Leader’s Guide

FREE WILL BAPTIST GUIDE FOR NEW BELIEVERS

®
GENERAL EDITOR RON HUNTER JR.
 FREE WILL BAPTIST

GUIDE
for new believers
Leader’s Guide

PURPOSE OF MATERIAL
This material teaches all the core areas of Free Will Baptist doctrine and history. The material
helps new believers and new members get ready to become a solid member of your church. It is
important to provide each student with a book to work through the lessons and answer the ques-
tions. The Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers can be taught to the entire church for review
of foundational material. Often a pastor reviews such material every two or three years during a
midweek study.

CLASS TEACHER
Most teachers or pastors using this book will have acquired knowledge of each of these areas in
previous study. For a review or for extra preparation beyond what you read in the student book,
consider the resources provided in each teacher’s lesson for deeper reference.
The lessons have a distinct feel based on the 14 different writers. Therefore the feel and flow of
each reads differently and may cause you to like some lessons more than others based on your
style preference. This same style distinction shows why some people prefer one gospel over an-
other in the Bible.

CLASS ARRANGEMENT
This class feeds into further discipleship and can be a great on ramp to your small group, Life
Groups, and Sunday school classes. If you wish to go further, a short list of studies can carry the
student further in foundational areas.

CLASS GUIDELINES AND BOUNDARIES

Students should do workbooks at home and come prepared to share answers and listen to addi-
tional guidance taught by the teacher.
Any discussion and answers provided by students that are incorrect should not be the object of
other’s ridicule but should be gently corrected by the teacher. The class design assumes the stu-
dent is not the expert in these areas, otherwise the need for the class would not exist. Therefore
coaching, correction, and mentoring should be expected by the student and the teacher.

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LESSON STRUCTURE
The CLEAR method of teaching helps both teacher and student work through the lesson with
participation and comprehension. Follow the guide and allow discussion for maximum results
and feedback to confirm learning is occurring. CLEAR stands for Connect, Learn, Explore, Ap-
ply, and Respond. The flow allows the teacher to connect with the class, get into the lesson (learn)
while overlapping explore (going deeper) and apply (activities and discussions). The class always
ends with what the students should do with the lesson by suggesting action points.

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

LESSON RESOURCES
While most teachers of this material will need very little additional information not already pro-
vided in the student book, some may prefer to brush up on certain topics. A short list of additional
resources will suggest other Free Will Baptist publications containing additional commentary or
teaching on topics found in the chapter. Most pastors have each of these in their library but if not,
one can purchase these from Randall House or your local bookstore. Visit RandallHouse.com and
AccessBibleStudies.com for additional resources.

CLASS SET-UP
Unless you are teaching a large group or the entire church, consider placing students in a circle
or u-shaped chair arrangement for comfort in answering questions. While not necessary, this ar-
rangement helps facilitate discussion.

TIME FOR LESSONS

Each lesson can be taught in 45 to 90 minutes depending on how many students and how long
you allow for each question’s discussion. While you could stretch each lesson out into two, it is
not recommended. Twelve weeks provides a lengthy commitment for students. You may choose to
shorten the study and remove certain chapters at your discretion.

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 Chapter 1 Your Path
Objective: understand salvation, the difference between free will and predestination, and how a believer can have
assurance of salvation.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• The Free Will Baptist Treatise – Chapter VI Atonement and Mediation of Christ, Chapter VII the Holy
Spirit, Chapter VII the Gospel Call, Chapter IX Repentance, Chapter X Faith, Chapter XI Regeneration,
Chapter XII Justification and Sanctification, Chapter XIII Perseverance of the Saints, Articles of Faith.

• Free Will Baptist Doctrines by J. D. O’Donnell (pages 79-110)

• Understanding Assurance & Salvation by Robert Picirilli (pages 1-13)

• Free Will Baptists & Predestination by the FWB Historical Commission (pages 1-14)

• Free Will Baptists & the Perseverance of the Saints by the FWB Historical Commission (pages 10-11)

• The Randall House Bible Commentary 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation by Marberry, Pugh, and Shaw (page 94)

• Quest for Truth by Leroy Forlines (page 538-566)

• Biblical Systematics by Leroy Forlines (Pages 201-230)

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Start with reading the classic poem by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken (Google the poem and print it for the
class time) and after reading it, ask the class if they will share a decision they chose not to make which would
have led them to an undesirable path. Then reassure the students of their decisions to begin the journey with
Christ and share a little about the path you have walked up to this point (emphasizing forks in the road and what
helped you make some good choices along the way).

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LEARN & EXPLORE
JOINING THE HIKE: How can one become a Christ Follower or Christian?

The plan of salvation includes: (1) God’s provision of salvation, (2) the sinner’s inability to self-save, and (3) the
person’s absolute freedom to choose Christ. Distinguish between intellectual faith (parachutes exist) and trusting
faith (jump from a plane with a parachute).

If you would like to review the plan of salvation now would be a good time.

1. Everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23).

2. The best we can earn by our own efforts is death (Romans 6:23).

3. We cannot self-save, so Christ did it for us through His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 5:6).

4. Christ makes salvation available for everyone, whether we receive it or not (Romans 5:8).

5. Christ reconciles us to God, with no residual accusations about our old path (Romans 5:10).

6. God made salvation accessible to everyone in a simple way (Romans 10:8-10).

7. Salvation is for everyone (Romans 10:11-13).

Show the difference in Calvinism and Arminianism with this simple outline.

