Alcoholics for Christ

Alcoholics for Christ is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian

fellowship for the alcoholic {substance abuser.} and their families and

is ded-icated to the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as well

as the sharing of His burden for lost and hurting individuals.

It is a fellowship that restores HOPE where there has been despair: LOVE

where there has been fear; and JOY where there has been sadness.

We believe that "God as we understand Him is the Triune God;" "God the

Father," "God the Son," and "God the Holy Spirit" -- and that acceptance

of Jesus Christ as personal Savior is the doorway to fullness of life in

the Spirit as well as the means by which we can turn our lives and our

will completely over to Him.

This fellowship uses the Word of God as its primary source of direction

and those leading the meetings are all born-again compassionate

Christians, dedicated to the service of Jesus Christ.

Our chief goal is to direct or restore the alcoholic, their families

and/or concerned persons to a sincere and dedicated relationship with

Jesus Christ and, through the written Word of God, make the alcoholic

aware of the mighty tools available to him as a "born-again believer."

We agree that drunkenness is a sin and we believe that alcoholism is a

disease with spiritual origins. We rejoice that Jesus forgives us of our

sins and heals us of our diseases. Both Scripture and science indicate

that there can be an inherited trait in the alcoholic. This "trait" may

be triggered in some by persistent rebellious abuse of alcohol

(drunkenness) while in others, relatively casual use is all that is

needed to set it in motion and: whether we describe it as a

predisposition to alcoholism or, the results of a curse ("visiting the

iniquities of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth

generation - Ex 20:5), the cure is to be found in total abstinence

through Jesus Christ.

The Lord delivers some persons immediately from the compulsion and desire

to drink, for others He does it gradually. In either case, the

requirements for maintaining deliverance are total abstinence and an ever

increasing relation-ship with the Lord. We believe that God wants us

"chemically free" and that it is not his purpose to make "social

drinkers" out of drunks. God heals us by removing the compulsion and

desire and restoring us to Himself, but should we choose to drink again,

we activate that "physical trait" which still remains in us as

potentially dangerous as ever. ("Sin crouches at the door, it desires to

have you ." - Gen 4:7)

The alcoholic and family members who attend local AA or Alanon groups are

encouraged to remain active in them and, where possible, to continue to

worship within their own body of believers. However, we do recommend

where no strong denominational ties exist, regular attendance in a Bible-

believing church of their choice.

*While the references deal primarily with alcoholism and the alcoholic

the spiritual principles set forth in AC are applicable to all persons

and their families who are, or have been, chemically dependent,

regardless of the nature of the addiction.

ALCOHOLICS FOR CHRIST BIBLE/STEP STUDY GROUPS

(Note: We respectfully acknowledge that the 12 Steps presented herein,

except for slight modifications emphasizing our beliefs, are the time

proven Steps used with such success in the great program of Alcoholics

Anonymous.)

BASIC MATERIAL -- The discussion groups are based on the following 12

Steps together with selected scriptures that confirm their importance in

God's plan for our lives. Included in the following pages is a list of

questions pertaining to the scriptures selected for each Step. The

questions themselves are only intended as tools, by which the meaning of

the scriptures can be explored and interaction at the tables developed.

Any authorized version of the Bible may be used in these studies but,

because the questions were developed using the New International Version

(NIT), copies of the scriptures taken from the NIT have also been

included.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

1. We admitted that we had become powerless over alcohol or the substance

we had abused (the alcoholic or the substance abuser) and that our lives

were unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that through Jesus Christ we could be restored to

right relationship with God the Father, and subsequent sanity and

stability in our lives.

3. Made the decision to turn from the things of the past and invite Jesus

to be Lord and manager of our lives.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature

of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all of our character defects.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings and to forgive us -

believing He would remove them - and receiving His forgiveness.

8. Made a list of all the people we had harmed and became willing to make

amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people, wherever possible, except when to

do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly

admitted it.

11. Sought thru prayer and meditation on God's word to increase our

fellowship with Him, praying continually for the knowledge of His will

for us and the power of His might to accomplish it.

12. Having been spiritually restored and set free from "the sin which

does so easily beset us", we attempt to share this freedom and the One

who has freed us with those who still suffer, and practice the Lord's

principles in all our affairs.

BASIC PURPOSE - Our purpose in the discussion groups is to enter into the

process of becoming more like Christ and also to increase our fellowship

with God. We do this by becoming open and transparent with God,

ourselves and others; allowing the Lord to "brick by brick" remove the

walls of rejection, hurt, mistrust, unforgiveness and anger that have

separated us, not only from God, but from ourselves and others as well.

Truly, God wants us whole, and when we put into practice the principles

set forth in these Steps, and open ourselves to God's word and the

interaction at the tables, God responds by healing us and restoring us

beyond our wildest imagination. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath

prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9 KJV)

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR AC BIBLE/STEP STUDY MEETINGS

(AC groups, like most other groups, will tend to take on the

characteristics of their leaders and/or the denomination that is most

heavily represented. The following suggested format will, we hope, help

to facilitate God's purpose for us, and also maintain the non-

denominational posture that is so necessary for us.)

PRAYER - Open the meeting with prayer asking God to open our hearts and

minds to receive His Word.

WELCOME - Greet members and guests, give a brief statement about AC and,

if desired, introduce any new persons.

MUSIC MINISTRY - While this is optional, a time of group singing and/or

sharing (vocally or instrumentally) by those who are musically gifted,

can serve to prepare us for what God wants to do in the meeting.

OPENING REMARKS - The group leader may share at this time, a scripture

reading, or whatever God has put on his heart concerning the particular

Step to be discussed.

TESTIMONIES OF ANSWERED PRAYER - Since God wants us to "give Him the

glory", members (2 or 3) should be encouraged to share briefly how God is

answering prayer in their lives.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Announce other activities, groups, retreats and special

functions. A collection may also be taken during this time.

BREAK FROM ASSEMBLY - This point provides a good opportunity for a short

break before reassembling at the individual tables.

- TABLE DISCUSSION -

(Ideally, tables will be made up of either substance abusers or family

members. However, it may be necessary to have mixed tables until such

time as the group is large enough to provide tables for both. Because of

the different nature of the problems in each group, we recommend that

individual tables be established as soon as possible.

PRAYER - Each table should start with prayer asking for God's direction.

STEP MATERIAL - The table leader can begin by reading (or having someone

read) the designated Step together with the related statements, and then

commenting and/or asking for comments from the table.

SCRIPTURE READING - The scriptures may then be read completely through

aloud in order to get an overview of what God is saying about the Step.

(This reading through of all the scriptures is optional.)

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS - The table leader now can ask each person to read a

scripture after which, he may ask any or all of the questions pertaining

to it. The application of the Steps in our lives is of primary

importance and the scriptures selected to discuss are ones in which God

will confirm that importance to us.

Participation - Each person should be encouraged (not forced) to

participate by either commenting on the scriptures, sharing to what

extent they have been able (or unable) to apply the Step in their lives,

and to ask questions. The tables are not intended to be pulpits for

table leaders but, a means by which we can interact together using God's

Word. PROBLEM SHARING - The tables arc intended to provide a "safeplace"

for those attending. One of the requirements for a "safe place" is

confidentiality, what is said at the tables must remain at the tables.

This is simply complying with the commandment, "Love one another". When

someone has a need to share a burden or a part of their life, as long as

it doesn't monopolize the meeting, we should encourage it. Many times,

after a person has shared a burden, right then is the time for prayer.

We have the option of prayer and we should use it. Problems too personal

in nature should however, be deferred to private discussion and/or prayer

after the table is dismissed.

CLOSING PRAYER - At a regularly appointed time the tables will be

dismissed. Closing prayer may be held at the tables and/or after the

members have reassembled in the full group.

- TIPS FOR TABLE LEADERS -

DIFFERENCES OF OPINION - From time to time differences of opinion

concerning scriptures may arise. Should dissension develop at the table,

stop immediately and pray together for unity. If it still continues,

read aloud from the Word until it passes. These are the weapons God has

given us, let's make use of them.

CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS - Subjects should be avoided that tend to be

controversial and/or have strong denominational emphasis. Even though

they may be scripturally founded, they can be divisive at

denominationally mixed tables. The table leaders should always be alert

to the surfacing of these type subjects and gently lead the discussion

back to the step and .he scriptures. Jesus himself was controversial,

but He tells us not to "engage in foolish arguments over words".

SALVATION - Finally, remember our purpose is to encourage others to turn

their lives and their wills over to Jesus Christ, so that as they become

more like Him they will be healed and restored. If there is any question

that someone at the table has not yet received Christ, they should be

given the opportunity to do so. The Word tells us that "Now is the time

of salvation".

