1st Edition

How To Use* This booklet is to help you get to know God more. Each section will take you into a deeper relationship with Jesus. To do this effectively, meet once a week with at least one other person and discuss your answers to the questions on each study. Also spend time encouraging and praying for each other. Take advantage of this booklet and let God do what He needs to so you can become more like Jesus. LEARN : SHARE : APPLY
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15 ESV )

Written By: Matt R. Jaggers Edited By: Alyah Campbell & Jon Rothon Art & Design By: Jon Rothon For PDF File contact: Email: mattj@evangelbc.org

The Radical Christian*

R A D I C A L

Relationship Attitude Devotions Integrity Commission Accountability Love

It begins with RELATIONSHIP Theres a story of a man who stood at the pearly gates of Heaven. As he rang the bell to open the gates, Saint Peter came to the window. So your time has come? Saint Peter asked. But before I let you in you must give me the answer to this question. Uneasy about his capability to answer, the man asked if he could have an easy question. Saint Peter paused and after some thought he asked, What is the name of Gods son? Hesitating to answer, the man began to ponder and even began to sweat. But after a moment he answered. I know, its Andy!! Andy? How did you get Andy? Saint Peter asked. You

know, from that song: Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me.

Judging by this mans answer, he probably didnt make it through the gates of Heaven. Why? Because he did not have a relationship with Gods son, he didnt even know the name of Jesus. We are told in the Bible that God desires to have a relationship with us. Since the very beginning with Adam and Eve, God has desired to have a relationship with all mankind. However, we humans have made a mess of it all by deciding to turn away from God. When you have friends, it probably means that you talk to them once in a while. When you have a best friend, it probably means you talk to them a lot. How, then, can any of us say that Jesus is our best friend if we barely talk to Him throughout the day? A relationship with Jesus must first begin with prayer and reading the Bible.
To live a radical Christian life, prayer and scripture are necessary.

God sent His only Son to die for us. Why? So He could make a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Its what He wants. God did not tell us to try to work our way into Heaven. He does not need our hard earned good deeds. He wants a friendship.

A FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD If you feel that you dont have a friendship with God then dont wait any longer. He wants to know you and show Himself to you. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we can live with Him and know Him forever. If you want to know Him then start by praying the following prayer:

Lord, I thank you for sending your Son Jesus to take my place for my sins. I am glad that you want to know me and show your love to me. Please forgive me of my sins. I give my heart to you and I want to live for you. Thank-you Jesus for being my friend, Amen
Day 1 Read 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Why do you think some people might be ashamed of being a Christian? How would this affect their relationship with God? In (vs. 9) we are told that we are not saved by our works. How then are we saved? Paul states in (vs. 12) that he has known whom he has believed. What would make Paul so sure that he knew Jesus? What could you do to know Jesus in the same way? An important step as a follower of Jesus is baptism. This is a public confession that you are following Him. Talk to your Youth Pastor or Pastor for more information about being baptized

Day 2 Read Philippians 3:4-11 Paul writes that if we could be saved for what we do then he had done it all (vs. 4-6). What had he done?

Do you think you have done enough good things to be saved?

The great thing about being saved is that it is not based on anything we can do. How then can we know we are saved? Take a look at (vs. 9).

What does Paul consider worthless? Why?

How can we know Jesus better and grow in our relationship with Him?

After reading this passage, read it again as a prayer towards God. Meditate on these verses and ask God what it means to know Him.

Day 3 Read Ephesians 3:8-12

God had a plan to show Himself to us and bring us back to Him. This plan was to send His Son to take our place and die for the sin that we have done. The Jews were the first people to be told about this plan because God chose them as His people. But, now we can all know God as our friend through Jesus.

What was the message Paul had for us (the Gentiles)?

What was Gods plan?

How can we come into Gods presence without fear?

Set aside a time each day where you can meet with God. Start off with meeting for 5 minutes just to pray.

I commit to set aside time from _________ to ___________to meet with God.

Stay committed to this time and get to know God!!

