HAEC New Members Manual

HOPE AGLOW EMPOWERMENT CENTER
NEW MEMBERS GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME 1
By Senior Pastor Levonzia and Lady Saverna Stevens

WHY DO WE JOIN CHURCHES/FELLOWSHIPS 2

EMPOWERMENT FROM RECEIVING THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR 4

SENIOR PASTOR LEVONZIA AND LADY STEVENS 5

EMPOWERING VISION, PURPOSE, AND MISSION OF 6

DISCOVERING TRUE KINGDOM OUTREACH 9

STEWARDSHIP EMPOWERMENT 15

MEMBERSHIP COVENANT 19

CHURCH OPERATIONS 21

MEMBER SERVICES 23

SPIRITUAL MINISTRY SERVICES 24

HAEC – ORGANIZATION CHART 25

NEXT STEPS 28

STATEMENT OF FAITH 30

TRAINING FOR SERVICE BIBLE TEACHING 40

UPDATED: May 11, 2012 1

NEW MEMBERS GUIDE

WELCOME TO HOPE AGLOW EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Welcome New Member,

Lady Stevens and I are extremely overjoyed in knowing that you have decided to
enter into a covenant relationship with the members of Hope Aglow Empowerment
Center.

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center is an extended family, yet to some it’s their
only family. Therefore, we take our covenant with you very seriously. We are
here for you and your family to help you in your spiritual growth. We appreciate
and thank God that you have made this awesome decision to become a part of our
family.

We have a clear vision, purpose, and mission which you will be taught in this new
member’s class. We believe that every person has been given a purpose to fulfill.
My hopes are that you find your place and become an active partner in this
ministry.

As we partner together, our individualized purposes are linked which creates a
rewarding team. By learning the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, you
will come to know that you will be surrounded by a caring family, which has your
best interest at heart. Once again, please get involved for the workload is great.
By linking up with us, the load has just become lighter.

Levonzia Stevens, Sr. Saverna Stevens
Senior Pastor First Lady
Hope Aglow Empowerment Center Hope Aglow Empowerment Center

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NEW MEMBERS GUIDE

Why Do We Join Churches/Fellowships
Adopt from Christian Answer Network

When you become a Christian, you are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9).
But I John 1:3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with
other Christians.

The New Testament never divides Christians into the church members and the non-church
members. All the way through, it assumes that everybody participates in their local assembly. It
gives no examples of Christians who belong to the “church as a whole” but have no link with a
local church. One scholar has said that "any idea...of enjoying salvation or being a Christian in
isolation is foreign to the New Testament writings" (Alan Stibbs, God's Church, p. 92).
Wherever Christians are within range of each other in the New Testament, they meet. Every time
the apostle Paul comes to a town in the book of Acts where there are no Christians, he wins a
few converts and immediately organizes them into a small group - a little church.

Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: "And upon the first day of the week, when the
disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them." For Christians in every location,
regular gathering was a part of life.
It's illogical to say that you are merely part of the worldwide, universal church, yet refuse to
gather with the segment of that church as a whole that exists in your geographical area. It would
be like claiming you have a car, when the right fender is in Washington DC, the engine is in
Maryland, and the wheels are in Virginia! You don't have a car; you have the beginning of the
inventory for a junkyard. It just won't function until the pieces are put together.
The church must be together to carry out many of its purposes.
Here are some irreplaceable pieces of the Christian that cannot happen when you live in isolation
from the church:
1. USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS - I Corinthians 12 makes it clear that God has given
spiritual gifts to every Christian. And verse 7 states unmistakably that these abilities are
not provided to make you feel good; they are abilities to minister which should be used
for the common good! I Peter 4:10 commands us to use spiritual gifts to help each other.
The same passage makes it clear that we meet with other Christians so they can use their
gifts to strengthen us. God's gift of a preacher or teacher is wasted if no one comes to
hear them speak.
2. UNITY - The church is pictured as a body in I Corinthians 12, and Paul explains that
each part of the body exists to meet the needs of other body parts. In the same way, God
intends each of us to meet the needs of other believers, using our strengths to help in their
areas of weakness. I Corinthians 12:21 expresses it this way: "The eye cannot say to the
hand, I have no need of you." Neither can a Christian claim to be self-sufficient today.

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3. The New Testament is full of “one another” commands. We are to comfort one another
(I Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (I Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins to
one another (James 5:16), pray for one another (James 5:16), and many more. How can
we obey these directives if we stay away from the gathering of believers?
4. ACCOUNTABILITY - God designed the church as a place where spiritual leaders could
watch out for our welfare, as a shepherd guards the sheep (I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17).
A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions;
regular contact with other Christians can keep us sharp.
A single verse should actually be sufficient answer for this question: Hebrews 10:25
warns its readers against “forsaking the assembly of yourselves together, as the manner of
some is.”

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EMPOWERMENT FROM RECEIVING
THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR

I. IMPORTANCE OF RECEIVING THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR

a. Leave the spirit of your former pastor and his vision behind because “if you don’t
have the spirit of the man, you can’t work effectively in the vision of the land.” This
is called the Law of Harmony.

II. TO RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE PASTOR

a. Recognize and accept the pastoral office as the head of the local Body because
God has placed him as the shepherd over this flock.
b. Know that the Father has led you to this body (to this flock) for the purpose of
feeding and educating you with the things of the Father. In the process, you will
grow and mature spiritually and become a strong and vibrant Christian.
c. Understand the office/position of the Pastor as well as the position in which you
have been placed into the local body. Submit to the rule (authority) of the Pastor
in keeping with Hebrews 13:17 which says, “Obey them (pastor) that have rule
(authority) over you and submit yourselves: for they (the pastor) watch for your
souls, as they (the pastor) must give account, that they may do it with joy and not
with grief — for that is unprofitable for you.”
d. You cannot have two heads of authority. Your Pastor to whom you serve is the
spiritual head.
e. Examples of receiving the spirit of your Pastor can be found in II Kings 2:1-25
and II Kings 3:11

i. Elisha followed after Elijah.
ii. Elisha voluntarily submitted himself to Elijah, the man of God.
iii. Elisha recognized, respected, and willingly accepted Elijah’s
authority.
iv. The work directed by Elijah was for the benefit of the whole.
v. Elisha trusted the leading of Elijah because he saw Elijah as a
prophet through the eyes of the Spirit of God.
vi. Elisha, by obeying and following Elijah, received a double honor
and anointing which catapulted his ministry in God’s due time.
vii. God’s honor and authority will be bestowed upon you based on the
degree and quality of your submission to the authority appointed
over you by God.
viii. Elisha supported Elijah.
ix. Elisha was a servant to Elijah (I Kings 19:19-2 1 and II Kings 3:11).

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Senior Pastor Levonzia and Lady Saverna Stevens

Pastor Levonzia Stevens, Sr.

Pastor Levonzia Stevens, Sr. is a vessel in whom God has implanted a vision to transform lives
and build a unified community for the Kingdom of God. He is the Senior Pastor of Hope Aglow
Empowerment Center, a multi-cultural church with campuses located in Woodbridge and
Fredericksburg, Virginia. Pastor Stevens is supported by his wife, Saverna, their three children -
Juanita, Desiree, and Levonzia, Jr.

