Equipped To Believe

Course 3

NKJV: Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Great Commission

Session 1 Invite With Power

The Holy Spirit: With, In, Upon

Assignment

Session 2 Invite With The Gospel

Discussion Points

Helpful Tools For Sharing The Gospel

Assignment

Session 3 Invite With Your Testimony

Discussion Points

Helpful Tools For Preparing Your Testimony

Assignment

Session 4 Invite With Wisdom

Book Recommendation

Discussion Points

Assignment

Introduction

Course Instruction

This course is part of a series of courses that God put on my heart to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Each session includes a link to a video teaching, discussion points, and homework assignments.

Discussion Points

This course works best when done with a group. Before beginning the next session video, pick one or two of the discussion points to talk about.

Video

Use the link in this book to watch the video for each session. Or use the website: cclivingwater.com/believe

Assignments

There are assignments for each session which will help you to research each topic for yourself. How much you grow from this course depends on how much you invest in it. So be diligent in completing the assignments each week.

Taking Notes & Completing Assignments

Most devices will allow you to type your notes and assignments into this ebook. Simply highlight the word and select the note button. You will see the following line where answers or notes are expected.

Notes: __________

If you prefer to handwrite your notes and assignments, printable worksheets are available on the website: cclivingwater.com/believe

How Noble Are You?

Acts 17:11

Recommended Resources

Know What You Believe, by Paul E Little              214 Pages

This book is a good introduction into the major doctrines of the Bible. Paul uses easy to understand language to describe what the Bible says about  itself, God, Jesus, People, Sin, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, Angels & Demons, the Church and Things To Come.

Basic Theology, by Charles Ryrie              655 Pages

This is an in-depth and systematic study of the major doctrines of the Bible. Ryrie is  thorough in his explanation of the doctrines of God, the Bible, Angels, the Devil, Demons, Man, Sin, Jesus, Salvation, Holy Spirit, the Church and Things To Come. Keep your dictionary handy for this one!

Doctrines, by Raul Ries              175 Pages

In his typical straightforward style, Pastor Raul Ries explains what the Bible says about the Bible, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Man, Sin, Salvation, the Church, Angels & Demons, and Last Things.

Session 1

Believe The Bible

Believe The Bible

Session Video

To watch the video lesson for this session, use the following link.

vimeo.com/notyetavailable

Notes: _______

Printable Worksheets

If you would like to print out the note pages and homework for this session, use your computer to visit the link below and print the worksheets for each session.

cclivingwater.com/believe

How God’s Word Is Transmitted

Believe The Bible

Homework Overview

Find out for yourself. What do you believe about the Bible’s authority and reliability?

Day 1—Archaeology

Is the Bible historically accurate?

Day 2—Manuscripts

Do we have accurate copies?

Day 3—Prophecy

Is the Bible prophetically accurate?

Day 4—Canon

Do we have the inspired books?

Day 5—Contradictions?

Can contradictions be resolved?

Day 6—Bible’s Claims About Itself

Does the Bible claim to be God’s Word?

Day 7—Do You Believe?

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” -Acts 17:11

Believe The Bible

Day 1 Homework

Archaeology

Research One Old Testament Find & One New Testament Find

What makes each find significant?

Old Testament

         Ruins At Ur

Suggested Search: ruins at Ur cuneiform

         Jericho Walls

Suggested Search: Kathleen Kenyon Bryant Wood

         King David

Suggested Search: 1993 Avraham Biran

         The Babylonian Chronicles

Suggested Search: 1956 Zedekiah

         Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Suggested Search: 1838 Hezekiah Tunnel

What makes the find significant? _______

New Testament

         Capernaum Synagogue

Suggested Search: 1838 Capernaum

         Pontius Pilate

Suggested Search: 1961 Antonio Frova

         Jesus’ Bones?