- FINAL STATEMENT -

The preceding suggestions have been furnished simply as a basic

framework, within which, a discussion group can function. We realize

that no two groups will operate the same, and it's our prayer that, as

the individual groups are established, that the Holy Spirit will provide

the ultimate guidance and direction needed.

SPONSORSHIP

In AC we have the opportunity to become involved in one of the most basic

of God's ministries, namely the "ministry of encouragement". One way we

do this is by sponsoring new persons who may (or may not) also be new

Christians. This consists of praying for them,.seeing they get to

meetings, encouraging them to read the Word, maintaining phone contact

with them, and just being "available" for them in general, until such

time, as they are able to participate meaningfully themselves. It does

not mean becoming spiritually and/or financially responsible for that

person.

There are many who (like the paralyzed man that was lowered, by his

friends, through the opening in the roof to be healed by Jesus) need to

be encouraged and loved to the point where they are able to turn to

Jesus. This is a world filled with hurting people and we may be the only

"Jesus" they ever see. Let's reach out; let's make our lives count.

STEP 1 - WE ADMITTED THAT WE HAD BECOME POWERLESS OVER ALCOHOL OR THE

SUBSTANCE WE HAD ABUSED (ALCOHOLIC OR THE SUBSTANCE ABUSER) AND

THAT OUR LIVES WERE UNMANAGEABLE.

This Step states that the substance abuser is not only powerless over the

substance he has abused, but (left to himself) he is not capable of

managing his own life. The truth is, that no one is capable of managing

their own life without God. The following scriptures will show us that

without God to manage our lives, we can never obtain any real measure of

peace or happiness.

 

GALATIANS 5:19-23 --

1. What is a definition of the "sinful nature"?

2. What are the differences between "acts" and "fruit"? Do

both

proceed from the heart of man? (Mark 7:21)

3. When we depend on ourselves, which do we manifest, the

"acts" of

the sinful nature or the "fruit" of the Spirit?

GENESIS 4:7 --

1. If I know the right thing to do and don't do it, who is to

blame?

2. How does sin gain control in our lives? Give an example.

3. Have we been successful at mastering sin by

ourselves?

ROMANS 3:10 & 23 --

1. What is the meaning of "righteousness"?

2. Can we achieve "righteousness" on our own?

3. Are we all equally guilty? Can we all be equally righteous?

JAMES 2:10 --

1. Have you ever tried to be really good? How long did it last?

2. If what this scripture says is true, who can possibly make

it?

PROVERBS 14:12 ---

1. What do you think is "the way that seems right to a man"?

2. Is "the way that seems right to a man" the same as "doing our

own

thing"?

3. Is this scripture saying that we aren't able to manage our

own lives?

2 CORINTHIANS 1:9 --

1. Did you every experience guilt and remorse when you were

drinking?

2. Have we felt the "sentence of death" in our hearts? How

is this

related to being powerless?

ROMANS 6:23 --

1. Substitute "doing my own thing" for the word "sin"; is

this a true

statement?

2. How do the words "wages" and "gift" differ?

3. what is the penalty for sin? How can we escape it?

JOHN 8:34-36 --

1. What do you think being a "slave to sin" means?

2. Can we be "set free" and be "slaves" at the same time?

3. Am I still a slave to sin?

ROMANS 7:5 & 6 --

1. What were we controlled by? What should we be controlled by?

Are

all people controlled by something?

2. How are we released from the law? How permanent is it?

ROMANS 7:18-20 --

1. Are we still trying to be good? Is its possible?

2. Do you desire to do what is right? If so, can you carry it

out?

3. Substitute "compulsion to do it my way" for the word "sin";

is this

a true statement?

ROMANS 7:24 & 25 --

1. Can we as Christians still be in this place sometimes?

2. Is it easy to serve two masters? Can Jesus rescue us from

this dilemma?

3. What is our only hope?

ROMANS 8:1 & 2 --

1. If there is "no condemnation", why do we still sometimes

feel condemned?

2. What does God promise will happen after we invite Jesus to be

Lord

of our lives?

3. How can I keep on condemning myself if Christ has set me

free?

ROMANS 8:9 & 10 --

1. Since we are not controlled by the sinful nature when Jesus

is Lord

of our lives, what are we controlled by?

2. If I am not controlled by the sinful nature, why do I still

have

habits that I can't master?

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 & 14 --

1. Does the Lord tempt us? What is the difference between

"tempting"

and "testing"?

2. Should we panic when temptation comes? Should we condemn

ourselves?

Should we rely on God and his word?

3. When the temptation to drink or use drugs comes at us, what

does

God promise he will do for us?

1 PETER 5:6 & 7 --

1. When worry and anxiety come upon us, what should we do to be

lifted

up, and why?

2. How do we humble ourselves before God?

3. Is it up to us to humble ourselves?

4. What does the scripture mean "in due time"?

PROVERBS 3:5-8 --

1. How often should we turn to the Lord? Why shouldn't we lean

on "our

own understanding"?

2. What are God's conditions for health and recovery?

 

"ONCE I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE!"

STEP 1 - WE ADMITTED THAT WE HAD BECOME POWERLESS OVER ALCOHOL OR THE

SUBSTANCE WE HAD ABUSED (ALCOHOLIC OR THE SUBSTANCE ABUSER) AND

THAT

OUR LIVES WERE UNMANAGEABLE.

(Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion?

Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the soul of

your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness - only wounds and

welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil. -

Isaiah 1:5 & 6)

 

Galatians 5:19-23 - The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual

immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred,

discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions

and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you as I did before,

that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things

there is no law.

 

Genesis 4:7 - "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if

you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to

have you, but you must master it."

 

Romans 3:10 & 23 - As it is written: "There is none righteous, not even

one. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

 

James 2:10 - For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one

point is guilty of breaking all of it.

 

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a.man, but in the end

it leads to death.

 

2 Corinthians 1:9 - Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.

But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who

raises the dead.

 

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is

eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

John 8:34-36 - Jesus replied "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is

a slave to sin." Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a

son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free

indeed.

 

Romans 7:5 & 6 - For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the

sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we

bore fruit for death. But now by dying to what once bound us, we have

been released from the law so that we may serve in the new way of the

Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

 

Romans 7:18-20 - I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my

sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I can not

carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I

do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want

to, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

 

Romans 7:24 & 25 - What a wretched man am I! Who will rescue me from

this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful

nature a slave to the law of sin.

 

Romans 8:1 & 2 - Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are

in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of

life set me free from the law of sin and death.

 

Romans 8:9 & 10 - You however are not controlled by the sinful nature but

by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not

have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ

is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive

because of righteousness.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 & 14 - No temptation has seized you except what is

common to man. And God is faithful: he will not let you be tempted

beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide

a way out so that you can stand up under it.

 

1 Peter 5:6 & 7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,

that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

 

Proverbs 3:5-8 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on

your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will

make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord

and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to

your bones.

 

STEP 2 - CAME TO BELIEVE THAT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST WE COULD BE RESTORED

TO

RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THE FATHER, AND SUBSEQUENT SANITY

AND

STABILITY IN OUR LIVES.

This Step talks about coming to believe that we could have a right

relationship with God the Father. We look at the people we know who have

this relationship with God and their lives seem to be so much happier

than the lives of those who do not. The question that we may be asking

ourselves is, "Will God really work in my life if I do believe"? The

answer is definitely yes and that, He is only waiting for us to give Him

the opportunity. This study will help us to better understand and believe

that Jesus has provided us a way to have this relationship with God

together with all the benefits that result from it.

ISAIAH 1:18-20 --

1. What happens when we are obedient to the Lord? What happens

when we

rebel?

2. What must we do to be obedient?

3. Do you believe that we can be "white as snow"?

REVELATION 3:20 --

1. When did God "knock" on the door of your life?

2. Where is the Lord always standing?

3. What is God's part in this? What is our part?

ROMANS 10:13 ---

1. What does "call on the name" mean to you?

2. Does God ever reject anyone?

ROMANS 10:1-4 --

1. What does it mean, "they are zealous for God, but their

zeal is not

based on knowledge"? Give an example.

2. How does righteousness come from God? How do we try to

establish

our own righteousness?

JOHN 14:6 ---

1. Does this mean that "no one" can know the Father except

through Jesus?

2. What is the only way to God the Father?

JOHN 3:3-6

1. What does the statement "born again" mean to you?

2. How do we become "born again"?

JOHN 7:37-39

1. What does water represent in this scripture? How do we

receive it?

2. Why must we believe? Can we believe without the Spirit?

3. If we drink of the water that Jesus gives, will others be

able to

drink from the waters that flow from us?

