alliancecorevalues...alliancecorevalues lost people matter to god. he wants them found. (luke 19:10)...

allianceCOREvalues

[vi]

Alliance Core Values [vii]

Leader Instructions [x]

Session 1: Alliance Core Values [1]

Session 2: Finding Lost People [5]

Session 3: Prayer: Our Primary Work [11]

Session 4: It’s All God’s [17]

Session 5: God’s Word: The Key to Al l Success [23]

Session 6: Mobilizing Devoted Disciples [29]

Session 7: Holy Spirit Empowerment [35]

Session 8: Faith-Fi l led Risks [41]

What’s at Our Core [47]

Supplemental Resource List [48]

Table of Contents

Alliance Core Values: An Eight Week StudyLeader’s GuideCopyright © 2011 The Christian and Missionary Alliance

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

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

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other, without prior permission of the publisher.

The Christian and Missionary AllianceP. O. Box 35000Colorado Springs, Colorado 80935-3500(719) 599-5999

Printed in the United States of America

It goes without saying that there ought to be a close connection between what we believe and the way that we behave. In fact, the Bible says very clearly that there is such a connection: “As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV).

In the first part of our series, we focused on the Fourfold Gospel—Jesus our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King—the heart of what we as Alliance people believe.

In Alliance Core Values, we will look at how those key beliefs shape the way that we live. As we journey through this study together, we will look at seven core values—each of which is expressed as a declarative statement. We will hear from and about individuals whose lives have been dramatically impacted by these values, and we will look at some biblical figures who can serve as role models for each one of us as we seek to drive these values more deeply into our own lives.

John F. SoperThe Christian and Missionary Alliance

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allianceCOREvalues

The spiritual DNA of every Christ follower is to glorify God. It’s what we were created to do. The spiritual DNA of the C&MA is to make Christ followers of all people (Matthew 28:18–20). If we and other Great Commission Christians remain true to our call, the whole world—every nation, tongue, and tribe—will declare the glory of God. Then we will see the return of Jesus Christ, our Coming King (Matthew 24:14).

What we believe motivates and inspires us to live out the Alliance Core Values—seven basic principles that flow out of our passion for Jesus. These core values are not as much Alliance as they are the core values that Jesus lived and calls us to live. As we draw from His endless reserves of divine empowerment to practice these core values, He enables us to obey His mandate to “go and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19).

allianceCOREvalues

Lost people matter to God. He wants them found. (Luke 19:10)

In the formative years of our movement, the Holy Spirit instilled within A. B. Simpson a passion to reach people who had no knowledge of Jesus Christ in his “Jerusalem”

and around the world. That passion still lives in The Alliance today and is our first core value: Lost people matter to God. He wants them found.

Prayer is the primary work of God’s people. (Philippians 4:6–7)

We believe that nothing of lasting value can be done unless it is bathed in prayer. His passionate belief that prayer undergirds all ministry compelled Alliance founder A. B. Simpson to create a prayer league that would focus on the world’s evangelization. He believed that this Prayer Alliance would prove to be the “mightiest force in the spread

of missions.” That force still drives The Alliance today. Prayer is the primary work of God’s people.

Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards. (1 Chronicles 29:14)

This core value is intrinsic to the nature and structure of The Alliance. Scripture encourages us to remember that the amount of money we have or how much we give

is secondary to recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.

Knowing and obeying God’s Word is fundamental to all true success. ( Joshua 1:8)

The driving force of The Alliance has always been Jesus’ command from Matthew 28:19—the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” But the next verse is equally important: “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Knowing and

obeying God’s Word is fundamental to all true success.

ixviii

Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization of every fully devoted disciple.

(Matthew 28:19)In The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the first priority of every minister, congregation,

and believer is to work for the evangelization of the world. Healthy churches producing healthy disciples who are devoted to reaching lost people will hasten the completion of the

Great Commission and the return of Jesus Christ. Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization of every fully devoted disciple.

Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing.

(1 Corinthians 2:4–5)The Apostle Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s

power.” We believe this is the fiber of our being. Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing.

Achieving God’s purposes means taking faith-filled risks. This always involves change.

(Hebrews 11:6)For more than a century, Alliance workers have braved harsh and dangerous territory, at great personal risk, to take the good news of Jesus to a lost world. Because of the selfless

dedication of Alliance workers who were willing to lay down their lives for the gospel, entire people groups now know Jesus. Achieving God’s purposes means taking

faith-filled risks. This always involves change.

Leader InstructionsAs you prepare, ask trusted friends or family members to pray for you during the eight weeks that you will facilitate. Time: Schedule a day, time, and meeting place for the weekly study. Plan sessions

to last approximately one hour.

Prepare: • Complete the Dig Deeper section and review discussion questions before each

session. This will equip you to facilitate the discussion and answer questions that arise.

• Distribute the Participant’s Guide to attendees prior to the first class.

• Remind participants to bring Bibles to each session. Keep a few extras on hand, along with pens or pencils.

• Secure a DVD player that is compatible with the enclosed discs, along with a large television or projection system with audio.

• Have enough chairs for everyone. Make sure participants are seated so that they can see, hear, and engage in discussion.

Participant’s Guides: All content from the Participant’s Guide is contained in this Leader’s Guide. Additional copies of the Participant’s Guide can be purchased through www.cma-dna.com.

Video Segments: Included on Disc 1 are all video segments and supplemental

resources for Sessions 1 through 4. Disc 2 contains the video segments and supplemental resources for Sessions 5 through 8. For Sessions 2 through 8, it is recommended that the intro and testimony segments be shown consecutively without pause.

Supplemental Resources: Articles, video segments, and other resources (see list

on page 48) pertaining to Alliance Core Values can be found in the “EXTRAS” folders on the enclosed discs or downloaded from www.cma-dna.com. The articles can be printed and distributed as session handouts at the leader’s discretion.

Prayer: Incorporating prayer into the sessions is also left to the discretion of the leader. In small group settings that are less constricted by time, the leader may choose to initiate an extended time of prayer during which participants can divide into pairs and pray for one another. In larger settings where time is limited, the leader may simply choose to lead the group in a corporate prayer.

x

1

Session 1:

Alliance Core Values

As he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

Begin the Session Greet participants. Ask them to introduce themselves to two other people and find

out what brought them to the group and how they can pray for one another in the coming week.

Pray Ask God to “enlighten our understanding” before watching the video segments.

Video Teaching Segment (Disc 1)

This session’s teaching segment is entitled Alliance Core Values. Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen. These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below. Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so. Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment.

1. There ought to be a close connection between what we

and the way we

.

2. matter to God. He wants them found.

3. is the primary work of God’s people.

4. Everything we have belongs to God. We are His

.

5. Knowing and obeying is fundamental to all true success.

6. Completing the Great Commission will require the

of every fully devoted disciple.

7. Without the of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing.

Alliance Core Values

2

8. Achieving God’s purposes means taking . This always involves change.

9. These are not so much C&MA values as they are the values of

.

Group Discussion The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about

Alliance Core Values. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. How do you see these values being lived out in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ?

2. How well do you think that we, as a church, are doing in living out these values?

3. Which core value do you find most difficult to apply to your life?

4. What would it look like if our church was collectively living out these values?

Close in prayer. Invite participants to return for Session 2.

Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 1 and

online at www.cma-dna.com.

Look Ahead To prepare for the next session, read Luke 15:1–32 and think about what the

parables reveal about God’s love for lost people.

Key Memorization Verse:As he thinks in his heart, so is he.

(Proverbs 23:7, NKJV)

3

believe

behave

Lost people

Prayer

stewards

mobilization

God’s Word

faith-filled risks

Jesus

empowerment

Session 2:

Finding Lost PeopleLost people matter to God. He wants them found.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

5

Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p. 48) for

this session.

