FIRE INSTITUTE: Foundation

FIRE INSTITUTE

STUDENT MANUAL

FOUNDATION

For our “God is a consuming fire.”

—Hebrews 12:29

Gospel Publishing House Springfield, Missouri 02-0433

TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRE BIBLE: STUDENT EDITION (FBSE)

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

© October 1985 by Rich Wilkerson Crusades 1st Revision September 1987 2nd Revision April 1989 3rd Revision February 1995 4th Revision October 1997 Updated and Expanded with author’s permission by Rod Whitlock, national youth ministries © 2008 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802. All rights reserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformor byanymeans—electronic,mechanical,photocopy,recording,orotherwise—withoutpriorwrittenpermission ofthecopyrightowner,exceptbriefquotationsusedinconnectionwithreviewsinmagazinesornewspapers.

CONTENTS God’s Call to Follow............................................................................................... 4 Why FIRE?.................................................................................................................. 7 Heartbeat—Win, Build, Send!............................................................................ 8 Fire Strategy—Pray, Live, Tell, Serve, Give...................................................10 Are You Ready to Burn?......................................................................................11 Foundation Assignments—Pray Regularly and Live the Word............12 Pray Regularly........................................................................................................13 Live the Word.........................................................................................................14 Foundation—Fivefold Graduation Requirements....................................15 My Class Project....................................................................................................18 Evangelism Assignment.....................................................................................19 Week-by-Week.......................................................................................................21 Congratulations!...................................................................................................65 Take the Next Step...............................................................................................66 Fire Institute—Foundation Materials and Course Work Matrix.................................................................67 Managing Your Time...........................................................................................67 Scriptures for Memorization.............................................................................72 Prayer Journal........................................................................................................74 Student Evaluation..............................................................................................79

GOD’S CALL TO FOLLOW Matthew 4:22 “And immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him [Jesus].”

Matthew 9:9 “ ‘Follow me,’ he [Jesus] told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”

Mark 1:18 “At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Luke 5:11 “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him [Jesus].”

John 1:43 “Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me’ ” John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

John 12:26 “Whoever serves me must follow me.”

The first verse we looked at above tells us not only did the disciples follow Jesus but they also followed Him immediately! What was it that captivated them to the point that they would leave their families, businesses, homes, and incomes to follow Jesus? What was it about being asked to follow Jesus that compelled them to give up everything?

In the days of Jesus, individuals would often look for someone to follow.

They would then make a decision to follow this person, generally a rabbi, based upon the rabbi’s teaching. If they liked the teaching and agreed with it, they would follow.

It’s really no different today. Simply take a look at other students on your campus, at the mall, or in your community. Everyone is following someone or something. Perhaps it’s noticeable by the clothes they wear, the friends they choose, the music they listen to, etc. The point is that you and I will follow someone. Take a look at the calling of two of the disciples.

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John 1:35–39 “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’ So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him.

It was about the tenth hour.”

Notice that two of the disciples who would later become followers of Jesus were following John the Baptist at this point. When John pointed out that Jesus had just passed by, these two disciples immediately began following Jesus.

It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with John the Baptist. Remember, his ministry was to point people to Jesus. He was fulfilling his call!

The point here is that these two disciples were following someone and then began following Jesus. Notice what happens next. Jesus turns to see them following. He then asks them, “What do you want?” The disciples answered by asking, “Where are you staying?” This phrase did not mean then what it means for us today. They were not asking Jesus’ address. This was an understood phrase of that day. They were asking Jesus about His teaching. In other words, “Jesus, what is your teaching all about?” Jesus then answers the two followers by telling them to follow Him and they will see.

In Jesus’ day there were many rabbis, each with his own followers. Each rabbi’s unique teaching was referred to as his “yoke.” Thus a rabbi would share his yoke (teaching) and if you agreed with it you would follow that rabbi and his teaching. Notice what Jesus says about His teaching.

Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Jesus encourages His followers to take His yoke and learn from Him. So what is it about the teaching of Jesus that compels you to follow Him? This is a great question to ask yourself. In many ways it will determine your desire and commitment to follow Christ. Take a moment and write out the reason(s) you follow Jesus and His teaching.