The Attitude of a Christian Have you ever met someone who really irritated you? Maybe you found them annoying because they talked too much or maybe they didnt see things the way you saw them. Who knows, it could have just been how they looked. If this has happened to you, the chances are, you could be the one with the problem. God made us all unique, and with that uniqueness come differences in each person. Unfortunately, differences can sometimes rub others the wrong way. But God provided a solution for this problem. The solution is called Humility!! Humility can be defined as to be more concerned about others than yourself. Sounds impossible, doesnt it? Well think of it this way; imagine you wanted to watch your favorite T.V. show at 5:00 pm, you rush into the family room at 4:58 pm to turn on the T.V. but instead you enter the room to the horrific sound of your brother watching the news channel, as it is part of his homework assignment from school. You now have two options. Make a fuss and get him to change the channel, or be more concerned for him than yourself and, in humility, either sit down and watch the news or read a book (which is probably better than watching any T.V. show). I am quite sure that God would rather see you choose the latter of the two options.

Humility seems to be an unfair solution, but really if we all walked in humility the world would be a completely different place. Your home will become a completely different home if you choose to walk in humility. It is not something that comes naturally because, as human beings, each of us tend to look out for the number one person, ourselves. Put an end to being irritated or annoyed by others; walk in humility.

MORE FOR YOUR ATTITUDE Day 1 Read Philippians 2:1-4

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition?

Why do you think it is so hard to be more concerned for others than yourself?

What could you do to change your attitude to one that walks in humility?

How can you show that you are interested in what other people are doing?

Pray that God will help you to walk in humility!

Day 2 Read Philippians 2:5-11 In (vs. 5) we are challenged to have the same mind as Jesus. What does this mean to you?

Take a moment and read (vs. 8). Think of how Jesus took your place, even though He had done nothing wrong He died as a criminal. How would you feel if you stood at the cross as Jesus was dying?

The good news is that because Jesus is God, death could not hold Him and He has risen from the dead (vs. 9). What are you to do now? (vs. 10-11).

Begin your day in humility

Thought to Ponder: Jesus was God, yet he humbled himself and became a man so that we could have eternal life. Yet, as people we struggle to be humble towards another person!!

Day 3 Read Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-18 How does God want you to live your life? (vs. 2)

Are there people that you feel you dont love? Do you think that God wants you to love them? How can you start showing a little love to them?

Maybe (vs.16) can help you in loving others. What does it say? What are some good things you can do?

In (Vs.18) Paul tells us to let the Holy Spirit fill us and lead us. What does that mean to you?

If you trust in God and desire to do His will, then listen to the Holy Spirit and He will show you what to do to help others and to walk in Humility.

Devotions: Your Bible, Prayer and Consistency Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet Jesus in person? I have. Ive wondered if I would recognize Him. Would You? If He spoke to you, would you know His voice? The first study talked about a relationship with God. This relationship can only grow as you spend time with God by reading your Bible and spending time in prayer. This time with God is called devotions. THE BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. When you build a model you usually use an instruction book (at least I hope you do). God has given us an instruction book for living. Sure, it has some instructions, but dont think of these instructions as silly rules that make it impossible to have fun. The instructions we find in the Bible are for our benefit. These instructions protect us from unhealthy lifestyles, improve our economy and protect us from harm. As you spend time reading your Bible take some time to memorize different parts that stick out to you. PRAYER: Prayer is also a big part of your walk with Jesus. Simply said prayer is meeting with God. It is talking to and listening to God like you would to your best friend. You can pray while walking to school, in your classroom, while working or playing sports. God hears our prayers whenever and wherever we are. However, it is important to find a quiet-time each day just to meet with God. Jesus talked to His disciples about finding a closet where they could pray. This time of prayer will help you hear from God.

As you begin your own time of devotions start off by meeting with God for five minutes. As you become consistent with this time then begin to spend ten minutes in devotions, then fifteen, then twenty, then half-an-hour. Read Gods instruction book and spend time talking to Him and listening to Him.

TIME OUT WITH GOD Day 1 Read 1 Timothy 4:7-12 What are we told to stay away from?

What do you think that means? Paul told Timothy to train himself in spiritual fitness. What does this mean to you?