Suggested Search: 2007 Jesus Bones

         Pool Of Siloam

Suggested Search: 2005 Siloam

         The God Jesus Christ

Suggested Search: 2005 Razilo Jesus

What makes the find significant? _______

Believe The Bible

Day 2 Homework

Manuscripts

Research And Compare The Dating And Number Of Biblical And Secular Manuscripts

Suggested Search: biblical vs secular manuscript evidence

New Testament

         Date Of Writing _______

         Oldest Copy _______

         Number Of Copies _______

Old Testament

         Date Of Writing _______

         Oldest Copy _______

         Number Of Copies _______

Aristotle

         Date Of Writing _______

         Oldest Copy _______

         Number Of Copies _______

Herodotus

         Date Of Writing _______

         Oldest Copy _______

         Number Of Copies _______

Thucydides

         Date Of Writing _______

         Oldest Copy _______

         Number Of Copies _______

Homer’s Iliad

         Date Of Writing _______

         Oldest Copy _______

         Number Of Copies _______

Optional Research:

These are a few specific manuscripts that provide a wealth of information and support for the Biblical text.

         Dead Sea Scrolls

         Aramaic Targums

         Codex Sinaiticus

         Codex Vaticanus

         Codex Alexandrinus

         Rylands Library Papyrus

         Bodmer Papyri

         Codex Bezae

         Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus

         Septuagint

Believe The Bible

Day 3 Homework

Prophecy

Pick Two Prophecies To Research

Was the prophecy fulfilled as the Bible predicted? _______

         Daniel 2, World Powers That Came After Babylon

Suggested Search: Daniel statue dream

         Nahum 3:1-7, Nineveh Laid Waste

Suggested Search: how was Nineveh destroyed

         Isaiah 45:1, Babylon’s Open Gates

Suggested Search: how Cyrus conquered Babylon

         Micah 5:2, Messiah’s Birthplace

Biblical Reference: Luke 2:1-19

         Zechariah 9:9-10, Messiah On A Donkey

Biblical Reference: Matthew 21:1-11

         Isaiah 53, Messiah Cut Off

Biblical Reference: John 19

         Matthew 24:1-2, The Stones Of The Temple

Suggested Search: temple destroyed gold stones

2 Peter 1:19-21, And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Believe The Bible

Day 4 Homework

The Canon

Old Testament:

How many books are in the Jewish Scriptures? _______

Suggested Search: Josephus Old Testament canon

New Testament:

What criteria was used to determine if a book should be included in the New Testament? _______

Suggested Search: New Testament canon criteria

Apocrypha:

Why were some books not included in the Bible? _______

Suggested Search: apocrypha not inspired

Believe The Bible

Day 5 Homework

Contradictions?

Research One Apparent Contradiction

The Bible contains many mysteries, difficulties and apparent contradictions, but we conclude that these are the result of a lack of information. Pick one of these to research, can it be explained?

         Who Was Joseph’s Father?

Matthew 1:16    vs    Luke 3:23

Suggested Search: Joseph father Heli Jacob

         What Time Did Jesus Die?

Mark 15:24-26    vs    John 19:14-16

Suggested Search: what time did Jesus die

         How Many Horses Did Solomon Have?

1 Kings 4:26    vs    2 Chronicles 9:25

Suggested Search: Solomon horse stalls

         Where Did Aaron Die?

Numbers 33:38    vs    Deuteronomy 10:6

Suggested Search: Aaron died Hor Mosera

         Where Did Jesus Heal The Blind Man?

Luke 18:35-38    vs    Mark 10:46-47

Suggested Search: Jesus blind Roman Jericho cities

         Answer A Fool Or Not?

Proverbs 26:4    vs    Proverbs 26:5

Suggested Search: answer a fool contradiction

         When Did Jesus Cleanse The Temple?

Matthew 21:12-13    vs    John 2:13-16

Suggested Search: when did Jesus cleanse the temple

         How Many Angels Were At Jesus’ Tomb?

Matthew 28:2-7    vs    John 20:11-12

Suggested Search: how many angels at Jesus’ tomb

Conclusions: __________

Believe The Bible

Day 6 Homework

The Bible’s Claims

What Does The Bible Say About Itself?

Consider the following passages and write your thoughts about what the Bible claims about itself.

         Deuteronomy 31:9

         2 Samuel 23:1-2

         2 Timothy 3:16-17

         2 Peter 1:19-21

         Revelation 22:18-19

Conclusions: __________

Believe The Bible

Day 7 Homework

Do You Believe?

         Do you believe that the Bible is 100% accurate regarding history?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe we have accurate copies of the original documents in our Bibles today?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe the Bible is 100% accurate regarding prophecy?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe our Bibles have all of the inspired books, and no uninspired books?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe all difficult passages and apparent contradictions of the Bible can be resolved once we know all the information?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?

