1 The Way to Life – the wonderful life which God according to the Bible wishes all, when the life on the earth is fnished. Karl Axel Jonsson
2 CONTENTS Introduction 3 God wants to give you the best 5 Sin – the misery of man 10 Your sins can be swept away 17 How you receive eternal life 23 The way ahead. How you win the victory 29 THE WAY TO LIFE Original title: The Way to Life. Copyright © Karl Axel Jonsson. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the owner of copyright. Bible quotations are taken from Good News Translation Bible (GNT). Graphic design: Karl Axel Jonsson in cooperation with Johannes Jonsson. Illustrations: Benjamin Antell and Hans Oskar Hanson in cooperation with Karl Axel Jonsson. Linguistic editing: Elisabeth Jonsson and Miriam Thompson. Cover photo: iStockphoto. https://gospelworldmission.se
3 Introduction This book will be of great joy and use for both non-Christians and Christians. It has many illustrations , is easy to read and concen - trated , so that also those who are busy will fnd time to read it. The pictures awake interest and make it easier to understand text and Bible verses. The book is also very suitable to use by Christians, who want to win others for God in spreading and giving to those who are interested. The book is so easy to understand that even young people from 12 years and over can read it. Adults who are not active Christians or never have heard about God can also read it and receive faith. Christians and others also get guidance to spiritual growth. This book has mainly the same content as the Bible Correspond - ence Course “The Way to Life”. The course has been very suc - cessfully used in the work of “Gospel World Mission” in India and other countries as well. By the grace of God, several 10 thousands of grateful readers have testifed that they have become saved through the course. (More than 33000 saved up to the year 2014). In addition almost the same number of satisfed Christians has received guidance for spiritual growth. All glory to the Lord! To make it possible for more people to read the important message of the mentioned course, the same main message also is available in the book. How you can get the best from this book! It is very important that you follow the instructions below. Accord - ing to earlier experiences they are of great importance to receive good use (beneft) of the book. Please read them several times. In the chapters 5 and 6 there are good advice for a victorious Christian life and how you can overcome temptations. Therefore, it is much important , that you who recently have become a Christian, at once begin to read chapter 5 and continue with chapter 6. Later you read the chapters 1-4. Others read the book from the beginning. 1. Be honest, humble and search for God with all your will “You will seek me, and you will fnd me because you will seek me with all your heart.” Jer 29:13
4 2. Before and during reading – pray that God will help you to fnd the truth and to understand the Bible rightly. Even if you not believe in God yet, you are allowed to pray (talk to him) that he will help you. To pray is to talk to God. 3. Do the will of God , when he shows you something, which you ought to do. Leave previous (former) opinions when God, often through the Bible verses, shows that you are wrong. If possible read the book in a quite place, where you can be alone. Start reading at once, because the book can mean much good to you. 4. When you have read a whole chapter thoroughly – if possible two times – answer the belonging questions at once . If you can - not answer a question, read anew the same chapter as the question – there you can fnd the answer. If you still in exceptional cases cannot fnd it see “Examples of correct answers” at the end of the book. There can be several correct answers. Read the Bible verses several times until you understand them. They are the words of God himself. 5. It is important that you answer the questions in writing . It helps you to better remember and understand . You can also see what you have learnt and get encouragement to share and refection. We really expect that you complete the reading and use the content so you can get maximum joy and beneft of the book. If you have problems and questions concerning the faith or the Christian life, please be in touch with any burning (devoted) Christian, in whom you have confdence. Bible references and shortenings This book is founded on the Bible , which is the Word of God . The Bible is the most read book in the world and is the written authority of what “living” Christians believe. The Bible verses are from some of the 66 books in the Bible “Good News Translation Bible.” (GNT) Examples of shortenings (for new Bible readers): 1 John 4:16. “1 John” means the name of the book. “4” stands for the chapter of the book, and “16” stands for the verse of the chapter. See also the index of the Bible. New Testament Old Testament Matt Matthew Gen Genesis Joh John Ps Psalms Rom Romans Is Isaiah Heb Hebrews Nah Nahum
5 God wants to give you the best God loves you and wants to give you what you need most of all – something that is more worthwhile than anything else in your life. Think upon that when you read the book – even if you cannot believe just now that this is possible. Many millions of people have experienced that this is true. How can you fnd the only true and living God, who loves you and wants to help you? How are you able to be happy and to re - ceive eternal life? If you read this book thoroughly you will fnd the answers, and how you can experience these things. In the Holy book of God, the Bible, God shows you his will, and what he wants to give to you. The Bible verses are important words of God himself and are bold to be easy to recognize. Therefore, in the book there are many verses from the Bible. See the Introduc - tion points 1-5. Who is God and where is he? By our limited minds we are not able to understand or penetrate into the wisdom of God or into all secrets. The Bible says, “The Lord is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts.” Is 40:28 However, to be able to receive the gifts of God we don’t have to understand everything. We will trust God more and more through reading the Bible and by the experiences of our own and millions of Christians. This can be compared to the confdence you may have in a friend. The confdence increases when you notice that your friend is tel - ling the truth, and that he keeps his promises. This applies parti - cularly to things that you have the opportunity to check. Then you trust your friend, even when he says something you cannot check or understand. In the same way our confdence in God increases, when we get our prayers answered. The confdence in God also increases, when we notice that the message of the Bible agrees with things, that we can check. By our increasing confdence in God we then can trust in the whole Bible. Then we are also able to believe such things we cannot understand. How can you fnd God who loves you? God’s own words are written in the Bible Confdence in a true friend grows
6 God is a spiritual being and he is everywhere, and therefore he is near to you. He is a person, but does not have an earthly body. The Bible says, “God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is.” John 4:24 “God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to eve ­ ryone.” Acts 17:24-25 “From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fxed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps fnd him as they felt around (searched) for him. Yet God is actually not far from anyone of us;” Acts 17:26-27 The love and holiness of God God is good and loves everyone, but he hates the sins that we do. When we do evil deeds or if we know what is good and don’t do it then we sin. God has his demands for goodness and that we do what is right, because he himself does the right things (is righteous) and is free from all inner uncleanness (holy). “And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them.” 1 John 4:16 “The Lord is loving and merciful, slow to become angry and full of constant love. He is good to everyone and has compassion on all he made.” Ps 145:8-9 “The Lord is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity.” Ps 145:17-18 “The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.” Deut 32:4 “The Lord does not easily become angry, but he is powerful and never lets the guilty go unpunished.” Nah 1:3 .” “When he is angry, who can survive? Who can survive his terrible fury? He pours out his faming anger; rocks crumble to dust before him. The Lord is good; he protects his people in times of trouble, he takes care of those who turn to him.” Nah 1:6-7 God is near you! God created the world God loves you! God has enor - mous power and strength