Begin the Session (Disc 1)

Greet participants. Show Session 2 intro/testimony video segments.*

Video Testimony: Syna Lao Syna and her husband, Soeuth, have served as

church planters in Cambodia since 1995. Syna has a nursing degree, and Soeuth is a graduate of Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary. They have two young sons.

Have participants pair up and share the name of a lost friend or loved one, committing to pray for that person throughout the week.

Pray Ask God to “enlighten our understanding” before watching the teaching segments.

Video Teaching Segment The Session 2 teaching segment focuses on Finding Lost People. Throughout this

segment, key words will appear on the screen. These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below. Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so. Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment.

1. For what is seen is , but what is unseen is

.

2. What is is swallowed up by

.

6

3. is more real and more lasting than

.

4. Jesus said we will give an account for .

5. “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to

.” (2 Corinthians 5:11)

Key Question: “If no one will end up in hell, why did Jesus have to die?”


finding lost people. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. What impressed you the most about the stories of Robert Jaffray and Syna Lao? How difficult do you think it would have been to go back to Indonesia?

2. How would the idea of “living for eternity” change the way we set our priorities? How “practical” is it to actually live that way?

3. If we are going to share the values and beliefs of Jesus, is it really necessary to believe in a literal hell? Why?

4. How does the fact that Jesus is our “judge” as well as our Savior change the way you think about things?


7

Finding Lost People

Key Memorization Verse:For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

(Luke 19:10)

* The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options.

temporary

eternal

mortal

every idle word

life

persuade men

Eternity

time



Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain

that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 3.

Read Luke 15:1–32 and answer the following questions:

1. What do verses 1 and 2 tell us about the setting in which these words of Jesus were spoken? How does that help us to understand why He told these stories?

2. In one or two sentences summarize the common theme of all three stories. Why do you think that Jesus told these stories one after another?

3. How focused were the main characters in each parable on finding what they had lost? How does reflecting on these stories change the way you think about serving God?

4. How important is the idea of celebration in the Bible? What other “celebration passages” can you think of ? What makes God want to celebrate?

5. How do these stories fit with Jesus’ purpose statement in Luke 19:10?

6. What adjustments do you need to make this week to live out this core value of Jesus?

8

Finding Lost People

11

Session 3:

Prayer: Our Primary WorkPrayer is the primary work of God’s people.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6–7


this session.


Greet participants. Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 2. Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study.

Show Session 3 intro/testimony video segments.*

Video Testimony: Fred Hartley Fred Hartley is pastor of Lilburn Alliance Church in

Lilburn, Georgia. Fred is also president of College of Prayer International, with 20,000 students in 63 campuses worldwide.

Have participants pair up and share examples of answered prayer. Have them pray together for personal needs or for lost loved ones.


Video Teaching Segment The Session 3 teaching segment is entitled Prayer—Our Primary Work. Throughout

the segment, key words will appear on the screen. These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below. Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so. Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment.

1. The disciples said, “ .” (Luke 11:1)

12

2. The disciples observed that everything Jesus

and everything He

proceeded from His life of

.

3. While John was , the heavens opened, the

dove descended, and the voice of from heaven.

4. Everything in Jesus’ life proceeded from His life of prayer with

.

5. Every major event in the Book of Acts or

a time of prayer.

6. The early days of The Alliance were characterized by this same

.

7. It was the secret to their incredible and

.


prayer. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. How did the story of E. D. Whiteside or the testimony of Fred Hartley change the way you think about prayer?

2. How important do you think prayer is in the everyday life of most believers?

13

Our Primary Work


Lord, teach us to pray

was

did

prayer

praying

God spoke

the Father

happens during

commitment to prayer

production

proceeds from

vitality

3. What do you think might change in your life if there was a dramatic improvement in your communication with God through prayer?