FIRE Institute challenges you to a place of intimacy in your own relationship with Christ so that you can hear His very heartbeat. It’s about learning the teaching of your Lord and then determining to follow with every aspect of your life. As you take a moment to look at teens in your community, it becomes easy to notice who or what they’re following. As someone begins to follow a certain teaching their lifestyle changes. You may notice this in their speech, in their dress, in their behavior. In other words, they are choosing to follow the yoke (teaching) they embrace. We are free in life to make whatever choices we want…but never forget the choices you make today determine your destiny.

The early disciples made a choice to follow Jesus and the result of this choice radically changed their lives. FIRE will cause you to make choices. Are you in a place to immediately leave whatever it is that keeps you back and wholeheartedly follow Christ?

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WHY FIRE? FIRE is about allowing the fire of God to consume you! Throughout Scripture, fire represents God’s presence, power, and work. His fire will consume you as you lay a spiritual FOUNDATION built upon prayer and study of His Word. In addition, the Holy Spirit will bring you INSPIRATION to live out His Word as you build on your foundation. As a follower of Jesus, you will be challenged with a greater level of RESPONSIBILITY. This responsibility will come as you serve and give to help others. Remember, everyone starts out strong but those who finish strong are those destined to be champions. Finally, you will tell others of Christ’s love as you sense the heart of God for the lost and experience a greater passion for EVANGELISM. Remember, the first disciples were referred to as, “These men who have caused trouble all over the world” (Acts 17:6).” Thus, FIRE is about preparing spiritual champions who passionately love God and people.

Matthew 22:37–39 “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The purpose of FIRE is threefold: 1. Grow in your love for and knowledge of Christ 2. Grow in spiritual disciplines as His disciple 3. Grow through the experiences you have during the next eight weeks FIRE is not simply about completing this manual and turning it in as you would any other assignment. FIRE is a tool to help you become all God has for you and your future as a leader in His kingdom.

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HEARTBEAT—WIN, BUILD, SEND! Individuals committed to following Jesus are the people He uses to change the world. When Jesus called you to follow, He was asking you to be His DISCIPLE. The process Jesus uses to change the world is called DISCIPLESHIP. The word disciple by definition means “learner” or “disciplined follower.” Jesus has called us to be disciplined followers, not casual inquirers. Discipleship is “one disciplined follower reproducing other disciplined followers to the degree they are able to reproduce more disciplined followers.” Or another way to put it is “disciples making other disciples.” God’s heart for the lost is found in the following verse: 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God’s heart is that every person comes to a place of repentance and relationship with Him. This, coupled with the fact that He has called you to follow Him, shows us that His desire is to reach the world through those He calls to follow. Jesus calls us to follow in order that we will win others to Christ, build them as disciples, and then send them back into the world to do the same.

Matthew 28:19,20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Consider the following: If every six months a follower/disciple wins a person to Christ and then builds this new Christian into a disciple, and at the end of six months this disciple sends his or her new disciple to do the same—win, build, send—what would our world look like?

If every disciple continued to win, build, and send a disciple every six months, in 2 years = 16 disciples 3 years = 64 disciples 4 years = 256 disciples 5 years = 1,024 disciples 16 years = 4,294,967,296 disciples

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Personal discipleship is the method Jesus used to reach people. If you followed this pattern at the beginning of your freshman year, and each new disciple did the same, at graduation your youth group would have 256 disciples of Jesus Christ!

John 15:8 “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Discipleship can be compared to a relay race. The critical point of a relay race is the handoff. If the baton is dropped, the race is lost. This is true when it comes to discipleship. If we are not successful in passing the baton (the gospel) to the next runner (a new disciple), the race will be lost. The consequences at stake are not some trophy or medal, but rather souls.

God has called us to do our part, disciple others, and He is faithful to do His part, make them into spiritual champions.

Matthew 16:24 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Luke 14:27 “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ?