JOINING THE HIKE: Who can be a Christ Follower or Christian?

Three important points should be made:

1. We believe that every human being was made in the Image of God. His intellectual, emotional, and voli-
tional personality traits are imprinted on us, making salvation accessible.

2. We believe that Christ died for everyone. Calvinism teaches: (1) people are too marred by sin to exercise
faith; (2) God pre-selected those He would save before Creation; (3) Jesus didn’t die for everyone; only
for the pre-selected; (4) God makes your choice for you when He extends Christ’s grace; (5) the chosen
cannot fall away. However, the Scriptures included in the chapter show that salvation is for all. Calvin-
ism may extol God’s sovereignty at the expense of our God-given free will. We follow Ariminianism: that
anyone with God’s Image has free will to choose salvation. Use a key to illustrate that because we have His
Image, we can open and enter God’s salvation. His Image is our key.

3. We believe you retain your free will after following Christ. Salvation actually increases our capacity for free
will. Salvation is a mind, emotion, and volition-expanding process. Being a Christian means fresh choices
each day, as we see in the next section regarding the difficulty of the Christian life.

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ASSURANCE

Changing paths (getting on the road leading to Heaven) does not remove us from the basic problems of life—
mortgages, sicknesses, discouragement, temptation, and broken hearts. His Path goes through them instead of to
them. Emphasize Christ’s faithfulness when problems arise. Write 2+2=4 on the whiteboard. Emphasize the logic
of believing that if God worked hard to save us, He is not interested in abandoning us. Use a flashlight (showing
the path ahead) to teach the importance of Bible reading, sermons, and teachings. Use a phone (how it connects
us) to illustrate the importance of prayer and fellowship.

APPLY
Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers

• Question on page 4 (this will be helpful when sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian).

• Questions on page 9 (note the second question does not assume everyone in your class has made a salva-
tion decision).

• Question on page 11 (look for feedback that shows they grasp free will as oppose to predestination).

RESPOND
Suggest the students read the book of James before next week’s class. It is short, filled with wisdom, and will help
establish an early reading pattern to build on later.

Draw 6 concentric circles on the white board, and write “C” in the center, “I” in the next and outward with “R.,”
“C,” “L,” and “E.” This is the “Circle of Concern,” the people you should want to accompany you on the Path.

Christ—Your relationship with Christ is your center.

Intimates—Who do you love the most? Deuteronomy 6 tells us that we must teach our children to follow God
with our behavior and words.

Relatives—Who else in your family needs Christ?

Close friends—These are people with whom you play and associate.

Laborers—co-workers need a relationship with Christ.

Everybody else—God wants everyone to follow Jesus.

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 Chapter 2 Your Road Map—Part 1

Objective: to gain confidence in the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice, and to understand the urgency
and benefit of regular Bible reading and study.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

The Free Will Baptist Treatise (page 3, 18, 20, 33)

Free Will Baptist Doctrines by J. D. O’Donnell (pages 1-14)

Quest for Truth by Leroy Forlines (page 43-64)

Randall House Bible Commentary, 1 Thessalonians through Philemon (pages 348-349)

Randall House Bible Commentary, James, 1, 2 Peter and Jude (pages 258-260)

Randall House Bible Commentary, 1 Thessalonians through Philemon (pages 245-249)

Randall House Bible Commentary, The Gospel of John (pages 88-89)

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Bring the Owner’s Manual of an appliance or automobile to class. Read through some suggestions about proper
maintenance and operation. Ask these questions: “Are the instructions from the manufacturer helpful?” “Does
the manufacturer have any particular insight on how its product is designed to work?” “Does the manufacturer
have a valid right to void a warranty if a product is not used according to its intended purpose?”

As we study the Bible, it will be helpful if we recognize that God made us with a specific purpose in mind. He
knows how we were designed to operate. The Bible is God’s Owner’s Manual for human beings.

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LEARN & EXPLORE
The Source

• God-breathed—2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Word of God—2 Peter 1:20-21

• For Public Reading and Teaching—1 Timothy 4:13-15

• Point to Jesus—Luke 24:27; John 5:37-40

The Evidence

• History

• Archaeology

• Manuscripts

• Prophecy

Orienteering (following the map)

• Read Daily

• Study Regularly

• Memorize Consistently

• Apply Immediately

The Conversation

• Why Pray?

• Why Would God Listen to Me?

• Jesus’ Example—Matthew 6:9-13

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APPLY & RESPOND
Matthew 6:11-13 teaches you to pray for certain areas of your life. Name the ones you see in Christ’s model
prayer.

Take time now to list a few prayer requests and begin praying for them daily.

Adopt a Bible Reading Plan from one of the recommended sources.

Acquire Bible Study software for study helps.