4. What are some concrete steps that we could take this week to improve our communication with God?

5. What are the things that most often keep you from making time for prayer?






Read Luke 11:1–13 and answer the following questions:

1. According to the pattern of prayer that Jesus gave to the disciples (we call it the Lord’s Prayer), what should we be praying about? How balanced is your prayer life in the areas that Jesus mentions?

2. What is the connection between our willingness to forgive the sins of others and our ability to experience God’s forgiveness in our own lives?

3. What do you think is the main idea of the story Jesus tells in verses 5–8?

4. Think about the promise that Jesus makes in verses 9–10. What is the difference between “asking,” “seeking,” and “knocking”? How could this verse change the way that you pray?

14

5. What are the most important things that we can learn about God from this passage of Scripture?

6. What do you believe is the connection between our prayers and the gift of the Holy Spirit? Read what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:26–27. How do those verses add meaning to Jesus’ words in Luke 11?

15

Our Primary Work

Key Memorization Verse:Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

(Philippians 4:6–7)

17

Session 4:

It’s All God’sEverything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.

Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.1 Chronicles 29:14

18 19

It’s All God’s


this session.




Video Testimony: Sammy Brokopp Sammy Brokopp is the son of Pete and Alice

Brokopp, who for many years served as Alliance international workers in Burkina Faso. Born in 2004, Sammy has one older sister and is known for being a leader, focused, committed—and a whole lot of fun. Sammy’s dad, Pete, is now the coordinator of strategic development for Envision.

Ask participants to give examples of how they practice being a good steward for the Lord and how they’ve been blessed by following the principles of stewardship.


Video Teaching Segment The Session 4 teaching segment is entitled It’s All God’s. Throughout the segment,

key words will appear on the screen. These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below. Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so. Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment.

1. Abraham would have said that God was the

.

2. “I’ll be with what God has given me.”

3. And he knew that God is a god who .

4. Abraham answered, “The Lord will .” (Genesis 22:8)

5. Abraham knew the “ .”

6. Modern culture is infected with a disease some have called

.

7. and

.

Group Discussion The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue

about stewardship. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. Sammy said one of the happiest, most fun things he’s done was giving away all he had. Share a time you’ve given away your time, talents or treasures and experienced deep joy.

2. Do you think that it was “fair” for God to ask Abraham to sacrifice his son?

3. Do you believe that the church in America is infected with the disease Pastor Soper called “affluenza”? How concerned should we be about that?

4. If we are going to really be God’s stewards, what things should we be thinking about in addition to our money?

5. Make a list of two or three things you can do this week to start your journey toward becoming a better steward.


owner of everything

must be obeyed

provide

blessedness of possessing nothing

affluenza

Our money

content

everything belongs to Him

20

It’s All God’s






Read Matthew 25:14–30 and answer the following questions:

1. In one or two sentences summarize the main point that Jesus made when He taught this parable to the disciples.

2. Why do you think that each servant was given a different number of talents? What is the significance of that for us? (NOTE: a talent of silver in New Testament times was the equivalent of about 15 years of the average man’s wages.)

3. A talent was a preset weight of a precious metal, usually silver. The parable is speaking about money, but Jesus almost certainly meant for us to think about more than just our bank accounts. What else should we be thinking about as stewards of the Lord’s treasure? (NOTE: this parable is the origin of our English word “talent.”)

4. Think carefully about the response of the servant who hid his talent. What does it tell you about his concept of the Master?

5. What practical implications does this parable have for your life as a disciple? What action steps are you prepared to take?

6. Read what the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:10. How do those verses add meaning to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25?Key Memorization Verse:

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you,

and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (1 Chronicles 29:14)

21

23

Session 5:

God’s Word: The Key to Al l Success

Knowing and obeying God’s Word is fundamental to all true success.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.…

Joshua 1:8

24 25

The Key to All Success


this session.




Video Testimony: Derwin Gray Derwin, a former NFL player, is pastor of a

multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community called Transformation Church (C&MA) in Indian Land, South Carolina. He also serves as president of One Heart at a Time Ministries. Derwin and his wife, Vicky, have two children.