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FIRE STRATEGY— PRAY, LIVE, TELL, SERVE, GIVE First, realize that outside of our Lord’s blessing, becoming and making disciples is impossible. The truth is God not only blesses our efforts when it comes to making disciples, He longs for it to happen! Our commitment to be a disciple and make disciples is summed up in five easy-to-remember words: Pray, Live, Tell, Serve, and Give. Thus the strategy behind becoming and making disciples is found as we: • PRAY regularly for those who know Jesus, that they would continue to grow in their relationship with Him. And pray for five individuals who don’t know Jesus, that they would come to know Him as their personal Lord and Savior.

• LIVE the Word so others may see Christ living through your life.

• TELL the story of how Jesus changed your life and how He can change their life.

• SERVE people so that they can see your commitment is more than words, but has truly changed your life.

• GIVE graciously to support those who are reaching people in parts of the world where you can’t go…yet!

There are four, eight-week FIRE Institute sessions.

Session 1—FOUNDATION Session 2—INSPIRATION Session 3—RESPONSIBILITY Session 4—EVANGELISM

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ARE YOU READY TO BURN? God is a consuming fire! FIRE is about passing through His fire. Although there are many external projects and assignments to do as a part of FIRE, the real focus is that of your heart. These next eight weeks are about addressing priorities, attitudes, and thoughts. God is a God of fire! His desire is to bring us to a place where we burn for Him. The FOUNDATION portion of FIRE Institute takes place over eight weeks and is meant to be the most intense period in your Christian life to date. In many ways, it is like basic training for the military. You will be spiritually challenged to become a spiritual champion for Christ and His cause. You will be held accountable, made responsible, challenged to push yourself—you will learn what it means to truly be a disciplined follower of Christ Jesus. You must count the cost!

One very important element of the FIRE Institute is that of utmost confidentiality. Everything that happens or is discussed or confessed at the weekly meetings must remain there! If the individuals in FIRE are going to develop the courage to be open and honest, all must know they have the assurance of trust, acceptance, and confidentiality.

Colossians 2:2,3 “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

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FOUNDATION ASSIGNMENTS— PRAY REGULARLY AND LIVE THE WORD The F in FIRE is for the FOUNDATION to be built through prayer and the study and application of God’s Word. The study of and obedience to God’s Word is one of the highest forms of worship. As we voluntarily submit ourselves to Him we are saying, “You have my complete attention. I want to follow Your Word and Your Spirit.”

Your foundation will be established through the following experiences:

1 NEW TESTAMENT You will read and study the first five books of the New Testament (Matthew–Acts) during the eight weeks and answer questions from passages and articles from your Fire Bible Student Edition (FBSE).

2 FAITH BUILDER BOOKS Your youth leader will give you two Faith Builder books to read during your eight weeks of FIRE. You will discuss these two books during your weekly sessions. You will also type a one-page report on each book.

3 FIRE INSTITUTE MANUAL The purpose of this manual is to guide you through your eight weeks of FIRE. You will want to read through it. Your manual also serves as a journal to record prayer requests, answers to those prayers, and notes from sermons and discussions.

4 ARTICLES A variety of articles from your FBSE and from www.fireinstitute.com will provide additional insights as you lay a firm foundation as a disciple.

5 FOUNDATIONAL EXPERIENCES You will also complete and write a report on your Class Project. You will write out your personal testimony. You will pray continually for the salvation of five friends and will share your faith and your personal testimony with them. (The hope, of course, is that they will accept Christ as Savior.) You will fast once a week, memorize twenty-eight verses and the names of the books of the New Testament, and participate in an Evangelism Assignment.

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PRAY REGULARLY FIRE is about drawing close and growing in intimacy with God. Just as the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples with fire, it is our prayer that He would descend upon your life, and through you, your family, church, campus, and community. Remember, God descended. This tells us that He desires relationship with us. His heart longs for us.

He is thrilled you are taking part in FIRE during this season of your life. You are making Him a greater priority than you’ve ever done before. Don’t make the mistake of getting so caught up in the course work that you fail to miss the God of the course work! In other words, keep Jesus as the love of your life.

