances in which it was prayed, and how it can be used as a model for her prayer life. When she comes for the next, discuss her reactions and thoughts regarding each prayer read. These prayers were chosen for study together to illustrate the many different situations that arise and need prayer.

Many times God uses His word to help us know His will. Therefore, prayer time included with a devotional time of reading and meditating on God’s word is important. God’s answer is always consistent with His written word. The Christians needs to learn to compare what she believes God is telling her with the Bible. However, the teacher should explain the danger of proof-texting: selecting a verse out of context to prove a point.

The study section of this lesson is purposefully short. The teacher should plan to spend at least half of this study session as a model of prayer, Bible study, meditation and prayer. Help the new Christian to understand what God is saying to her. This is not going into a trance or a mystical experience but rather is a time of trying to apply God’s word to her own life.

You might also want to spend a few minutes helping your disciple prepare a prayer journal. You could suggest keeping a record of prayer request, when each was prayed, and the answer from God. Remind her that’s God answer may be “no” or maybe “not yet”. Prayer is not bargaining or commanding. As Christians, we accept God’s will in faith.

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Jesus Shows Us How To Pray

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Selma has been a Christian for several years. Selma loves to pray. She spends a great deal of time telling God what she wants Him to do for her, her family and her friends. However, Selma doesn’t appear to listen to what God is telling her. To her, prayer is repeating request until God grants her. Selma has a great deal to learn about prayer.

By studying the teachings of Jesus and the examples given of His prayers, the Christian can begin to develop an understanding of how to communicate with God. Prayers of the early church as well as prayers from the Old Testament provide examples of individuals coming to God for many different reasons but always with assurance of being heard. In addition, the new Christians learn that God doesn’t require a specific posture, position or words. She is free to tell God al that is in her heart at any time, in any place and in any position.

Jesus tells us to avoid meaningless repetitions. One form of repetitious prayer that the new Christian might have seen would be some Muslims repeating the name of God until they fall into a trance. Others will repeat the name of God or some other religious word or phrase as a means of divining the future or finding the answer to a question. While the new Christian may not herself have practiced this, she probably knows someone who does. Help her to understand why God isn’t pleased with these actions.

This lesson deals with the teachings of Jesus regarding prayer. Some of the public prayers of Jesus are included for study. The student is then asked to apply what Jesus taught and His example to her own life. Although she was uncomfortable with this at first, I encouraged Selma to pray aloud with me. She prayed in her own language and gradually grew more at ease with public prayer.

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How To Take A Stand

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

By using case studies the individual can see acted out the individual response to opposition. Two stories were chosen study. The story of Daniel shows that one can be faithful to God in a difficult situation and even when the law of the land forbids it. Help the student to understand that laws should be obeyed in the most circumstances. Daniel only broke a law that interfered with his worship of God and tried to compel him to worship a false god. Because of his high position in the government, we can assume that Daniel was normally a law abiding citizen. In addition, rather than cause a confrontation, he disobeyed in private. He did not go out actively seeking a confrontation with those opposing him. Rather, he went to his room and bowed down before open windows where those actively looking for him could possibly see him. Be careful not to give the impression that God always saves the life of individual as He saved Daniel’s. Stephen is an example of one who gave his life rather than abandon his faith. If an additional for study is needed, Daniel 3:1-30 may be added.

The man born blind faced a very public confrontation with the religious leaders without a support of his family. When the leaders approached them the family sent them back to deal with the son. They offered no help or support. The man gave short factual answers. He told exactly what had happened to him. He avoided a debate on religion and did not drawn into arguing. He eventually was totally rejected by religious leaders who did not want to hear of his personal experiences with Jesus. This can also be a model for a Christian who faces opposition. She can plan to remain nonconfrontational, give factual answers of her own personal experience and, in doing so, present a testimony that can’t be refuted by heaters. While this man did not have the opportunity to plan his answers, the new Christian can learn from his experience and prepare herself for opposition when it comes.

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Opposition

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Aisha and her daughter who live in the large metropolitan area became believers as the result of the testimony of Aisha's sister-in-law. Aisha loved to attend the weekly neighborhood Bible study that met near her place of business. However, she told her husband that she was attending a business meeting every week. Aisha particularly liked the praise and prayer part of the service. When she was approached about the idea of Baptism, she said that she needed to wait longer because she needed to be really sure that Jesus was the Savior.

When Aisha's  husband found out that she was attending Christian meetings he became very angry with her. When he threatened her with divorce if she continued to practice Christianity, Aisha immediately cut off all relationships with her Christian friends. She stopped reading her Bible and removed all Christian literature from her home. When contacted by her pastor, she told him that she was doing what she needed to do at this time. Aisha's daughter, Samira, who is married and has her own home, testimony of their faith in Jesus at their place of work. However, both stopped out of fear that someone would tell Aisha's husband.

Christians through the centuries have experienced opposition and persecution for their faith. For some, this has resulted in a stronger faith and growth as a Christian with a resulting testimony that helps lead others to Christ. For others, it has resulted in a falling away from their faith as a Christian. Jesus used the parable of the sower found in Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 to explain that some would fall away during difficult times. According to Jesus, the person who falls away has no strong root that he will hold during difficult times. By studying about others who experienced opposition and continued in their faith, the new Christian can prepare herself for the opposition when it comes.

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The Biblical Basis For Sharing The Gospel

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

The verses selected for study are a brief outline threat presents the lostness of man and the way to have salvation. Some of these may be selected for memorization and used in witnessing to others. In any case, the new believer can make a list of these verses in her Bible in order to be ready at all times to share the plan of salvation to someone.

The story of Adam and Eve illustrates that only one act of disobedience separates forever man and woman from God. The story of Lazarus teaches that salvation must be obtained before death. Both of these are important concept for the new Christian to understand as she tries to begin to tell others about her new faith. This lesson will help the new Christian to understand why she should witness to others and give her some of the basic tools necessary for such an endeavor.

Encourage the new Christian to begin memorizing selected verses that she can use for sharing the gospel with others. Encourage her to begin praying for her family and friends. Talk about lifestyle witness and encourage her to begin sharing her faith in appropriate ways with her family and friends.

In most cases it is better to avoid questions requiring a simple "yes" or "no" as the answer. However, deliberately uses some questions of this type in order to emphasize the truth being taught in the verse.

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Three People Who Met Jesus

He is Coming This blog is about Christianity and the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

These stories of three encounters of Jesus and the witness that each gave afterwards. Encourage the MBB to recognize that each person in the story who met Jesus gave testimony to what Jesus has done for her. Each had a life-changing experience with Jesus and the testimony of this experience brought others to Jesus. Notice that the testimony was immediate, specific and stimulated others want to know more. Those around the individual could readily see that a life-changing experience had occurred. Encourage the new Christian to use the individuals as a model for developing her own testimony to be used with non-Christians.

Many witness encounters with Muslim result in a debate. The Christian should avoid if possible debating with her Muslim friend. Once a debate has started, meaningful dialogue stops because the main purpose is to win the argument. Help the new Christian to see that Jesus did not debate and resisted the attempts by others to start one. The Samaritan woman is a perfect example of how He kept to the main issue and kept the conversation personal. Encourage the new Christian to follow Jesus example.

In the story of Jesus Healing the blind man, Jesus tell us that a child born with a handicap is not the result of sin. While this is an important concept, it is not central point of this lesson. The lesson on sin deals with the consequences that may come as a result of a sin committed. If your Christian friend has a difficulty with this idea, study the lesson on sin with her. During this lesson, your goal is to help her develop her testimony for sharing with others.

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