Training For Latin Trainers

T4LT

Author: Ying Kai

September 2004 Version

by

Middle America & Caribbean

Regional Training Team

a.k.a. Equipo Timoteo

capacitando entrenadores: cada creyente un entrenador

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Urgency of Spreading the Gospel 3

I. The Biblical Foundation – Lesson 1 For Trainers 3

II. Understanding God’s Will – God loves you and wants to save 6

your family through you – Lesson 2 For Trainers

III. Preparing to be a Trainer – Lesson 3 For Trainers 7

IV. Characteristics of Rapidly Multiplying Churches – Lesson 4 For Trainers 8

V. Preparing and Sharing Your Personal Testimony – Lesson 5 For Trainers11

VI. Sharing the Gospel – Lesson 6 For Trainers11

VII. Overview of Bible Studies For New Believers – Lesson 7 For Trainers12

Bible Study 1 For New Believers – Assurance of Salvation12

Bible Study 2 For New Believers – Preparing & Sharing Your PersonalTestimony15

Bible Study 3 For New Believers – How to Share the Gospel 18

Bible Study 4 For New Believers – The God of Our Salvation 21

Bible Study 5 For New Believers – Using God’s Word in Our Daily Devotions 24

Bible Study 6 For New Believers - Understanding Prayer 27

Bible Study 7 For New Believers – The Church and the Believer 29

Bible Study 8 For New Believers – Our Privileges and Responsibilities in the31

Body of Christ, the Church

Bible Study 9 For New Believers – Spreading the Gospel in the Power 33

of God’s Spirit

Commitment Time 35

Commitment Sheet36

VIII.How to Study the Bible – Lesson 8 For Trainers 37

IX. Having a God-given vision and setting goals – Lesson 9 For Trainers 38

TRACK ONE for trainers

The Urgency of Spreading the Gospel

The day of the Lord’s coming is near. How much time do we have to spread the Gospel to the world? Today, the population of the world is over 6 billion, but 2/3rd’s of the world’s population lives in spiritual darkness. In Middle America and the Caribbean, 9 out of 10 people do not know Christ as Savior. Therefore, we need to rise up immediately to further our spreading of the Gospel. However, this should not be merely talk, but we should have the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to spread the good news to the whole world. We need to equip all believers to train others to obey the commandments of Christ and share the Gospel with others.

I. The Biblical Foundation – Lesson 1 For Trainers

The Great Commission from Jesus; Matthew 28:18-20

After Jesus had risen, He spent 40 days teaching His disciples and encouraging them to spread the message of salvation. In the book of Mathew, Jesus called the disciples to the mountain in Galilee. There He gave them the Great Commission.

  1. The Great Commander

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Here the risen Lord reminds us that He is the one with the highest authority in the whole universe. He stated clearly, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This means everything that we can imagine in the universe, all heaven and earth are included. All the authority and power belongs to our heavenly Father, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

As we think about someone having complete power and authority over us, would we not listen to them? If we really understand his authority, then we will most definitely obey his commands. For example, a soldier should obey his captains’ commands. Even more authoritative are the lieutenants’ and generals’ commands. Now if the commander-in-chief himself were to come and give the soldier an order, then the soldier’s obedience will unquestionably be 100%. This soldier would not give the command a second thought, but would obey and accomplish the task right away. Our Lord Jesus Christ has clearly revealed to us His authority and power, so we must completely submit ourselves to Him.

  1. The Great Commission

Jesus said unto them, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:29-20

The beginning of the command is to “go” or “as you are going”. “Go” is a keyword, because if we do not go, we will be unable to fulfill the rest of the command. We should not just expect people will come to us; we must go to them. Friends, let us set our hearts to go now! Once we go, we will see the path the Lord has set for us. Once we go, we will see the many people that need Him. If we don’t go, we are being disobedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord wants “disciples of all nations,” that is, everyone to be his disciples. This means everyone is not just a believer, Christian, church member, fellowship member, etc., but a disciple. Jesus wants everyone to become His “disciples.” A “disciple” is a real learner, one who follows the master’s steps in order to learn everything the master knows until the day he is able to go out alone and become a discipler or trainer. Therefore, we cannot just lead people to be believers, church members, etc., but we must train them to become trainers who can prepare others.