Daily ask God for inspiration through the Holy Spirit to complete FIRE. Remember, right decisions bring right feelings. God will honor your hard work as you make daily decisions to follow and discipline yourself to complete FIRE. Expect times over the next eight weeks when you will get discouraged or tired.

It’s important that you learn to fight through these times. Perseverance is essential to finishing.

The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Teacher. He guides us in truth and motivates us to fulfill God’s will.

Job 23:12 “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.”

Write out your prayer, asking God to help you grow closer to Him these next eight weeks.

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LIVE THE WORD 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

It’s our responsibility to show ourselves approved as students of God’s Word.

We live in a world that is constantly trying to define truth. As agents of truth, we must know truth and live it out. Therefore, a few basic principles must be learned and applied when studying the Bible.

TOOL: Go to www.fireinstitute.com and link to Live the Word. Here you’ll find tools for studying the Bible. It takes approximately eight hours to read Matthew through Acts.

This amounts to one hour a week or about 10–15 minutes of Bible reading each day.

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!

Amen.”

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Write out your prayer that God’s Word would become more alive than ever in your life.

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FOUNDATION— FIVEFOLD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS It’s been said, freedom requires responsibility. Rules are not given to be broken, but to help build responsibility into people’s lives. Rules address our heart and attitude, and help us develop responsibility. All of the following must be faithfully fulfilled or you will not be eligible for graduation.

No one has ever achieved great things for God who was not disciplined.

You may think the demands are tough at first, even unreasonable . . . that’s okay. Jesus had tough requirements for those who followed Him. Many turned their back and walked away from Him because they did not want to pay the price. They had not counted the cost. Keep in mind that the purpose of these requirements is to build into your life the discipline that will make you a great servant of God!

PRAY REGULARY Set aside time each day for prayer and worship.

TOOL: Link to Pray Regularly at www.fireinstitute.com and read the article on prayer. This will give you some ideas to help you grow in your prayer life.

Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. (If you don’t have a youth preservice prayer meeting, start one). You may want to consider an early morning time of prayer prior to school. Consider meeting at school, your church, or in someone’s home.

Fast one meal a week. Once a week write your thoughts and experiences during your fast in the journal section of this manual.

TOOL: Link to Pray Regularly at www.fireinstitute.com and read the article on fasting. If you are unable to fast because of medical reasons, consider fasting all sweets or take part in the Daniel fast (eat only fruits and vegetables). Secure your parent’s permission before any period of fasting.

Pray regularly for five of your friends (write their names on page 2294 in your FBSE) and invite each of them to church or youth service sometime during the eight weeks of FIRE. E-mail a missionary each week letting them know you prayed for them and their country today. Go to www.fireinstitute.com and link to Pray Regularly for a list of missionaries.

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LIVE THE WORD Attend and sit in the front during all worship services and prayer meetings.

This includes youth service, Sunday School, and Sunday morning and Sunday evening services. If you don’t have Sunday School or Sunday evening services, use this time for prayer and study.

Attend all FIRE Institute classes during the eight weeks. If you must miss because of sickness or a family emergency, you must call your leader and let him or her know. Only one excused absence is allowed. Miss more than once and you must start over at the next FIRE Institute. Since we only meet a few hours a week, we must be responsible and use every moment carefully. Therefore you should plan to arrive at least five minutes prior to the session’s start and be ready to begin. Continual tardiness may result in expulsion with loss of tuition.

Please have all FIRE homework completed neatly and on time! There is little benefit to you and the group if you get behind. Plan ahead and let your leader know where you are with course work at all times. If you get too far behind, your leader may ask you to step out of the class.

Memorize twenty-eight Scripture verses and the names of the books of the New Testament.

TOOL: See page 2282 in your FBSE for Bible memorization helps. You will be asked to recite or write out four verses at the beginning of each session. The twenty-eight Scriptures are located on pages 72 and 73 of this FIRE Institute Manual.

Be baptized. If you haven’t been baptized in water, there will be opportunity following FIRE. Also seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

TOOL: Link to Live the Word on www.fireinstitute.com. Read the article on water baptism.

Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. Your FIRE Manual contains pages for these notes and will be turned in to your leader at the end of the eight weeks for evaluation. Make sure you put the date, title, and the name of the speaker for each message you take notes on.