JOHN 11:25 & 26 --

1. What do these promises mean to you, and how do we get them?

2. Who is Jesus the "resurrection and the life" for?

3. Explain what "believes in me" means to you.

JOHN 6:40

1. What is the "Father's will" according to this scripture?

2. Have we "looked to Jesus and believed" today"?

3. How often have we prayed "Thy kingdom come, they will be

done" and

still rejected Jesus.

JOHN 5:37-40 --

1. How can we know about God and who does the scripture testify

about?

2. Does this mean that even though we study God's word, his

word does

not "dwell in us" if we reject Jesus?

JOHN 10:37-39 --

1. How do we know that Jesus has come from the Father?

2. Have you ever seen a miracle done by Jesus? Describe it.

3. When do we begin to understand?

2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 & 14

1. What does the scripture promise will happen when we

"believe"?

2. What does "that same spirit of faith" mean?

ROMANS 8:11

1. How do we receive the "Spirit of God"? What will this Spirit

do

for us?

2. Does the Spirit "give life to our mortal bodies" now or

later? Is

it a process?

JOHN 20:29-31 --

1. Why did John write this Gospel? Is there enough evidence

to

believe that Jesus "is the only way"?

2. Is it possible for us to "see" and "believe" in Jesus through

the

word?

JOHN 17:20-23

1. Name the different things that Jesus is praying for in these

scriptures.

2. Has Jesus given us the same "glory" that he gave the

Disciples?

Why?

3. When will the world believe? Explain.

 

GOD'S PROMISES ARE "TRUE"!

 

STEP 2 - CAME TO BELIEVE THAT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST WE COULD BE RESTORED

TO

RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THE FATHER, AND SUBSEQUENT SANITY

AND

STABILITY IN OUR LIVES.

 

Isaiah 1:18-20 - "Come now, let us reason together", says the Lord.

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though

they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and

obedient, you will eat from the best of the land; but if you rebel, you

will be devoured by the sword". For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

 

Revelation 3:20 - Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone

hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he

with me.

 

Romans 10:13 - For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be

saved".

 

Romans 10:1-4 - Brothers, my hearts desire and prayer to God for the

Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that

they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

Since they do not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought

to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for

everyone who believes.

 

John 14:6 - Jesus answered "I am the way and the truth and the life. No

one comes to the Father except through me."

 

John 3:3-6 - Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, unless a man is born

again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "How can a man be born when he

is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his

mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless

a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of

God. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit".

 

John 7:37-39 - On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and

said in a loud voice, "If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living

water will flow from within him". By this he meant the Spirit, whom

those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the

Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

 

John 11:25 & 26 - Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives

and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

 

John 6:40 - For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son

and believes in him shall have eternal life.

 

John 5:37-40 - "And the Father who sent me has himself testified

concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor

does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You

diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you

possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet

you refuse to come to me to have life."

 

John 10:37-39 - Do not believe me unless I do what the Father does. But

if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that

you may learn and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the

Father. Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

2 Corinthians 4:13 & 14 - It is written: "I believed; therefore I have

spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore

speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus Christ from

the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his

presence.

 

Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead is

living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to

your mortal bodies through his Spirit who lives in you.

 

John 20:29-31 - Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have

believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples,

which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may

believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing

you may have life in his name.

 

John 17:20-23 - My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray

also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of

them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they

also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I

have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we

are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity

to let the world know that you have sent me and have loved them even as

you have loved me.

 

STEP 3 - MADE THE DECISION TO TURN FROM THE THINGS OF THE PASTAND INVITE

JESUS TO BE LORD AND MANAGER OF OUR LIVES.

In Step 1 we admitted that our lives were unmanageable. In Step 2 we

came to believe that Jesus was God incarnate. Now it is time to do

something about it, and that is, to turn our lives and our wills over to

Him. If you are tired of playing God, why don't you let the One who

created you become Lord of your life. Ask Him to forgive you of your

sins and come in and be the Lord and manager of your life. Ask Jesus to

help you to live to do His will instead of yours from this day forward.

MATTHEW 11:28-30 --

1. First Jesus gives us "rest", then we find "rest". Explain.

2. Is there anything that we can not bring to the Lord and trust

him

with it?

PROVERBS 16:3 --

1. Are we willing to "go all the way" with the Lord?

2. Give an example of a time when you have done this.

3. What are some of the areas in our lives that we need Jesus to

manage?

2 CORINTHIANS 6:2 --

1. Does this concept still apply today? Is this still the time

of his

favor?

2. When is the best time to take Step 3?

3. Why do some of us have difficulty with the "now is the time"

concept?

JOHN 3:16-18 ---

1. Why did Jesus come into the world and what is our condition

if we

do not accept him?

2. Is this scripture saying, "that without Jesus I am condemned

already"?

JOHN 3:36 --

1. What will happen to those who believe in Jesus? What happens

to

those who do not believe in him?

2. Is this scripture saying, "that without Jesus, God's wrath is

already on us"?

ROMANS 10:9 & 10 --

1. What does a person do to "get saved"?

2. Why is it important to confess with our mouths? Give an

example.

3. Have our lives changed as a result of doing this and

believing it?

1 JOHN 4:15-17 --

1. How can we have God living in us? What is his command for

us?

2. What does it mean "we know and rely on the love God has for

us"?

3. Am I walking in God's love today? Am I confident of his

perfect

love?

1 JOHN 5:4 & 5 --

1. What does it mean to "overcome the world"?

2. How can we overcome the world? Who is it that overcomes the

world?

JOHN 10:17 & 18 --

1. What does it mean to "lay down our life"?

2. How does this scripture relate to Step 3?

JOHN 12:24 --

1. Why does death have to occur before new life can merge?

2. Is this principle true in our lives?

3. What does this scripture mean to you?

1 CORINTHIANS 15:22 --

1. Must the "Adam" in us die in order for the "Christ" in us to

rise?

2. We are all born "into the death of Adam", have we now been

born

"into the life of Christ"?

3. Explain what this means to you.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:15-19 --

1. How do we become new creations?

2. What does "not regarding others from a worldly point of view"

have

to do with "the ministry of reconciliation"?

3. Explain why we should no longer live for ourselves?

ROMANS 5:17 --

1. What is God's "abundant provision" for us? How do we receive

it?

2. Can we receive "rightstanding with God" in any other way?

3. Have you received the "gift of righteousness"? Are you

"reigning

in life" through Jesus?

PHILIPPIANS 3:7-9 --

1. What does "consider everything a loss compared to knowing

Christ"

mean to you?

2. Where should Christ be in our lives in relation to the other

things

in our lives?

ROMANS 6:12-14

1. Does Jesus free us from control of the flesh so that we can

exercise free choice?

2. What can we do to assure that we will never again be

instruments

of wickedness?

3. These scriptures sum up Step 3. Have we really made this

decision?

1 PETER 3:16

1. What does it mean to be self-controlled? Does this have

anything

to do with obedience?

2. How do we prepare our minds for action? What is the action we

take?

3. Is it our hearts desire to "be holy"? Is "holiness" God's

will for

us?

 

 

IS JESUS CHRIST LORD OF YOUR LIFE? - IF NOT - WHY NOT? Lord Jesus, I

believe that you died and rose so that I might live. And I invite you,

this day, to come into my heart as Lord and Savior of my life - Amen.

 

STEP 3 - MADE THE DECISION TO TURN FROM THE THINGS OF THE PAST AND INVITE

JESUS TO BE LORD AND MANAGER OF OUR LIVES.

 

COME AND RECEIVE - NOW!

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I

will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am

gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For

my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

 

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will

succeed.

 

2 Corinthians 6:2 - For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of

God's favor, now is the time of salvation.

 

WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?

John 3:16-18 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only

Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal

life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not

condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because

he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

 

John 3:36 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever

rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.

 

WHAT 00 WE DO?

Romans 10:9 & 10 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"

and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be

saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and

it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

 

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

1 John 4:15-17 - If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God

lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has

for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in

him. Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on

the day of judgement, because in this world we are like him.

 

1 John 5:4 & 5 - For everyone born of God has overcome the world. This

is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it

that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of

God.

DYING AND LIVING

John 10:17 & 18 - The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my

life -only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it

down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to

take it up again. This command I received from my Father.

 

John 12:24 - I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the

ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it

produces many seeds.

 

1 Corinthians 15:22 - For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be

made alive.

 

2 Corinthians 5:15-19 - And he died for all, that those who live should

no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was

raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of

view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has

gone, the new has come. All this is from God, who reconciled us to

himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

 

THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

2 Corinthians 5:20 & 21 - We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as

though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's

behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who knew no sin to be sin for

us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 5:17 - For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned

through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant

provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through

the one man, Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:7-9 - But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for

the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared

to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose

sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain

Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that

comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the

righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

MAKE HIM LORD

Romans 6:12-14 - Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so

that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to

sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as

those who have been brought from death to life; and.offer the parts of

your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be

your master, because you are not under law but under grace.

