Foundations
28 Days to a Transformed Life
Foundations
We hope you are excited about Foundations. This bible study will help you start your Spiritual Journey. Over the next 28 days - you will have daily opportunities to connect with God and other believers, you will lay down a solid Foundation in your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, your Faith will increase, and you will be transformed!
We’ve included a Prayer Journal as part of the curriculum. The Prayer Journal will be an important tool throughout this course, that’s where you will jot down notes and ideas on prayer, meditate on select Bible passages, make application and use it as the basis for your family and personal devotions each week. For those of you whose family is not in the area – please get with a prayer partner (maybe a participant in this class) and pray through your thoughts and ideas with them.
Our main resource for this study will be the Bible.
As we read God's words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then, when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to use at a later time to reflect on and review some of the "gems" that you have received. Without writing these down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! While journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily devotions with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insights and even encourage others.
This study is designed with you in mind. You’ll have daily bible readings, a topic to study, daily journaling, prayer, weekly challenges to keep you on track, and a Personal Action Plan at the end. We are using the S.O.A.P. method...
S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the scripture reading for the day. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this Scripture down in your own words in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this Scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
Day 1
Read: ▢ John 1 ▢ Proverbs 1
Read the Bible Daily -- The Bible is God's Word, and as you read from it every day, it will cause you to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:15). As you study His written word (start with the Gospel of John), He will strengthen your faith, speak to your heart, and give you guidance and direction for every need and decision in your life. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalms 119:105).
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Day 2
Read: ▢ John 2 ▢ Proverbs 2
Pray Daily -- Prayer is vital to your spiritual growth. God is your Heavenly Father, and He wants to hear from you and have daily fellowship with you. Not only does He promise to answer your prayers, but as you pray He will also provide guidance and spiritual strength. The Bible tells us to "Pray continually," that is to pray faithfully every day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Memorize: The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
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Day 3
Read: ▢ John 3 ▢ Proverbs 3
Eternal Life -- God's Word says that when you place your faith in Christ, you are given eternal life. That is, someday when your physical body wears out and dies, your soul will go to be in the Lord's presence to spend eternity with Him! "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" (John 3:16).
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Day 4
Read: ▢ John 4 ▢ Proverbs 4
Forgiven -- The Bible teaches that all mankind has a sinful nature which keeps him separated from God's presence and will result in eternal death. But Jesus came to suffer the consequences of that sin as our substitute, so that we could be forgiven of sin and have access to God's presence. When you repented (turned away) from your sins, and asked Jesus to forgive you and become your savior, that's exactly what he did. He forgave every sin you've ever committed, regardless of how awful or evil they may have been. God can forgive more sin than man can commit. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
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Day 5
Read: ▢ John 5 ▢ Proverbs 5
Saved by Faith -- Your salvation is based purely upon your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In other words, salvation is not something that can be "earned" by how good you try to be or some religious act that you perform. Salvation is a free gift from God, and came as you simply put your faith in Jesus, His death and resurrection, and trusted him to forgive your sins and become your savior and Lord. The scripture says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
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Day 6
Read: ▢ John 6 ▢ Proverbs 6
Living for Christ -- You must understand that your salvation is based upon your "continued" relationship with the Lord. He has promised to keep you saved, as long as you keep believing and living for Him. As a new Christian, you need to grow in your relationship with God and deepen your faith, so that discouragements, temptations, or trials will never cause you to drift away from God. Remember, if you depart from the Lord, you also depart from what gives you the promise of salvation. The Bible says that Christ will one day present you before God, holy and unblemished "...If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel" (Colossians 1:23).
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Day 7
Read: ▢ John 7 ▢ Proverbs 7
Fellowship -- When you gave your life to Jesus Christ, you became a vital part of God's family, the Church. You should attend church regularly so that your faith can be strengthened by the preaching of God's Word, and so you can grow spiritually and be encouraged by the fellowship of other Christians. Church is where you can go to express your love, faithfulness, and worship to God. Church is where we can learn how to be a Christian, and where the Pastor and spiritual leaders can help you and encourage your faith. The Bible warns us not to absent ourselves from church attendance, because we need the strength and encouragement it brings. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." (Hebrews 10:25).
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Week 1 - Review and Challenge
Review: I agree to...
▢ Read the Bible Daily ▢ Pray Daily ▢ Trust God ▢ Forgive ▢ Live for Christ ▢ Live by Faith ▢ Attend Church Weekly
Connecting -- There is great value in being part of a church family. One of the best ways to connect with other believers is in a small group. Faith Groups are all about building Godly relationships, doing life together, sharing activities, meeting new people, having fun, and growing in your faith. So if you are married, single, young or old, there is a group for you.
Join a Faith Group in your church
Your Challenge...