Take care of God’s temple—your body. Eat right, cut back on desserts, sodas, and junk food. Get daily exercise. You will feel much better. Remember, a disciple has discipline in all areas of life. A good idea is to take a morning walk and pray as you get your exercise. Moderation and control are the keys to victorious living.

Do your best to improve your grades at school. Demonstrate your Christianity by giving 100 percent in the classroom. Your FIRE Institute work

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should not deter from your schoolwork.

Learn discipline as a disciple! This would include books, magazines, music, movies, dances, speech, and thought life. Four primary rules that will be in effect for the duration of the FIRE Institute are: (1) Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system each week. (2) Do not go to any movies. (3) Listen only to Christian music. (4) Do not date anyone. lf you are already dating, cool it to a bare minimum. Remember that these eight weeks are about Jesus.

TELL THE STORY Participate in the Evangelism Assignment. Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you’ve been praying for. Invite them to make a decision for Christ. Once they’ve made a decision to serve Jesus, you should plan to disciple them. Your leader can help you with this.

TOOL: See pages 2282–2294 in your FBSE for helps on sharing your faith.

SERVE PEOPLE Maintain consistent quality time with your family. Have a positive attitude toward the chores they ask you to do. Christianity begins in the home. Lead family devotions once during the eight weeks using FIRE Starters.

TOOL: Go to http://fbse.ag.org/firestarters.cfm and choose a FIRE Starter to help you lead family devotions.

Do one of the projects listed on pages 2275–2277 in your FBSE or get approval from your leader on a project you submit. At the end of your project, you will type and submit a one-page report to your leader on what you did, why you chose the project you did, how your life was affected, and how your project impacted the lives of others.

GIVE GRACIOUSLY Faithfully give to God His tithe and your Speed the Light missions offering.

TOOL: Go to www.stl.ag.org to see how Speed the Light is making a difference. Your leader will follow up on this and ask you whether or not you are being faithful in this all-important area of your Christian walk. You will be asked to give a special offering to Speed the Light at the end of the eight weeks. You’ll want to save your offering during your time in FIRE.

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MY CLASS PROJECT James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Some may question the sanity behind giving eight weeks of your life to an intense discipleship program. If it were simply to read a lot of books, write a bunch of reports, do extra work, and attend church meetings, I would agree!

But the heart behind these eight weeks is to make you into a disciplined learner and passionate leader who knows how to pray, live, tell, serve, and give.

As you follow Christ you learn more of His heart—and His heart is people.

As a student of God’s Word, you will be challenged to keep integrating the theoretical and the practical. It is very important that as you study more about God, you continually put into practice all you have learned. Be creative, the sky is the limit. Devise a project on your own (with your leader’s approval) or see pages 2275–2277 in your FBSE for a list of ideas. After prayerfully considering the possibilities, get your leader’s approval for your class project and begin working on it. Your class project is due the last week of this session.

Use the space below to write out some ideas for your project:

In Week 8, submit a typed one-page report about your project. Be sure to answer the following questions in your report: • Why did you choose the project?

• How was your life affected by the project?

• How did your project impact the lives of others?

James 2:26 “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

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EVANGELISM ASSIGNMENT The Evangelism Assignment will follow the last class session. Your leader will give you the dates of this assignment. You’ll want to mark that date on your calendar. It is imperative you attend. This will be a time to share your faith in some fashion. It will be an opportunity to live out what God has been putting inside you over the past eight weeks. Your leader will organize all the plans and details. You simply need to be praying and eagerly anticipating an awesome time of ministry.

Luke 9:1–6 “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.’ So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.”

Let’s review again our definition of discipleship. Discipleship is “one disciplined follower reproducing other disciplined followers to the degree they are able to reproduce more disciplined followers.” Unless we are winning souls to Christ, building them to become mature so they can be sent to win and build others, true discipleship has not happened.

With this in mind, it is critical that each student does his or her best to win someone to the Lord during FIRE. It is equally critical that they be discipled.