Additional Online Resources:

www.e-sword.net free Bible study software

www.net.Bible.org online Bible commentary

www.BlueLetterBible.com online Bible commentary

www.BibleGateway.com online collection of Bible translations

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 Chapter 3 Your Road Map—Part 2
Objective: to develop a regular practice of Bible reading and be equipped with the proper tools for effective Bible
study.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• The Randall House Bible Commentary Mark by Robert Picirilli (Mark 1:35 pages 53-54)

• The Randall House Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians through Philemon by Picirilli, Outlaw & Ellis (2
Tim. 3:16 page 348-349)

• The Randall House Bible Commentary Galatians through Colossians by Marberry, Picirilli, & Ellis (Eph.
6:17 pages 250-251)

• The Randall House Bible Commentary Hebrews by Outlaw (Heb. 4:12 pages 82-84)

• http://www.accessbiblestudies.com/bible-studies/digging-into-the-word/

• http://www.accessbiblestudies.com/bible-studies/heritage-of-the-bible/

• http://www.accessbiblestudies.com/bible-studies/god-and-me/

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LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Option 1.

Bring pictures of unusual tools (or bring actual tools if you have some). Show them to the students and ask them
to identify the tool or explain what it is used for.

Option 2.

What tool would you use to trim the limbs of a tree? What tool would you use to trim a hedge? What tool would
you use to trim a rose bush? Each plant has a specific tool that is designed for cutting it.

Transition Statement:

In the lesson today, we will examine some tools for Bible study and how to use them effectively.

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LEARN & EXPLORE
The Ascent Into Bible Study

• Gain Biblical Literacy

• Get the Big Picture

• A Journey of Discovery

Our Trailhead: Proper Perspective

• Expectation: The Wonders of the Scriptures

• Openness: Ready to Be Changed

• Reverence: A Respect for Life-Changing Words

Using the Map

• Context: How Does the Passage Fit?

• Observation: What Does the Passage Say?

• Understanding: What’s the Point of the Passage?

• Application: Why Does This Passage Matter?

Orienteering: Developing a Routine

• Find a Place

• Choose a Time

• Use the Right Tools

• Choose a Bible Reading Plan or Bible Study

• Pray

• Meditate on the Word

• Memorize Scripture

• Journal

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APPLY
As a convenient outline for Bible study, ask these questions:

• Is there a command to obey?

• Is there a promise to claim?

• Is there a sin to avoid?

• Is there a lesson to learn?

• Is there a principle to apply?

RESPOND
What tools do you have to assist in Bible study?

What time of the day are you going to set aside as a regular appointment to read and study God’s Word?

What reading plan are you going to use?

Where in the Bible are you going to begin reading?

Write out the verse you plan to memorize first.

Additional Online Resources:

www.e-sword.net free Bible study software

www.net.Bible.org online Bible commentary

www.BlueLetterBible.com online Bible commentary

www.BibleGateway.com online collection of Bible translations

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 Chapter 4 Your Outfitter—Where We
Get Equipped
Objective: help the student realize the value of the universal and grasp the need for the local church, pastor,
teachers, and accountability.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• Free Will Baptist Church Covenant – see Appendix D

• The Free Will Baptist Treatise – Chapter XV Church, Part IV The Practices of Free Will Baptists Chapter I
the Local Church.
BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Ask, the students…who has plenty to wear in your closets? Is there food in your pantry?

Where were the food items and clothes before being in your closet? (Where did you get them?)

Not many people wish to return to the era of families growing their own produce, raising their own livestock,
and sewing all the families’ clothes. In today’s world, you enjoy a pantry and clothes closet filled from frequent
trips to grocery and department stores.

LEARN & EXPLORE

Explain to the students the passage of equipping found in Ephesians 4:11-16

Ask the students: What is the purpose of the roles mentioned in verse 11?

Notice the chain reaction of one leading to the other and to the other.

What traits fit being a child or an infant (new believer) in Christ? (See verse 14.)

Describe a more mature believer in verse 15 and the opposite traits of verse 14.

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Notice the results in verse 16—how is church implied here?

Now walk the students through the major headings of this chapter paraphrasing or summarizing each section in
your own words. Stop at key questions noted below during the appropriate section.

APPLY
Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers

• Page 41—the second question (help the students contrast and describe the two).

• Page 41—the fourth question (remember to show the value of the church being there for the believers
more so than the believers being there for the church).

• Page 44—all three questions.

RESPOND
Ask the students how accountability helps them accomplish goals.

Have them describe how a Sunday school, Life Group, or small group teachers and students could provide en-
couragement, teaching, accountability and more. Talk through how the pastor serves to shepherd the members
of the church.

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 Chapter 5 Your Guide—God Part 1

Objective: understand a biblical concept of God and pattern the example of His moral attributes.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

The Free Will Baptist Treatise (pages 3-9, 35)

Free Will Baptist Doctrines by J. D. O’Donnell (pages 31-78)

Quest for Truth by Leroy Forlines (pages 65-79; 81-92)

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Option 1.

Let’s do a little Math. What is 1+1+1? Obviously, the answer is 3. When we add three items together the sum is
3. Now, what is 1x1x1? Oddly, the answer is 1. Why is that? [Allow a brief time for comments.] We don’t have
to understand why this is the case, we just understand that it is. Even if we can’t explain it, we can still use the
formula to get the right answer on a quiz.

Option 2.