After growing up on the streets of Newark, NJ and surrounded by a drugs and alcohol infested
life Pastor Stevens served our country for six years in the USMC. Refusing to accept the call of
God on his life led to poor decisions which caused him to serve almost 6 years in prison. It was
at this time the Holy Spirit began to transform his life. In prison he accepted the call to ministry
and embarked upon the journey to influence and transform lives for God’s Kingdom.

Lady Saverna Stevens

Lady Stevens is an accomplished business woman in Northern Virginia and has many
professional accomplishments. Her honesty, compassion, and commitment to excellence have
set her apart for a unique work with women. She is founder and CEO of First Lady’s House of
Hope which is a twelve month recovery program for chemically addicted pregnant and
postpartum women.

Lady Stevens is the founder of Kingdom Women and Talitha Cumi, two ministries that
empower, encourage, and position women for the next move of God. Her versatility and
attention to detail are contributing factors of her insightfulness to the needs of women. Can
anyone find a virtuous woman? Lady Stevens’ character personifies all the virtues of the
Proverbs 31 Woman.

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EMPOWERING VISION, PURPOSE, AND MISSION OF

I. CHURCH VISION

a. In order to receive the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, it is
important to first understand the meaning of the term, “vision.” According to
Strong’s Concordance, “vision” means “a dream, a revelation.”
b. Our Pastor was given by God the vision of establishing, leading, and directing
Hope Aglow Empowerment Center. You have been called to assist him in
fulfilling this vision. The vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center is an
insight into God’s divine purpose and will for a people whom He has chosen and
called to fulfill it. You have been called, chosen, and placed into this fellowship
of believers to fulfill this revelation from God. The two supporting scriptures for
the foundation of this vision are:

i. Psalm 89:19, The Lord speaks in visions.
ii. Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no vision, the people perish.

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE VISION

a. There can only be one vision in each house of God. The vision is always
given to the Head (Pastor). The Father gives His vision to the Pastor, who in
turn directs the body of believers.
b. Two visions is a DI-VISION.

i. Amos 3:3 - Can two walk together (united, alike, become one)
except they be agreed?
ii. In order to walk in agreement, to walk united, to walk alike, and
to become one, you must hear, see, and understand the vision of
Hope Aglow Empowerment Center.
iii. Our Pastor’s vision was conferred upon him by God as a
revelation for this area.

c. When a member states that he or she has received a vision for the Body, they
will be out of order and in a state of rebellion because that vision will not be
from the Father. The vision always comes from the head.
d. Those who are operating out of their own spirit and vision will pollute the
body when they interject their own vision. Through this error, they will
stumble in their judgment and be blinded in their decisions. (Isaiah 28:7)
e. Ephesians 4:17 — “...ye walk not as the Gentiles (heathen) in the vanity
(empty, profitless, idol, depravity) of their minds.”
f. You are to be led by the Spirit and walk in love, in unity, in agreement and in
faith with the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE VISION (continued)

g. You are not to be led by “your own” vision. As to the direction that the
church is going, the vision of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center was given to
our Pastor. Our part as members (co-labors) is to assist the Pastor in fulfilling the
vision through commitment, faithfulness, and loyalty.
h. When a vision, other than that of the Pastor’s, begins to pull, attract, or
influence you, then its purpose is to pull you out of harmony with the Body,
making you available to the onslaught of the enemy.

i. Jeremiah 14:14-18, “...they prophesy FALSE VISION…”
ii. Ezekiel 13:6-15, “... they have seen vanity and lying divination…”

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VISION

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center was born out of a vision to transform lives and to build a
unified community for the Kingdom of God.

SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION

Hebrews 6:19 (AMP) “[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul it
can not slip and [it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it – a hope] that reaches
farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil”

PURPOSE

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center exists to bring the full knowledge of Jesus Christ to the
people so that they will become obedient disciples.
.

THE MISSION

Hope Aglow Empowerment Center fulfills its purpose by:

• Submitting unto the will of God; revealed through individual and cooperate
prayer
• Nurturing an environment for a diverse, multiracial and multicultural
congregation to work in unity for Kingdom fulfillment
• Strengthening the families of HAEC and our community through the values and
principles of scriptures
• Shaping and developing the hearts of youth for God
• Fostering a unique, vibrant and corporate praise and worship atmosphere;
whereby Saints are sensitive to the presence of God
• Teach, train and instruct saints for outreach ministry

THE MOTTO

We are one team, with one mission, unified in one goal transforming souls

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Discovering True Kingdom Outreach

Witnessing or being a witness for Christ is not what we do as Christians it is who we are.

What is a witness?

A witness is one who testifies on behalf of or because of.

1 John 5:9-12 When we receive Christ we receive the witness of God.

Hebrews 12:1 There is a cloud of witnesses that prove God is real and faith is real.
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12__After we receive the Word of Truth we become witnesses to
the divine hand of God

Overall, we are the witness of God on this earth through salvation of Christ.

How does one translate the witness of Christ?

We are God’s instruments here on this earth. To translate means to take from one unknown
thing (language) and present it in a manner that is easily understood by the masses. Remember
translators know their audience and the culture of that audience.

Steps for an effectual translation of information to the unbeliever/newly saved about Christ

Using your spiritual gifts is important. 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11; 28 & Romans 12:6-8

__Word of Wisdom ________, __Word of knowledge_____________

___Faith____________________, _Gifts of healing _______________

__Working of miracles ________, ____Prophecy _________________

__Discerning of spirits _________, __Divers kinds of tongues _______

__Interpretation of tongues _____, ___Helps _______________________

__Governments ______________, ___Teachers _____________________

___Giving _________________, __Leading ___ ____________________

__Exhortation________________, __Ministry ______________________
The use of the gifts enables us to speak straight to the spirit of the person, by impacting the soul.
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Steps to Witnessing

Prepare yourself

Pray/fast

2 Kings 6:17 ___Spiritual vision ______________

Luke 12:12 _____Spiritual Speech _____________

2 Cor. 3:16 __Veil removed from their hearts _____

Eph. 6:11-12 __That you put on the armor of God _

Using the ABCD of witnessing-He who wins souls is __wise_____ Proverbs 11:30

A stands for Admit

Need to get them to admit they ____need ___a ___savior____

Romans 6:23 ___Sin = death; gift of God = eternal life _____

1 Corin. 1:18 ___Remember the gospel to some is foolishness

Eph. 2:12 __Without God there is no hope/promise and aliens _

John 3:18 ___Those that believe not on Christ their sentence is served __

Understand that sin will be one of the most used words while you are witnessing.

Sin is defined as; the violation of God’s law, to miss the mark or to ___stray__________ outside
the boundary of __light ________ into __darkness___________.

Remember at this point to keep it cool by;

_praying____________
_Remember they are precious to God
_Not feeling as if you must get them to see (that is God’s job)

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B stands for Believe

You need to get them to believe that Jesus came to earth and dead for their sins and now He is at
the right hand of God the Father until the coming of the end.

1 Peter 2:24 _Christ took our sins upon Himself _____

Romans 5:11-15 _Reign of grace through Christ _____

C stands for Come to Jesus

Once a person as admitted that they are a sinner…. Once they believe that Jesus took their sin on
him when he died…then it is time for action. Coming to Jesus is an action one must perform to
correctly receive salvation/forgiveness. We start this friendship by receiving Jesus into our
hearts (conscience; becoming aware of him inside).

Rev. 3:20 ___Christ will come to any who answers the knock _____________

D stands for details

Speak to the person about baptism, the importance of church attendance, prayer, reading the
Bible, fellowship with other believers, and telling others what they have done.