Have participants pair up and give suggestions of how to gain a better understanding of God’s Word. Also, have them talk about the challenges of obeying God’s Word.


Video Teaching Segment The Session 5 teaching segment is entitled God’s Word: The Key to All Success.

Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen. These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below. Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so. Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment.

1. Three times God tells Joshua to be

and .

2. God said, “I will not you or

you.” ( Joshua 1:5)

3. Because of God’s , Joshua will have

.

4. God told Joshua, “Everything I have promised is contingent upon your

to do everything that is written in the Book of the Law.” ( Joshua 1:8)

5. Don’t let it depart from your mouth—

about it, on it day and night;

about it.

6. To the extent that we and

the Word of God, we will be

and .

7. This psalm is meant to help us understand the things that God’s Word will

do for us if we it and if we

it.

8. “I have Your Word in my

that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

9. “Your word is a to my feet, and a

for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)* The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options.

strong

courageous

leave

forsake

good success

faithfulness

think

obey

blessed successful

obey

heart

light

divine presence

talk

meditate

know

know

hidden

lamp

26 27

The Key to All Success

10. “I run in the path of your , for you have

.” (Psalm 119:32)

11. You can experience the and

of God all the time.


knowing and obeying God’s Word. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. Talk about the decision John Willfinger made when the Japanese army came to Dutch Borneo. Do you think that he made the right choice?

2. Share about a time when you had to consciously choose whether or not you were going to obey the Word of God. What happened as a result of your choice?

3. What actions do we need to take to elevate our commitment to knowing God’s Word?

4. Share a passage of Scripture that you have memorized and talk about how God has used that Scripture in your life. How important do you think it is to regularly memorize verses from the Bible?






Read Psalm 119:1–32 and answer the following questions:

1. How many different words and phrases does the psalmist use to describe the Word of God in these verses?

2. Make a list of the different things that the Word of God can do for us. Which of those things do you need the most right now?

3. Verses one and two begin with the word “blessed.” What do you think that word really means?

4. Think about verse 32. How does it change the way that most people think about God’s law?

5. Put the following three phrases in what you believe to be the proper order and explain your reasoning:

• Love the Word

• Learn the Word

• Live the Word

6. Memorize Psalm 119:11.

Key Memorization Verse:Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful

to do everything written in it. ( Joshua 1:8)

commands

presence

set my heart free

blessing

Session 6:

Mobi lizing Devoted DisciplesCompleting the Great Commission will require the mobilization

of every fully devoted disciple.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

29

30 31


this session.



Show Session 6 intro/testimony video segment.*

Video Testimony: Jason Ostrander Jason serves as director for the Alliance Youth Office

for the U.S. C&MA. He is a national conference speaker and film documentarian. He and his wife, Calu, have two sons.

Ask participants to share how they believe God is calling them to help complete the Great Commission.


Video Teaching Segment The Session 6 teaching segment is entitled Mobilizing Devoted Disciples. Throughout


1. God to use ordinary people—the

, the ,

and the .

2. He uses people like Moses and

ones like Samuel.

3. God uses to accomplish His

.

4. God asks Moses, “ ?” (See Exodus 4:2.)

5. There was a moment when the staff that belonged to

became the staff that belonged to

.

6. God the thing that was in their hands,

and He it and

it an extraordinary way.

7. God is going to use very ordinary people to accomplish the task of

.


mobilizing devoted disciples. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. What new ideas did you glean from the story of “Sophie the Scrubwoman” or the testimony of Jason Ostrander?

2. Why does God have such a strong preference for using “ordinary” people to accomplish His work?

3. What do you have in your hand that God could use to change the lives of other people?

Mobilizing Disciples


prefers

weak lowly

despised

old

young

ordinary people

What ’s in your hand

took

blessed

completing the Great Commission

extraordinary work

Moses

God

used

32

4. Share the story of how God used an ordinary person to change your life or the life of someone you know.

5. Make a list of several people you know who do not have a personal relationship with God. Begin to pray that God will give you opportunities to bless them in a practical way.