7 “You cannot stand the sight of the proud; you hate all wicked people.” Ps 5:5 God does not change! “Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.” James 1:17 God is eternal. His life has no beginning and no end. God never gets tired and he does not sleep. “Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts.” Is 40:28 The power and the love of God God has enormous power and strength. His possibilities are limitless. Everything is possible for him. “Remember what happened long ago; acknowledge that I alone am God and that there is no one else like me. From the beginning I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans never would fail, that I would do everything I intended to do.” Jes 46:9-10 “I am calling a man to come from the east; he will swoop down like a hawk and accomplish (do) what I have planned. I have spoken, and it will be done.” Is 46:11 “I am the one who made the earth and created human beings to live there. By my power I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon, and the stars.” Is 45:12 “Jesus looked straight at them and answered, This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.” Matt 19:26 The mighty God loves you more than a mother loves her child. God sent his Son to sufer and die for our sake. “So the Lord answers, Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.” Is 49:15 “Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but ofered him for us all! He gave us his Son – will he not also freely give us all things?” Rom 8:32 Jesus, the Son of God came to the earth to sufer and die for our sins instead of us. Because Jesus has done this, you can get forgiveness and eternal life. In chapter 3 you will read more about Jesus and his Devine love. God does not change Everything is pos - sible for God God loves you more than a mother loves her Jesus died for your sins
8 Man without contact with God All people are seekers. Some of us are honest seekers and others are not. We try diferent ways to be happy – more money, more possessions, tastier food, better jobs, more amusing entertain - ments, stronger drinks and so on. Behind the search there often is a longing for God, although we are not always aware of that. To get real peace (calmness and harmony) and to get this longing satisfed, we need contact and fellowship with God. We receive more peace by much prayer to God and doing his will. “So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female.” Gen 1:27 “There is no safety for sinners says the Lord.” Is 57:21 “Peace is what I (Jesus) leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I don’t give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27 God gives power and help Many people fear the future, war, illnesses, accidents, evil spirits and the death. If you fear something, God is able to deliver you from your fear and to give you safety. “Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” Is 41:10 “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into ocean depths;” Ps 46:1-2 He who has no contact with God does not experience the peace, joy and safety that only God can give. God desires to give you that, which you need most of all. If you receive the gifts of God, you will enjoy them more than anything else in your life. You will read more about these things in chapter 2. Please answer soon the questions on Question page 1. If you can - not answer a question – read once again that part of the chapter where you think the answer might be. Only God can give you real peace and happiness! Do not be afraid! God can keep you safe Be calm in God’s hand God has mig - hty power and strength
9 Question page 1. Questions to learn See Introduction point 5. 1 How can you receive greater confdence (trust) in God? ______________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________ 2 Where is God to be found? _____________________________________ 3 Write some of the characteristics of God __________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________ 4 What is possible for God? _____________________________________ 5 Who is loved by God? ________________________________________ 6 How much does God love you? _________________________________ ______________________________________ 7 Who does man have to be connected with to get real peace?___________ 8 Who is able to deliver from fear and give safety? ___________________ Jesus said to them: “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.” Mark 16:15
10 Sin – the misery of man The Bible – the word of God himself God has given us his word – the Bible – that we might receive teaching and know how to become Christians and grow to be strong, happy and victorious Christians. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right li ­ ving.” 2 Tim 3:16 God has also given men messages and said that some of them had to be written down. Many of the messages in the Bible which were about the future (prophecies) have been fulflled already. We can trust the Bible , because it is God’s own words. God acts as he has written in the Bible. “For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.” 2 Pet 1:21 The original state of man God created man in his image – in his likeness. Man received the ability to think, and to distinguish (see diference) between good and evil. “Then God said; And now we (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble (look like) us. They will have power over the fsh, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small. So God created human beings making them to be like himself. He created them male and female.” Gen 1:26-27 After men had been created, they frst lived in complete harmony with God. There was no war, no hatred, no illness and no death. No sin was then on the earth – only peace and happiness. “Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East, and there he put the man he had formed. He made all kinds of beautiful trees grow there and produce good fruit. In the middle of the garden stood the tree that gives life and the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad.” Gen 2:8-9 We can trust in the Bible God planted a lovely garden
11 God has given the man great wisdom and a free will, so he himself may choose to obey God or not. The Lord God said to the man: “You may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden, except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. You must not eat the fruit of that tree; if you do, you will die the same day.” Gen 2:16-17 The consequences of sin In the body of a snake the devil (named satan) came into the be au- tiful Garden of Eden, the Paradise. He started tempting the ori ginal man and woman, who • listened to the de vil’s lies against God; • mistrusted the word of God and his love; • looked closely at the fruit that God had forbidden them to eat; • got a desire for the thing that God had forbidden; • were disobedient to the will of God . “Now the snake (satan) was the most cunning animal that the Lord God had made. The snake asked the woman, Did God really tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the gar den? We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden, the woman answered, ex cept the tree in the middle of it. God told us not to eat the fruit of that tree or even touch it; if we do, we will die. The snake replied: ‘That’s not true; you will not die. God said that, be cause he knows that when you eat it you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad. The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonder ful it would be to be ­ come wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her hus band, and he also ate it.” Gen 3:1-6 The sin caused sickness and death Because man sinned against God in the garden and fol low ed the devil – sin, illness and death came into the world. All the earth from that day on was cursed, and man was separated from God because of the sin of man. Man was not created as a sinner, but sin came into the world through man – by his conscious (aware) and voluntary choi ce. “Sin came into the world through one man, and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race be­ cause everyone has sin ned.” Rom 5:12. and because of sin — illness and death came God has given you a free will The devil cheated human beings who ate the fruit that God had for - bidden therefore they had to leave the garden