1 Peter 1:13-16 - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-

controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus

Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil

desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called

you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy,

because I am holy." STEP 4 - MADE A SEARCHING AND FEARLESS MORAL

INVENTORY OF OURSELVES.

Once we have accepted Jesus as the Lord and manager of our lives, He

gives us the desire to start housecleaning. (God catches His fish, then

He cleans them.) In Step 4 the process of becoming more of what He wants

us to become begins by taking a fearless personal inventory of where we

have morally fallen short in our lives. We know that forgiveness has been

provided for us at the cross and we are not suggesting that salvation

must be "earned", but the inventory is necessary if we are to "walk in

freedom" and become effective for the Lord. This cannot happen if we

remain "slaves" to the sin in our lives. The first order of business is

to identify what these sins have been and, to what extent, if any, that

they still exist. One method of taking this inventory, that we have found

to be helpful, is to write it down, but regardless of how you choose to

do it, it needs to be done. Once it is finished, Steps 5, 6 and 7 show

us God's plan for dealing with it.

PSALM 139:23 & 24 --

1. Who does the Psalmist turn to in order to take an

inventory-

2. Do you think we can find anything in our inventory that God

doesn't

reveal to us?

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21 --

1. What are the three requirements stated in verses 4:22-24?

2. Is verse 5:11 saying that we should take an inventory?

GALATIANS 5:13-18 --

1. How are we to know when we are "indulging the sinful nature"

without taking an inventory?

2. What happens to the sinful nature when we "live by the

Spirit"?

MARK 7:20-23 --

1. What are the things that make a person unclean? How do we

get rid

of them?

2. If we have a change of heart, will sin be eliminated from

our lives?

1 JOHN 1:8 --

1. Why would a person claim to be without sin?

2. Is it still possible as Christians to deceive ourselves?

EZEKIEL 36:26,27 & 31 --

1. Note the pronouns "I" and "you". What does God say he will

do?

What does he say we are to do?

2. If we are "new creatures in Christ", why does God say we are

to

remember our "evil ways and wicked deeds"?

2 CORINTHIANS 7:10 --

1. What is the difference between "Godly sorrow" and "worldly

sorrow"?

2. Does God want us to have worldly sorrow? Is it in God's

plan?

ROMANS 13:11-14 -

1. How can taking Step 4 help to "wake us from our slumber"?

2. What is it that we are to "put aside"? What is it that we

are to

"put on"?

ROMANS 12:1-3 --

1. Name three practical ways we can "offer ourselves as living

sacrifices".

2. What does the scripture "Don't think of yourself more highly

than

you ought" means to you?

3. Now that we have accepted the Lord, how should we think of

ourselves? How can this be accomplished?

JOHN 8:34-36

1. How do we become slaves to sin? How can we be set free?

2. Are there any areas in our lives that we have not yet been

set free

from?

ROMANS 6:16 --

1. Does this scripture apply to Christians?

2. Does this scripture prompt us to take an inventory? If so,

why?

ROMANS 8:5-9 --

1. What is the difference between those who have their "minds

set" on

the Spirit and those who have their "minds set" on the sinful

nature?

2. If the Spirit of God lives in us, why do we still sometimes

follow

after the sinful nature?

2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-7:1 ---

1. How many sets of opposites does Paul list in these

scriptures?

What is the point he is making?

2. Which of these scriptures deal with taking an inventory?

1 JOHN 3:18-24 --

1. How does the word tell us to love? How do we know if we

"belong

to the truth"?

2. Why should it be important to us that "our hearts" do not

condemn

us"?

PSALM 19:14

1. Do you think it"s "pleasing in God's sight" when we take an

inventory?

2. If we have Jesus in our hearts, what should the words of our

mouths

be?

 

STEP 4 - MADE A SEARCHING AND FEARLESS MORAL INVENTORY OF OURSELVES.

 

Psalm 139:23 & 24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know

my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead

me in the way everlasting.

Read Ephesians 4:17 thru 5:21 --- Discuss.

Galatians 5:13-18 - You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not

use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another

in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your

neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other,

watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the

Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For

the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit

what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each

other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the

Spirit, you are not under law.

 

Mark 7:20-23 - Jesus went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him

'unclean'. For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts,

sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit,

lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from

inside and make a man 'unclean.'"

 

1 John 1:8 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the

truth is not in us.

 

Ezekiel 36:26,27 & 31 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit

in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart

of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my

decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will remember your evil

ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and

detestable practices.

 

2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to

salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Romans 13:11-14 - And do this, understanding the present time. The hour

has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is

nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the

day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on

the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in

orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in

dissension and jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus

Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful

nature.

Romans 12:1-3 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -

which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the

pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good,

pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to everyone

of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather

think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of

faith God has given you. John 8:34-36 - Jesus replied, "I tell you the

truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent

place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets

you free, you will be free indeed.

 

Romans 6:16 - Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to

obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey - whether you

are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to

righteousness?

 

Romans 8:5-9 - Those who live according to the sinful nature have their

minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance

with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The

mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is

life and peace, because the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not

submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful

nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful

nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if

anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For

what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship

can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and

Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What

agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the

temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and

walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no

unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and

you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have

these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything

that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence

for God.

 

1 John 3:18-24 - Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but

with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to

the truth, and how we set out hearts at rest in his presence whenever our

hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows

everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have

confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we

obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to

believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as

he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in

them. And this is now we know that he lives in us: We know it by the

Spirit he gave us.

Psalm 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be

pleasing in your sight, 0 Lord my rock and redeemer.

STEP 5 - ADMITTED TO OURSELVES, AND ANOTHER HUMAN BEING THE EXACT NATURE

OF

OUR WRONGS.

This Step is a "freedom" step. When we confess (admit) our sins to God,

ourselves and someone else we have initiated the process that will result

in our no longer carrying that guilt or burden with us.

Step 5 is also a healing step. We find that, many times, the hidden

things in our lives are like tumors or growths that must be removed.

James 5:16 tells us to "confess our sins to one another and pray for one

another so that we may be healed."

PSALM 32:1-5 --

1. What happens to us when we don't "acknowledge" and "confess"?

2. What relationship is there between misery and unconfessed

sin? Give

an example.

PROVERBS 28:13 --

1. What do the words "confess and renounce" mean to you?

2. Who is the hardest one to confess our wrongs to; God,

ourselves, or

another?

3. What does the scripture mean when it says "not prospering"?

LUKE 12:2 & 3 --

1. Why do we, sometimes, refuse to look at the very things

within us

that Jesus came to set us free from?

2. Can we also believe that there is "nothing concealed or

hidden"

that God will not reveal to us if we ask?

PROVERBS 20:9 --

1. Is it possible for anyone to make this statement? If not,

why not?

2. Is this scripture telling us that we need to "get honest with

ourselves"?

JOHN 3:19-21 --

1. Why is it that men love the darkness and hate the light? How

do we

come into the light?

2. What does "whoever lives by the truth comes into the light"

have to

do with Step 5?

3. Have you ever been ashamed because of sin? Have you ever

been

elated because of forgiveness? Give an example of each.

1 JOHN 1:8-10 --

1. There are three "if we" statements, what is the end result of

each

one?

2. What does this scripture say is "our part"? What is "God's

part"?

3. If we refuse to take Step 5, what is our "unconfession"

saying?

1 JOHN 2:1 & 2

1. Assuming that we might sin again, what steps can we take to

avoid

a particular sin in our lives?

2. If we do sin, what should we do? Who will defend us?

JAMES 5:16 --

1. Why are we directed to confess our sins to one another?

2. Does this scripture imply that, if we have sinned, we need to

be

healed?

3. This is one of the great tools God has given us for becoming

transparent, have you "confessed and renounced" to another

person?

STEP 5 - ADMITTED TO GOD, OURSELVES, AND ANOTHER HUMAN BEING

THE EXACT NATURE OF OUR WRONGS.

Psalm 32:1-5 - Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose

sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count

against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my

bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For night and day

your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of the

summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my

iniquity. I said "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" and you

forgave the guilt of my sin.

Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever

confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Luke 12:2 & 3 - There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or

hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will

be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the

inner rooms will be shouted from the housetops.

Proverbs 20:9 - Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and

without sin"?

John 3:19-21 - This is the verdict: Light has come into the world but

men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light

for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth

comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has

done has been done through God.

1 John 1:8-10 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and

the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If

we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word

has no place in our lives.

1 John 2:1 & 2 - My dear children I write this to you so that you will

not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father

in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning

sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of

the whole world.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for each

other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is

powerful and effective.