You should bring them to church and introduce them to your FIRE leader and to other people. Pick them up and bring them to church with you each week, meet to share with them what God is speaking to you, and teach them how to study the Bible on their own. Call, e-mail, or text them at least once a week to encourage them. Pray for them daily, see to it they get baptized in water. This is what we mean by discipling.

Matthew 28:19,20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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You must be with them step-by-step those first critical weeks of their new faith. The time you invest in their life will echo in eternity. They need you.

Far too often we leave new babes in Christ orphaned with no spiritual guide.

This one key element may be perhaps the most important aspect of your work in the FIRE Institute.

TOOL: Read pages 2282–2294 from your FBSE for help on sharing your testimony and witnessing to others.

Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”

At the conclusion of the last class session, you will submit your FIRE Institute Student Manual—FOUNDATION to your leader for evaluation.

Following your final class, you will participate in an Evangelism Assignment and graduation ceremony. Your youth leader will give you the details of each.

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WEEK BY WEEK WEEK 1 (Each assignment is to be completed prior to the start of class) ❑❑ Read: FIRE Institute Student Manual ❑❑ Read: Matthew 1–14 and answer questions (See Week 2 for questions dealing with Matthew.) ❑❑ Read: Faith Builder Book chapters _____ ❑❑ Complete: Week 1 of your FIRE Manual assignments ❑❑ Complete: Personal Sketch (page 22) & Leader Sketch (page 23) ❑❑ Due: Memorize Matthew 5:13–16 (page 72) ❑❑ Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress ❑❑ Schedule: Date of group Evangelism Assignment _____

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

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PERSONAL SKETCH Name _ ________________________________________________________ Meaning of my given name is______________________________________ Age_ __________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ E-mail_ ________________________________________________________ Phone_ ________________________________________________________ Date of birth ____________________________________________________ Place of birth____________________________________________________ My family members ______________________________________________ Father_ _____________________________________________________ Mother_ ____________________________________________________ Brothers and sisters_ __________________________________________ My pastor’s name ________________________________________________ Pastor’s spouse’s name____________________________________________ Most memorable person I have ever met_____________________________ My favorite Scripture _____________________________________________ My favorite worship song_________________________________________ My favorite story in the Bible_______________________________________ My favorite character in the Bible_ __________________________________ Why?_______________________________________________________ Spiritual goals I would like to accomplish in my lifetime

I dedicate myself to my Lord and to my group so that I may grow spiritually and help the members of my group grow also. I will make my discipleship assignments and our group meetings a top priority.

Signature

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LEADER SKETCH Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.

They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.

Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

My leader’s name ________________________________________________ My leader’s name means __________________________________________ My leader’s e-mail is _ ____________________________________________ My leader’s phone is _ ____________________________________________ Date of birth ____________________________________________________ Place of birth ___________________________________________________ My leader’s occupation ___________________________________________ My leaders spouse’s name_________________________________________ Children’s names_ _______________________________________________ Date my leader became a Christian _ ________________________________ Date my leader was baptized in water _______________________________ Date my leader was baptized in the Holy Spirit_ _______________________ First person my leader led to the Lord _______________________________ My leader’s favorite Scripture ______________________________________ My leader’s favorite story in the Bible ________________________________ Most memorable book (other than the Bible) _________________________ Most memorable person my leader has ever met_ _____________________ Spiritual goals my leader would like to accomplish in his or her lifetime

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Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

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FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

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Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for him or her and his or her country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize Matthew 5:13–16. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

26

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WEEK 2 ❑❑ Due: Class Project proposal completed and approved by leader. Each student will choose a class project. See FBSE pages 2275–2277 for a list of project ideas. You may choose another project not listed in your FBSE but you must have your leader’s approval by the end of class. You are required to write a one-page typed report upon completion of your project and give it to your leader at the beginning of week 8. ❑❑ Due: One-page Personal Testimony typed. See pages 2286–2289 of your FBSE for help preparing your testimony. You will share your personal testimony with the others during this session. ❑❑ Read: Matthew 15–28 and answer questions dealing with Matthew ❑❑ Read: Faith Builder Book chapters _____ ❑❑ Complete: Week 2 of your FIRE Manual assignments ❑❑ Due: Memorize Matthew 9:35–38 (page 72) ❑❑ Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

My Class Project is Approved (Leader’s signature)

FOUNDATION

27

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

28

FIRE INSTITUTE

FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

29

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize Matthew 9:35–38. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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FIRE INSTITUTE

Book of Matthew Notes (Your FBSE will help you with some of these questions. Read the pages located at the beginning of Matthew.) Use additional paper as needed.