12 Idol worship Idol worship means to worship persons or things instead of God, for example pictures and other things. Also greed e.g. for money is idol worship. “You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency (uncleanness), lust, evil passions and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). ” Col 3:5 We are not able to see God with our eyes, but we are able to see his deeds. They bear witness to him and show clearly, that God exists and has great power. God is a fair God. If we do not ask him for forgiveness when we sin against him, he punishes us. He who does not want to leave sin and does not ask God for forgiveness will be lost forever. God hates idol worship. He says: “Worship no god but me.” Ex. 20:3 “God’s anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known. God punishes them, because what can be known about God is plain (usual) to them, for God himself made it plain. Ever since God crea ­ ted the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived (seen) in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! They know God, but they do not give him the honour that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are flled with darkness. They say they are wise, but they are fools; instead of worshipping the immortal God, they worship images made to look like mortals or birds or animals or reptiles.” Rom 1:18-23 The invisible world The Bible tells us that there is a real but invisible spiritual world around us. Part of it is from God and part of it comes from the devil, who is the prince of darkness. Also spirits guided by the devil have the ability to afect people. These spirits are evil and use superna - tural power in our visible world. The evil spirits are active in, for example, spiritistic circles, in séances, in witchcraft and in idolatry and so on. The Bible shows what is right The Bible shows how to test and prove where the spirits come from. “My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to fnd out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere.” 1 John 4:1 God hates idolatry Even greed is idolatry Kill evil desires! There is a good and an evil invisible spiritual realm too
13 “This is how you will be able to know whether it is God’s Spirit: any­ one who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came as a human being has the Spirit who comes from God. But anyone who denies this about Jesus does not have the Spirit from God. The spirit that he has is from the Enemy of Christ; you heard that it would come, and now it is here in the world already.” 1 John 4:2-3 To acknowledge (confess) Jesus Christ means to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came as a real man . Jesus became the Saviour of the world , when he died on the cross. Then he shed his blood for the forgiveness of the sins of all men. Three days later Jesus rose from the death. The devil tries to imitate God Some people are attracted by spiritism, which is a kind of spirit worship. They wrongly think it is a matter of course, that all spiri - tual things come from God. Many other people think that the devil is a dreadful and unattractive being. However, the devil is a master in imitating God. “Well, no wonder! Even satan can disguise (change) himself to look like an angel of light. So it is no great thing if his servants disguise themselves to look like servants of righteousness. In the end they will get exactly what their actions deserve.” 2 Cor 11:14 -15 The devil is a liar! The devil will for example tell us, that we ought to live a good life morally, and that Jesus is a morally good person. Satan says these things, because he wants us to get confdence in him and to keep us away from God. The devil never talks about the Saviour and his sacrifce for us. Nobody is allowed by God to ask spirits through mediums to get to know the unknown. Doing that, you run the risk of being snared in the net of the devil and of being his slave. God warns us not to turn towards the evil spiritual world. With this the mediums have contact. “Do not go for advice to people (mediums) who consult the spirits of the dead. If you do, you will be ritually unclean. I am the Lord your God.” Lev 19:31 Resist the devil in the name of Jesus Christ! God gave through his servant Moses the following instructions: “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, don’t follow the disgusting (terrible) practices of the nations that are there.” Deut 18:9 We can test the spirits by comparing with the Bible The devil is an evil liar, who pretends to be good! The devil tries to capture us Spiritism comes from the devil
14 “Don’t sacrifce your children in the fres on your altars; and don’t let your people practise divination or look to omens or use spells or charms, and don’t let them consult the spirits of the dead. The Lord your God hates people who do these disgusting (terrible) things, and that is why he is driving those nations out of the land as you advance. Be completely faithful to the Lord.” Deut 18:10-13 Through Jesus Christ our Saviour we are able to have victory over evil things. When we do the will of God, we receive the power to resist the devil and his evil spiritual forces. “So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites!” James 4:7-8 Everyone has sinned Nobody has managed to always put God frst in thoughts or in the plans for the future. Nobody has allowed God to always decide how to use time and money. This is because we have not loved God with all our heart, with all our soul or with all our mind. Therefore eve - rybody have broken the greatest and most important command - ment of God. The Bible, the holy book of God, tells us: “Teacher he asked, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind! This is the greatest and the most important commandment.” Matt 22:36-38 After the original man had sinned, sin spread to all men. Everybody have sinned. Therefore sin, hatred and war have existed throughout the history of the world. ”Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence.” Rom 3:23 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us.” 1 John 1:8 People who have not allowed Jesus to save them are slaves (in bon - dage) to sin. “Jesus said to them; I am telling you the truth: everyone who sins is a slave of sin. If the Son (Jesus) sets you free, then you will be really free.” John 8:34, 36 “For sin pays its wage – death; but God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 6:23 We have all broken the greatest and primary commandment of God We have all sinned Imprisoned in the chains of the devil Sin prevents contact with God
15 God will judge us God will judge us on the great day of judgement. The Bible says: “Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. In the same manner Christ also was ofered in sacrifce once to take away the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are waiting for him.” Heb 9:27, 28 “Do not be surprised at this; the time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice and come out of their graves: those who have done good will rise and live, and those who have done evil will rise and be condemned.” John 5:28, 29 “And the people of all the nations will be gathered before him. Then he will divide them into two groups, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the righteous people at his right and the others at his left. Then the King will say to the people on his right, ’Come, you that are blessed by my father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world.” Matt 25:32-34 “Then he will say to those on his left, Away from me, you that are un ­ der God’s curse! Away to eternal fre which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels! These, then, will be sent of to eternal punish ­ ment (sufering) , but the righteous will go to eternal life.” Matt 25:41, 46 Eternal life without any end “Eternal” continues forever without end . How important it is that you now decide to spend this eternal time in God’s wonderful heaven instead of in the hell with eternal punishment and sufering. God sent Jesus Christ, who died in our place and has taken the punishment for our sins. “Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed.” 1 Pet 2:24 Please answer the questions on question page 2. As you know you remember better, when you read the same text many times. Therefore we suggest that you read the Bible verses in chapter 2 over again. Afterwards you continue with the interesting chapter 3 about Jesus, who loves you and wants to set you free. Are you like a prisoner in the chains of sin? Jesus took your sins and now you can be free! Are you going to eternal punishment or eternal life in God’s wonderful heaven? Your choice!