▢ I commit to join one of the following Faith Groups:
▢ Married ▢ Single ▢ Ladies ▢ Mens ▢ Interest ▢ Families ▢ College ▢ Youth ▢ Other
Day 8
Read: ▢ John 8 ▢ Proverbs 8
Sharing Christ -- It is important for you to openly declare Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord to others, as it establishes the testimony of your faith. Once you have accepted Jesus Christ, tell someone. Don't keep it a secret. The Bible says that "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33)
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Day 9
Read: ▢ John 9 ▢ Proverbs 9
Live a Holy Life -- As we have mentioned, Christians are not perfect. However, God wants you to "aim" toward perfection. That is, your goal must be to grow in submitting yourself to the new nature of His Spirit in your heart, follow the example of Jesus, and live a godly and wholesome life (Hebrews 12:14). You repented and asked Him to forgive your sins, and now you need to grow closer to Him each day, which will take you farther away from sinful thoughts and behavior which are displeasing to God. Your faith in God will cause a desire to obey Him and do those things pleasing in His sight (Colossians 1:10).
Should you continue to live in an unrestrained, sinful lifestyle, this would lead you away from God and back into the old ways which lead to death. But as we grow in our relationship with God, His strength in our life will increase to overcome sinful behavior and habits. "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" (2 Corinthians 7:1).
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Day 10
Read: ▢ John 10 ▢ Proverbs 10
Tithing -- The main principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." When we give 10% (tithe) or more of our income instead of keeping that money for ourselves, it shows that our heart isn't tied to our money and that we love God more than our money.
The Bible mentions money over 1000 times and of all of Jesus' parables, more than half of them talked about money. Why? Because that is where so many people get tripped up! When we are able to release at least 10% of our income back to God, our money doesn't have as tight of a hold on us because we realize that God is in control of our finances. We remember that everything we have has been given to us by Him. Read: 2 Corinthians 9:7, Malachi 3:8-10, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 6:38.
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Day 11
Read: ▢ John 11 ▢ Proverbs 11
You are a New Creation -- At the moment you accepted Jesus, He came into your heart by His Spirit, and now His presence and nature lives and dwells in your heart (1 Corinthians 6:19). You did not merely become a better person, you were "born again" spiritually as a brand new person! Now He wants you to learn to live your life according to the new nature of His Spirit inside you. The Bible says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
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Day 12
Read: ▢ John 12 ▢ Proverbs 12
Water Baptism -- At your first opportunity, you should obey the Lord's command to be baptized in water as a confession of your repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). Water baptism in itself, (not to be confused with baptism in Holy Spirit) does not save you or wash away your sins, but is an act of your obedience in God's Word. It symbolically shows that you have died to the old sinful life, and have risen in the newness of the Life of Christ. The scriptures say "...Repent and be baptized, every one of you..." (Acts 2:38).
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Day 13
Read: ▢ John 13 ▢ Proverbs 13
You're not perfect, just forgiven -- Being a Christian doesn't mean that you won't make mistakes, but it means that you are forgiven of sin and that your goal is to live like Christ and not live in the old sinful way anymore. Don't ever let the Devil condemn you if you stumble or make a mistake! God loves you and wants you to ask Him to forgive you (1 John 1:9), then He wants you to get back on your feet and keep walking for Him! Don't ever let other people or the Devil bring condemnation upon you! God loves you and will correct you, but He will not condemn you. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1).
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Day 14
Read: ▢ John 14 ▢ Proverbs 14
Holy Communion -- The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements --bread and the fruit of the vine-- is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4), a memorial of his suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26), and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26), and is enjoined on all believers "till He come!"
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Week 2 - Review and Challenge
Review: I agree to...
▢ Share My Testimony ▢ Live a Holy Life ▢ Tithe ▢ Financial Stewardship ▢ Live as a New Creation ▢ Water Baptism ▢ Holy Communion
Living Free -- Living Free is a ministry of ongoing groups using God’s word to help participants gain victory over challenges that would keep us from growing and serving God. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Ask your Mentor or visit the Living Free Class for more details.
Your Challenge...
▢ I commit to live a healthy life - Spirit, Mind, Soul and Body.
Day 15
Read: ▢ John 15 ▢ Proverbs 15
The One True God - The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22
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Day 16
Read: ▢ John 16 ▢ Proverbs 16
The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ -- The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare: His virgin birth, Matthew 1:23; His sinless life, Hebrews 7:26; His miracles, Acts 2:22; His substitutionary work on the cross, 1 Corinthians 15:3; His bodily resurrection from the dead, Matthew 28:6, Acts 1:9, 11
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Day 17
Read: ▢ John 17 ▢ Proverbs 17
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit -- We already said that the Holy Spirit was born in your heart when you received Christ and now resides in you. But the Bible also says that the Holy Spirit can "immerse" you with a special power for service, to enable you to live a powerful Christian life, and to be bold in your Christian witness and testimony. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). To receive this special power, all we have to do is ask Christ to baptize us with His Holy Spirit, and He promises that He will. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth, Acts 8:12-17. Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9.