There is a wide variety of ordinary things we use every day, but many of us don’t understand how or why they
work. However, we use them anyway: fluorescent light bulb, battery, the Internet, television, etc. Choose a few of
these items and ask someone to explain how it works. If he or she can’t explain it, ask, “Do you have to under-
stand how this works to be able to use it?” Of course the answer is no.

Conclude either connect option with this statement:

Such is the case with the Trinity. It is not a concept we can fully grasp or explain, but since the Bible teaches that
God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we accept it as a biblical truth. We don’t have to understand it for it to
be true. We just take God at His Word.

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LEARN & EXPLORE
THE PERSON OF GOD

Scripture is emphatic; there is only one God. However, Scripture is just as clear in teaching that God exists as
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This paradox is explained in the triune nature of God: One God in three persons.
Just as we trust God’s Word in other matters, we must also trust Him regarding His explanation of Himself. Our
finite minds can only comprehend so much. Still, God made the effort to communicate to us as much as we
could know about Him. This alone tells us much about Him–He is personal and desires a relationship with us.

This ancient symbol, although limited, illustrates the relationship of the persons of the Trinity. The Father is not
the Spirit; the Spirit is not the Son, the Son is not the Father. However, the Father is God, the Spirit is God, the
Son is God, and in unity God.

No illustration or concept is sufficient to accurately describe God. There are some aspects of an equilateral trian-
gle that are helpful in illustrating God. An equilateral triangle has three equal sides. If you take away or diminish
any side, you do not have an equilateral triangle. Similarly, if you take away or diminish any person of the Trinity
you do not have an accurate biblical description of God.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

The triune nature of God is not the only biblical concept of God that defies our comprehension. God is also
Transcendent and Immanent. That is, He is wholly separate and independent of the physical universe and far
above and beyond us; still He is personal, near, and present with us.

Moral Attributes of God*

• Holy

• Righteous

• Faithful

• True

• Good

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 • Loving

• Merciful

• Gracious

• Pure

*(attributes we can imitate, partial list)

Intrinsic (or Natural) Attributes of God**

• Spirit

• Eternal

• Self-Existent

• Perfect

• Sovereign

• Omnipotent (all-powerful)

• Omniscient (all-knowing)

• Omnipresent (everywhere present)

• Immutable (unchanging)

**(attributes of the very nature of God, partial list)

In recent years, some in the Christian community have denied the omniscience of God. Another incorrect view
asserts that God is neither all-knowing nor is He all-powerful but He does care. The background to such ques-
tions is not hard to understand. If God knows all things, even what we will do before we do it, does this mean we
are not free to make real and meaningful choices?

One such view is OPEN THEISM, which argues that several of the attributes of God are contradictory. Much of
Open Theism is a misguided reaction to extreme Calvinism in which everything is foreordained and predeter-
mined by God. Arminianism offers a much better interpretation to the conflicts of Calvinism, in that the free
will of man makes man accountable for introducing sin and suffering into the world. Also, God’s foreknowledge
is not causative. First Samuel 23:1-13 illustrates that God can know the contingencies of what would happen in a
given set of circumstances without that knowledge causing a particular event to occur.

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APPLY
Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers.

Question: When people desire to be accepting or tolerant of many views, how can Christ followers present to
others there is only one god—The God of the Bible?

Question: How do Jesus’ attributes encourage you?

Question: How would you explain the relationship of Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to God the Father?

Question: How does the fact that the Holy Spirit is deity practically impact a Christian’s life?

Question: Can you think of an analogy that captures the various truths involved in the Trinity? (Any analogy
while not perfect helps people of all ages to understand the complexity of how the Trinity acts and exists)

Question: How should your awareness of God’s omniscience impact your daily actions, words, worries, concerns,
relationships, fears, joys, etc.?

Question: How can a perfectly holy God have a relationship with a sinful person?

RESPOND
Review the Moral Attributes of God.

Recognize that God desires for us to develop these characteristics in our lives as well. Obviously we will never at-
tain the holiness and righteousness of God, but these traits should be evident in our lives.

Ask God to bring to your mind the attributes He wants to give special attention to developing in your life at this
time.

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 Chapter 6 Your Guide—God Part 2

Objective: to see how God is at work in people’s lives today, and how He functions in His various roles.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

The Free Will Baptist Treatise (pages 3-9, 35)

Free Will Baptist Doctrines by J. D. O’Donnell (pages 31-78)

Quest for Truth by Leroy Forlines (page 113-134, 167-182, 321-335)

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
The story is told that as the mayor of New York, Fiorello LaGuardia presided over the court when an elderly
individual was charged with stealing a loaf of bread. In passing sentence, LaGuardia explained that the person
must be punished, the law made no exceptions. A fine of ten dollars was imposed. But then LaGuardia paid the
fine himself and fined every person in the courtroom fifty-cents for living in a town where a person had to steal
bread to eat. LaGuardia then gave the collection to the defendant.*

This story shows one person serving in several roles: mayor, magistrate, deliverer, and helper. In this lesson we
will see how God is involved in our lives in various roles, yet still perfectly in order with His character.