Yes     /     No

What is keeping you from believing?

If you are not able to answer yes to each of those questions, explain the difficulty you have in believing.

Notes: __________

Believe The Bible

Additional Resources

For Digging Deeper

1. Archaeological Evidence For The Bible, by Charlie H. Campbell

This is a quick look at many discoveries that show the Bible’s accuracy. Includes many full color photos of sites and discoveries.

2. How We Got The Bible, by Neil R. Lightfoot

This is a good introduction that follows the path from the original writings to what we have in our Bible’s today.

3. Every Prophecy Of The Bible, by John F. Walvoord

This is a very thorough look at every prophecy found from Genesis - Revelation.

4. The Canon Of Scripture, by F.F. Bruce

This is an in-depth, detailed and technical look at the selecting of books included in the Bible.

5. The Big Book Of Bible Difficulties, Norman L. Geisler & Thomas Howe

This is a collection of over 800 answers to questions about verses often misused by skeptics, critics and cults.

Session 2

Believe In God

Believe In God

Session Video

To watch the video lesson for this session, use the following link.

vimeo.com/notyetavailable

Notes: _______

Printable Worksheets

If you would like to print out the note pages and homework for this session, use your computer to visit the link below and print the worksheets for each session.

cclivingwater.com/believe

Believe In God

Homework Overview

Find out for yourself. What do you believe about God?

Day 1—Eternal & Unchanging

Who created God?

Day 2—Triune

How many Gods are there?

Day 3—All Knowing & Everywhere Present

Does God know everything?

Day 4—All Powerful

What is possible or impossible for God?

Day 5—Sovereign

Is God still on the throne?

Day 6—Holy & Loving

What kind of God is He?

Day 7—Do You Believe?

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” -Acts 17:11

Believe In God

Day 1 Homework

Eternal & Unchanging

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about the eternal nature of God.

         Genesis 1:1-5

         Psalm 90:1-4

         Psalm 93:1-5

         Isaiah 57:15-21

         1 Timothy 1:15-17

         Revelation 4:8-11

Conclusions: __________

Pick two of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about whether or not God changes.

         Numbers 23:16-20

         Malachi 3:6-7

         James 1:12-18

Conclusions: __________

Believe In God

Day 2 Homework

Triune

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about the triune nature of God.

Creation

         Genesis 1:1-2

         John 1:1-18

         Colossians 1:9-20

Who Said It? “lest they see with their eyes”

         Isaiah 6:1-13

         John 12:37-41

         Acts 28:23-27

Called God

         John 1:1-4

         Acts 5:3-4

         Galatians 1:1-2

Mentioned Together

         Matthew 3:13-17

         Mark 1:9-11

         2 Corinthians 13:11-14

         Matthew 28:18-20

One, Or More?

         Deuteronomy 6:1-5

         Genesis 1:26-27

         Isaiah 6:8-9

         Isaiah 45:5-6

         1 Corinthians 8:4-6

Conclusions: __________

Believe In God

Day 3 Homework

All Knowing & Everywhere Present

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about what God knows.

         Psalm 139:1-6

         Psalm 147:1-5

         1 Chronicles 28:1-9

         Luke 12:1-7

         Romans 11:33-36

         1 John 3:18-20

Conclusions: __________

Pick two of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about where God is.

         Deuteronomy 4:39

         Psalm 139:7-12

         Jeremiah 23:23-24

Conclusions: __________

Believe In God

Day 4 Homework

All Powerful

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about how powerful God is.

         Genesis 17:1-2

         Genesis 18:9-14

         Jeremiah 32:26-27

         Matthew 19:23-26

         Luke 1:30-37

         Revelation 19:6

Conclusions: __________

Pick two of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about what God cannot do.

         2 Timothy 2:11-13

         Hebrews 6:17-18

         James 1:12-14

Conclusions: __________

Believe In God

Day 5 Homework

Sovereign

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about the will, purposes and sovereignty of God.