16 Question page 2. Questions to learn 1 What is the Bible?____________________________________________ 2 Did sin come into the world through the conscious (aware) and voluntary choice of man?____________________ 3 We are able to recognize, if a man has the Spirit of God by his confession (what he believes) about Jesus Christ. 3a Who is Jesus Christ? _________________________________________ 3b Did Jesus Christ come to the earth as a real human being?____________ 3c Why did Jesus Christ die? _____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ 4 What do we risk if we through mediums approach the spiritual world? ___________________________________________________________ 5 Write down the completion of this Bible verse: “Everyone has sinned __________________________________________________________” 6 Fill up with words missing in the following Bible verse: “Love the Lord, your God, with _________________________________ with all your soul, and with all your ______________. This is the greatest _______________________________________ commandment.” 7 Do you believe that you have sinned (done things for which you should ask God to forgive you)?_______________________________________
17 Your sins can be swept away Jesus Christ – the Son of God In this chapter you will read about a great man, a man whose life is of very great importance to many tens of millions of people all over the world. His name is Jesus Christ. If possible start reading immediately! God himself has said that Jesus Christ is his Son. “After all the people had been baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, you are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.” Luke 3:21-22 Jesus always does what God wants him to do. Jesus said: “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him. Many who heard Jesus say these things believed in him.” John 8:29-30 Why Jesus came After man had sinned against God there was a need for somebody, who instead of us could carry our sins and save us from eternal pu - nishment (hell). God gave the greatest ofering he could, when he sent his beloved Son to sufer and die in our place. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Jesus’ most important task on earth was to sufer and die for our sins, although he himself was free from sin. Jesus was not guilty of any evil thing. He did this voluntarily , so that we may have peace in our mind and have eternal life. Jesus wanted to save us from being separated from God in eternity and from living in darkness. “But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he sufered, made whole by the blows he received. All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. But the Lord made the punishment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved.” Is 53:5-6 The Holy Spirit came like a dove. Jesus Christ is God’s Son Jesus never sinned but he died for our sins We were like sheep going astray
18 The life and ofering of Jesus Christ Jesus was born more than 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, a town in the Middle East. When he was in his thirties, he started to preach the message from God, to drive out evil spirits, to heal the sick and to raise people from the dead. Then Jesus was arrested and accused by false witnesses. Soldiers gave him many lashes with whips so his body was bleeding very much. The whips had pieces of metal in their ends, and people who were whipped got terribly hurt, and many of them died. The soldiers pressed a crown of long piercing thorns into the head of Jesus and he bled. They made fun of Jesus and spat on him. The soldiers crucifed him on a cross of wood outside the city of Jeru - salem. They nailed his wrists (hands) and feet to the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, the sun lost its light, the earth shook and the rocks cracked. The Bible says: “When the army ofcer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrifed and said, He really was the Son of God!” Matt 27:54 Jesus loves you Even when Jesus hung on the cross, he could have defeated the soldiers with the help of angels. However, Jesus did not use this possibility, because he loved the people. He ofered himself of his own free will to save us. Consider the great love Jesus has also for you! Jesus said: “Don’t you know that I could call on my Father for help, and at once he would send me more than twelve armies (more than 72000) of angels?” Matt 26:53 By sufering and dying innocently on the cross for us, Jesus of - fered himself for us. If Jesus had not done this, we could not have received forgiveness and eternal life. Nor could we come to God´s wonderful heaven. You can show your love in return by accepting his ofer to forgive your sins and ask him to forgive you. The resurrection of Jesus By the power of God, on the third day after the crucifxion, Jesus came alive again and left the grave. This happened even though the entrance to the grave was covered with a big stone, sealed and guarded by soldiers. After the resurrection, Jesus revealed himself to many people. He returned to heaven after having told his discip - les to go out to all peoples everywhere. Jesus says, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to Jesus sufered of his own free will for us Jesus was in - nocent but died to save us! Jesus came alive again by the mig - hty power of God
19 “Then he (Jesus) appeared (after the resurrection) to more than fve hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, al­ though some have died. Then he appeared to James, and afterwards to all the apostles.” 1 Cor 15:6-7 “And how very great is his (God’s) power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world.” Eph 1:19-20 As God raised Jesus from the dead, he will also raise those who believe in him. “We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence.” 2 Cor 4:14 “After the Lord Jesus had talked with them, he was taken up to hea ­ ven and sat at the right side of God. The disciples went and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and proved that their preaching was true by the miracles that were performed.” Mark 16:19-20 “This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.” Acts 1:11 “He (Jesus) refects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being, sustaining (supporting) the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power.” Heb 1:3 What salvation is Because of what Jesus has done for all of us, you can become sa - ved and receive forgiveness for your sins. You can also be delive - red from the power of the devil and come to the wonderful heaven of God. When you get saved, the Spirit of God comes into you and makes his dwelling-place there. A new spiritual life is implanted in you. The Bible calls this being born again. “...and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifes us from every sin.” 1 John 1:7 “Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This flls us with a living hope.” 1 Pet 1:3 Religion cannot save. However salvation is not a religion. We re - ceive salvation through the Saviour Jesus Christ, the only one who can give us salvation. “Jesus answered him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. ” John 14:6 The disciples saw when God took Jesus up to heaven Many people saw Jesus after His resurrection You can be free from all sin Jesus is the way, the truth and the life
20 “Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us.” Acts 4:12 “This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim 1:15 Your sins can be swept away. You can become free Now you have got the message about Jesus and his love. You should sincerely believe , that your sins can be forgiven because of what Jesus has done. When you ask God for forgiveness , you receive forgiveness and eternal life. The Bible says: “I have swept your sins away like a cloud. Come back to me; I am the one who saves you.” Is 44:22 God’s wonderful heaven God’s heaven is more wonderful than we can imagine. It is lighted up by the glory of God, very beautiful, splendid, delightful and fl - led with joy, happiness, peace, health and wonderful music. There is no sorrow, complaining, sickness, poverty, loneliness, darkness, death, sin, devil or anything else evil. Our life here on earth is a short preparation for the eternity. You must be saved to be able to come to God’s heaven. “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could hap ­ pen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor 2:9 God does great miracles! Two wonderful truths are that God and Jesus don’t change , and that they do miracles also in our time . The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Heb 13:8 When Jesus sufered and died on the cross, he bore our sins and di - seases. The Bible says: “But he endured (went through) the sufering that should have been ours, the pain that we should have borne....We are healed by the punishment he sufered, made whole by the blows he received.” Is 53:4-5 “... It is by his wounds that you have been healed.” 1 Pet 2:24 “...and large crowds followed him (Jesus) . He healed all the sick.” Matt 12:15 When Jesus had returned to God the miracles continued, and they still happen today. The Bible says: “Many miracles and wonders were being performed among the people by the apostles. ...And crowds of people came in from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing those who were sick or who had evil spirits in them; and they were all healed.” Acts 5:12, 16 Jesus is the only one who can save you from sin. Your sins can be swept away like a cloud, which has disappeared Jesus Christ is the same. He does miracles today We are healed by the punishment Jesus sufered