STEP 6 - WERE ENTIRELY READY TO HAVE GOD REMOVE ALL THESE DEFECTS OF

CHARACTER - (Repented - Became Willing to Change)

There is a certain amount of readiness that will have been evidenced in

our lives when we reach this Step. However, to be "entirely ready" is a

work of the heart and can only be done by God; Ezekiel 36:27 says, "I

will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees." Once we

have "made the decision to turn from the things of the past", have

"examined ourselves" and have "confessed our sins"; God is committed to

pro-viding us with the "entire readiness" spoken of in this Step.

GALATIANS 1:3-5 --

1. For what purpose did Jesus "give himself up"?

2. What does the Father will for us? How is it accomplished?

3. Do we tend to think more about God and his abilities or,

about

ourselves and our shortcomings?

HEBREWS 8:10-12 --

1. Why does God "put his laws in our minds" and "write them on

our

hearts"? (Jer. 17:10)

2. How does God write his laws on our hearts?

3. How does God promise to direct our lives? What does he do

regarding

our sins?

ACTS 3:19 --

1. How does the word "repent" tie in with "were entirely ready"?

2. Do we believe that the Lord wants to refresh us, and that he

is able

to do it?

JOHN 1:29 --

1. Why is Jesus referred to as "the Lamb of God"?

2. What did the Lamb come for?

EPHESIANS 1:7

1. What does "redemption through his blood" mean to you?

2. What does "blood" have to do with "redemption"? (Heb. 9:22)

3. What does this scripture mean to you?

1 JOHN 3:4-6

1. Will Jesus "take away" the things we are not willing to give

over

to him?

2. Do we all continue to sin? If so, what does this scripture

mean to

you?

1 JOHN 3:9 & 10

1. Does this mean that the children of God will become "entirely

ready" and that the children of the devil won't?

2. How do we know that we are "children of God"?

3. Give an example of how your ability to love your brothers has

grown.

EPHESIANS 2:3-5

1. Does God automatically change our old desires or do we need

to "turn

away" from them?

2. Can we identify ourselves as having been "objects of wrath"?

How

were we saved?

3. As we release our defects to Christ, do we become more alive

in him?

1 PETER 2:24 ---

1. Is there any sin, that we might harbor, that Jesus didn't

bear on

the cross?

2. How do we receive the healing accomplished at the cross?

3. What are we personally to die to? What does his healing mean

to

you?

ROMANS 12:1 & 2

1. How do we go about "offering our bodies as living

sacrifices"?

2. What must we do in order to know what God's will is for us?

3. When we honestly take this Step, are we "offering our bodies

as

living sacrifices"?

EPHESIANS 4:31 & 32 --

1. How does being "entirely ready to have God remove all these

defects of character" apply to these scriptures?

2. Are we "entirely ready" to not only have these defects

removed,

but the "root causes" as well?

2 TIMOTHY 2:15

1. Do we have to be perfect to be "worthy" of God's approval?

2. Are we "doing our best" to apply the Steps and scriptures to

our

lives?

HEBREWS 4:13-16

1. How is Christ able to appreciate the difficulties we

encounter

"living according to" God's will and "turning away from" the

world?

2. Do we understand that, even though some areas in our lives

still

need to be transformed, we can still approach the throne of

grace

with confidence?

REMEMBER - IT "IS POSSIBLE" TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE!

STEP 6 - WERE ENTIRELY READY TO HAVE GOD REMOVE ALL THESE DEFECTS OF

CHARACTER - (Repented - became Willing to Change)

Galatians 1:3-5 - Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord

Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present

evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the

glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 8:10 & 12 - This is the covenant I will make with the house of

Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their

minds and write them on their hearts. For I will forgive their

wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Acts 3:19 - Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped

out, that the times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said "Look,

the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.

1 John 3:4-6 - Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is

lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our

sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.

No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

1 John 3:9 & 10 - No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because

God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been

born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the

children of the devil are; anyone who does not do what is right is not a

child of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother.

Ephesians 2:3-5 - All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying

the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.

Like the rest we were objects of wrath. But because of his great love

for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we

were dead in transgressions - It is by grace you have been saved.

I Peter 2:24 - He himself, bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that

we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have

been healed. (Emotionally, Spiritually, and Physically)

Romans 12:1 & 2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's

mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to

God which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the

pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good

and pleasing and perfect will.

Ephesians 4:31 & 32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling

and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate

to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.

2 Timothy 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the

word of truth.

Hebrews 4:13-16 - Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we

must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has

gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the

faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to

sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in

every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach

the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and

find grace to help us in our time of need.

STEP 7 - HUMBLY ASKED HIM TO REMOVE ALL OUR SHORTCOMINGS AND TO FORGIVE

US

BELIEVING AND RECEIVING.

In Step 3 we "made the decision to turn from the things of the past", we

come to a point now in Step 7 where that decision becomes a "reality".

James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you

up." There are times when we go to the Lord and ask Him to remove a

particular sin and nothing seems to happen. This may be because we have

not yet given it over to Him. We cannot ask God to remove our sin and to

forgive us and keep right on sinning. We must first humbly give it over

to Him and turn away from whatever it is; and then, should the temptation

arise, we turn to the Lord for strength to resist. Forgiveness of sins

has been positional provided (set in place) for us by Jesus at the cross.

We now have the opportunity for that forgiveness to become experiential

(to know it in our hearts) by appropriating and receiving it in those

areas of our lives where God has revealed to us, through the inventory

Steps, that it is needed.

PSALM 41:4 --

1. Who have we sinned against?

2. If God already knows our thoughts, why do we have to ask?

3. Are we really ready to let God heal us?

PSALM 51:1-13 ---

1. Are we all sinners from birth?

2. Are we becoming transparent and honest with God about

everything in

our lives?

PROVERBS 1:7 --

1. What is the "fear of the Lord"? (Jer. 32:39 & 40) Why do

"fools

despise wisdom and discipline"?

2. What are we afraid of: God? Looking at ourselves?

Wondering if

God will heal us? What others think? Satan? It goes on and

on.

PROVERBS 15:33 --

1. If the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, what teaches

him

humility?

2. How does humility bring honor? What is honor?

3. Does humility come by confessing to our brothers and asking

them to

pray that we be forgiven and healed?

PROVERBS 22:4 --

1. What will "humility and the fear of the Lord" bring us? Why

do you

think this is true?

2. What is the meaning of "wealth" as it is used here?

3. Are we personally applying humility and the fear of the Lord

in our

lives? Are we reaping the benefits?

MATTHEW 18:1-4 --

1. What hinders us from "becoming like little children"?

2. What does it mean to "humble ourselves as children"?

LUKE 18:10-14 --

1. What was uppermost in the minds of the Pharisee and the tax

collector as they prayed? Why was the tax collector

justified?

2. What will keep us from becoming Pharisees as we follow after

the

Lord?

3. Give an example of when you have exalted yourself, and also,

when

you have humbled yourself.

1 PETER 5:6 & 7 --

1. How do we humble ourselves? What are we to do with anxiety?

2. Can we be "beaten down" and still not be humble?

3. Do we really believe that God will be true to his word and

remove

our defects?

MATTHEW 3:1 & 2 ---

1. What hinders us from repenting?

2. What are some practical acts of repentance that we can do?

PROVERBS 20:9

1. Can anyone say this? Why can't we say it?

PROVERBS 28:13 --

1. What is the difference between "confessing" and "renouncing"?

Give some examples of renouncing.

2. Is it possible for us to conceal sin from ourselves?

3. What does "prosper" mean to you as it is used here? What is

promised when we confess our sins?

PSALM 32:5 --

1. What does "cover up my iniquity" mean to you?

2. What should we do when we have "hidden sin" in our lives?

3. Do we "believe in our hearts" that, when we confess, God

really

forgives us?

1 JOHN 1:9 --

1. What does God do for us when we confess our sins?

2. Have we really learned to receive God's forgiveness?

HEBREWS 11:6 ---

1. What does the word "faith" mean? How are we rewarded by God?

Note the word "earnestly".

2. Do we really expect God to remove our defects?

3. Can we picture God as a "rewarder"? Can we receive it if we

do?

REMEMBER - WE CAN "TRUST" GOD!

STEP 7 - HUMBLY ASKED HIM TO REMOVE ALL OUR SHORTCOMINGS ASK HIM TO

REMOVE

TO FORGIVE US - BELIEVING AND RECEIVING.

Psalm 41:4 - I said, "0 Lord have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned

against you".

Psalm 51:1-13 - Have mercy on me, 0 God, according to your unfailing

love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my

transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only,

have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved

right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I have been a

sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely

you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost

place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will

be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you

have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all

iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, 0 God, and renew a steadfast spirit

within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit

from me. Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing

spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and

sinners will turn back to you.