In (vs. 8), Paul states that if we train ourselves in spiritual fitness, we will have a reward in this life and next. If Heaven is our reward in the next life, what is our reward in this life?

Timothy was a young man, maybe even a teenager. Paul tells Timothy to be an example to all believers. How was he to be an example? Do you think that God would want you to be this kind of example?

Ask God to help you be an example to other believers.

Day 2 Read Hebrews 12:1-3 We are running a race, but it is not a physical race. What kind of race is it? Where is the finish line?

We are told that there are some weights that can stop us from running the way we should. What are these weights?

What are some of the weights (sin) in your life that you need to strip off?

How does Paul say to finish the race? (vs. 2).

Read (vs. 2-3) again and think about what Jesus has done for you!

Before you get on with your busy day, thank Jesus for what He has done and ask Him to help you finish the race.

Day 3 Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 How do we know that what we read in the Bible will benefit us? (vs.16).

If the Bible (Scripture) shows us what is wrong in our lives, what should we do? If you read the Bible should your life be changed? (vs.16) How are we fully equipped to do what God wants us to do? Read Ephesians 6:13-18 State why we need each part of the armor of God:

Belt of Truth Breastplate of Righteousness Shoes of Peace Shield of Faith Helmet of Salvation Sword of the Spirit Prayer

The Thought of Integrity

A young man walked into a store to buy a few items. After purchasing the items at the till, the young man looked into his hand to see that he had been given five dollars too much. Immediately, he walked back into the line-up and waited to return the extra change he had been given. This is integrity. To do what is right even when people are not watching you. In our society, we are pressured to think that whatever a person believes is okay to do is right for him or her. However, this thinking does not line up with what the Bible has to say regarding what is right or wrong. Have you ever heard of the Ten Commandments? Exodus 20 relays to us what God expects of us. He loves us so much that he even gave us a list that will protect us from harm, disease, and unnecessary pain. It may sound like a list of dos and do nots but I like to think of it this way: Our way or Gods Way. Whose way do you think is best? When we practice integrity, we are walking in Gods way. Integrity does not only refer to stealing, but to what we think, watch, and do. What kind of thoughts do you think about in your mind? What do you watch on T.V.? What do you do during your spare time? Integrity deals with every part of our lives. Are you willing to let go of your ways and the worlds ways to do what God wants you to do? There is a right and a wrong way, and the Bible clearly shows us the difference. It is your choice to accept the difference and do what is right. It is not easy to do everything with integrity, but with God, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13). Show people that you are different. Do everything with integrity.

What in the world is integrity? Integrity n: adherence to a code of values. (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

LIVING LIFE WITH INTEGRITY Day 1 Read Galatians 5:16-26 How does God want us to live? (vs. 16) Why?

If you walk in your sinful nature what are the consequences?

If the Holy Spirit is in you what will come from you? (vs. 2223)

What have you done if you belong to Jesus?

We need to surrender all we have to Jesus daily. Have you done this today?

Ask God to show you what to surrender. Take time to listen and write it down. Begin to work on giving it up.

Day 2 Read James 3:13-18 God wants you to live a life of steady goodness, filled with integrity. What will happen if you live like this?

Whats wrong with bragging?

Where will you find disorder and evil?

God wants to give you his wisdom for every situation; all you have to do is ask for it (James 1:5). What kind of life can you live with Gods wisdom?

Live life with Integrity!!

With integrity you will be able to live Gods way. Be honest with yourself and with others at all times. Dont think yourself to be perfect, but see your mistakes and give them to God today!

Day 3 Read Matthew 15:17-20 What did Jesus say comes from the heart? Are these things good for you? Why?

Read Philippians 4:7-9 What will Gods peace guard?

How can you help to guard these things?

Do you believe that what you think about affects you? Why?

If you let your mind dwell on negative or bad thoughts, you will produce those thoughts. What does God want you to think on?

How will this help you?

Pray that God will help you to think on good things and to guard your heart and mind!