Don’t forget to make the person feel welcome into the Body of Christ. Your joy and liveliness
will show the joy you are feeling because their soul has been snatched from hells doors.
REJOICE, REJOICE, AND REJOICE.

Always seal the prayer of salvation with a closing blessing over the life of the person.

Prayer for:

Protection over the seed that was sown
Clear understanding of Christ in their life
Continue to have an encounter with God each day
Surrounded by other believers all the time to further develop their salvation

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Practical Questions/excuses

Excuse #1 it’s hard to believe in a God I can’t see

2 Cor. 5:7

Heb. 11:6

Excuse #2 I’m afraid of praying to receive Christ and nothing happening.

Heb. 11:6

Reve. 3:20

Excuse #3 I’ve tried to be a Christian before and failed

Prov. 3:5-6

Eph. 2:8-9

Excuse #4 I’m afraid I can’t hold on to being a Christian

Rom 14:4

1 Thess. 5:24

2 Corth. 12:9

Excuse #5 I’m not a sinner

Is. 64:6-7

John 16:9

Romans 3:10-12

Question #1 What to do if other people laugh at me

2 Tim. 2:12

James 4:4

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Prov. 1:26

Question #2 What if I am too weak and mess up

John 1:12

John 6:37

1 Tim 1:15

Question #3 Do I have to receive Christ publicly

Rom. 10:9-10

1 John 4:15

Matt. 10-32-33

Question #4 Should I feel something

2 Cor. 5:7

Question #5 What if I don’t understand God or the Bible

Rom. 11:33

Ps. 25:14

1 Cor. 2:14

Question #6 what if I can’t break from my sins

Luke 13:3

Gal. 6:8

Heb. 7:25

Question #7 Don’t all religions lead to God

John 10:7-12

John 14:6

Acts 4:10-12
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Question #8 Why should I serve God as a teenager

Matt. 16:26

John 10:10

Pro. 3: 5-6

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STEWARDSHIP EMPOWERMENT

I. WHAT IS A STEWARD?

a. A person entrusted with the management of estates or affairs not his own, an
administrator.
b. A manager of a household or estate; a manager.
c. An individual who has been delegated authority by an owner to oversee his
possessions, property and household affairs.

II. STEWARDSHIP IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

a. ___We know that God owns all
• Genesis 14:19,22
• Psalms 24:1

b. _____Everything good is of God
• James 1:17
• Philippians 4:19

c. ____Give an account
• Romans 14:12

d. _____Must have faith
• Hebrews 11:6

III. THE BELIEVER IS A STEWARD

a. ______Must give an account of how we cared over God’s estate
• Romans 14:12
• Luke 16:2-4

b. _____That which is given of God will be account to God
• Matthews 25:1-23

IV. STEWARDSHIP IN PRACTICE

a. ___We are God’s steward
• I Corinthians 6:19,20
• Romans 12:1,2

b. ____We ask for guidance from God to be proper stewards
• Psalm 90:12
• Proverbs 24:30-34

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c. __Don’t be more concerned with the natural treasures
• Matthew 6:19-21

d. __Be prepared to come and give
• I Corinthians 16:1-2

V. WE CAN EXPECT FROM GOD

a. ___Blessings
• Proverbs 8:18

b. ___Days multiplied; years increased
• Proverbs 9:11

VI. OUR ATTITUDE ABOUT FINANCES MUST BE

a. _______Trust God
• Proverbs 3:5

b. _______Don’t be grudgingly, but cheerful
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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VII. THREE TYPES OF FINANCIAL GIFTS

TITHE (10%) OFFERINGS (Seed) BENEVOLENCE

Holy to the Lord Anything after the tithe Financial gifts extended
Lev. 27:30 to the poor
Mat. 5:42; Luke 12:33
A thank-offering Blesses the work of the Lord Giving to local church
Gen. 14:20 Ex. 35:20-36 and ministry
Acts 4:33-35
A memorial to God’s blessings Signifies our devotion to
Gen. 28:22 God
I Chron. 29:1-9
First fruits of your labor Constrains us to give our all
2 Chron. 31:5 Luke 21:1-4

Proof of God’s faithfulness
Mal. 3:10

VIII. RESULTS OF NOT GIVING

a. _____Holding back prevents increase
• Proverbs 11:24

b. ___When we listen others hear our hearts
• Proverbs 21:13

c. _____When we do for others we ourselves will be cared for
• Proverbs 28:27

d. ___Allowing riches to rule is an evil
• Ecclesiastes 5:13

I. WHAT IS PRAYER and HOW DOES IT RELATE TO STEWARDSHIP?

Prayer is communication with the Father.
a. Always keep prayer (communication with the Father) personal.
b. Prayer should never be a duty or a dread. Communication with the Father is
based upon the depth of one’s relationship to the Father.
c. Most people have little personal relationship with the Father.
d. A man or woman who has little personal relationship with the Father has mostly a
dull non-profitable prayer life.
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e. When a person has not taken the time or effort to discipline himself to pray, they
wonder where God is? He is where He has always been and will remain. We are
the ones to draw near.
f. Stewardship keeps away the devour and give us the access to the treasure chest of
God’s blessings. However, prayer and faith is what allows us to retrieve the
blessing. For the Bible says that “For with out faith it is impossible to please
God”.

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MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and being in agreement with Hope Aglow's
structure, strategy, vision, purpose and mission statement, strategy, and structure I now feel
led by the Holy Spirit to unite with Hope Aglow Empowerment Center's church family. In
doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

1. I will protect the unity of the church:

 By acting in love toward other members
 By refusing to gossip
 By following the leaders

"But, speaking the truth in love may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ."
(Ephesians 4:15).

Have “unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart
fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for
building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29).

“Obey them (your leaders) that have the rule and submit yourselves (to their authority).
For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with
joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you (no advantage to you)"
(Hebrews 13:17).

2. I will share the responsibility of my church:

 By praying for its growth
 By inviting the un-churched to attend
 By warmly welcoming those who visit

To the church-“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our
prayers (remembering and praying for you constantly)"
(1 Thessalonians 1:1-2).

"And the Lord (The Master) said unto the servant, 'Go out unto the highways (roads) and
hedges (country lanes) and compel (urge) them (the people) to come in that my house may be
full'" (Luke 14:23).

"Wherefore receive one another (warmly welcome each other into the church) as Christ also
received us to the glory of God (just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be
glorified)" (Romans 15:7).

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3. I will serve the ministry of my church:

 By discovering my gifts and talents
 By being equipped to serve by my pastors
 By developing a servant's heart

"Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you" (1 Peter 4:10)

"And He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some
pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who (took on) the very nature of a
servant" (Philippians 2:4).

4. I will support the testimony of my church:

 By attending faithfully
 Living a godly life
 By giving regularly in tithe and offerings

"Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:25)

"Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ"
(Philippians 1:27).

"Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in
proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering" (1 Corinthians 16:2)

"A tenth (of all your) produce…is the Lord's, and is holy" (Leviticus 27:30).
I have read and understand the above. Upon my signature, I agree to perform the above to
the best of my ability. If I have further questions, I will direct them to the leadership of
HAEC.