With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as: an overflowing fullness of the Spirit, John 7:37-39, Acts 4:8; a deepened reverence for God, Acts 2:43, Hebrews 12:28; an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work, Acts 2:42; and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost, Mark 16:20.
The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit -- The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance, Acts 2:4. The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28
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Special Challenge - If you would like prayer to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, ask your mentor to pray with you or come down to the altar after a service.
Day 18
Read: ▢ John 18 ▢ Proverbs 18
The Fall of Man -- Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression (sin) fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. Genesis 1:26,27
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Day 19
Read: ▢ John 19 ▢ Proverbs 19
The Salvation of Man -- Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Conditions to Salvation - Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life. Luke 24:47. The Evidence of Salvation - The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit, Romans 8:16. The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness, Ephesians 4:24.
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Day 20
Read: ▢ John 20 ▢ Proverbs 20
Divine Healing -- Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers, Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16
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Prayer is always available - If you need prayer, ask your mentor to pray with you or come down to the altar after a service.
Day 21
Read: ▢ John 21 ▢ Proverbs 21
The Blessed Hope -- At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. This is the imminent and blessed hope of the church, 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23, Titus 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:51,52
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Week 3 - Review and Challenge
Review: I believe the following...
▢ The One True God ▢ The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ ▢ The Baptism in the Holy Spirit ▢ The Fall of Man ▢ The Salvation of Man ▢ Divine Healing
Growing -- In order to make progress in your spiritual life, you need a plan to grow. Studying the Word of God is an incredible way to experience His presence and hear exactly what He wants for your life. We are blessed to have a staff of passionate and committed teachers of the Word who want to help you in your spiritual development. Find a place in Sunday School and start your journey. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Your Challenge...
▢ I commit to join a Sunday School Class or Bible Study
Read: ▢ Acts 1 ▢ Proverbs 22
The Millennial Reign of Christ -- The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years, Zechariah 14:5, Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel, Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans 11:26,27 and the establishment of universal peace, Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalms 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4
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Day 23
Read: ▢ Acts 2 ▢ Proverbs 23
The Final Judgment -- There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to the everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death, Matthew 25:46, Mark 9:43-48, Revelation 19:20
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Day 24
Read: ▢ Acts 3 ▢ Proverbs 24
The New Heavens and the New Earth -- We look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. 'And so shall we forever be with the Lord!'"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21-22
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Day 25
Read: ▢ Acts 4 ▢ Proverbs 25
Read Through The Entire Bible -- Bible reading plans walk you through the entire Bible over the course of a year. Reading through the Bible is a rewarding experience.
Bible Reading Plans include the following...
Beginning to End: Read the Bible from start to finish, from Genesis to Revelation.
Chronological: Read the Bible as its events occurred in real time.
Historical: Read the books of the Bible as they were written historically.
Combination: Each day includes passages from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs.
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Day 26
Read: ▢ Acts 5 ▢ Proverbs 26
Stewardship -- What differentiates people isn’t the amount of time available to them, but the manner in which they exercise their gifts and talents within the available time. We can waste time; we can spend time; or we can invest our time wisely. That’s what stewardship is about: faithfully developing and using our time, talents and treasure within the amount of time God has allotted to us. A wise steward will treat things according to their true value, treasure the things God declares to be important and hold with a loose grip the things that God says will not matter in the end.
Read The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
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Day 27
Read: ▢ Acts 6 ▢ Proverbs 27
Serving -- We believe that serving is an honor and an act of worship. Christians serve with their God-given gifts because they understand that God has created them uniquely. By serving, volunteers are not only connected to the church, but they have fellowship with their church family, grow spiritually, and help connect others to one another and Jesus. ‘For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2:10)
Your Challenge...
▢ I commit to get involved and use my God given gifts in my local church.
Day 28
Week 4 - Review and Challenge
Review: I believe the following...
▢ The Millennial Reign of Christ ▢ The Final Judgement ▢ The New Heavens and Earth ▢ Stewardship ▢ Organized Bible Study ▢ Serving
Your Next Steps -- We strongly believe that each person is designed with a purpose. A purpose to live our lives for Christ. We are compelled by our love for Jesus to connect with others, grow in our faith and use our talents and gifts to serve Him and grow His kingdom. We are made to love, obey and serve Him. We hope and pray that you will consider and explore all of the opportunities available to you... to connect, grow and serve.
Your Personal Action Plan:
My next steps...
Connecting:
Growing:
Serving:
Helpful Links…
Counseling Scriptures