21 Blind see and paralysed walk! God still does many miracles today, through the power in the mig - hty name of Jesus Christ. Many people including me have seen blind people receive their sight. We have also heard and seen deaf people begin to hear and dumb people speak . Furthermore we have seen paralysed people begun walking , running and lea - ving their crutches. All this happens through the power of God! Jesus says: “Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange (new) tongues; if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.” Mark 16:17-18 For God everything is possible! Physicians (doctors) and many scientists are doing very good things too. They have received their skill from God. Therefore, follow the treatment of a qualifed doctor. However, human beings are limited. God is unlimited – everything is possible for him. God is good; he loves you and has compassion also on you when you are suf - fering. If you are ill, you can be healed! The Bible says: “He (God) healed them with his command and saved them from the grave.” Ps 107:20. The purpose of the word of God about healing is that we shall believe, that God wants and is able to heal you. The promises of God are also valid now. God is close to you to • save you if you have not yet received forgiveness • heal you if you are sick • help you if you are in need • relieve and free you if you are sad or depressed. Receive what God wants to give you! See God as he is – good , loving , supernatural, unchanging, unlimited and ever-present. He is ever willing to meet your needs. Don’t look at circumstances but to God who does miracles. Believe and act on the words of God, pray in faith and in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank God for answers to your prayers. Please, kindly answer soon the questions on Question page 3. We suggest that you read the Bible verses in chapters 1-3 and also the Gospel of John. In chapter 4 you can read more about what God wants to give you. Paralysed people healed in the name of Jesus leave the crutches God is unlimited everything is pos - sible for him Look at God’s pos - sibilities. Pray in faith in the name of Jesus Christ God wants to answer your prayers
22 Question page 3. Questions to learn 1 What has God said about Jesus? _______________________________ 2 Write down the continuation of this Bible verse: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that __________________ _________________________________________________________ _____________________________ 3 What was the most important mission of Jesus on earth? _____________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _______________________________ 4 Why did Jesus not conquer the soldiers with the assistance of angels? _________________________________________________________ _______________________________ 5 For whose sins did Jesus die innocently? ________________________ _______________________________ 6 What happened to Jesus on the third day after the crucifxion? _______ _________________________________________________________ 7 What does it mean to be saved? _______________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ 8 Write down the continuation of this Bible verse: “...and the blood of Jesus, his Son ____________________________________________” 9 Write at least four important things, which God wants to do for you! _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
23 How you receive eternal life God gives you good gifts Salvation means many positive things to you – if you receive it. Besides forgiveness for your sins and deliverance from the power of the devil, you receive the gift of becoming a child of God. He wants to give you power to be a follower of Jesus Christ. If you desire to do the will of God, your life will be more exciting and interesting. You will be flled with the peace that God alone can give. This does not mean that a Christian is fully delivered from sorrows and trials. However a Christian receives power and help from God to conquer the trials. You can also look forward to eter - nal life in the heaven with God, where there is no sorrow, no com - plaining, no pain and no death. “Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling ofering and sacrifce that pleases God.” Eph 5:1-2 “...You are stained (colored) red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains (sins) are deep red, you will be as white as wool” (from white sheep) . Is 1:18 “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27 “He (God) will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief (sorrow) or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” Rev 21:4 Salvation by grace You receive forgiveness and salvation by grace because of what Jesus has done, without actually deserving it. Our own good deeds will not bring us eternal life. Only our salvation by grace in Jesus Christ will do this. You can become saved, even if you don’t believe in all what is written in the Bible. “Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem (save) the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved.” 1 Tim 2:6 Salvation means many good things to you You can receive forgiveness and help from God Even if your sins are deep red, they can be white as white wool Jesus sufered voluntarily for your sake
24 “Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law (Moses) requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires.” Gal 2:16 Jesus who was without sin – died voluntarily Jesus allowed these things to happen although he knew that he, be - ing the Son of God, could have escaped from this terrible sufering. Jesus had the power to call for more than 72 000 of angels to help him. His sufering was necessary in order to wipe out our sins sav - ing us from the hell. Jesus who was without sin died for the sake of sinful people – for us who had deserved to be judged. “But because of our sins he (Jesus) was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he sufered, made whole by the blows he received. All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. But the Lord made the punish ­ ment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved. ” Is 53:5-6 What Jesus has done for you What Jesus did for the people who lived during his life on earth, he did for you too. For you – Jesus voluntarily • left the heavenly glory and came to the sinful world; • allowed himself to be arrested, falsely accused and mocked; • was beaten by whips with loads of metal in their ends that gave him bleeding wounds; • had a crown of long piercing thorns put into his head, so that his blood dripped; • was nailed in great pain to a wooden cross; • died a painful death on the cross, to save us. Give thanks to the Lord! Think upon the wonderful things, which Jesus did during his life on the earth that he did also for you! It was even for you, as Jesus of his free will came to the earth to sufer and die a painful death. Through this ofer he paid the price for our sins, although he was not guilty and completely free from sin. We cannot thank the Lord too much for this! Jesus could have received help from angels if he had asked for it Are you like a sheep that is lost in the wilderness? Receive forgivene - ss now! You don´t know if you are alive tomorrow
25 When does God want you to receive salvation? If you are not sure you have got forgiveness, God wants you to pray to him for forgiveness right now. The only time you can be sure to fnd God is now. We don’t know for sure whether we will be alive tomorrow. “Never boast about tomorrow. You don’t know what will happen between now and then.” Prov 27:1 “Turn to the Lord and pray to him, now that he is near.” Is 55:6 Receive the gift of salvation Perhaps you think you are a good person because you have ne - ver stolen, murdered or deceived. You perhaps ask very satisfed with yourself: “Of what great sin am I guilty?” If you don’t receive the Saviour, you are guilty of the terrible sin: rejecting (turning down) God . Also if you don’t believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, you don’t change this true fact nor does your guilt become smaller. Re - ceive Jesus as your personal, loving Saviour if you have not al - ready done that. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 Your will is important If you will receive the gift of salvation, is depending of if you want to receive it and is not depending on your feelings. To be saved you have to confess, that you have acted wrongly, that you have done such things from which you need forgiveness. The Bible calls these things sin. You need to be willing to stop sinning and obey God. You also need to believe, that you can receive forgiveness, because Jesus has sufered and died for your sins . Choose salvation and God´s wonderful heaven Many millions of people believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross, and that he is the Son of God. However, if the sufering of Jesus does not become a personal thing for you, that you yourself recei - ve, all its worth is lost for you. Do you really want that this great, loving and unselfsh work that Jesus has done also for you be done in vain, do you? Do you want to spend the eternity in God’s wonderful heaven or in the hell? Decide today where you will be in the eternity. Say yes to Jesus who loves you. The choice is yours! This is probably the most important decision in your life. Confess your sins now! Admit that you have sinned and confess your individual sins
26 If you don’t receive the salvation, you cannot come to God’s won - derful heaven, but are lost forever. When you pray for forgiveness you receive salvation. “Like the Son of Man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem (save) many people.” Matt 20:28 Confess your sins Have you broken against the commandment which Jesus calls the greatest and most important commandment? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important com ­ mandment.” Matt 22:37-38 God wants that you confess your sins to him and ask for forgive - ness. In the Bible, God has promised us in writing, that when we confess our sins to God, he forgives them. “But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.” 1 John 1:9 “If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.” Rom 10:9-10 Ask for forgiveness We may pray to God in a simple way, as we feel it. Perhaps it is difcult for you to pray with your own words. If you can agree with the following prayer then pray it just now. Pray sincerely thinking of what you say and do. “Dear God, I know that I have sinned against you. I am sorry about my sins, and I do not want to do such things, that I know are wrong any more. Forgive my sins. I believe that Jesus gave his life on the cross for me too. I receive Jesus and I confess Jesus as my Saviour and follow him. Amen.” Believe that God has forgiven you If you have prayed this prayer, meant what you have said, then you did what the Bible tells you to do. You have confessed your sins and asked for forgiveness. Therefore God has kept his promise and has forgiven your sins. Read above 1 John 1:9 again and think of the fact that this Bible verse is for you. Jesus sufered cruel torture when he carried your sins Pray honestly Confess your sins now!