* http://www.snopes.com/glurge/laguardia.asp

LEARN & EXPLORE

GOD THE CREATOR

Various attempts have been made to harmonize the biblical account with scientific theory. Intelligent Design is
compatible, as far as it goes, but fails to identify the intelligence behind the design, which could accommodate
views of alien life forms or nature as the source of the design. Progressive Creation and Theistic Evolution do dis-
service to the straight-forward exposition of Scripture and, in effect, make the infallible Word of God bow to the
authority of fallible Science. The Gap Theory and Day-Age are simply poor interpretations of Scripture. Natural-

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istic Evolution denies the work of God and is completely incompatible with the teaching of Scripture. The simple
fact is, if we do not take God’s Word as accurate and authoritative in all that it asserts, we have a weak view of
inspiration, authority, and reliability of Scripture.
• Who created everything that exists? How was it created?

• Why is God being the Creator so controversial? What is the real issue?

• Should I be concerned about conserving the planet? Why or why not?

• Is the world more random and chaotic or ordered and designed?

• In what areas is God’s creating power affecting you personally?

• How does God as Creator give all human life dignity? How should this affect my view of others? How does this
speak to areas such as euthanasia, genocide, or abortion?

GOD THE REDEEMER

1. Why do you struggle with the concepts of perfect holiness and absolute justice?

2. What happened to your sins when you were saved?

3. How does belief affect behavior? How does your redemption transfer into your lifestyle?

4. How does adoption apply to the thief on the cross who was saved?

5. Which of the four blessings of redemption means the most to you? Why?

6. Why should you not shy away from terms like the cross or the blood of Jesus? Why do some people refuse to use them?

7. How should the fact that Jesus suffered the penalty for you affect the way you live for God?

GOD THE CONVICTOR

1. Define conviction. What is its purpose? How is biblical conviction different from feeling guilty? (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)

2. Why does “feel good” preaching not rightly represent the Bible?

3. How do the Old and New Testaments harmonize concerning the teaching about the sinfulness of man?

4. Why did Jesus preach repentance? Why did He die?

5. How does your response to conviction show the condition of your heart?

6. How does the conviction of a lost person and a Christ follower differ? How are they the same?

7. Name some of the roles or functions of the Holy Spirit.

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GOD THE SUSTAINER
1. How do the natural laws of the universe show God to be the almighty sustainer of life?

2. Why should prayer be your first response in good times and bad?

3. What is God’s response to you when you come to Him in prayer?

4. Give examples of biblical figures that were sustained by God. What were their circumstances, reactions, and God’s
response?

5. The Holy Spirit is described as the Comforter. Describe the ways He sustains you in this role.

GOD THE ENCOURAGER

1. What are some ways God encourages you?

2. How is grace not just a gift, but a necessity?

3. How are joy, happiness, and fun different?

4. How does the presence of God affect your circumstances?

5. John 17 and other passages talk about God helping you. How are each of these passages an encouragement? What
promises are given that will help you today?

APPLY
Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers:

What difference does it make if you fail to make application of who God is?

What is the only accurate and authoritative source for who God is and what God does?

If you are hurt because God did not do what you wanted Him to do, what should your next action(s) be?

How would you explain to a friend how to understand who God is and what He does?

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RESPOND
Do a Thank You/Therefore exercise.

I am thankful God is my Redeemer because . . . (example: I belong to Him.)

Therefore I should . . . (example: remember Whose I am.)

I am thankful God is my Convictor because . . . (He cares enough to correct and direct me.) Therefore, I should .
. . (listen to His Spirit and repent.)

I am thankful God is my Sustainer because . . . (He upholds my world—He is all I need.) Therefore, I should . . .
(look to Him for strength and rest in Him.)

I am thankful God is my Encourager because . . . (He gives me joy when all around seems hopeless.) Therefore, I
should . . . (look to Him for encouragement rather than merely to people or the playthings of the world.)

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 Chapter 7 Your Destination

Objective: help the student describe Heaven based upon biblical description and help the student understand
the meaning of the ordinances.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• Free Will Baptist Doctrines by J. D. O’Donnell (Pages 159-174)

• Free Will Baptists & the Washing of the Saints’ Feet (pamphlet pages 1-14)

• The Washing of the Saints Feet by J. Matthew Pinson

• Free Will Baptist Treatise (Part II Chapter xviii)

• Free Will Baptist Church Covenant (Appendix E)

• http://www.accessbiblestudies.com/bible-studies/catching-a-view-of-heaven/

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Ask, the students:

1. Where did you get your first ideas about Heaven?

2. Who do you know that has preceded you to Heaven?

LEARN & EXPLORE (Heaven)

Explain to the students the value of Heaven is not so much life after death, escaping Hell, or enjoying the beauty
of Heaven, but about living and worshiping your Lord and Savior throughout eternity. It is spending eternity
with the one who loves you more than any other and getting to Him more than you ever could here on earth.

23
All the passages of Scripture teach a literal Heaven and a literal Hell.

The biggest benefit of Heaven can be found in Revelation 21:3—Dwelling with God; better than living in the
White House or Buckingham Palace.

APPLY (Heaven)
Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Page 75—Ask both questions on the page and allow students to share.

Page 79—Ask the second question.