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but

fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 15:33 - The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility

comes before honour.

Proverbs 22:4 - Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor

and life.

Matthew 18:1-4 - At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked "Who

is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and

had him stand among them. And he said "I tell you the truth, unless you

change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom

of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the

greatest in the kingdom of heaven".

Luke 18:10-14 - Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and

the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about

himself; God, I thank you that I am not like all other men - robbers,

evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a

week and give a tenth of all I get. But the tax collector stood at a

distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and

said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner". I tell you that this man,

rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who

exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be

exalted.

1 Peter 5:6 & 7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,

that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

Matthew 3:1 & 2 - In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the

desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near".

Proverbs 20:9 - Who can say "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and

without sin".

Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever

confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Psalm 32:5 - Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my

iniquity. I said "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" - and

you forgave the guilt of my sin.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will

forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because

anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and is a rewarder of

those who earnestly seek him.

STEP 8 - MAKE A LIST OF ALL PERSONS WE HAD HARMED AND BECAME WILLING TO

MAKE

AMENDS TO THEM ALL.

First we make a list then we "become willing", again, this is an example

of our doing our part and God doing His, because, "become willing" is

another work that has to happen in the heart. When compiling our list we

should not only list those we have harmed by "word and deed" and the

"sins of omission", but also, since unforgiveness can be a root cause of

much trouble in our lives, we should list those persons who have harmed

us as well. We understand that in some of these areas there may still be

a great deal of pain, but God wants us to trust Him so that He can heal

us.

PROVERBS 14:9 --

1. What is the difference between "mocking" and "good will"?

2. What connection is there between "good will" and "making

amends"?

JOHN 13:34 & 35 --

1. Does this mean that we are to love others "right where they

are at"?

2. Where did Jesus get his ability to love from?

3. How do the Commandments Jesus mentions in Matthew 22:37-40

differ

from this one?

MATTHEW 5:21 & 22 --

1. Can anger prevent us from "becoming willing to make amends"?

2. Do you think that holding anger and unforgiveness against

another

can lead to an even greater sin in our lives?

3. What do these scriptures say we will receive when we regard

others

with contempt?

1 JOHN 2:9 & 11 --

1. What does making amends have to do with "living in the

light"?

2. Can we as Christians still live in darkness?

3. How can we be blinded by darkness? How do we come into the

light?

MATTHEW 5:23 & 24 --

1. What does it mean to "offer your gift at the altar"?

2. What does it mean to "leave your gift there in front of the

altar"?

3. Does this include "anyone" in our past?

MATTHEW 7:12 --

1. What were the "Law and the Prophets" pointing us toward?

2. When the scripture says "others", does this include our

enemies?

3. Are we willing to treat others with the same kindness and

respect

that we desire?

MARK 11:25 --

1. Does this scripture mean that if we don't forgive, we won't

be

forgiven?

2. Are we holding anything against anyone? Are we willing to

forgive?

3. Does lack of forgiveness on our part have any effect on the

way our

prayers are answered?

PROVERBS 20:22 --

1. What does it mean, "wait for the Lord and he will deliver

you"?

2. What if we wore to be "payed back" for everything?

3. What should we do when someone wrongs us?

PROVERBS 24:29 --

1. Why shouldn't we "pay that man back"?

2. Do you think it's up to us to punish others?

3. Does the desire to "get even" come back to us at times, even

though

we have made the decision to forgive?

LUKE 6:27 & 28

1. If I hate my brother, is my life controlled by that hatred?

2. Are we able to do these things in our own strength?

MATTHEW 6:14 & 15

1. If we make others pay for their sins, how will the Father

treat us?

2. Does this leave us any other choice but to forgive?

3. What is the similarity between this scripture and the one in

the

Lord's Prayer?

1 PETER 4:7 & 8

1. Must we first be willing to forgive others before we can walk

in

love and self-control?

2. What does the application of this Step have to do with being

"clear-minded and self-controlled"?

3. Are we really trying to love others, even the ones that we

think

are unlovable?

4. What are the conditions for "effective" prayer?

STEP 8 - MADE A LIST OF ALL PERSONS WE HAVE HARMED AND BECAME WILLING TO

MAKE

AMENDS TO THEM ALL.

Proverbs 14:9 - Fools mock at making amends for sin, but good will is

found among the upright.

John 13:34 & 35 - A new commandment I give you, love one another. As I

have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know you are

my disciples if you love one another.

Matthew 5:21 & 22 - You have heard that it was said to the people long

ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to the

judgement." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will

be subject to the judgement. Again, anyone who says to his brother,

"Raca", is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says "You fool!"

will be in danger of the fire of hell.

1 John 2:9 - Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother

is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,

and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his

brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not

know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Matthew 5:23 & 24 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar

and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave

your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to

your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 7:12 - In everything, do to others what you would have them do to

you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against

anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.

Proverbs 20:22 - Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for

the Lord and he will deliver you.

Proverbs 24:29 - Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll

pay that man back for what he did."

Luke 6:27 & 28 - But I tell you who hear me: "Love your enemies, do good

to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who

mistreat you."

Matthew 6:14 & 15 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive

men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

1 Peter 4:7 & 8 - The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-

minded and self-controlled so that can play. Above all, love each other

deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

STEP 9 - MADE DIRECT AMENDS TO SUCH PEOPLE, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, EXCEPT

WHEN

TO DO SO WOULD INJURE THEM OR OTHERS.

We make amends to people in many different ways. If we owe them money,

we pay them back. If we have hurt them or insulted them, we apologize.

If someone has harmed us, we forgive them. We do whatever we must in

order to be at peace with our fellow man and ourselves. We find that

when we hold resentments against someone or withhold something we owe to

someone we cannot walk in "freedom", for we are then spiritually tied to

that person. There may be some people we have harmed that we are unable

to make amends to; perhaps they have died or moved away. In these cases

we make amends by helping our fellow man, and since Jesus told us, "if we

do good to our neighbors we are doing good to Him", we are also making

amends to God. We may feel that we ourselves are the ones most in need

of amends (and this may be true), but God's plan is that we first "become

willing" to make amends to others. The amends to us are then manifested

in the tremendous work that God does in our hearts.

LUKE 20:25 --

1. The Step says to "make amends to people", do we also make

amends

to God?

2. How do we make amends to God?

EZEKIEL 33:14 & 15 --

1. How do these scriptures relate to "making amends"?

2. Which of the amends listed are to man? Which ones are to

God?

3. What do these scriptures mean to us personally? How do they

relate

in our lives?

ROMANS 13:7 & 8 --

1. Which of the amends in Verse 7 is the hardest for you to

give?

Give an example.

2. Are we paying our taxes and debts? Are we giving respect and

honor

to the persons in our lives?

3. How does "loving your fellow man" fulfill the law?

PROVERBS 25:21 & 22 --

1. What does "heap burning coals on his head" mean to you?

2. Do we understand that we are not to extract payment; but that

we

are to build up, restore and comfort?

3. When we forgive others, does the Lord "reward" us with

forgiveness?

1 PETER 3:13

1. Did Jesus endure scorn and ridicule for the sake of love?

2. What should we do if, when we make amends, they are rejected?

3. Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing? Give an

example.

MATTHEW 25:40

1. When we make amends to others, are we also making amends to

God?

2. What does the scripture mean "the least of these brothers"?

3. Relate what this scripture means to you personally.

STEP 9 - MADE DIRECT AMENDS TO SUCH PEOPLE, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, EXCEPT

WHEN

TO DO SO WOULD INJURE THEM OR OTHERS.

Luke 20:25 - Jesus said to them, "give to Caesar what is Caesars and give

to God what is Gods.

Ezekiel 33:14 & 15 - And if I say to the wicked man, "you shall surely

die", but then he turns away from his sin and does what is just and right

- if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has

stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil; he will

surely live, he will not die.

Romans 13:7 & 8 - Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay

taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then

honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to

love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.

Proverbs 25:21 & 22 - If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if

he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this you will heap

burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

1 Peter 3:13 - Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But

even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.

Matthew 25:40 - The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you

did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

STEP 10 - CONTINUED TO TAKE PERSONAL INVENTORY ANDWHEN WE WERE WRONG

PROMPTLY ADMITTED IT.

If we are to live for Christ we must continue to grow. A person who does

not continue to grow will slip back. There is a great freedom in being

able to admit to God and others when we are wrong. It is a great

discovery when we find out we do not always have to be right. We speak

with authority when we speak "God's Word" but, when we speak "our words"

we are sometimes wrong. In such cases, we promptly admit it and are done

with it. This eliminates any further buildup or "gunnysacking" of

wrongs, guilts and resentments. God will continue to reveal those areas

in our lives that must be gotten rid of. As they arise we simply confess

them, ask the Lord to forgive us, and turn away from them.