Repentance of sin and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ will result in being saved. Biblical baptism is a very important witness to others around us. Biblical aptism is also a step of obedience to Christ’s command, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

The Lord also wants us to teach others to obey all that he has commanded us. This is a vital part of making disciples. To “make disciples” is not complete unless it leads them to a life of obeying Jesus’ commandments. In turn, as they obey what Jesus commands, they too will come full circle to make disciples. The trainees will become trainers.

One final yet important aspect of this command is that Jesus promises to be with us “to the very end of the age” as we obediently go and make disciples. He is our King that leads out in the battle, not expecting his soldiers to fight alone.

  1. The Great Challenge

Once we recognize the rapid multiplication style and method, we should start our training work immediately, resulting in each person we encounter to be transformed into a “trainer.” We are not doing leadership training, nor are we training disciples; we are preparing reliable disciples to be “trainers.” This comes from 2 Timothy 2:2 where Paul speaks to Timothy, saying “and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

We can see the Lord’s will in this, which is to save everyone, starting within one’s own family. God is concerned about you and wants to use you to bring your whole family to salvation.

D. Why should we respond?

In our world, we recognize at least 4 different pleas to go share the gospel.

  1. The challenge from above – this is Jesus’ command.

a.He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15

b.Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Isaiah 6:8

  1. We see that throughout the ages the Lord had been calling out for those who would “go” and preach the good news.
  1. The challenge from below – the plea that comes from the souls that are suffering in hell.

a. When both the rich man and Lazarus died, the rich man went to hell and Lazarus went to Abraham’s side.

b. “The rich man said to Abraham ‘I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’” Luke 16:27 - 28

c. Do we hear the plea of those that are suffering in hell to go to those who still have a chance while they are on earth before the Lord’s return?

3. The challenge from inside – the call that comes from within every one of Jesus’ disciples.

a.From the moment Paul believed in Christ, he felt God’s call within him to go and preach the gospel.

b.He said, “Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If Ipreach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

c.Every one of Jesus’ disciples should be like Paul – we should all sense God’s call to go and share the gospel from the moment we come to know Christ.

  1. The challenge from outside – the calling from Macedonia.

a. “During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” Acts 16:9

  1. Once Paul got his calling from the outside, he brought the gospel from Asia to Europe. Later on, we see that the gospel is spread from Europe to North America, and finally throughout the world. But there is much yet to be done. Latin America is beginning to answer the Macedonian call.

Therefore, each and every one of us should be capable of recognizing these 4 challenges, compelling us to go and preach the gospel.

II. Understanding God’s Will – God loves you and wants to save your family through you – Lesson 2 For Trainers

Below are examples of people God used to reach their families and those around them.

A. NOAH -Genesis 6, 7, 8 (6:18)

  1. In spite of all the wickedness of mankind, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. God commanded him to build an ark to save himself, his family and the earth’s animals.
  2. At a minimum: Noah saved his own family. At the very least we should witness to our own family so that they can be saved.

B. LOT - Genesis 19 (19:16)

1. God was going to destroy the city but saved Lot and his family.

2. A messenger of God told Lot to find anyone else related to him in the city and get them out so that they could be saved from the destruction.

  1. Although Lot’s own sons-in-law laughed God saved Lot, his wife and his two daughters.

C. RAHAB – Joshua 2 (2:17-20)

  1. She provided protection for the two spies.
  2. God spared her whole family.

D. DEMON POSSESSED MAN – Mark 5 (5:12-20)

1. The man was healed by Jesus and wanted to follow Jesus.

2. Jesus sent him to share the good news with his family.

  1. He then witnessed to people all over the ten cities of the Decapolis.

E. CORNELIUS – Acts 10 (10:24)

  1. A man of reputation and position seeks after God.
  2. After seeing a vision he sends for Peter.
  3. He influences his whole household – family and friends.

F. LYDIA – Acts 16 (16:11-15)

  1. She was a business person who responded to the gospel.
  2. Immediately she led her family to Christ.

G. JAILER AT PHILIPPI – Acts 16 (16:22-34)

1. Adversary to the gospel before being saved.

2. Heard the gospel and immediately put his faith in Jesus.

  1. Immediately brought Paul & Silas to share with his family and they believed.
  2. The jailer and his entire family were baptized the same night.

H. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

  1. God also cares about you and wants to save your entire family through you.
  2. What steps can you take to make this possible?

III. Preparing to be a Trainer – Lesson 3 For Trainers

With your group work through the following suggestions for building a faithful life.