________________________ ________________________
Signature Date

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CHURCH OPERATIONS
Woodbridge Campus
Hope Aglow Empowerment Center
13550 Jefferson Davis Highway
Woodbridge, VA. 22191
(703) 490-4673
(703) 490-9664
members@hopeaglow.org

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday
Closed

Evening and Weekend Office Hours
Wednesday
5:30pm – 7:30pm

Sunday
9:00am – 2:00pm

Service Times

Sunday –
Worship Service
11:00am

Wednesday
Empowerment Bible Study
Crossfire Youth Group
R.E.B.E.L (Young Adults)
7:30pm

Saturday
Intercessory Prayer
8:00am
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CHURCH OPERATIONS
Fredericksburg Campus
Hope Aglow Empowerment Center
125 Olde Greenwich Drive
Fredericksburg, VA. 22408
(540) 899-2191
Fredericksburg@hopeaglow.org

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
TBA

Saturday
Closed

Evening and Weekend Office Hours
Thursday
6:30pm-7:30pm

Sunday
7:30am – 11:00am

Service Time

Sunday –
Worship Service
8:30am

Saturday
Intercessory Prayer
8:00am

Thursday
Empowerment Bible Study
Crossfire Youth Group
7:30pm

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MEMBER SERVICES

Bookstore
The Anchor of Hope Bookstore is where each member can acquire music, books, videos, and
information on spiritual growth. Tools that aide in one’s spiritual development is essential.

Helping Hands
Those in need of food can make arrangements to secure items that are needed by contacting
Helping Hands Ministry or the front office staff. The pantry is stocked by member donations
and external sources.

Home Buying and Finance Services
Those who are seeking to buy sell or lease houses may contact the Administration Office for
names of realtors and loan officers in the church. Seminars are held periodically to educate
members on various strategies to achieve your goal of obtaining a home. The names furnished
does not necessary constitute an endorsement by HAEC.

Wedding/Memorial Services
These services are available by filling out request forms at the Administration Office.

Transportation Services
Arrangement can be made to pick-up those needing a ride to church by calling the front office at
least half an hour prior to the commencement of church. This service is limited to certain areas.
You may also speak with one of the transportation volunteer coordinators at the church.

Hospital, Nursing Home, or Jail Visitation Services
Please notify the administration office if you have become ill or incarcerated and arrangements
will be made for a Pastor or Deacon to visit and pray with you, and/or family members.

Baptism
Water baptism does not save a person. Yet, we are commanded by the Lord to perform this
spiritual observance to commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. When we are
baptized, we show by our obedience, the actions of Christ that won our salvation. This service is
usually offered monthly on the 2nd Saturday of every other month.

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SPIRITUAL MINISTRY SERVICES

Baby Dedication
This is the time where parents publicly announce their intent to raise their child in accordance to
Biblical principles. Please notify the front office at least three weeks prior to the event. This
service is held on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Communion
This sacrament involves partaking of bread, which represents Christ’s body that was broken for
our healing and drinking the fruit of the vine (grape juice), which represents the shed blood of
Christ on the Cross.

Counseling/Guidance
This service is available on an as needed basis. Every member in the body of Christ is to be of
aid to the other. This does not constitute that person as an approved counselor by the Church.
You must contact the Administration Office for further information on counseling.

Home Dedication
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! One of the ministerial staff will come to
your home and pray God’s blessing over you, your family, and protection of the residence.
Please call the Administration Office for further information.

Intercessory Prayer
If you need the Ground Breakers Intercessory Team to lift up your petitions in prayer, please
complete a prayer request form, which is located in the lobby of Hope Aglow Empowerment
Center. In addition, intercessory prayer takes place on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and 15
minutes before each service.

Corporate prayer is the 4th Sunday of each month.

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Hope Aglow Empowerment Center Organizational Structure
Sr. Pastor Levonzia Stevens W.O.W. (Men’s Ministry) Kingdom Women (Women’s Ministry)
Lady Saverna Stevens Young Gideon Kingdom Daughters

Administration & Operations
Board of Directors

Fredericksburg & Woodbridge Campuses
Academy – Sis. Desiree Dancy
Anchor of Hope Bookstore – Sis. Rosa Harris
Church Administrator – Lady Stevens
Executive Administrative Assistant – Sis. Renee Brooks
Finance – Sis. Medda Williams
Graphics – Sis. Valarie Thompson
Ground Breakers – Deaconness Margaret Harris
Information Technology Ministry (ITM) – Bro. Donn Norwood
International Ministry – Bro. Cyril Amoako
Maintenance Ministry – Bro. Shalimar Green
Marketing Ministry
Media (Audio & Television) – Bro. Darnell Gittens
Ministerial Program – Pastor Stevens
Membership Management Services (MMS) – Min. Alejandro. & Sis. Valerie Ramos People of Destiny (P.O.D.S.)
Seeds of Empowerment – Sis. Valerie Ramos
Empowered
Empowered Life Ministry Pastoral Care & Relations Ministry Education & Evangelism Ministry Music & Fine Arts Ministry Generation Ministry
Min. Leon Willis Min. Monica Traylor Pastor Cheri Smith Bro. Dave Hammond Pastor Stephen Brown
Porters & Greeters Baptism Education Dance Crossfire (Youth)
Covenant Keepers Deacons SMAAC Outreach Drama R.E.B.E.L.S. (Young Adult)
Chariots of Fire High Rollers (Seniors) Helping Hands Musicians
L.I.F.E. (Singles) Altar Care Prison Ministry Choir & Psalmist
Transportation Anchor of Health
Hospitality

Fredericksburg Campus Site Pastor - Deraine Simpson
Operations & Administrative Manager - Min. Renee Smith


NEW MEMBERS GUIDE

DEPARTMENTS WITHIN
HAEC

Crossfire Youth Ministry - crossfire@hopeaglow.org
Is a ministry designed to shape and develop the hearts of youth for God. We strive to
empower youth to maximize their potential in Christ by imparting Kingdom principles and
values.

Ground Breakers (Intercessory Prayer)- prayer@hopeaglow.org
Ensures that all areas of the church are covered with prayer continuously by fervently
communicating with God.

Helping Hands – hh@hopeaglow.org
Distributes food and clothing to needy families in the church and the local community
who are experiencing difficult times as a result of unemployment, illness, crisis, or significant
financial problems. Non-perishable food is maintained by the church to be distributed whenever
there is a need.

High Rollers – highrollers@hopeaglow.org

Any individual 48 years or older and their spouses are welcome to join the High Rollers.
Our goal is to impact our community and the world for the Kingdom of God through
congregational and community based services and activities for mature adults. High Rollers meet
at least quarterly for activities and fellowship. Meetings may take place at either HAEC campus
or other places as appropriate for the activity such as bowling centers, recreation centers, etc.
Activities may also include traveling within or outside the state.

K.W. (Kingdom Women) - kw@hopeaglow.org
Is a ministry to assist all women in their individual growth and development towards
spiritual maturity by promoting the uncompromised Word of God.

L.I.F.E. (Living in Full Empowerment Singles Ministry) – life@hopeaglow.org
Is a ministry that connects the community of single Christians, who are growing together
through discipleship, fellowship and outreach

P.O.D. (People of Destiny) – pods@hopeaglow.org and podsfb@hopeaglow.org
Creates an atmosphere of supportive and stimulating fellowship among the members of
HAEC in order to develop a socially and spiritually connected body of believers.