LEARN & EXPLORE (Ordinances - Baptism)

Talk about why Free Will Baptists immerse rather than sprinkle (Use Mark 1:9-10, Romans 6:1-4). Help the stu-
dents understand that Christ came up and out of the water and we, as Christ-followers, identify with Christ and
are symbolically buried with Christ through baptism. Matthew 28:18-20 reveals baptism as part of the great com-
mandment.

APPLY (Ordinances - Baptism)

Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers

• Page 81—ask both questions (take time to plan a baptism service and recognize it as a time to be an out-
reach to non-believing family and friends).

LEARN & EXPLORE (Ordinances - Communion)

Walk through a communion service with the students, read the passage of Scripture, and describe why Christians
continually practice this ordinance when we only get baptized once. Refer to the Jewish Passover as a permanent
and lasting observance and how communion reminds the believer of deliverance from the former life because of
Christ’s crucifixion. Walk the believers through the contemplative steps found on pages 82-83.

24
APPLY (Ordinances - Communion)
Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers

• Page 83—ask second question. (This is a great way to see if the students grasp the teaching of Communion.)

LEARN & EXPLORE (Ordinances – Feet Washing)

Read John 13:14-17 and describe the principles of feet washing to the students. The two main principles describe
humility and regular confession of one’s sins.

APPLY (Ordinances – Feet Washing)

Questions from the Free Will Baptist Guide for New Believers: ask students to share their answers and discuss.
(Class size should determine how many should answer, and call on people so everyone gets a chance.)

Give guidance to the students depending on their answers

• Page 85—ask both questions.

RESPOND
Show the student how each ordinance gives a glimpse of Heaven and insures a continued preparation for the
final destination.

25
 Chapter 8 Your Obstacles

Objective: help the student describe Heaven based upon biblical description and help the student understand
the meaning of the ordinances.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• Quest for Truth by Leroy Forlines (Pages 440-456)

• Free Will Baptist Treatise (Chapters XIX, XXI, and XXII)

• Free Will Baptist Church Covenant (Appendix E)

http://www.accessbiblestudies.com/bible-studies/the-truth-about-hell/

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Ask, the students to name a hero and villain from a story or film. (Describe the goal of the villain.) Then describe
the goal of Satan and reassure them the Bible describes him as real as opposed to fictional villains.

LEARN & EXPLORE (APPLY combined in this section)

Walk the students through the roles of Satan from the student text.

Page 88—Ask the question at the top of the page.

Page 89—Ask the only question on the page.

Page 91—The top question may not be comfortable for students to respond openly, but you must address this

one and help them understand where they might be vulnerable to Satan.

26
Page 91—Help the students respond to the remaining questions on this page.

Satan is real and Hell is real. Walk the students through biblical descriptions of Hell found in the student text.
Remind the students of Christ’s offer of salvation as the ONLY way to avoid Hell. If any student is unsure of their
salvation decision, make sure you are available to walk them through either assurance of salvation or a first time
commitment.

RESPOND
Ask the students to recognize the agony of a real Hell and begin praying for any family and friends who are not
Christ-followers.

27
 Chapter 9 Your Etiquette

Objective: help the student realize the privilege of being adopted in the family of God and recognize how to treat
other siblings within the family in light of free will, liberty, and grace. A review of the Free Will Baptist Covenant
will introduce its meaning.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• Grace in Empty Spaces by Mark McPeak and Emily White Youree (Week one section)

• Free Will Baptist Treatise (Chapters XIX, XXI, and XXII)

• Free Will Baptist Church Covenant (Appendix E)

This lesson uses Scripture, the Free Will Baptist Covenant and questions to teach the main points. Use the ques-
tions and guide the students through the answers, allowing them to discover a biblical approach to family eti-
quette within the body of Christ. This lesson has more questions than others to help the student grasp biblical
principles first in order to produce a behavior reflective of principles. Do not be afraid to spend most of the time
with the questions in this lesson but guide the answers biblically by your own preparation by answering them
yourself as the teacher before class.

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Start with question at top of page 100 and the third question on the same page

LEARN & EXPLORE (APPLY combined in this section)

Explain the definition of etiquette to your students (describe how this applies to relationships among believers
based on the student text).

Rarely should a teacher read from the text, but occasionally a section stands out worthy of special attention.
Read the three paragraphs on page 100 and 101.

28
Page 101—ask the question at the bottom of the page.

Page 102—ask the last question on the page.

Describe “friendly fire” as found on page 102 and explain how there is no place for it within the body of Christ.

Page 103—ask all three questions (The last one should be asked rhetorically)

Page 105—ask both questions

Page 106—allow one student to answer each question on this page, give commentary as needed.

The section on page 107 describes why we have different denominations, but even within denominations the
people rarely agree on a specific list of “dos and don’ts” resulting in friction. Be familiar with this section and
express this to your students in your own words to help them grasp what a proper response should be when dif-
ferences occur.

Describe how claiming spiritual liberty as a license to do whatever one desires is wrong.

Page 108—ask the third question

Describe free will, and how each church is autonomous (has it’s own free will) but chooses to be part of a larger
body under the agreement of the Free Will Baptist Treatise and Free Will Baptist Covenant.

Page 109—You may wish to read the key section in the Free Will Baptist Article of Faith to the students and ask

the questions on this page. (Make sure the students understand free will).

