INTRODUCTION
The Word of God plainly teaches that God has three initial experiences for the Christian as a foundation to prepare him for his walk of faith here on earth. The first two, salvation and sanctification, are provided through the shed Blood of Jesus on Calvary (Hebrews 9:22,28; 13:12). The third, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, is a gift of God (Acts 2:38; 10:45), given to provide power for us so that we can fully serve the Lord.
THEME THOUGHTS
In this day of micro-technology, we should have no difficulty in grasping the concept that small things can be significant. We may feel that we are just one among millions on this earth, but in God’s eyes we are important, and that is the point we wish to convey throughout this quarter.
God has a plan for each of us! As we begin our Christian walk, and then continue to grow in His grace, we will want to find out what that plan is and do our best to follow it. To discover God’s plan for us, we need to communicate with Him. With that thought in mind, this quarter opens with two lessons focusing on prayer. The lessons following those deal with recognizing the call of God and fitting ourselves to be usable in His service.
We look at the importance of witnessing to others, and the vital necessity of holding on through hard places. The quarter moves on to a series of lessons on choosing and keeping friends who will not hinder our spiritual growth. The concluding thrust is the importance of staying on the alert, ready at any moment for the Lord’s coming.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
Ephesians 6:13-17
QUESTIONS
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- What proof have we from Scripture that the three basic experiences God has for a Christian—salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost—are to be sought and received in this sequence? See John 3:3; 17:17, and Acts 1:5.
- There are several words in use today which indicate the experience one receives when he becomes a Christian. Find Scriptures that use these expressions:
- Born again
- Saved
- Converted
- What actions stated by Jesus in Mark 1:15 are necessary on our part in order for us to be born again, or saved from sin? Explain what these actions involve.
- What outward change takes place in one’s life when he or she becomes a Christian? See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 4:22-32.
- When someone comes to God to be saved, he must repent and turn from his sins. In contrast, how do we come to God when seeking to be sanctified? See Romans 12:1-2 and 6:13.
- What effect does the experience of sanctification have in the life of a Christian? See Romans 6:6 and Hebrews 2:11.
- What do Jesus’ admonitions to His disciples in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4,8 teach us of the importance of seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost?
- Can we expect to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost today in the same manner and with the same witness as the Early Church, or was the gift just for those in that day? Explain. See Acts 2:38-39.
RESOURCE MATERIAL:
Tract No. 30 — The New Birth
Tract No. 125 — Sanctification
Tract No. 14 — The Baptism of the Holy Ghost