List the name of the Book, when it was written, to whom it was written, the author, and the main theme of the Book.

What most impressed you about the Book?

What is the most striking truth that challenged you in your own life?

Write out your favorite verse from the Book.

Write out the five things that most impressed you from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).

FOUNDATION

31

Read pages 1276–1277 in your FBSE. Write out what it means to be a servant.

See Matthew 8:16,17 and read pages 1286, 1287 in your FBSE. Name five things you learned regarding healing.

Read pages 1322 and 1323 in your FBSE. List five things you learned regarding the Tribulation.

I, ___________________________ , have read the entire Book of Matthew.

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WEEK 3 ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑

Read: Mark and answer questions Read: Faith Builder Book chapters _____ Complete: Week 3 of your FIRE Manual assignments Due: Memorize Matthew 22:36–39 (page 72) Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

FOUNDATION

33

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

34

FIRE INSTITUTE

FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

35

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize Matthew 22:36–39. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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Book of Mark Notes (Your FBSE will help you with some of these questions. Read the pages located at the beginning of Mark.) Use additional paper as needed.

List the name of the Book, when it was written, to whom it was written, the author, and the main theme of the Book.

What most impressed you about the Book?

What is the most striking truth that challenged you in your own life?

Write out your favorite verse from the Book.

FOUNDATION

37

See Mark 13:22 and pages 1370 and 1371 in your FBSE. What are some signs false teachers use to deceive others?

See pages 1335–1338 in your FBSE. What are some of the main differences between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan?

I, _________________________________ , have read the entire Book of Mark.

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WEEK 4 ❑❑ Read: Luke 1–12 and answer questions (See Week 5 for questions dealing with Luke). ❑❑ Due: One-page typed report on the Faith Builder Book. In this report, include a summary of the book, the four most valuable insights, and the application for your life, each written in paragraph form. ❑❑ Complete: Week 4 of your FIRE Manual assignments ❑❑ Due: Names of the books of the New Testament memorized ❑❑ Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

FOUNDATION

39

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

40

FIRE INSTITUTE

FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

41

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize the names of the books of the New Testament. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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WEEK 5 ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑

Read: Luke 13–24 and answer questions Read: Faith Builder Book chapters _____ Complete: Week 5 of your FIRE Manual assignments Due: Memorize Luke 9:23–26 (page 72) Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

FOUNDATION

43

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

44

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FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

45

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize Luke 9:23–26. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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Book of Luke Notes (Your FBSE will help you with some of these questions. Read the pages located at the beginning of Luke.) Use additional paper as needed.

List the name of the Book, when it was written, to whom it was written, the author, and the main theme of the Book.

What most impressed you about the Book?

What is the most striking truth that challenged you in your own life?

Write out your favorite verse from the Book.

Read page 1431 in your FBSE. Describe Jesus’ last week on earth prior to His death in your own words.

FOUNDATION

47

Read pages 1408 and 1409 in your FBSE. Write about the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

I, ______________________________ , have read the entire Book of Luke.

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FIRE INSTITUTE

WEEK 6 ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑

Read: John and answer questions Read: Faith Builder Book chapters _____ Complete: Week 6 of your FIRE Manual assignments Due: Memorize John 14:23–26 (page 73) Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

FOUNDATION

49

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

50

FIRE INSTITUTE

FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

51

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize John 14:23–26. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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Book of John Notes (Your FBSE will help you with some of these questions.

Read the pages located at the beginning of John.) Use additional paper as needed.

List the name of the Book, when it was written, to whom it was written, the author, and the main theme of the Book.

What most impressed you about the Book?

What is the most striking truth that challenged you in your own personal life?