Build a faithful life by:

A. Offering your life daily to God. Romans 12:1-2; Luke 9:23

B.Being a soldier of God. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

C.Acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s protection and power. John 17:12; Acts 1:8

D.Maintaining a life of praise and worship. Mark 12:30

E.Having a life full of prayer. Acts 1:14; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6

Teach the trainers to have a life full of prayer. Praying is essential to serving God. It is also the trainer’s main source of power. See Bible study 2 – Understanding Prayer.

F.Putting on the armor of God. Romans 13:12; Ephesians 6:10-18

God’s soldiers must put on their armor every single day. This armor is not to be put on only once but to be put on each day so that the Devil’s every attack and schemes can be defeated.

G.Walking in the fullness of Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Teach them the importance of the filling of the Holy Spirit so that they will be open to the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives (fruit, gifts, evangelism).

H.Living a life full of praise in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Every trainer should understand the importance of giving thanks in all situations. Regardless of problems encountered, whether good or bad, successful or not, praise ought to be given to God for giving praise is respecting God’s authority.

I.Showing a positive attitude through your gratitude. Philippians 4:12-13

Every situation must be viewed positively at all times and encouragement should be given to his trainees, for one positive word can be the foundation of their faith and courage.

J. Spreading the Gospel. Ephesians 6:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2;

Trainers should pray for: open doors; boldness to speak; rapid spread of the Gospel; and protection from evil and wicked men.

IV. Characteristics of Rapidly Multiplying Churches – Lesson 4 For Trainers

Time is running out as Jesus’ second coming is drawing near. We must use the most efficient and fastest methods of sharing the gospel to see God reap the harvest of souls. The following information is offered in order to better explain churches that rapidly multiply.

A. Definition of a New Testament church:

A local church is a group of baptized believers covenanted together into community by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of worship, fellowship, witness, nurture, and ministry.

1. Meet regularly for worship, fellowship, mutual support, and ministry.

2. Proclaim Christ to unbelievers and disciple believers.

3. Organize and administer their affairs, choosing their leadership (who may or may not be paid, trained, ordained, or one of the members of the group).

4. Administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper.

B. A rapidly multiplying church . . .

1. is a modern expression of a New Testament church.

2. is well grounded in the Scriptures as its sole guide in faith and practice

3. is highly evangelistic and is driven by a passion to win the lost

4. sees discipleship as obedience based and not knowledge based

5. sees every believer as a minister (servant-leader)

6. seeks to train every believer to be a trainer, who trains others to be mature reproducing Christians; multigenerational - 2 Timothy 2:2

7. is guided by lay leadership under the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit

8. makes its own decisions based upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit and is not dependent upon outside influences to make decisions

9. financially supports all activities and ministries with its own tithes and offerings and is not dependent upon outside influences for resources

10. sees itself as the local expression of the body of Christ and ministers to the needs of its community

11. fulfills all of the ordinances of the Church under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and is not dependent upon outside influences to fulfill scriptural mandates

C. Rapid growth in the book of Acts

Acts 2:41 “Those who accepted his message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

Acts 2:47b “ …And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Acts 4:4 “But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.”

Acts 8:4 “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”

Acts 12:24 “But the word of God continued to increase and spread.”

Acts 13:49 “The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

Acts 19:20 “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.””

The Apostle Paul prayed the following in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”

D. Taking a closer look at rapid growth in the book of Acts

  1. What does the term “rapid growth” mean to you?
  1. If you were to have rapid growth in your church, what would it look like? How would you describe it?
  1. Do you agree with the statement that there was rapid growth of churches that multiplied in the Book of Acts? (Yes or No) What does the Bible say?
  1. Do you see rapid growth in other evangelical churches? (Yes or No)

If your answer is “yes”, exactly where are you seeing that kind of rapid growth? (for example, What is the name of the church and where is it located?)

  1. Are we reaching the goal of planting multiplying churches in the way that we are doing it right now? (Yes or No)
  1. What group of people do you have a vision for reaching with the Gospel? (“Everyone” is not an acceptable answer. Please, be specific. For instance, “the middle class people in our neighborhood” or “the people who work in the Children’s Hospital”, or “the people that live in the refugee camps”, or “a specific ethnic group in our city or town” would be better answers.)
  1. Can you give an estimate of the number of people who belong to that group?
  1. How many evangelical churches are there in that group?
  1. What are the methods being used to plant churches within that group? (for example, evangelistic meetings, cell groups, etc.)

10. If you could see your wildest dreams for this group come true, how would you describe this group after receiving the Gospel? What would it look like?