         1 Chronicles 29:10-13

         Psalm 33:8-12

         Psalm 103:19-22

         Isaiah 10:5-12

         Isaiah 46:8-13

         Daniel 4:34-37

         John 19:10-12

         Acts 2:22-24

         Romans 8:28-34

         Romans 9:17-24

         Romans 13:1-4

         Ephesians 1:11-12

Conclusions: __________

Believe In God

Day 6 Homework

Holy & Loving

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about the holiness of God.

         Exodus 3:1-6

         Leviticus 11:44-45

         Isaiah 57:15-21

         1 Peter 1:13-16

         1 John 1:5-7

         Revelation 15:1-4

Conclusions: __________

Pick two of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about the love of God.

         Psalm 145:8-9

         Ephesians 2:1-10

         1 John 4:7-11

Conclusions: __________

Believe In God

Day 7 Homework

Do You Believe?

         Do you believe that God has always existed, that He will always exist, and that He does not change?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that God is triune—Father, Son, Holy Spirit?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that God knows all things and is always everywhere?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that God is all powerful and nothing is impossible for Him?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that God has authority over all things?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that God is both holy and loving?

Yes     /     No

What is keeping you from believing?

If you are not able to answer yes to each of those questions, explain the difficulty you have in believing.

Notes: __________

Session 3

Believe About Humanity

Believe About Humanity

Session Video

To watch the video lesson for this session, use the following link.

vimeo.com/notyetavailable

Notes: _______

Printable Worksheets

If you would like to print out the note pages and homework for this session, use your computer to visit the link below and print the worksheets for each session.

cclivingwater.com/believe

Believe About Humanity

Homework Overview

Find out for yourself. What do you believe about humanity?

Day 1—Origin

Where did we come from?

Day 2—Uniqueness

How are we different than the rest of creation?

Day 3—The Fall

What happened to us?

Day 4—Sinful Nature

Are people basically good?

Day 5—Free Will

Who gets to choose?

Day 6—Marriage

Whose idea was marriage?

Day 7—Do You Believe?

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” -Acts 17:11

Believe About Humanity

Day 1 Homework

Origin

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about how humanity came into existence.

         Genesis 1:26-28

         Genesis 2:8-25

         Genesis 5:1-2

         Matthew 19:4

         Mark 10:6

         Acts 17:26

Conclusions: __________

Believe About Humanity

Day 2 Homework

Uniqueness

Read & consider the following passages. Then write down your conclusions about the unique place of humanity in God’s creation.

Image Of God

         Genesis 1:26-27

Dominion Over Creation

         Genesis 1:26-30

         Genesis 9:1-3

         Psalm 8:3-8

Conclusions: __________

Believe About Humanity

Day 3 Homework

The Fall

Read Genesis 3 and answer the following questions about the fall of humanity.

Why did Eve partake of the fruit? _______

Why did Adam partake of the fruit? _______

How did their sin affect them? _______

How did their sin affect their relationship with God? _______

Why did God put them out of the Garden of Eden? _______

Believe About Humanity

Day 4 Homework

Sinful Nature

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about the sinful nature of humanity.

         Psalm 14

         Isaiah 64:6-7

         Romans 3:9-26

         Romans 5:12-21

         Galatians 3:22

Conclusions: __________

Believe About Humanity

Day 5 Homework

Free Will

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about a person’s ability and responsibility to choose to believe God.

         Deuteronomy 30:19-20

         Joshua 24:15

         John 3:16

         Romans 10:8-13

         Philippians 2:12-13

Conclusions: __________

Believe About Humanity

Day 6 Homework

Marriage

Pick a few of the following passages to read & consider. Then write down your conclusions about God’s view of marriage.

         Genesis 2:18-25

         Matthew 19:1-12

         Mark 10:1-12

         1 Corinthians 7:10-16

         Ephesians 5:22-33

Conclusions: __________

Believe About Humanity

Day 7 Homework

Do You Believe?

         Do you believe that God created man and woman on the sixth day of creation?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that mankind is created in the image of God?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that Adam and Eve were real people who disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that every person is sinful and in need of a savior?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that every person has the ability and responsibility to choose to believe God?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that God created marriage and that He is the final authority about marriage?

Yes     /     No

What is keeping you from believing?

If you are not able to answer yes to each of those questions, explain the difficulty you have in believing.