Read Matthew 28:16–20 and Acts 1:1–11 and answer the following questions:

1. To whom were the words of Jesus spoken in these passages? Do you believe that the Great Commission applies to us as well as to the disciples? Why or why not?

2. On what basis does Jesus give this commandment? Why is that important?

3. What will be the primary job of the disciples? (Look for the main verb.) How are we to do that job?

4. How do the verses in Matthew 28 help us to define what a disciple really is?

5. What do you think it means to be a “witness” for Jesus? (NOTE: the Greek word for “witness” is “martyr.”)

6. What promises does Jesus give to the ones who carry out this command?

Key Memorization Verse:Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

(Matthew 28:19)

Mobilizing Disciples

35

Session 7:

Holy Spirit EmpowermentWithout the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing.

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on

men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.1 Corinthians 2:4–5

36 37


this session.




Video Testimony: Ron Walborn Ron is dean of Alliance Theological Seminary in

Nyack, New York. His wife, Wanda, is director for Spiritual Formation at Nyack College. They have four children.

Ask participants to share something they were able to accomplish through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.


Video Teaching Segment The Session 6 teaching segment is entitled Holy Spirit Empowerment. Throughout


1. It is only by the of God that we can do the

things He calls us to do and experience the of His life.

2. Peter was filled with .

3. Occasionally, Peter’s got in the way, even though he wanted to do the right thing.

4. “For I have the to do what is good, but I

cannot ,” Paul wrote. (Romans 7:18)

5. Peter was and

, but he lost all his old self-confidence.

6. He and the other disciples have been .

7. Jesus told them to until they had been

with power from on high.

8. They would be given the and the

to do everything necessary to

.

9. The disciples were empowered, emboldened, and given “everything we need for

and …” (2 Peter 1:3)

10. [By the Holy Spirit] the disciples were enabled to

righteously,

boldly,

mightily, and

God to do impossible things for the glory of Jesus.

Holy Spirit Empowerment


finish His work

Holy Spirit

fullness

good intentions

pride

desire

carry it out

forgiven

restored

transformed

wait

filled

power

wisdom

life godliness

live

preach

pray

trust

38 39

11. The Bible clearly teaches that everyone who is a disciple of Jesus is

by the Holy Spirit.

12. A better translation of that verse might be .

13. We pray to declare that we are on Him

and ask Him to our lives and hearts with His.

14. In reality, discipleship is all about our lives under the control of God as we

completely to the Holy Spirit.

Group Discussion The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about the

Holy Spirit’s empowerment. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. Both Peter in the biblical account and Dr. Walborn on the video could point to a very definite time when they first experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. Do you think that is significant?

2. Tell about a person that you know (or have read about) who was truly filled with the Holy Spirit. What was it about that person’s life that made such a strong impression upon you?

3. If you were asked to help an individual who had decided to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, what would you tell them to do?

4. What are the main obstacles to the filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives?






Read John 14:15–30 and answer the following questions:

1. What words does Jesus use to describe the person and work of the Holy Spirit?

2. According to Jesus, how will the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the disciples be similar to His own? How will it be different?

3. Compare verses 17, 20, and 23. How would you describe the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?

4. Now read John 15:1–11. (NOTE: this word picture is sandwiched between two passages teaching about the ministry of the Holy Spirit.) Most Bible students would say that this analogy is Jesus’ picture of what a life lived in the fullness of the Holy Spirit “looks like.” Assuming this is the case, what does this passage teach about how to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

5. If we “abide in Christ” by the power of the Holy Spirit, what are the main benefits we can expect from that relationship?

Key Memorization Verse:My message and my preaching were not with wise

and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power so that your faith might not rest on men’s

wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:4–5)

Holy Spirit Empowerment

indwelt

keep on being fi l led

utterly dependent

align

surrender

Session 8:

Faith-Filled RisksAchieving God’s purposes means taking faith-filled risks.