Commissioned to Do What?
If you found the best thing that you could ever find, would you share it? If, for Christmas, you were given the best chocolate you had ever tasted, would you give a piece to someone else to prove it to that person? If your answer is yes, then it only makes sense that you should tell others about Jesus. Our world turns to drugs, alcohol, sex, and money for satisfaction, yet they could have something that would bring true peace and love into their lives. Why do people turn to things that will eventually destroy their lives rather than turn to the one that will bring life to them? Maybe they do not want to accept the fact that they need someone else to help them. Or maybe they dont know that someone else can help them. Before Jesus left this earth to go back to Heaven, He left a command for His followers. This wasnt a suggestion, it was a command. That command has become known as the Great Commission. Just in case you didnt know, a commission is an order given for another person to do. The commission we are given is to tell others about Jesus. This isnt a job only for preachers or evangelists. This also isnt only for super-Christians. This is for everyone who believes in Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior. You now have a choice to back down from this commission or go ahead and do it. You can only choose to go one way. Heres a question. How many people in your school know that you are a Christian? Do your parents know that you are a Christian? Do your friends? If not, why? Could it be embarrassment or fear of being laughed at, or maybe you just dont know what to say.

Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, I am not ashamed of the

Gospel of Christ because it is the power of God to save everyone who believes.
Jesus is the only one who can save you, your family, and your friends. But, if those around you dont know about Jesus, who will tell them? Ask Him to help you.

COMMISSIONED TO TELL Day 1 Read Mark 16:15-20 What is the Good News? (Romans 15:1-9)

Who should you tell the good news to?

Jesus said that His disciples would do great miracles, such as healing the sick. Does this apply to you? Why?

When telling others about Jesus, you should tell them what God has done for you. Write out at least 5 things God has done for you. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Pray that God will give you courage and love to tell others about Jesus.

Day 2 Read John 16:5-15 Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit (Comforter, Counselor). What would the Holy Spirit do for the world?

What will the Holy Spirit do for those who trust in Jesus? (vs.13-15)

For the next few minutes pray and ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Take time to let God speak to you.

Day 3 Read Acts 2 (The whole chapter) Who is the Holy Spirit given to? (vs. 17,18)

In this chapter, Peter received the Holy Spirit and told the people about Jesus. But, before Jesus died, Peter denied Jesus three times. Why do you think Peter was able to stand in front of thousands of people and preach about Jesus?

Think about how God can make a difference through you even though you make mistakes. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you do what God wants you to do. Again for the next few minutes take time to wait on God and let Him fill you with His power and love. Let the Holy Spirit lead you today to do Gods will.

BUT YOU WILL RECIEVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU AND WILL TELL PEOPLE ABOUT ME EVERYWHERE

(Acts 1:8 paraphrased* )

Find Accountability So, how has your thought life been? Have you been looking at things you shouldnt? Have you been cheating on any of your exams? These questions are all part of accountability. Accountability will protect you from doing or help you to stop doing things you shouldnt do. In life, there are many things that will try to make you fall from walking with God. Three big distractions from God are money, sex, and power. In your life you will be tempted with each of these strongholds and others. Once one temptation grabs you, you will begin to submit more often to it. This is why you need accountability. Accountability is not something you can do alone, but you need at least one other person. This person must be someone you trust, and that person needs to be able to trust you! I recommend that you meet with this person at least once a week and ask each other tough questions and be honest when answering. Then pray for each other, that you will learn to walk with integrity. The good news about accountability is that it is not about trying to be better than someone else, it is about helping each other. If you failed in a certain area, tell the person to whom you are accountable and let them help and pray for you. There are steps you can take to move away from temptation. The following is an example of taking steps to resist temptation.
The internet unfortunately offers a lot of areas to be tempted with, such as inappropriate conversations on chat lines, cyber bullying, pornography, or secretive relationships. However, for those who confess their struggle, they can overcome it by taking many different steps. Such as: 1. Find an Internet service provider who provides the option of filtered access. 2. Put the computer in a public area of the house not in a bed room or den.