NEW MEMBERS GUIDE

Porter and Greeter Ministry – porters@hopeaglow.org
Function of the Porters and Greeters are to glorify God by their service to the body of
Christ and to assist in creating a worshipful atmosphere for church services, activities and special
functions

Prison Ministry (Woodbridge Campus ONLY – Men ONLY) – prisonministry@hopeaglow.org
Has evolved out of the need to reach out and demonstrate God’s love to men and women
who are in need of healing and spiritual development

R.E.B.E.L.S. (Righteously Empowered to Be Effective Leaders young adult Ministry) –
rebels@hopeaglow.org is a ministry created of a vision to empower, teach and further develop
individuals for the advancement of the Kingdom of God

S.O.E. (Seeds of Empowerment Children’s Ministry) – seedsofempowerment@hopeaglow.org
Is committed to the spiritual growth and development of the children God has placed in
our care.

W.O.W. (Watchmen on the Wall) – wow@hopeaglow.org
Is a ministry that is designed to empower men to assume their spiritual role of leadership
beginning at home, then in the local church, then into the workplace and community.

Covenant Keepers (marriage ministry) – covenant@hopeaglow.org
Is a ministry that is deigned to empower the couples in their marriage.

Membership Management Service Ministry – members@hopeaglow.org
Ensure that all members, new converts, and guests of HAEC are engrafted in the church and that
all persons affiliated with HAEC transition into the family of Christ and the ministry of Hope
Aglow Empowerment Center.

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Your next steps as a member of HAEC
1. Continue to Grow in God.

2. Find your place in the ministry to use your skills/gifts/ and
talents.

3. Come expecting of God during our worship gatherings.

4. Allow God to use you to bring additional individuals into
the Kingdom of God

5. Pay your tithe and bring your offering so that we are able
to meet the resource need of ministry.

6. Support your growth by reading and studying the Word
of God at home and in community study.

7. Fellowship with the saints where you can form
relationships one with another (POD group).

8. Pray for your church, the Pastor, the members as often as
you can.

9. If your children are old enough involve them in the work
of ministry and the life of the ministry.

10. Love your neighbor as yourself and learn to live in Peace
with your brother.

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This section is designed
To give you an overview
Of what HAEC
Believes “statements of
faith” and to provide you with
lessons for Christian
development

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GOD THE FATHER
I. WHO IS GOD?
God is the creator of everything. Before anything was He was. He is the
beginning and the end.
God is Self-existent
Elohim – God’s official title, it is a plural noun Genesis 1:1 , Genesis 1:26-27

EL – singular form of Elohim Genesis 12:8, Isaiah 7:14

Jehovah – personal name of God, and means Exodus 20:2, Deuteronomy 6:4
Redeemer

Adonai – means Master or Lord Genesis 15:2

El Shaddai Genesis 17:1

El Olam Genesis 21:33

Jehovah Elohim Exodus 34:6

Jehovah jireh Genesis 22:14

Jehovah-shalom Judges 6:24

Jehovah-shammah Ezekiel 48:35

THE NATURE OF GOD

God is a Spirit John 4:24, Colossians 1:15

God is Light Revelation 21:23

God is Love John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-21

God is Omnipotent (all powerful) Matthew 19:26

God is Omnipresent Jeremiah 23:24

God Never Changes

God is a Father Eph. 4:6

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JESUS CHRIST HUMANITY

I. WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

HIS HUMANITY:

Isaiah 7:14
He was a son Roman 1:3
Galatians 4:4
Luke 2:40
Grew up/learned wisdom and grace

Matthew 26:12
Had a body Luke 24:39
John 2:21
Hebrews 10:10
Matthew 4:2
Matthew 1:1
Had family generations to point back to
Called a man John 1:30
Here – before Luke 22:69
Here – then
Here – now
Hebrews 2:14-18
Flesh/Blood

II. IT WAS NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH REDEMPTION FOR HUMANITY

a. ______Made Flesh ___________________________________
• John 1:14
• Romans 8:2,3
• Hebrews 2:11-14

b. ______Died for all/head of church ______________________
• Romans 14:9
• Colossians 1:17-18
• Hebrews 10:10-12

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JESUS CHRIST DIVINITY

I. HE IS GOD (DIVINITY)

a. ____Has been with us from before _________
• Micah 5:2
• John 8:58
• Hebrews 7:3
• Revelation 1:8

b. _____Change not just as God__________________
• (Hebrews 13:8)

c.
• The Slain Lamb (Ex. 12, John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7; Rev. 5:12; 12:11, 13:8)
• The obedient servant (Ex. 21:2-6; Ps. 40:6-8; Luke 22:27; Heb, 10:5-10)
• Because of His work in Creation (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2)

d.
• Over the church
• Over angels
• Over all men, dead and living
• Over all the world

e. ____The Christ ______________________________
• Luke 22:66-71

f. ___Beloved Son of God _______________________
• Matthew 3:17
• John 8:18
• I John 5:9

g. ___The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ _____________
• (John 15:26)

h. ____Because we have life we testify of Christ _____
• (John 5:39)

i. ___Others testify of Him being the Christ _________
• Matthew 16:16
• John 1:1,2
• Romans 1:4

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j. ___God with us_______________________________
• Isaiah 7:14
• Matthew 1:23

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THE HOLY SPIRIT

I. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

a. He is the third person in the Trinity – The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.
b. Acts 2:33 says, “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having
received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this,
which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2:38-39 states, “Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the
promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off even as
many as the Lord our God shall call.”
c. He is the Spirit of Truth.
d. He is the promised and earnest inheritance.
e. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word
of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye
were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise
of his glory (John 15:26; Luke 24:49; Act 1:4-5,8)
f. He is our comforter and our helper (John 14:16, 25-26).
g. He is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).

II. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?

a. Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me “. The scripture, “ye shall be
witnesses unto me,” is saying that with the power of the Holy Ghost you will
be able to live in line with God’s Word. You will not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ regardless of where you are or who you are with. Your life will always
be a witness for Jesus Christ.
b. _____Comforter- forever (John 14:16)
c. ______Promise (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)
d. ______Help our infirmities (Romans 8:26,27)
e. ______Spirit of truth (John 16:13)
f. ______Shall teach/bring back to remembrance (John 14:26)
g. ______Gives us information from the Father (John 16: 14, 15)
h. ______ Spiritual understanding of purpose (I Cor 2:9-12)
i. _______Gives us the ability to speak (Acts 2:4)
j. _______Spiritual revelation (I Cor 12:3)

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III. UNDERSTANDING SPEAKING IN TONGUES

The gift of speaking in tongues, just like the gift of salvation, is given freely by God. You
cannot work for it. You cannot earn it. You do not have to tarry or wait for Him. Acts 2:1 -4
tells us that when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, the Apostles, all with one accord, were
all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them
utterance. The key points here is that the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to active this gift and
it is directly related to the understanding of receiving. Freely God’s gives and freely we should
receive.

IV. BENEFIT OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

a. According to Rom 8:26-27, we find that when the spirit prays, “He makes intercession for us
with groaning which cannot be uttered.” The scriptures go on to say, “And he (Christ) that
searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession
for the saints according to the will (or Word) of God.” In other words, when your spirit
prays, you pray the perfect prayer.
b. I Cor 14:2 – the Word of God tells us, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh
not unto men, but unto God.’ for no man understandeth him,’ howbeit in the spirit he
speaketh mysteries.” You speak the wisdom of God, even the hidden wisdom of God (I Cor
2:7). When you speak in an unknown tongue, you speak directly to God. Satan cannot
understand or interfere with this prayer. An example of Satan interfering is while praying,
your prayer would be interrupted with crazy thoughts, and you quickly forget what you are
praying about. Your unknown tongue is your personal way of communicating with God.
According to the Bible, tongues:

• __Uses our groaning to pray for us (Rom 8:26-27)
• __Grow spiritually by praying in the spirit (Eph 6: 18)
• __Unknown lang. speaks to God (I Cor 14:2)
• __Build our selves up (Jude 20)

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SALVATION

I. Salvation is the work of God by which He saves man from the eternal doom of
sin.

The meaning of salvation in the Hebrew and Greek implies the ideas of deliverance, safety,
preservation, healing and soundness.