This always involves change.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

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this session.




Video Testimony: Sami Dagher Sami Dagher is founder of the Alliance national

churches in Lebanon and Baghdad, as well as a Bible school in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan. Currently, he is vice president of the Alliance national churches in Syria and Lebanon.

Have participants share an example of a faith-filled risk that they may have taken in obedience to God’s call and the change that occurred in their lives because of that risk.


Video Teaching Segment The Session 8 teaching segment is entitled Faith-Filled Risks. Throughout the

segment, key words will appear on the screen. These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below. Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so. Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment.

1. The history of redemption is full of people who

and

God.

2. They became the by which God

the course of history.

3. Even new believers will have the opportunity to take

of trust.

4. Shiphrah and Puah were not trying to change the

. They were just going to

.

5. Most faith-filled risks will be the product of

because we are living our .

6. When we have passionately these values,

we have been an of God.


faith-filled risks. Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic. Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion.

1. Reflect on the experience of Sami Dagher and of the midwives of the Book of Exodus. What can they teach us about the nature of faith?

2. Tell us about a time when you or someone you know took a faith-filled risk. What happened? What did you learn from the experience?

3. In what area of your life might God be asking you to trust Him and take a faith-filled risk right now?

4. Which of the seven core values are you the most comfortable with right now? Which one seems to be the most challenging?

Faith-Filled Risks


took a risk

chose to trust

instruments

changed

faith-filled risks

world

work

everyday activities

normal lives

lived out

extraordinary movement

Faith-Filled Risks

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Thank participants for their commitment and contribution to this study.





Read Hebrews 11:1–19 and answer the following questions:

1. What kinds of faith-filled risks did the people mentioned in this passage take?

2. According to verses 13–16, what perspective is necessary to cultivate if we are to live by faith successfully?

3. How is Abraham a good example to us of taking risks based upon trust in God? How much did Abraham know about God before he began to walk with Him?

Key Memorization Verse:And without faith it is impossible to please God, because

anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

(Hebrews 11:6)

What’s at Our Core? “Passion for Christ and a love for lost souls … that’s the heart of The Christian and Missionary Alliance!”

—Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends

“More than a century after its founding, The Christian and Missionary Alliance remains characterized by (a) a steadfast fidelity to God’s Word and its authority, (b) a constant testimony of Jesus Christ as God’s Son and our Savior, and (c) a Holy Spirit–inspired passion for evangelizing the nations in His Name.”

— Jack Hayford, King’s University and International Foursquare Churches

“Over the years I have enjoyed fellowship with Alliance missionaries around the world and support their endeavors to reach a lost world for Christ.”

—Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

“With its network of churches both domestically and internationally, the C&MA has the potential to be one of the most significant influences of the 21st century Church when it comes to both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.”

—Clive Calver, World Relief

“The Alliance has been one of the most powerful mission organizations in the world. I have served alongside Alliance workers on every continent and have a profound respect for the way they work with national churches.”

—Ravi Zacharias, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

To learn more about Alliance Core Values and , visit www.cma-dna.com.

To learn more about The Christian and Missionary Alliance, visit www.cmalliance.org.

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The following files can be found in the “EXTRAS” folders on the enclosed DVDs.

