The New Believer:
A Member of the Kingdom of God
When someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, they are not only forgiven of their sins and given the promise of eternal life but are also made part of a greater spiritual reality: the Kingdom of God. This Kingdom transcends earthly nations and institutions, representing God's reign over His people. As a new believer, it is essential to understand that your identity has shifted; you now belong to this Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Moreover, you are not meant to walk this journey alone. Fellowship within the local church family or a Life Group is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity.
1. Belonging to the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is where Christ reigns supreme, and those who believe in Him are His citizens. Jesus emphasized the Kingdom in His teachings, stating that "the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21, KJV). As a new believer, your allegiance is no longer to the world, but to Christ, who has transferred you from "the power of darkness" into His Kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13-14, KJV). This transition marks a new identity and purpose, calling you to live as a child of God in every aspect of life.
2. The Importance of Fellowship
Fellowship is one of the most significant aspects of Christian life. In Acts 2:42 (KJV), we see that the early believers "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." This shows that fellowship was foundational to their spiritual health and growth. Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith, encourages us in times of difficulty, and provides accountability.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) reinforces this by instructing us not to "forsake the assembling of ourselves together," because in the company of fellow believers, we are encouraged to love, good works, and endurance in our faith journey. Regular fellowship through a local church or a Life Group gives you the opportunity to learn from those who have walked with the Lord longer and receive the support needed to thrive as a believer.
3. Nurture through the Local Church or Life Group (G7 Student Movement)
The church is often referred to as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27, KJV), and just as a body cannot function properly without all its members, so a believer cannot grow spiritually in isolation. The church serves as a place of spiritual nurture, where you are fed through the teaching of the Word, and your gifts are developed through service. Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV) emphasizes that God gave the church leaders like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers for the work of ministry, ultimately leading to maturity in Christ.
In a Life Group, or small group setting, the experience becomes more intimate, allowing for deeper relationships and more personalized spiritual support. Here, you can share your challenges, ask questions, and grow in understanding within a safe and nurturing environment. As Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." These close-knit fellowships help you stay grounded in your faith and provide the encouragement needed to live out the gospel daily.
4. Accountability and Growth
Being part of a church family or Life Group not only nurtures but also holds you accountable. James 5:16 (KJV) encourages believers to "confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another," demonstrating that we need others to walk alongside us in our faith. This accountability helps guard against backsliding and provides a support system in times of spiritual struggle.
As a new believer, your relationship with God deepens through the loving correction and guidance of mature believers. In this environment, you are empowered to use your gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Romans 12:4-5 (KJV) explains that "we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Your role within the body is essential, and fellowship helps you discover your God-given purpose.
As a new believer in the Kingdom of God, you are called into a life of fellowship with God and His people. The local church family or Life Group is not just a place of attendance but a vital community where you are nurtured, encouraged, and held accountable as you grow in Christ. Through fellowship, you will experience the fullness of life in the Kingdom and the power of God’s presence working in and through His people. Let us not forsake gathering with other believers but embrace the strength, guidance, and love that come from living in community, as we walk together in the Kingdom of God.
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Activity: Form your Group of Seven. Name your Group and submit.
The New Believer as Belonging to the
Kingdom of God
This Group study is designed to help new believers understand their new identity in the Kingdom of God and the importance of fellowship through the local church family or Life Group. Each section includes questions with full Scripture references for reflection and discussion.
1. Belonging to the Kingdom of God
Key Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14 (KJV) - "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
Questions:
According to Colossians 1:13-14, what has Christ done for us, and how does this transfer us into His Kingdom? _________________________________________________________________________
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Reflect on how being delivered from darkness changes our perspective and life.
How does Luke 17:21 (KJV) - "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" - shape our understanding of where the Kingdom of God is? _________________________________________________________________________
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What does it mean for the Kingdom of God to be within you as a new believer?
2. The Importance of Fellowship
Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Questions:
Why does Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasize the importance of meeting together with other believers?
What are some ways you can provoke or encourage others to love and good works in your fellowship? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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In Acts 2:42 (KJV) - "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" - why were fellowship and communal activities like breaking bread so important to the early church?
How can we practice similar fellowship in our churches or Life Groups today? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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3. Nurture through the Local Church or Life Group
Key Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV) - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
Questions:
How does Ephesians 4:11-13 describe the role of church leaders in nurturing believers?
What is the ultimate goal of being nurtured in a church setting according to this passage? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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In 1 Corinthians 12:27 (KJV) - "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" - what does it mean for believers to be part of the Body of Christ?
How does your participation in a local church or Life Group contribute to the health of the body? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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4. Accountability and Growth
Key Scripture: James 5:16 (KJV) - "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Questions:
According to James 5:16, how does confessing our faults to one another foster accountability and spiritual growth?
Why is prayer for one another essential in this process? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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How does Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) - "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" - relate to accountability within a Life Group or church family?
How can close relationships in the church help you grow stronger in your faith? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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This discussion aims to strengthen your understanding of your role in the Kingdom of God and the importance of fellowship within a nurturing church community. Reflect on these Scriptures and questions, and seek to deepen your connections with both God and fellow believers.
Bshm 1- c
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Kung sino man ang susunod sa mga utos at salita ng Diyos ay siyang papatawarin sakanyang mga pagkakasala at siyang bibigyan ng greater spiritual sa kanyang buhay.
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