27 The sins are swept away like clouds Many times we have seen clouds moving on the sky, and after a while some clouds have reduced in size. Within a short time those clouds have become smaller and soon disappeared. So it is also when God forgives. He takes away the sins forever. He sweeps them away like a cloud that disappears forever. The Bible says, “I have swept your sins away like a cloud. Come back to me; I am the one who saves you.” Is 44:22 What happens if you sin? When you have asked for forgiveness and received him as your Sa - viour, you have started a new life. The Spirit of God has come into you. You are born again by faith in Jesus, and have become a child of God – just as the Bible says. “Some, however, did receive him (Jesus) and believed in him so he gave them the right to become God’s children.” John 1:12 This does not say that you give up sinning at once. When you are disobedient to God you are sinning, but you are still a child of God. However, you have disturbed your friendship with him. Therefore you have to ask God for forgiveness and tell him, that you don’t want to sin any more. The Bible says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.” 1 John 1:8-9 Be thankful to the Lord When you have prayed and confessed your sins to God – thank God that he has forgiven you. Make up your mind that Jesus is your Saviour and you will obey God . We hope you have got a frm faith that your sins are forgiven. If you still doubt, you ought to consult a burning (*) Christian about this thing. Guidance from God will solve the problems. In the next 24 hours tell somebody that you are a Christian. Don’t be ashamed of showing that you are a Christian – neither at home nor at your place of work! “And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is fnished on the Day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6 We suggest you read the Bible verses in chapter 4 several times – until you understand them and know some of them by heart. After answering of the questions on Question page 4 you will in chapter 5 read more about how you can know, that you are forgiven. (*) a devoted Christian who is obedient to God. God forgives and delivers from sin God hears your prayers. Give him thanks! The Bible is spiritual food for a Christian
28 Question page 4. Questions to learn 1 Are you able to receive eternal life by your own good deeds?____________________________ 2 Write down some things that Jesus has done voluntarily for you. ________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 3 Do you need to wait for certain feelings to be saved? __________________ ____________________________________________________________ 4 When is the time you can be quite sure to fnd God?___________________ 5 Write down shortly what you have to do, to be saved __________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ______________________________ 6 Fill in the words lacking in the following Bible verse: “But if we confess our sins to God, ________________________________ ______________ and do what is right: _____________________________ _________________ and purify us from all our wrongdoing.” 7 Have you prayed God to forgive your sins?__________________________ 8 Do you believe your sins are forgiven because of what Jesus has done? ________________________ 9 Have you received Jesus as your Saviour, and do you want to confess him as your Saviour? ___________________
29 The way ahead. How you win the victory Don’t give up! If you still have not asked God for forgiveness or are not complete - ly sure that your sins are forgiven, you should not give up. Instead, pray honestly God to forgive your sins right now . Then thank God that he has forgiven you. Believe in God who never tells a lie and believe in the promises in the Bible. Read chapter 5 once more to receive more faith. You don’t need to fght in your own strength. God loves you and wants to give you everything needed in order to succeed. In chapter 5 you read about how good it is to pray and thank God very much. Below there are other good advice which will help you to become a victorious Christian. 3. Read the Bible every day If a baby is to grow normally, it must have the right food. If your Christian life is to grow, you must also in the beginning have easily digested spiritual food. God through the Bible gives us this food. The Bible is the word of God and tells you how to live your life, and what God wants you to do. “Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jeal ­ ousy or insulting language. Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved.” 1 Pet 2:1-2 The Bible is like a mirror. It shows you how you really are. When the words of the Bible have shown your failings and sins – pray God for forgiveness and leave them. Decide to overcome your fail - ings in the power of Jesus Christ . The word of God says, ”Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like. But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice – you will be blessed by God in what you do.” James 1:22-25 The Bible is important spiritual food. Read it every day! The Bible is like a mirror
30 The Bible is the sword of the Spirit The word of the Bible is a weapon that God has given us that we might conquer the devil. Jesus used it when he was tempted and won victory. By reading and speaking the word of the Bible will enable even you to more easily conquer temptations of the devil. The Bible has an inner power to change people. “The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double­edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.” Heb 4:12 Before and during your Bible reading, ask God to help you to cor - rectly understand what you are reading. Seek the will of God, be humble and leave wrong opinions. Obey God when he e.g. shows you something in the Bible, which you should put into practice. The New Testament (NT) is a part of the Bible. If it not is available, you can read some Bible verses in this book. Do it every day, until you have a NT or a whole Bible. God can speak to you through the words of the Bible, when you read in prayer. 4. Tell others what you have experienced It is important, that you show and tell , that you are a Christian – so Jesus can acknowledge (confess) you. Don’t be ashamed (shy) of Jesus, your Saviour, who has done so much for you. Jesus says, “Those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same for them before my Father in heaven. But those who re ­ ject me publicly, I will reject before my Father in heaven.” Matt 10:32-33 God wants us Christians to be his disciples and to tell other people of salvation – that Jesus died for everybody’s sins. By doing so they come to know that they can receive forgiveness on the basis of what Jesus did. When we try to win other people for God, he often gives us much extra power and later great joy. See headline “Win others.” 5. Get baptized in water The Bible says we should be baptized in water as soon as we have received faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Matt 28:19 “Many of them believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to the group that day.” Acts 2:41 The word of the Bible is sharper than a double- edged sword Ask God to help you to understand rightly Tell people that you are a Christian and to read this book Get baptized in water