1 PETER 1:22 & 23 ---

1. How have we purified ourselves?

2. What does "loving one another deeply" have to do with Step

10?

3. Birth is a beginning, not an end. Share how this Step, taken

daily, can help us grow.

LUKE 12:1-3 --

1. What does hypocrisy mean to you? Give an example of how you

have

"guarded against" being a hypocrite.

2. Is "not admitting when we are wrong" a form of hypocrisy?

EPHESIANS 4:25 & 26 --

1. How is it possible to "be angry and sin not"?

2. Is anger a sin? What should we do if we get angry with our

brother?

3. What happens to us when we "let the sun go down" and are

still

angry?

2 TIMOTHY 2:23 & 24 --

1. Can Christians still have stupid and foolish opinions?

(Don't give

an example)

2. Should we argue with each other about scripture? If not, why

not?

3. Does "promptly admitting when we are wrong" help us to avoid

"foolish and stupid arguments"?

2 TIMOTHY 2:14-16 --

1. How are we to "correctly handle the word of God"?

2. What are some of the ways that we can "present ourselves to

God as

one approved"?

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 --

1. Are you weak in any of these areas? Give an example.

2. How will "continuing to take a personal inventory" help us to

live

out these scriptures?

1 CORINTHIANS 13:11

1. How do we determine what things in our lives are still

childish?

2. Can growing be painful sometimes? Share an example, from

your own

of how you have grown towards Christian maturity.

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4 --

1. How does "continuing to take an inventory" help us to be "one

in

spirit and in purpose"?

2. Unity is a life giving principle to Christians. Am I my for

brothers completely?

3. Sum up in one word what these scriptures are directing us to

do.

ROMANS 12:3 --

1. Is it possible to look at ourselves as too lowly?

2. Can this Step help us to look at ourselves "with sober

judgement"?

1 CORINTHIANS 10:12 & 13 --

1. What should we do if we are tempted to sin?

2. What are some of the ways God provides us so that we can

stand?

3. Am I always standing as "firm" as I think I am?

1 JOHN 1:9 --

1. What recourse do we have if we sin?

2. It is necessary to "renounce" sin as well as to "confess" it?

3. What does the scripture say is our part? What is God's part?

1 JOHN 2:1 & 2 --

1. How is Jesus able to speak in our defense?

2. Is anyone excluded from the "atoning sacrifice" of Jesus?

3. Have we been able to accept God's forgiveness? Have we

forgiven

ourselves?

HEBREWS 9:13 & 14 --

1. Do we understand, and have we received, the cleansing work of

the

"blood"?

2. How does Step 10 help us to "cleanse our consciences"?

3. Can we compare what these scriptures are saying to, applying

the

Steps before we knew Jesus and applying them now that we do

know

him?

PHILIPPIANS 2:12-15 --

1. What does the statement "work out your salvation with fear

and

trembling" mean to you?

2. Does the absence of complaining have anything to do with our

"becoming pure"?

3. Does this mean that it's possible to "become blameless and

pure and

without fault"?

1 PETER 2:16 & 17 --

1. Are we using our freedom to "cover up" or to "bring light"?

2. What are some of the ways that we can misuse our freedom?

JAMES 1:22 --

1. Do we ever deceive ourselves by hearing and not doing?

2. What do we do to ourselves when we just listen to the words

and

don't do what it says?

3. Are we applying both the Step and the scriptures in our

lives?

STEP 10 - CONTINUED TO TAKE PERSONAL INVENTORY AND WHEN WE WERE WRONG

PROMPTLY ADMITTED IT.

1 Peter 1:22 & 23 - Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the

truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another

deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable

seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Luke 12:1-3 - Jesus began first to speak to his disciples, saying: "Be

on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There

is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not

be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the

daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will

be proclaimed from the housetops."

Ephesians 4:25 & 26 - Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and

speak truthfully to his neighbor for we are all members of one body. "In

your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still

angry.

2 Timothy 2:23 & 24 - Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid

arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's

servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to

teach, not resentful.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 - Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them

before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only

ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one

approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly

handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who

indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-

seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love

does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always

protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:11 - When I was a child, I talked like a child, I

thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I become a man, I

put childish ways behind me.

Philippians 2:1-4 - If you have any encouragement from being united with

Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit,

if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being

like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do

nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider

others greater than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your

own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Romans 12:3 - Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but

rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the

measure of faith God has given you. 1 Corinthians 10:12 & 13 - So, if you

think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. No

temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is

faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But,

when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can

stand up under it.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will

forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1 & 2 - My dear children, I write this to you so that you will

not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks in our defense

- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our

sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Hebrews 9:13 & 14 - The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a

heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so

that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of

Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to

God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may

serve the living God.

Philippians 2:12-15 - Therefore my dear friends, as you have always

obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence -

continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is

God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become

blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and

depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

1 Peter 2:16 & 17 - Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a

cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect for

everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.

Do what it says.

STEP 11 - SOUGHT THROUGH PRAYER AND Meditation ON GOD'S WORD TO INCREASE

OUR

FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, PRAYING CONTINUALLY FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF

HIS

WILL FOR US AND THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT TO ACCOMPLISH IT.

James 4:8 says, "Come near to God and He will come near to you." As we

continue to pray and meditate we will become more attuned to the voice of

the Holy Spirit. Someone once said , "Prayer is talking to God and

meditation is listening to Him." We meditate by reading God's Word and

then thinking about it, turning it over in our minds until the Holy

Spirit reveals its meaning to us.

Once God begins revealing to us what His will for us is in our lives, we

must continue to seek His direction and the power needed to carry it out.

We will discover, as we practice this Step, how powerfully the Holy

Spirit is working in our lives and also, that the "good news of

salvation" will have ever increasing reality to us.

PROVERBS 4:20-22 --

1. Are you opening your heart to God's direction?

2. What four things are we directed to do, and why?

3. If you are doing these things, how has it changed your life?

PSALM 1:1-3 --

1. What three things are we blessed for not doing, and why?

2. What does the scripture say happens when we continually

meditate on

the Lord?

3. Are we lining up with "God's word" or the "world's word"?

EPHESIANS 3:14-19 --

1. Do you have a specific time and place set aside for daily

prayer?

2. Why do we need the "power" that Paul prays that we receive?

PSALM 19:14 --

1. What does "the meditation of my heart" mean to you?

2. Do you think that "what you say" and the "meditation of your

heart"

are connected?

PSALM 40:8 --

1. What does it mean "your law is within my heart"?

2. When does God "write his law" on our hearts? (Hebrews 8:10)

3. Has this happened in your life? Explain.

PSALM 119-10 & 11 --

1. What should our attitude towards God be? Why should we know

his

word?

2. What does it mean to "hide God's word in our hearts"?

3. Do we set aside time daily for study and meditation on God's

word?

How much?

PSALM 143:10 --

1. What shall we seek from God and where will it lead us?

2. Has there been any "leveling of the ground" in your life

since you

have begun allowing God to be God instead of yourself?

MATTHEW 12:50 --

1. What is the "will of the Father"? How can we know it?

2. When we do God's will, what is our relationship with Jesus?

LUKE 6:12 --

1. Why did Jesus need to get alone with the Father?

2. When we are troubled, how often do we "spend the night in

prayer"?

3. Do we set aside time to just commune with the Father? How

much?

MATTHEW 6:5-13 --

1. Do we spend most of our prayer time in the "closet" or in the

"assembly"?

2. How do I pray in public? How do I pray in private? Do they

differ?

3. If God already "knows our needs", why should we pray?

MATTHEW 7:7 & 8 --

1. What does "ask", "seek", and "knock" mean to you? How are

they

different?

2. What does the word promise if we seek God?

3. Should we just pray once about a situation, or should we

continue

to pray?

JOHN 16:23 & 24 --

1. Are we to pray to Jesus, the Father, or both?

2. Does the scripture really mean the Father will give us

"anything"

we ask for in Jesus name?

3. Are we learning to pray scripturally? Do we expect answers

to our

prayers?

ACTS 1:14 --

1. What does it mean to be "united in prayer"?

2. Do we still pray as they did in the early church, or was that

just for then?

ACTS 4:29-31 --

1. Can we still expect that "signs and wonders" will happen to

and

through us?

2. What were they praying for? To glorify whose name?

2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 & 5 --

1. What are the weapons of the believer? What are the weapons

of the

world?

2. How many of our thoughts are we to take captive for Christ?

Is

this possible?

MATTHEW 18:18-20 --

1. Is this really true? Will God really do this? Is his

presence

really here?