Until a person receives salvation they are lost and judged. Being a good person is not salvation.

GREAT TRUTH

Salvation was God’s concept Eph. 1:4
Salvation was a result of God’s 1 Peter 1:20
foreknowledge
Salvation is the grace of God 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 2:11 Romans 5:8
Salvation was discussed before the Genesis 3:15; 22:8,
Cross
The price paid for salvation was Christ Romans 8:11, 1 Peter 3:18
Salvation saved us from the penalty of 2 Corinthians 5:21
sin
Salvation saved us from the power of Romans 6:14, Hebrews 9:24-28
sin
Through salvation Christians can live a Romans 7:15-25, Romans 8:1
victorious life
Salvation saved us from the presence of 1 Peter 1:4-5
sin
Salvation is a free gift Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 6:23

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PRAYER
(THE EMPOWERING OF YOUR SOUL)

II. WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is communication with the Father.
a. Always keep prayer (communication with the Father) personal.
b. Prayer should never be a duty or a dread. Communication with the Father is based upon the
depth of one’s relationship to the Father.
c. Most people have little personal relationship with the Father.
d. A man or woman who has little personal relationship with the Father has mostly a dull non-
profitable prayer life.
e. When a person has not taken the time or effort to discipline himself to pray, they wonder
where God is? He is where He has always been and will remain. We are the ones to draw
near.

Example 1:

In the Old Testament, the people’s mentality was that Moses would go up, hear from God, come
back down, and tell the people what God was saying. The people preferred for Moses to hear
from God for them. In the New Testament, Jesus led the way for every believer to follow when
He rent the veil. Now everyone has direct access to God’s presence and hear for themselves.

Example 2:

When praying, be yourself. Don’t try to impress the Father with a style that is not yours. “…Oh
my beloved Royal Father, who sitteth upon thy throne and looketh down from thy perch...”
Communicate with Him as a son or a daughter talks to his or her daddy. Pray the Word of God
and say back to God what He has said in His Word to you.

III. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYER

a. ____Intercessor (stands in the gap)

• An intercessor is one who has the right to take the place or stand in the gap for another
and exercises that right. He pleads another’s case. Jesus stands between God and man
(Ezekiel 22:30). For example, Job needed a “daysman” (an umpire or intercessory) to
stand between him and God to plead his case (Job 9:32-3 3).

The Holy Spirit is our Helper in intercession.

• The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). This does not mean that we don’t
have to pray. It means that when we pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for us through us.
• The Holy Spirit intercedes with us (Romans 8:26-27). When we don’t know what things

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to pray for, as we ought, then the Holy Spirit, who is our helper, takes hold together with
us against the forces of evil.
• He prays perfectly because He knows the mind of Christ and prays according to the Will
of God (Romans 8:27)

Jesus is our intercessor -- The Great Intercessor

• __Jesus’ hand brings salvation/righteousness (Isaiah 59:16).
• ___Mediator (I Timothy 2:5).
• ___Priesthood (Hebrews 7:25).
• “Who is he that condemeth? It is Christ that dies, yea rather, that is risen again, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

Ingredients for Successful Intercession

• Love - the God kind of love. A sincere desire to see people delivered, set free and saved
(Romans 5:5).
• Knowledge of the Word – to pray effectively, you need to know who you are in Christ,
your ability, rights and authority (John 15:7, 16).
• Willingness to do the work – when we pray for people, we should be willing to go out
and do the work. We are the body of Christ and He does the work through us (Hebrews
6:10).
• Fervency – James 5:16 states that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.” You must mean business when you pray and not have a lackadaisical
attitude about what you are doing.

b. __Prayer is a weapon

• “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with
all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:17- 18).
• The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (II Corinthians 10:3-4).
• “….For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities...” (Ephesians
6:12). “...Whatsoever we bind on earth shall be bound...Whatsoever we loose one
earth...” (Matthew 18:18).

c. ____Provides growth

• Prayer whether personal or public for church or organization is the foundation from
which our spiritual man is built.
• In church, we gather collectively to call upon His name as body of believers.
• Reading throughout the Book of Acts and the Epistles, we are encouraged to pray as
body of believers.
• We are to pray personally and collectively

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• ”…If two of you shall agree on earth as touching...” Power of Agreement (Matthew
18:19).
• “…And the whole multitude of the people were praying...” (Luke 1:10).
• “…These all continued with one accord in prayer...” (Acts 1:14).
• And when they (believers) heard (news) that, they lifted up their voice to God...”
(Acts 4:24).
• Peter got out of jail and came to a house (church), “where many were gathered
together praying” (Acts 12:12).

d. _____Prayer is noticed by God
• Acts 10:1-8

e. _____Disciples Prayer lesson
• Luke 11:1-4).

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TRAINING
FOR
SERVICE
Course description:

This course is designed to provide a student with a well rounded knowledge of God’s Word.
This is a high impact deep study of the Bible.

Course Outline:

Week 1 Discovering the Word of God
Week 2 Books of the Bible
Week 3 Discovering True Kingdom Outreach
Week 4 Discovering your gift
Week 5 Discovering your area of service
Week 6 Your next steps as a member of HAEC.

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Discovering the Word of God
The Bible is a personal message from Almighty God Himself – straight from heaven – to you.
The main theme of this message is Jesus – even in the Old Testament. Jesus is the living Word,
the message of God to all mankind.
Ever since the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, God was unwilling to leave us in our sin and
He was unwilling to exist without us. Therefore, He had a plan – the plan of redemption –
wherein He gave His Son to pay the price for our sins on the Cross; and thereby, He brought us
back into fellowship with Him. Glory to God! So, look for Jesus in every book of the Bible. All
scriptures either speak of His coming, pointing toward His act of love on the cross, or refer back
to Jesus and the cross.
Settle in your mind that while the Bible is God’s inspired Word, it is also meant to be simple and
completely applicable, “down – to – earth.” Do not just give it a place of honor on a bookshelf,
but treat the Word as your personal hands-on reference book for life, a how-to book for daily
living.
God’s Word is not just a set of rules, but it is our very source of liberty. God sent His Word to
set us free. As one author puts it, the problems of the Church all come from “a lack of deep,
prayerful Bible study.” (David Ketter)
So read the Word with a positive attitude, approaching it as an open door to freedom.
To help in your study, we recommend the following:
1. Young’s Analytical Concordance – a great help in finding verses that pertain to specific
situations or needs. It contains Hebrew and Greek translations.
2. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – a dictionary of Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek words.

3. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words – a dictionary for scriptural words and
meanings.
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE?
What the majority of Christians do not realize is that the Word of God is alive! His Word still
transforms lives in this day and age. The Word can truly affect and have a life-changing impact
on the daily lives of Christians and everyone who receives it.
God reveals Himself through His Word. As He reveals Himself to you, you can expect your life
to change; as you are not just learning about Him, you are getting to "know" God and
establishing a personal relationship with Him. The reason we study the Bible is that we may
know God, know His ways, and walk in them. Then we can truly live a successful Christian life.

1. ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE

Divine Source –the Bible itself came from God.

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1 Corinthians 2:13
1 Thessalonians 2:13
2 Timothy 3:16
2 Peter 1:20,21
Revelation 22:18,19

Human Writers- Inspired men

God used 40 men in writing the Bible.
Written over a time of 1500 years from 1400 B.C. to A.D. 100
Total of 66 Books in the Bible

Ancient versions and manuscripts:

Manuscripts are documents written by hand
Version is a translation of any document into another language.

The Old Testament

Was written in the Hebrew language between 1400 BC and
400 BC
Covers from Genesis to Malchi a total of 39 books

The New Testament

All the books were written in Greek during the first century after
Christ.
Covers from Matthew to Revelation a total of 27 books

2. STEPS TO STUDYING YOUR BIBLE

Inductive Study

Inductive study draws you into a personal interaction with the scripture
and thus with the God of the scripture.

Here is a prayer to pray with confidence as you sit down to study and meditate on His Word:
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I come before You today. I take authority over Satan and bind his
operation in my life. I pray that the eyes of my understanding be enlightened so that I may know
how rich is my inheritance in the saints. I further pray that I may be filled with the knowledge of

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Your will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding, and with the ability to walk in a way that
is fully pleasing to You as I increase in my knowledge of You.
Father, I pray that I will be rooted and built-up in Jesus as well as to be established in the faith.
I am confident that He, who began a good work in me, will continue that good work until the day
of Jesus Christ.
I know You have heard my prayer and therefore I know that I have the petitions for which I ask.
Thank You in Jesus’ Name.

3. REMEMBER THE CONTEXT RULE

Consider each verse in light of the following

___Culture_____________________________________

___Custom______________________________________

____Who is talking ______________________________

____What question has been asked __________________

____The date of the writings ________________________

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.STUDY RESOURCES

Bibles
(We recommend the KJV, NKJV, Amplified, and New International Version)

Open Bible
Thompson Chain Reference
Ryrie Study Bible
Tyndale Life Application Bible
Nelson Study Bible
The Spirit-filled Life Bible
The Scofield Study Bible
John Maxwell Leadership Bible

Youth Bibles

Adventure Bible Revised
Nelson’s Extreme Teen Bible

Children Bibles

The Children’s Bible
Early Reader’s Bible
The Explorer’s Bible for Kids
Nelson’s KidsBible.Com

Study Aids

Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Jack Van Impe’s Dictionary on Prophesy
Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Nave’s Topical Bible
Strong’s concordance
The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary
Greek Lexicon
Manners & Customs of the Bible

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Books of the Bible

O.T. Books of the Bible:

There are four different divisions:

The Books of the Law (5)
Books of History (12)
Books of Poetry (5)
Books of Prophecy (17)

The books of the law are the first five books of the Bible:
Genesis – means beginning. Records the beginning of the world
Exodus – means going out. Records the exodus of Israel from Egypt
Leviticus – name taken from the tribe of Levi
Numbers – name after the numbering of the people
Deuteronomy – means second law or repeated law

The books of history are the next twelve books and covers about 1,000 years from 1400 BC to
400 BC:
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 & 2 Samuel
1&2 Kings
1&2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther

The books of poetry are the next five books after the history books.
Job is a dramatic debate. Deals with the problem of human suffering
Psalms collection of songs many by David
Proverbs a collection of short, point sayings
Ecclesiastes – means preacher, a name Salomon give to himself
Song of Solomon is an operetta work of Solomon

The book of prophecy is the next seventeen books.

Major Prophets
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel

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Daniel
Minor Prophets
Hosea
Joel
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi

N.T. Books of the Bible

There are four divisions in the N.T.
The Gospels (4)
The History (1)
The Letters (21)
The Prophecy (1)

The gospels are the first four books of the N.T. Gospel means “good news”
Matthew written to the Jews, points to the fulfillment of prophecy
Mark written to Romans points the recorded life of Christ
Luke written to Greeks which Luke was himself
John was written to speak about some of the more deeper spiritual teachings of Jesus.

The book of history is the next book:
Acts tells of the acts done by the apostles after Christ and the progression of the Church

The books of letters are the next twenty-one books. These are either named after the writer or
the group/individual to whom it was written.

Romans
1 &2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 & 2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews

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James
1 & 2 Peter
1-3 John
Jude

The book of prophecy is the next book and was written by John the apostle. Records the
revelation of Jesus gave him.
Revelation – dated around A.D. 100

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Discovering your Gift

Descriptive Words
To understand the nature of spiritual gifts we must first look at the words which the writers of
Scripture used to describe them. I Corinthians 12 lists them for us. Each word, it seems, views
the gifts from another standpoint, showing another aspect of their purpose, function, or source.
Viewing these terms together yields a more complete description of the gifts they are describing.
"Spirituals"
In verse 1 the Authorized Version (KJV) mentions "spiritual gifts." The Greek simply reads
"spirituals" (ton pneumatikon), meaning "things characterized or controlled by the Spirit."
Spiritual gifts, then, are first of all things controlled or characterized by the Spirit.
"Gifts"
In verse 4 we find the word "gifts" which translates from the Greek word charisma; hence, our
term "charismatic." The root word (charis) means "grace." So now if pneumatikon tells us that
spiritual gifts are things characterized by the Holy Spirit, charisma teaches us that they are gifts
of God's grace. They are not something we earn or deserve. They are gifts of grace. Regardless
of what the term "charismatic" has come to mean and imply today, there really is no such thing
as a non-charismatic gift. All gifts are charismatic; that is, all gifts are freely given by a gracious
God.
This term is used also in Romans 12:6 and I Peter 4:10. (It should be noted that when Paul
speaks of gifts in Ephesians 4:7-8, he employs another term, dorea, which stresses virtually the
same truth; i.e., that spiritual gifts are just that -- gifts, not rewards.) This is further emphasized
throughout the first half of chapter 12. For instance, verse 7 tells us they are given; again in verse
8 is the same. Verses 11 and 18 declare that the gifts are given sovereignty by the Spirit of God:
He distributes them as He sees fit.
With this truth recognized, a basic principle begins to emerge, a principle which we shall
develop later in more detail. We naturally tend to think that a very gifted man must be a very
godly man. A pastor, for example, who is especially gifted in several areas (such as preaching,
teaching, leadership, counseling, etc.) is almost instinctively assumed to be spiritually mature
and further advanced in holiness than the "ordinary" believer. "What else could explain his great
giftedness?" we think. The simple fact of the matter is that he may or may not be spiritually
mature. His giftedness really has nothing to do with the question, for gifts are not given in
proportion to holiness or anything else. Gifts are given freely and sovereignty by God to
whomsoever He wills. They are gifts of grace, not merit, and so they are not at all indicative of a
person's sanctification. They prove nothing but that God gives gifts freely. Spiritual gifts are
"charismatic" -- gifts of grace.
"Administrations"