31 6. Pray for more of the Holy Spirit and God´s love When you receive Jesus Christ, you also get the Holy Spirit (tHS) inside you. God also, as soon as possible, wants to give you, more of (tHS) – to the extent that your inner man is flled up with it and much joy. This is the kind of joyful experience, that the disciples of Jesus had on the day of Pentecost, when they were baptized in (tHS). We don’t deserve to receive the gift (tHS), so we would be humble when we have received it. Jesus says that this flling up with (tHS) is necessary for such a ministry that Jesus requires and expects from us. He ordered his disciples not to start their Christian ministry, until they had been baptized in (tHS). “And when they came together, he (Jesus) gave them this order. Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 In fact, Jesus says it is more important that the Christians receive the Holy Spirit, than that Jesus himself remained on earth. Jesus says, “But I am telling you the truth: it is better for you that I go away, be ­ cause if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you. But if I do go away, then I will send him to you.” John 16:7 You receive courage, joy and help By the flling with the gift (tHS), we Christians get power and cour - age to serve God – and that more than we can get in any other way. By (tHS), God also wants use us so that miracles can be done. Through miracles many people get respect and interest for God and experience salvation. Many people experience (tHS) as a supernatural power, that gives more courage and joy. It becomes also easier to read and understand the Bible, to do the will of God and to love others. (THS) is in the Bible also called the Helper . He is a person who wants to help you to live as a good, happy, brave and burning Chris - tian and to tell others about Jesus Christ. Therefore it is very impor - tant that you are flled with (tHS). Pray that God will fll you with the Holy Spirit Help those who are in trouble You receive more power from God You receive more courage and happiness
32 God wants to fll every Christian with (tHS) – everyone who is longing for this gift can receive more of it. Jesus says, “As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your chil ­ dren. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luk 11:13 Gifts to better be able to help others It is important that you are longing for the flling with (tHS) to be able to help others – not only to enjoy the good things given by God. Allow God to guide you in everything. Obey him and be ready to change anything that God directs you to change. Then you can by the grace of God receive more of the (tHS). “We are witnesses to these things – we and the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32 God wants us to receive his gifts by faith , even if we don’t feel anything special. “But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, must not think you will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:6-8 Thank the Lord for prayer answers Every day, spiritual power should fow from a Christian in order to give other people help and joy. Therefore pray every day for more of (tHS) and the love of God so you always have something to give others. Thank God for having received it and you will get more. Jesus says, “But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be flled with power, and you will be witnesses for me...” Acts 1:8 When we are flled with (tHS), we also receive more of the love of God. It is the frst of the qualities, from which we are able to iden - tify a Christian. “But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good ­ ness, faithfulness, humility, and self­control. There is no law against such things as these.” Gal 5:22-23 Leave bad habits. Let God decide over your life Believe — do not doubt like the disciple Peter who thought he was Ask for the fruit of the Spirit
33 7. Show love – especially to Christians When we get flled with (tHS), it is natural to us to love one another. This self-sacrifcing love is a very important thing in a Christian’s life. Jesus says, “And now I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 When we obey this commandment and love one another, positive things begin to take place. Act lovingly, carefully and with self- sacrifcing – especially towards other Christians. If we don’t have love , our work will have lesser meaning . “So then, as often we have the chance, we should do good to every ­ one, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.” Gal 6:10 “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. And you are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12-14 Jesus says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 “I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned – but if I have no love, this does me no good.” 1 Cor 13:3 8. Obey God who loves you It is necessary that you yourself obey God , if your spiritual life will grow positively. You can then be of greater joy and help to other people. If you obey God and thank him, you too will receive more of (tHS) and come into God’s plan for your life. Then your life will have more meaning and importance. God also by grace wants to give you spiritual gifts, so you are able to be a great help and joy to others. Read 1 Cor 12. When you start a new life as a Christian, God wants you to stop sin - ning. However, God does not expect you to do more for him, than he gives you power to do. God loves you , and he knows what is best for you – so you don’t need to be afraid of anything. “We are witnesses to these things, we and the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32 J esus says: “Those who accept my commandments and obey them, are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal (show) myself to them.” John 14:21 Love one another! Act lovingly! Rescued from drowning. Love one another like Jesus loves you. Obey God. Let Jesus be your Master Don’t let riches catch you! –
34 When we obey the commands of Jesus, we remain in his love and our joy may be complete. Jesus says: “I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11 9. Resist the devil in the name of Jesus Christ! The devil is enormously evil. He steals, kills, destroys, cheats, tempts and lies. Remember: The devil is a liar! He often mixes up his lies with truth, and he tries to imitate God in order to cheat us. We all get tempted sometimes or are attacked in other ways by the devil. You can be free from the attack, if you resist and rebuke (send of) him, by severely commanding him once or several times: “In the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ , go away from me!” The devil cannot resist the power of the blood of Jesus Christ or in the name of Jesus Christ. This is valid especially if a Christian with a pure heart speaks out the commandment. “So then, submit (obey) yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypo ­ crites!” James 4:7,8 “Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.” Col 3:17 10. Have fellowship with other Christians If a burning coal falls from the fre, it soon burns out and gets cold and dead. In the same way your love for Christ might become smaller and die, if you don’t have fellowship with other burning Christians. When you have received forgiveness on the basis of what Jesus has done, then at least some of them you have fellow - ship with should be devoted Christians who are obedient to God. Join a living biblical church where they worship God, and where all the word of God is preached. A church where they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has become a man like us. They should also believe that Jesus Christ has died for our sins and is risen. A biblical church is a wonderful group of people, that God wants to use. If there is no such church where you live, you ought to take con - tact with burning Christians in your neighbourhood. Join e.g. a cell group where you can meet often to pray, grow in your Christian life, win others and have nice fellowship together and so on. The devil is a liar! Resist the devil and he will run away from you Put on all the armour…against the devil’s evil tricks. Eph 6:11-18 A separated burning coal will soon be cold and dead Associate with “living” Christians