Notes: __________

Session 4

Believe In Jesus

Believe In Jesus

Session Video

To watch the video lesson for this session, use the following link.

vimeo.com/notyetavailable

Notes: _______

Printable Worksheets

If you would like to print out the note pages and homework for this session, use your computer to visit the link below and print the worksheets for each session.

cclivingwater.com/believe

Believe In Jesus

Homework Overview

Find out for yourself. What do you believe about Jesus?

Day 1—Eternal Creator

Has Jesus always existed?

Day 2—Fully God

Is Jesus Christ God?

Day 3—Fully Man

How much humanity did Jesus have?

Day 4—Sinless

Was Jesus really perfect?

Day 5—Died For Our Sins

What is special about His death?

Day 6—Resurrected

Did Jesus rise again on the third day?

Day 7—Do You Believe?

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” -Acts 17:11

Believe In Jesus

Day 1 Homework

Eternal Creator

John 1:1-18

Study John 1:1-18 and answer the following questions.

Who is “the Word”? __________

What does this passage teach about His beginning? __________

What was His role in creation? __________

Optional Research: Other passages for you to consider.

         Isaiah 9:6

         Micah 5:2

         John 17:5

         Colossians 1:15-17

         Hebrews 1:2

         Revelation 1:8

Believe In Jesus

Day 2 Homework

Fully God

John 10:22-39

Study John 10:22-39 and answer the following questions.

Did Jesus Claim To Be God? __________

Did The Jews Think Jesus Was Claiming To Be God? __________

Why Did Jesus Quote Psalm 82:6? __________

Optional Research: Other passages for you to consider.

         John 1:1-2

         John 20:28-29

         Colossians 1:15-20

         Colossians 2:9-10

         Hebrews 1:1-14

         Revelation 19:11-16

Believe In Jesus

Day 3 Homework

Fully Man

Luke 1:30-35 & 2:1-7

Study Luke 1:30-35 & 2:1-7 and answer the following questions.

At What Stage Of Life Did Jesus Come? __________

Was Mary A Virgin When She Gave Birth To Jesus? __________

Whose Son Is Jesus? __________

Optional Research: Other passages for you to consider.

         Luke 2:52

         John 1:14

         Galatians 4:4-5

         Philippians 2:5-11

         Hebrews 4:14-16

Believe In Jesus

Day 4 Homework

Sinless

Matthew 4:1-11

Study Matthew 4:1-11 and answer the following questions.

How Did Satan Try To Get Jesus To Sin? __________

How Did Jesus Respond To The Temptation? __________

Was It Easy For Jesus To Resist Temptation? __________

Optional Research: Other passages for you to consider.

         Luke 23:39-41

         John 19:4-6

         2 Corinthians 5:21

         Hebrews 4:14-16

         1 Peter 2:21-25

         1 John 3:1-5

Believe In Jesus

Day 5 Homework

Died For Our Sins

Romans 5:6-21

Study Romans 5:6-21 and answer the following questions.

How Does God Demonstrate His Love For Us? __________

What Is The Source Of Death? __________

How Is The Gift Different Than The Offense? __________

Optional Research: Other passages for you to consider.

         John 3:16-21

         2 Corinthians 5:14-21

         Ephesians 2:1-10

         Titus 3:3-7

         Hebrews 9:22-28

Believe In Jesus

Day 6 Homework

Resurrected

1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Study 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 and answer the following questions.

How Do We Know That Jesus Resurrected? __________

How Important Is His Resurrection To Our Preaching? __________

What Does His Resurrection Mean For His Followers? __________

Optional Research: Other passages for you to consider.

         Matthew 28

         Mark 16

         Luke 24

         John 20-21

         Acts 1:1-11

         Acts 13:29-41

Believe In Jesus

Day 7 Homework

Do You Believe?

         Do you believe that Jesus has always existed and that He is the Creator of all that exists?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that Jesus is God and equal to the Father?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that Jesus became man and experienced what it is to be human?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that Jesus was absolutely perfect and without sin?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that Jesus died upon the cross for the sins of all humanity?

Yes     /     No

         Do you believe that Jesus resurrected on the third day and that He is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven?

Yes     /     No

What is keeping you from believing?

If you are not able to answer yes to each of those questions, explain the difficulty you have in believing.

Notes: __________

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Great Commission

Session 1 Invite With Power

Assignment

Session 2 Invite With The Gospel