Page 111—Ask all the questions on this page.

RESPOND
Read the bullet points about making wise choices or unwise choices found on page 112.

29
 Chapter 10 Your Itinerary—Stewardship

Objective: help the student manage the resources God has given to each Christ follower. This lesson primarily
focuses on the stewardship of our spiritual gifts, our time, and money.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• Randall House Bible Commentary 1 Corinthians by Picirilli (pages 174-186)

• Free Will Baptist Treatise (Appendix to chapter VII)

• Free Will Baptist Church Covenant (Appendix E)

• Spiritual Gifts Analysis from churchgrowth.org (See note on page 117)

o Have the students bring the results of the analysis to class

o Bring a list of all voluntary church positions available for members and nonmembers to do while
utilizing their spiritual gifts.

• Consider bringing your church budget (and/or financial report) to introduce the operational costs of the
church to new members.

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Start by asking for definitions from the students for the word manager.

Explain how the Bible uses the word steward as another word for manager.

Ask if the student’s children spend money in different ways from other siblings?

Ask if one sibling keeps his or her room cleaner than another sibling?

Note the differences of talents among children that reflect the strengths found within the members of the church
and how combining these talents and gifts bring the very best to God in worship and service.

30
LEARN & EXPLORE (APPLY combined in this section)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS

There is not complete agreement among Christians today on how many spiritual gifts there are. While lists of
gifts appear in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, there are several other spiritual gifts, such as
craftsmanship in the Old Testament, with the building of the tabernacle and the temple. Many Christians believe
that some of the spiritual gifts have ceased to be given after the first century. This is the Free Will Baptist belief,
specifically regarding the gift of tongues.

Walk the students through types of gifts, either from page 114 of the student book or from the Spiritual Gifts
Analysis tool print out from the Web.

Page 115—ask the questions at the bottom of the page.

Describe what church would look like if no one used his or her spiritual gifts at church; everyone would be tak-
ers and not givers. No one would be serving as the Bible describes.

Page 117—Ask students to share their dominant gifts.

Talk through possible places to serve either immediately or upon membership, depending on church policy. Try
to get each student involved as early as possible in some facet of ministry service.

Should someone ask about tongues or you want to go further, the Treatise of Free Will Baptists addresses the gift
of tongues (appendix to chapter VII)

“Tongues were given as a special gift to the early church as only one sign which confirms the witness of the Gos-
pel to unbelievers.

While tongues were bestowed by the sovereign will of God on some believers, all did not speak with tongues.
When this gift was abused, it became a source of disturbance in the congregational meetings. To eliminate confu-
sion and correct the error, Paul set particular guidelines for the Christian church to follow. The gift of tongues
was neither an evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, nor does it bring about sanctification.

We believe that speaking in tongues as a visible sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an erroneous doctrine to
be rejected.” (Treatise)

TITHING

First, a steward or manager recognizes that he or she is not the owner. Psalm 24 reminds us God owns every-
thing. Walk the students through how a manager seeks to please the owner and gives Him first priority (see page
119 of the student book). Use the illustration of your student being hired to pilot a private jet for a wealthy busi-
nessman. The businessman allows the use of the jet for the student’s personal interests. How would the business-
man feel about the jet never being available for his use because the student always had it on personal errands?
Describe how this illustration fits tithing, time and talents.

31
Describe tithing, and its biblical basis.

The Treatise states, “Under the Gospel, the first day of the week, in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ,
and by authority of Christ and the apostles, is observed as the Christian Sabbath.” (Treatise, section xiv)

Regarding tithing, the Treatise says, “Both the Old and New Scriptures teach tithing as God’s financial plan for
the support of His work.” (Treatise, section xvi)

Page 121—Ask question at the bottom of the page.

Page 122—Ask both questions and share the scriptural support for the second question as found in the text of

the student book.

MANAGING OTHER AREAS

Describe managing or stewarding commitments, reputation, spiritual growth, church, relationships, and King-
dom growth. (Read the Free Will Baptist Church Covenant together found in Appendix E).

Page 123—Ask the both questions.

RESPOND
Ask the students to provide a copy of their Spiritual Gifts analysis for future consideration by the pastor or staff
when determining positions. Ask for commitments to support the church upon membership with time, spiritual
growth, talents, and financial means.

32
 Chapter 11 Your Responsibility—
Witness
Objective: help the student exhibit responsibility for his or her testimony, understand the dangers of backsliding
and grasp the magnitude of apostasy. The student should identify ways to share their faith with non-Christ fol-
lowers both personally and through support of other outreach organizations.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• Grace Faith and Free Will by Robert Picirilli (pages 183-234)

• Free Will Baptist Treatise (Chapter xiii)

• Understanding Assurance and Salvation by Robert Picirilli

• Free Will Baptist Doctrines by J. D. O’Donnell (pages 95-110)

• Appendix F of the student book for other resources

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Ask what the students would think if a person from Tennessee claimed to be driving toward California but never
drives west. Would you believe what they claimed? If a person who claims to be hiking the Christian lifestyle but
never appears to practice his or her faith, would it confuse others? (Read James 1:22; 2:14-26.)