3. Only go on the Internet to do a specific task, do not roam the net. 4. Have someone keep you in prayer and encourage you through these steps. These are only some steps you can take to use the Internet wisely. But in any situation whether it is gossip, money, stealing, and lying or control use steps to overcome the temptation and ask someone you trust to keep you accountable.

BE ACCOUNTABLE Day 1 Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a

friend.

What does this verse mean to you? What are some areas that you struggle with? Write out some questions that your accountability partner can ask you, so that you will be challenged not to fall in that area. 1. 2. 3. Read 2 Corinthians 13:5-9 Test yourself and ask what areas you need to grow in and ask your accountability partner to help you.

Pray and ask God to show you what areas in your life need to be given to Him. Take time to listen to Him and do what He tells you.

Day 2 Read 1 Timothy 3 This chapter talks about those who are in leadership. But, even if you are not in a place of leadership, this chapter will prepare you for the opportunity to be a leader. Why do you think it is important to have a good reputation?

In (vs. 3), there is a list of things you should stay away from. Which action would be hardest for you to stay away from? Why?

Why do you think it is important to not love money? (vs. 3)

If God asked you to give up everything to go somewhere and show His love to others, what would be tough for you to give up? Why?

Pray that God will help you to surrender everything to Him. Pray for and encourage your accountability partner today!!

Day 3 Read Hebrews 10:23-29 What is the hope that you have? (vs. 23)

What are some ways you can encourage your accountability partner? (vs. 24). Use these ideas to encourage them often. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What happens if you continue to live in sin?

If you continue to sin do you think you are insulting what Jesus has done for you? (vs. 29).

Pray that God will give you strength to overcome temptation. Be honest with your accountability partner and make sure you can be someone who others can trust.

The Power of Love Okay, okay, just to make this clear! This is not some sappy, mushy gushy type of love. Go watch a romance movie if thats what your looking for! This is a completely different kind of love. It is love that on your own you cant have, because it involves loving everyone, even those who hate you and make your life miserable. Are you ready? Everyone knows its easy to love people who are nice to you. But, how about your arch enemy who tries to do everything they can to make your life miserable? Think about Superman. Who was his arch enemy? Lex Luther, of course. Now, imagine this Superman episode where Lex Luther tries with all his might to destroy Superman. Of course as usual, Lex fails and is taken to prison. But wait, this time its a little different. Superman, first of all gives Lex a big hug and as he takes him to prison, Superman gives Lex his email address just in case there are any problems while in prison. During this imprisonment Lex and Superman keep in touch and become good friends all because Superman showed Lex some love. Whoa, hold on for second. How can anyone expect you to be nice to those who hurt you!! Well, to tell you the truth it is tough, but Jesus told us to love everyone, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44-48). You need to ignore your natural instinct to get revenge on those who make fun of you or hurt you. Its time to show them something different.

The power of love can change the hardest person. Have you ever seen Remember the Titans? If not you need to watch it. Think about the part where Julius and Gary begin to work together and become friends instead of hating each other. What a difference it made for the rest of the team. The difference was that they began to show love. You can make a difference in those around you by going against the flow. Instead of hating others let God work in you and help you love them.

What a difference that can make in your school! In your home! In your youth group!! God is love and when you walk in love you are showing God to others!!!

LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR Day 1 Love God Read 1 John 5

Are you a child of God? How do you know?

How do we know if we love God? (vs. 1-2)

How do we defeat this evil world?

What do you have if you have Gods Son?

Read John 3:16 and Thank God for what He has done for you.

Pray that God will help you to show His love to others.

Day 2 Love Others Read 1 John 2:9-11 What is wrong with not loving another person?

Do you think the consequences of not loving other Christians is serious? Why?

What happens if you love other Christians?

Read Matthew 5:44-48 Who does Jesus tell us to love?

Write down the person or people that fit into this category?

Think of 5 ways that you can show love to these people.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Day 3 Grow in Love Read 1 John 4:16-21 What word describes who God is?

How do you know if you live in God and what will happen if you do live in God? Why should we love others? If you hate someone, can you still love God? Why?

Read 2 Peter 1:5-8 What are the steps to having genuine love for everyone. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.