35 Go forward Apply (Practice) daily the 10 important advice in the chapters 5 and 6. God wants to guide you into his plan for your life. Allow God to direct everything that is important in your life, so you can do his will. Then your new life will become more interesting and grow to greater meaning. You may also bring joy and blessings to many. What is your goal for your life? Paul, the great apostle, writes in the Bible about his goal. “I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.” Phil 3:12-14 Stand frmly in your faith and stretch out for the goal – the wonder - ful heavenly life, that God has prepared for those who love him. Participate in a cell group with burning Christians, where you can get warm fellowship and Bible teaching. Besides you can get help in prayer, spiritual guidance and training to win others for the Lord. Don’t allow studies or work prevent you from participating in the cell group. When you frst are doing the will of the Lord , he blesses and helps you in studies and work. Then you receive what you need. Jesus says, “Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.” Matt 6:33. See also Matt 6:25-34 Suggestions of more important Bible verses In the Bible you can read more about how to live the new life. You may continue with Eph 4:17-32; 5:1-19; Phil 3:7-11; Gal 5:13- 26; the three chapters 1 Cor 12; 13; 14, the Gospel of John and the Gospel of Mark. Then read the whole New Testament (NT), which is easier to understand than the Old Testament. Continue to willingly make others interested in this book according to below. See the headline “Win others.” Please answer the ques - tions on Question page 6 at once. God is close to you to: • save you if you have not yet received forgiveness • heal you if you are sick • help you if you are in need • calm and free you if you are sad or depressed. Go on towards heaven — the eternal goal! We win the victory through the power in the name of Jesus Christ and his The Bible — the word of God Look forward to the wonderful life of heaven
36 Question page 6. Questions to learn We ask you to answer the questions honestly. 1 Do you want to live as God wants you to do, by the help God gives to you? Yes No 2 Have you been in touch with other burning Christians in the locality where you live? Yes No ________________________________________________________ 3 Write down the right word over the line below: God wants you to give up and stop ________________when you start a new life as a Christian. 4 God wants you to have a victorious and joyful Christian life. Which are the 10 important advice, that God wants you to follow, to live in victory, joy and be able to receive more help and strength from him? (2 advice in chapter 5). 1 ___________________________________________________________ 2 ___________________________________________________________ 3 ___________________________________________________________ 4 ___________________________________________________________ 5 ___________________________________________________________ 6 ___________________________________________________________ 7 ___________________________________________________________ 8 ___________________________________________________________ 9 ___________________________________________________________ 10 ___________________________________________________________
37 Win others! Do you like this book? Tell others about it! Do you want your friends, relatives, neighbours and others who you know to fnd the way to salvation and receive help from God? They also can read about how to get a new meaning and a better purpose to their lives. God wants you and me to win others for him. “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples...” Matt 28:19 It is a privilege to serve the Lord. According to the Introduction the content of this book has been to salvation for several 10 thousands of people. Therefore it is important to spread this book to many. Please, buy willingly some extra sets of the book, so you are able to give it to friends, relatives and others who want to read it. You will do them a big favour and serve the Lord by telling about this book! Show the book and motivate them so they will be more interested. Ask if they want to read the book. If they agree, you may directly hand over it to them. If they wish, write their names, phone numbers and addresses so you can continue to guide and fol - low up them. Thank you for helping by spreading this joyful message. As you know you remember better, if you read the same text several times. Because of that we suggest you to read the book once more, so you get still more joy and great use of it. Then you also will be to more joy and blessings for others. God bless you!
38 Questions to learn. Examples of correct answers Please try to always answer the questions without looking at the answers below. Look only on the answer when you cannot fnd it in the chapter where the question is. There can be several correct answers. Questionpage 1. 1 By reading the Bible and doing own experiences, for instance (e.g.) getting prayer answers and seeing that Bible verses, which I can check are correct. 2 God is everywhere. 3 God is loving, good, righteous, holy, merciful, without deceit, longsufering, faith - ful, gentle, just, great in power, never tired, does not change, angry against sin. 4 God’s possibilities are unlimited. Everything is possible for God. 5 I myself am loved by God. 6 God loves me more than a mother loves her child. 7 God. 8 God. Questionpage 2. 1 The Bible is the word of God himself. 2 Yes. 3a Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 3b Yes. 3c Jesus died to take the punishment for our sins, so we can receive forgiveness. 4 To be snared in the net of the devil and to become his slaves. 5 “Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence” . Rom 3:23 6 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart , with all your soul, and with all your mind . This is the greatest and the most important commandment”. Matt 22: 37,38 7 Yes, I have sinned. Questionpage 3. 1 …”You are my own dear Son”...Luk 3:22 2 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” . John 3:16 3 To sufer in our place and to die for our sins, although Jesus himself was without sin and was not guilty of any evil. 4 Because Jesus loves us and ofered himself of his own free will for our sake. 5 For the sake of our (my) sins. 6 Jesus became alive again by the power of God. 7 Because of what Jesus has done receive forgiveness for my sins and be delivered from the power of the devil. 8 …”and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifes us from every sin” . 1 John 1:7 9 Forgive my sins. Give me eternal life. Heal me from diseases. Help me when I am in need or want other help. Relieve/ free me when I am sad or depressed.
39 Questionpage 4 1 No, no man is so good. 2 Jesus left heaven, got arrested, falsely accused, mocked, beaten with whips, wore a crown of thorns, was nailed and died on the cross for me. 3 No, the salvation is not depending on my feelings. 4 Now. 5 Confess my sins and pray about forgiveness. Have the will to receive forgiveness and not go on sinning. Want to obey God. 6 “If we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing” . 1 John 1:9 7 Yes or No. *) 8 Yes or No. *) 9 Yes or No *) (Jesus is my Saviour and I want to confess him as my Saviour). Questionpage 5 1 We shall rely on (trust in, believe) the promise of God in the Bible, where God, who cannot lie says that Jesus is our Saviour. “Although your sins are deep red, you will be as white as wool”. Is 1:18 2 Because Jesus has promised me eternal life in the Bible. 3 “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us”. Ps 103:12 4 “I have swept your sins away like a cloud ”. Is 44:22 5 Yes or No. *) If your answer is No, pray that all your sins will be forgiven. 6 Thank God that he has forgiven you. 7 Yes or No. *). 8 God loves me and wants to help me and give me everything I need to live a good life (to go on well). Questionpage 6 1 Yes or No. *) (Yes, I want to live according to the will of God.) 2 Yes or No.*) 3 God wants you to stop sinning when you start a new life as a Christian. 4 1 Pray many times a day in the name of Jesus Christ. 2 Thank God a lot. 3 Read the Bible every day. 4 Tell others what I have experienced. 5 Get baptized in water. 6 Pray for more of the Holy Spirit and God’s love. 7 Show love, especially to Christians. 8 Obey God who loves you. 9 Resist the devil in the name of Jesus Christ. 10 Have fellowship with other Christians. *) Depending on the actual situation.