In the SESSION 1 Folder (Disc 1): S1_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 1

In the SESSION 2 Folder (Disc 1): S2_LPM.pdf—(article) Lost People Matter by John Soper (alife) S2_TAFH.pdf—(article) Turn Around and Face the Harvest by John Soper (alife) S2_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 2 S2_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 2

In the SESSION 3 Folder (Disc 1): S3_LTCT.pdf—(article) Living the Call Together by Dennis Whalen (alife) S3_AMP.pdf—(article) A Modest Proposal by John Soper (alife) S3_THF.pdf—(article) The Herrnhut Factor by John Soper (alife) S3_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 3 S3_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 3

In the SESSION 4 Folder (Disc 1): S4_WIYH.pdf—(article) What’s in Your Hand? by John Soper (alife) S4_NTBDA.pdf—(article) Nothing to be Depressed About by C&MA Archives (alife) S4_OWTO.pdf—(article) Out With the Old by Richard Borg (alife) S4_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 4 S4_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 4

In the SESSION 5 Folder (Disc 2): S5_TAO.pdf—(article) Trust and Obey by John Soper (alife) S5_ASP.pdf—(article) A Simple Path by John Soper (alife) S5_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 5 S5_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 5

In the SESSION 6 Folder (Disc 2): S6_YST.pdf—(article) You Show Them by John Soper (alife) S6_AUR.pdf—(article) An Unfinished Reformation by John Soper (alife) S6_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 6 S6_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 6

In the SESSION 7 Folder (Disc 2): S7_AFM.pdf—(article) Apart from Me … by John Soper (alife) S7_RRR.pdf—(article) Remember, Repent, Return by Gary Benedict (alife) S7_KSWS.pdf—(article) Keep in Step with the Spirit by John Soper (alife) S7_TRYR.pdf—(article) The Rich Young Ruler Revisited by Mark Barnard (alife) S7_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 7 S7_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 7

Supplemental ResourcesIn the SESSION 8 Folder (Disc 2): S8_JOTE.pdf—(article) Jumping Off the Edge by Bob Fetherlin (alife) S8_TSC.pdf—(article) The Street Church by Antonio Fernandez (alife) S8_PT.pdf—(article) Praying Through by John Soper (alife) S8_VIDIN.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 8 S8_VIDTE.pdf—(document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 8

In the CV POSTERS Folder (Disc 1 & 2): TX_LOST.pdf—Lost People Poster (Text version) TX_PRAY.pdf—Prayer Poster (Text version) TX_STEW.pdf—Stewardship Poster (Text version) TX_WORD.pdf—God’s Word Poster (Text version) TX_MOBL.pdf—Mobilization Poster (Text version) TX_SPIR.pdf—Holy Spirit Empowerment Poster (Text version) TX_RISK.pdf—Faith-Filled Risks Poster (Text version)

GR_LOST.pdf—Lost People Poster (Graphic version) GR_PRAY.pdf—Prayer Poster (Graphic version) GR_STEW.pdf—Stewardship Poster (Graphic version) GR_WORD.pdf—God’s Word Poster (Graphic version) GR_MOBL.pdf—Mobilization Poster (Graphic version) GR_SPIR.pdf—Holy Spirit Empowerment Poster (Graphic version) GR_RISK.pdf—Faith-Filled Risks Poster (Graphic version)

HR_LOST.pdf—Lost People Poster (Heritage version) HR_PRAY.pdf—Prayer Poster (Heritage version) HR_STEW.pdf—Stewardship Poster (Heritage version) HR_WORD.pdf—God’s Word Poster (Heritage version) HR_MOBL.pdf—Mobilization Poster (Heritage version) HR_SPIR.pdf—Holy Spirit Empowerment Poster (Heritage version) HR_RISK.pdf—Faith-Filled Risks Poster (Heritage version)

In the MISC Folder (Disc 1 & 2): CVBKMRK.pdf— Print-ready artwork for the Alliance Core Values bookmark

CVTMPL.ppt— PowerPoint projection templates for each of the seven Alliance Core Values

CVVIDEO.wmv— Brief video segment introducing the seven Alliance Core Values for promotional use in your church or group

CVVIDEO.mp4— Brief video segment introducing the seven Alliance Core Values for promotional use in your church or group

Supplemental video segments can be found in the “EXTRAS” folders on Discs 1 and 2 or at www.cma-dna.com.

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alliancecorevalues...alliancecorevalues lost people matter to god. he wants them found. (luke 19:10)...

Documents