2. What does "to bind" mean? What does "to loose" mean? How do

we

"agree"?

3. How should we pray when we come together? What does God

promise

will happen?

EPHESIANS 6:18 --

1. How should we pray? What should we pray for?

2. Why do we need to "keep alert"?

3. Why should we "keep praying for all the saints"? Who are the

saints?

MATTHEW 26:41 --

1. How do we "watch and pray"? Why?

2. If we are "new creations", why is the "body weak"?

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 --

1. What does "always", "continually" and "all" mean to you?

2. Does "circumstances" include both the good and the bad?

3. Is it possible to: "be joyful in all things", "pray

continually"

and "give thanks in all circumstances"? How do we know?

STEP 11 - SOUGHT THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION ON GOD'S WORD TO INCREASE

OUR

FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, PRAYING CONTINUALLY FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF

HIS

WILL FOR US AND THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT TO ACCOMPLISH IT.

GOD'S DIRECTION AND REWARD

Proverbs 4:20-22 - My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to

my words. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your

heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's

whole body.

Psalm 1:1-3 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the

wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But

his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day

and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields

its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

PAUL'S PRAYER FOR US (PERSONALIZE)

Ephesians 3:14-19 - For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom

his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that

our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his

Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in

love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and

long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that

surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the

fullness of God.

 

OUR HEARTS DESIRE (GIVEN BY GOD)

Psalm 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be

pleasing in your sight, 0 Lord, my Rock and Redeemer.

Psalm 40:8 - To do your will, 0 my God, is my desire; your law is within

my heart.

Psalm 119:10 & 11 - I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray

from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not

sin against you.

Psalm 143:10 - Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your

good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Matthew 12:50 - For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my

brother and sister and mother.

PRAYER - IN THE CLOSET

Luke 6:12 - One of those days Jesus went out into the hills to pray, and

spent the night praying to God.

Matthew 6:5-13 - But when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for

they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to

be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in

full. When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your

Father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret,

will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans,

for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask

him. This is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be

your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in

heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also

have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver

us from the evil one.

Matthew 7:7 & 8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will

find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks

receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be

opened.

John 16:23 & 24 - In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell

you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will

receive, and your joy will be complete.

PRAYER - IN AGREEMENT WITH OTHERS

Acts 1:14 - They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the

women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Acts 4:29-31 - Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants

to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal

and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy

servant Jesus. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was

shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word

of God boldly.

2 Corinthians 10:4 & 5 - The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of

the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish

strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself

against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make

it obedient to Christ.

Matthew 18:18-20 - "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will

be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in

heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about

anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.

PRAYER - WHERE, WHEN, WHY AND HOW

Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds

of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on

praying for all the saints.

Matthew 26:41 - "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into

temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks

in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

STEP 12 - HAVING BEEN SPIRITUALLY RESTORED AND SET FREE FROM "THE SIN

WHICH

DOES SO EASILY BESET US", WE ATTEMPT TO SHARE THIS FREEDOM AND

THE

ONE WHO HAS FREED US WITH THOSE WHO STILL SUFFER, AND PRACTICE

THE

LORD'S PRINCIPLES IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS.

This is a tri-part Step with the second and third parts proceeding from

the first. First is the spiritual restoration that we receive when we

accept Jesus Christ into our lives thereby experiencing the rebirth of

our spiritual nature and the coming into right relationships with God the

Father. Secondly, God tells us "Freely we have received, freely we are to

give" this is one of the principles that God gives us, "we can't keep

what we don't give away". If having Jesus in our lives is the greatest

thing that ever happened to us, nothing will be able to stop us from

sharing Him with others. Then, finally, practicing the Lord's principles

becomes an on-going, one day at a time, way of living in which we will

continue to grow in the Lord and be "transformed from glory to glory".

ACTS 1:8 --

1. When do we receive power? Why do we receive it?

2. How can I be an effective witness? Who enables me to be?

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3 & 4

1. How does God comfort us? Why does he comfort us?

2. Can we comfort others if we ourselves haven't been comforted?

3. Can our understanding of addiction in AC enable us to

minister more

effectively to those who have been addicted.

GALATIANS 6:1 & 2 --

1. What should we do when "someone is caught in a sin"? Why

should we

"watch ourselves"?

2. How do we "restore someone gently". Why?

3. What does it mean to "carry each others burdens"?

1 PETER 5:8 & 9 --

1. What has self-control to do with resisting evil? (Romans

12:9-21)

2. Do we know who our enemy is? Give an example of "standing

firm".

3. How do we resist the devil?

JUDE 20-23 --

1. Whose faith are we "building ourselves up in", and whose

spirit do

we pray in?

2. What three things do the scriptures direct us to do

concerning

others?

2 TIMOTHY 4:3-5 --

1. What four things do these scriptures direct us to do?

2. How many situations are we directed to "keep our heads" in?

MATTHEW 10:32 & 33 --

1. How do we "acknowledge him"? How can we "disown" him?

2. Who restored us and keeps us sane and sober? Who is it that

we need

to share with others?

ROMANS 10:14-17 --

1. What is the "good news"?

2. How does faith come to the unbeliever? What part do we have

in it?

3. Are we to carry the alcoholic or the message?

MATTHEW 9:35-38 --

1. What did Jesus experience when he saw the crowds? Is the lack

of

what he experienced why the workers are so few?

2. Have we been called? Have we been sent?

3. What should our desire be today?

MATTHEW 10:7 & 8 --

1. Are we supposed to do these things today? Are we able?

2. How are we to help the "harassed and helpless"? What kind of

spirit are we to minister in?

3. What value do we place on our freedom? Are we willing to

share it

with others?

1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23 --

1. What does it mean to become "as one under the law"

or "as one not under the law"?

2. What am I willing to become in order to be used by

God to lead people to Christ?

JOHN 8:31 & 32 --

1. How do we become disciples of Jesus. How can

"knowing the truth" set us free?

2. When do we know "the truth that sets us free"?

3. According to these scriptures, which comes first;

obedience, knowledge or freedom?

JOHN 15:7 & 8

1. When will "whatever we wish" be given to us? Why?

2. What are the conditions for asking and receiving?

3. How do we bring glory to the Father? What are his

promises to us for remaining in his word?

JOHN 15:15-17 --

1. Why does Jesus call us his friends?

2. What is "the master's business"? (John 3:17)

3. Who does the choosing? Why?

4. Are you aware of who you belong to? Why?

1 PETER 4:7 & 8

1. What does self-control and clear-mindedness have

to do with prayer?

2. Is love a gift? Can you give it if you don't have

it?

3. Why should we "love each other deeply"?

STEP 12 - HAVING BEEN SPIRITUALLY RESTORED AND SET FREE FROM "THE SIN

WHICH DOES SO EASILY BESET US". WE ATTEMPT TO SHARE THIS FREEDOM AND THE

ONE WHO HAS FREED US WITH THOSE WHO STILL SUFFER, AND PRACTICE THE LORD'S

PRINCIPLES IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS.

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria and

to the ends of the earth.

2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts

us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with

the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Galatians 6:1 & 2 - Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are

spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also

be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill

the law of Christ.

1 Peter 5:8 & 9 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil

prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist

him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers

throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

Jude 20-23 - But you dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy

faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you

wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save

them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing

stained by corrupted flesh.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 - For the time will come when men will not put up with

sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather

around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears

want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn

aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure

hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your

ministry.

Matthew 10:32 & 33 - Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also

acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me

before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Romans 10:14-17 - How, then, can they call on the one they have not

believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not

heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how

can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful

are the feet of those who bring good news." But not all the Israelites

accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our

message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the

message is heard through the word of Christ.

Matthew 9:35-38 - Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching

in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing

every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on

them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a

shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but

the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out

workers into his harvest field."

Matthew 10:7 & 8 - As you go, preach this message; "The kingdom of heaven

is near." Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,

drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Though I am free and belong to no man, I make

myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I

become like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I become like

one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win

those under the law. To those not having the law I become like one not

having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's

law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I become weak,

to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all

possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the

gospel, that I might share in its blessings.

John 8:31 & 32 - To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said "If you

hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the

truth and the truth will set you free".

John 15:7 & 8 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask

whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Fathers

glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

John 15:15-17 - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not

know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for

everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You

did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will

last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is

my command: Love each other.

1 Peter 4:7 & 8 - The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-

minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each

other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

This file was given to Southern Maryland Christian Information Service

BBS with permission to duplicate and share by: Pastor Elmer Magnussen of

Mclean Bible Church, Mclean, VA. Thank you Elmer for your faithfulness,

your friendship, your calling into the Ministry, but more important you

Love for the Lord Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

 

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