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In verse 5 Paul calls them "administrations." The term in the Greek is diakonia, "service," the
same word from which we get the word "deacon," which means "servant." The next fact about
spiritual gifts, then, is that they are services to be performed. Their primary function is for others.
Gifts are for serving.
"Operations"
Verse 6 calls them "operations." This is the Greek word from which we get our English word
"energy" (energema). Spiritual gifts are also energizing. It is likely that this word emphasizes the
divine energy enabling us to perform the service. Peter has this very idea in mind when he says
to "minister" (serve) with the "ability" (strength) which God gives (I Peter 4:11). God gifts us to
perform service in His strength.
"Manifestations"
Finally, verse 7 refers to them as "manifestations." The Greek word (phanerosis) means "to make
visible," or "to display." Spiritual gifts, then, are visible displays of service to others. Spiritual
gifts are not abilities given to do something for yourself, alone. That is selfishness. They are
visible "services" performed for others. They are to be exercised in love, Paul teaches in chapter
13, and "love seeketh not her own" (13:5).
Definition
Putting together all these terms, we find that a spiritual gift is a God-given ability to serve the
church effectively. There are longer definitions which can be made, but this seems to say it all.
God has graciously, undeservedly equipped each of us with the ability to minister to others
within the body of Christ. A spiritual gift, then, more than being a possession, is a channel
through which the Holy Spirit ministers to His church. This is the means He has chosen to edify
the Church.
Distinctions
Gifts and Gift
At this juncture, some distinctions are in order. The gifts of the Spirit are not the same as the gift
of the Spirit. In Acts 2:38 Peter says to those who inquired about salvation, "Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The "gift" (singular) of the Holy Spirit is simply the Holy
Spirit Himself. The Holy Spirit Himself was the promised Gift to all who believe on Jesus. Jesus
spoke of this on several occasions. John 7:38-39 records one such occasion. Jesus said, "He that
believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Then John added the interpretive comment, "This spake he of the Spirit which they that believe
on him should receive." John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; and 16:7 also speak of the same promised
Gift, as does Acts 1:4-5. As will be developed later, the Holy Spirit is Christ's Gift to His church,
and this is basic to receiving the gifts (plural) of the Spirit: when we receive Him, we then also
receive what He gives; i.e., spiritual gifts. For example, since I married my wife, I have jokingly
told her many times, "what's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine!" That may be a little one-
sided, but you see the principle -- when I received her, I received also what was hers. All that

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was hers became mine as well when we became united in marriage. And the same was true for
her. Likewise, when I received the blessed Spirit of God, I received Him in all that He had to
offer. Among the wonderful ministries of the Spirit in the believer's life is the ministry of gifting
for service. This we received when we received Him.
Perhaps it would be helpful to pause here and explain another point in this verse (Acts 2:38).
When Peter said to "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" he was not teaching that
baptism is a requirement of salvation. The Greek preposition translated "for" in this verse (eis)
carries the idea of "because of." "Repent and be baptized because of the remission of sins." It's
like those posters in the police station, "man wanted `for' robbery" -- they are not asking for
volunteers! They are declaring that someone is wanted "because of" his crime already
committed; he is not wanted in order to commit it! The same is true here; we are to be baptized
in obedience to Christ because of our forgiven sins not in order to gain forgiveness.
Gifts and Fruit
Nor should we confuse gifts of the Spirit with fruit of the Spirit. Gifts are services to be
performed for others; "fruit" speaks of the graces or character traits of a person indwelt by the
Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of God takes up residence in a man, He not only enables him to
serve, but He also begins to cultivate holiness, the evidence of which is a deep-seated "love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Both the fruit and the gifts are essential. Both are manifestations of the indwelling Spirit. But the
two are not the same.
Gifts and Talents
Finally, a word about talents. What is the difference between a gift and a talent? It is often said
that we are born with certain talents, natural abilities, but when we are born again we are given
spiritual gifts -- talents being natural and gifts being supernatural. It is interesting that such sharp
distinction is never drawn in Scripture. It is often inferred or just assumed, today, but never is it
so stated in Scripture. And with all the facts examined, it seems that this distinction is needless
and difficult, if not impossible, to demonstrate.
Let me explain. Galatians 1:15-16, for example, declares, in effect, that Paul was gifted to preach
at birth. But that gift, obviously, was not exercised until many years later. To be sure, he no
doubt preached and taught before he believed, but that preaching or teaching received an entirely
new dimension when he was saved. He had the gift (talent) all along; it became "spiritual" when
he became spiritual. (A "spiritual" man is a Christian. This is Paul's terminology in I Corinthians
2:14-15.) His "natural" giftedness (which, of course, was sovereignty given also) became
spiritual simply because he himself became spiritual. Or to look at it another way, what is the
difference between what your Sunday School teacher does each Sunday morning and what your
college professor did for you? The difference is obvious: the teaching of your Sunday teacher, or
your pastor, although that same talent, gift, could be used in a secular classroom, has an entirely
different dimension. That teaching is spiritual and ministers to the church. The talent is the same
but has been given a new dimension and a new capacity -- a capacity for spiritual things. Many a
teacher has become "spiritual" and so gained the ability to minister to the church with the same
talent, the same gift, he had all along. That talent simply became enhanced in its ability to serve

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the church effectively. It became spiritual. So the contrast is not absolute; nor are such
distinctions necessary. God wisely and providentially equips at birth; the spiritual dimension is
added at the new birth, but the talent itself is basically the same.
An Observation
Before leaving this matter of definitions, one more observation is in order, and that concerns that
word "manifestations." Just what is it that is manifested? What is made visible? It is the Holy
Spirit Himself! A spiritual gift is a "manifestation of the Spirit" (I Cor. 12:7, italics added). This
is how the Holy Spirit is seen -- in the exercise of spiritual gifts. One of the greatest displays of
the Holy Spirit is a church in which the members are exercising their gifts for one another. A
church functioning as a gifted body is a beautiful display of the Spirit. So a spiritual gift is not
only an ability to serve; it is the channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to the body.
This puts the discussion on a much higher level of importance! When you exercise your gift in
the service of other believers, it is to be recognized as the manifestation, the display of the Spirit
of God. God has chosen to minister to his people through us! Few things can match the blessing
of knowing and expiring that.
In the latter half of I Corinthians 12 (verses 12-31), Paul shows vividly how a church should
function as a multi-gifted body. The church is not an organization, primarily, but an organism, a
body. The church is to function as a body -- with all the members cooperating and ministering to
the others. The work of the ministry is not a spectator sport with only a few of the members
playing. Each member functions to the mutual benefit of all.
In Ephesians 4:11-12 the apostle teaches that the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and
pastors-teachers are given to equip "the saints to the work of the ministry to the edifying of the
body of Christ" (italics added). It is the church in its entirety which is enabled by gifted men to
carry out the ministry and build up the body. It is body function, not just the function of a few
members of the body.
Unity
Returning once again to I Corinthians 12, Paul first establishes his point of unity in the body.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being
many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit" (verses 12-13). The point is simple: while so different in many respects, we are
all members of the same body--many members, one body. That is unity. We all were brought
into this body by Christ when He baptized us in His Spirit. As a result, we all drink of that same
Spirit. We all together enjoy a unity with one another.
Diversity
His second principle is diversity. This is developed in verses 14-20 with the graphic and
sometimes humorous metaphor of the human body. Verse 14 begins the discussion by saying, in
effect, that we don't all do the same thing. A body is not made up of one member but of many, all
with different functions. It is one body with a diversity of members, each with its own function.
His illustrations of this in verses 15-19 make the point crystal clear. Imagine your foot jealous of

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