LEARN & EXPLORE (APPLY combined in this section)

FAITH AND WORKS

For the section on “faith and works” it is recommended to make sure you achieve a balance in the two extremes.
Other chapters cover the concept of grace and how unworthy we are, yet we never want to even come close to
teaching salvation by works or being sustained by our works. But we also want to teach that grace does produce
works in the life of a Christian and even one of the clearest sections in the Bible on how we are saved—Ephesians
2:1-10—ends by saying we are saved to do good works. We can do nothing to earn salvation, but standing on
God’s grace, we can do a lot by how we live after we are saved to glorify and worship God.
33
Page 127—Ask the two questions on this page.

U-TURNS, GOING BACKWARDS

If someone says they are hiking out of the Grand Canyon but keeps walking downward rather than upward, it
is pretty clear the hiker is headed the wrong way. Sometimes hiking down the canyon is easier but the end result
leads to a place one cannot survive, in the bottom of the canyon. Rescuing a hiker gets him or her heading in the
right direction, up toward the rim and out to safety. This illustrates backsliding or heading in the wrong direc-
tion spiritually. Be familiar with pages 127-129 and describe backsliding biblically to the students.

Page 130—Ask the students each of the questions and guide their answers if their view fails to align biblically.
Help each to grasp the last question and hear from more than one student on this one to insure various wording
all describing the same answer.

SHARING YOUR FAITH

Summarize page 131 to the students and ask them to memorize the A.C.T.S. method of sharing one’s faith as
stated at the bottom of page 131 and on page 132. Now is a good time for role playing, with students divided up
one on one

Page 132—Help the student shape a short 1 to 2 minute presentation of his or her testimony as described in the
paragraph just above the question on page 132. Help them refine it not to show glory or brag about their pre-
salvation life. This is a great way to lead into the A.C.T.S. method.

Introduce other ways a person can share his or her faith around the world. Introduce organizations your church
supports and help the student decide which ones to become involved in supporting as well.

Page 135—Ask the both questions.

RESPOND
Ask the student to prayerfully seek an opportunity to share his or her faith with someone from the question on
page 127. Tell them you want them to share at the beginning of class next time they do share their faith even if
the person does not accept Christ.

34
 Chapter 12 Your Heritage

Objective: help the student appreciate the history and heritage of the National Association of Free Will Baptists
and the student’s local church.

Time needed: 45-90 minutes

Other helpful resources from your library if you want more material for this lesson:

• A Free Will Baptist Handbook by J. Matthew Pinson

• Free Will Baptist Treatise (Chapter xiii)

• Free Will Baptist History by William F. Davidson

BEGINNING OF CLASS MOST OF CLASS END OF CLASS

LEARN & EXPLORE

CONNECT RESPOND
APPLY

CONNECT
Ask someone to explain some significance about their surname (family’s last name). Ask if anyone has traced
their family tree?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703727804576011451297639480.html

Share how Bernie Madoff ’s daughter-in-law changed Madoff ’s grandkids last names because of the disgrace
and shame brought to the family. An organization’s history and reputation matters and Free Will Baptist have a
proud legacy and bright future ahead.

LEARN & EXPLORE (APPLY combined in this section)

CHURCH HISTORY

Give an overview of church history, paying attention to the development of the local church in the book of Acts.
Using the material in the student book (or supplemental resources) on page 138-139 give a short summary of
the Reformation.

Page 139—Ask the three questions on this page. (The answer to the first is found in a title of a book in the first
section and part of the narrative in the section following this question).

35
FREE WILL BAPTIST HISTORY

Share the two lines of Free Will Baptist (Northern and Southern) and the merger of 1910-11 took away 1100
churches and several major colleges. Emphasize 1935 as the modern reorganization of the National Association
of Free Will Baptists. Name the nine agencies that serve the local churches and the combined body of all Free
Will Baptists. Share the mission statement of the National Association of Free Will Baptists.

Page 142—Ask the students each of the questions. Ask for two or three possible answers to the last question on
this page.

FREE WILL BAPTIST ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Show how the local church forms the district association/conference, the districts form the state, and the states
form the national association. The National Association is not a top-down nationally run organization but
rather a local church upward-governed association. Share a little about the nine national agencies and the pur-
pose of each. Show how each agency serves the local church and how accountability occurs in the running of
each agency. Describe the history of the International Fellowship of Free Will Baptists.

YOUR CHURCH HISTORY

Now give an overview of how your church began and some of its highlights through history. Share how the
church ministers to the local community and what it has done to have an impact on the community.

Page 147—Ask both questions after sharing your local church history.

RESPOND
Challenge your students to be part of the history of the your church and become part of the larger purposes with
participation in the bigger body of Free Will Baptists through support of the national agencies. Consider adopt-
ing a missionary, home mission church planter, or college student to support through prayer and financial giv-
ing. Consider asking your men’s ministry and women’s ministry to consider joining Master’s Men and Women
Nationally Active For Christ. Consider placing any financial savings with the Free Will Baptist Foundation for
what is typical larger than bank and CD level returns. Make sure your pastor is enrolled in and the church con-
tributes to the Free Will Baptist Retirement program. Give serious consideration to purchasing Free Will Baptist
curriculum and small group Bible studies from Randall House to insure our doctrine is taught and solid Biblical
teaching is presented.

36