Write out your favorite verse from the Book.

Explain John 3:16 in your own words. Read pages 1454 and 1455 in your FBSE. What is spiritual birth? How does it happen? What does it mean?

FOUNDATION

53

Read page 1499 in your FBSE. Read about two of Jesus’ miracles and write what happened in your own words.

I, ______________________________ , have read the entire Book of John.

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WEEK 7 ❑❑ Read: Acts 1–14 and answer questions (See Week 8 for questions dealing with Acts.) ❑❑ Read: Faith Builder Book chapters _____ ❑❑ Complete: Week 7 of your FIRE Manual assignments ❑❑ Due: Memorize John 15:9–12 (page 73) ❑❑ Check: Fivefold Graduation Requirements progress

Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

FOUNDATION

55

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

56

FIRE INSTITUTE

FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

57

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize John 15:9–12. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Work on your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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WEEK 8 ❑❑ Complete: Student Evaluation (page 79) ❑❑ Read: Acts 15–28 and answer questions ❑❑ Due: One-page typed report on Faith Builder Book. In this report, include a summary of the book, the four most valuable insights, and the application for your life, each written in paragraph form. ❑❑ Due: My Class Project Report, typed ❑❑ Complete: Week 8 of your FIRE Manual assignments ❑❑ Due: FIRE Manual (It will be returned to you.) ❑❑ Due: Memorize Acts 2:1–4 (page 73) ❑❑ Due: Fivefold Graduation Requirements Missionary e-mailed this week

Country

Prayer/Fasting Journal

Meal Fasted

FOUNDATION

59

Sunday Sermon Notes Date

Speaker

Youth Service Notes Date

Speaker

60

FIRE INSTITUTE

FIRE Builder New Testament Notes (based on classroom discussion)

Faith Builder Book Discussion Notes (based on classroom discussion)

FOUNDATION

61

Fivefold Graduation Requirements Self-Checklist (see pages 15–17) Pray Regularly ❑❑ Set time aside each day for prayer and worship. ❑❑ Attend any prayer meetings prior to the start of Sunday evening and youth services. ❑❑ Fast one meal this week. ❑❑ Pray regularly for the salvation of five of your friends. ❑❑ E-mail a missionary, letting them know you prayed for them and their country.

Live the Word ❑❑ Attend and sit in front during all worship services and prayer meetings. ❑❑ Attend FIRE Institute class this week. ❑❑ Memorize Acts 2:1–4. ❑❑ Be baptized in water. ❑❑ Take notes during Sunday morning and youth services. ❑❑ Maintain your FIRE Institute disciplines: ❑❑ Spend no more than ten hours total watching TV, on your computer (except for school assignments), and playing a gaming system this week. ❑❑ Do not go to any movies. ❑❑ Listen only to Christian music. ❑❑ Do not date anyone.

Tell the Story ❑❑ Share your testimony with one or more of the five friends you have been praying for. ❑❑ Invite someone to make a decision for Christ.

Serve People ❑❑ Spend some quality time with your family. ❑❑ Lead family devotions. ❑❑ Complete your Class Project. (See page 18 of your Manual.)

Give Graciously ❑❑ Tithe ❑❑ Set aside this week’s portion of the Speed the Light offering that will be collected at the end of FIRE.

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Book of Acts Notes (Your FBSE will help you with some of these questions.

Read the pages located at the beginning of Acts.) Use additional paper as needed.

List the name of the Book, when it was written, to whom it was written, the author, and the main theme of the Book.

What most impressed you about the Book?

What is the most striking truth that challenged you in your own life?

Write out your favorite verse from the Book.

Read pages 1508–1511 and 1514,1515 in your FBSE. List at least five things you learned regarding the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

FOUNDATION

63

Explain what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1–4; 10:45,46; 19:6.

Read the notes on Acts 28:31 on page 1572 of the FBSE. Summarize, in your own words, why the Book of Acts ends the way it does. Also discuss what this means to you as a follower of Christ and to the Church as the body of Christ.

I, ___________________________________________ , have read the entire Book of Acts.

FIRE Institute Student Manual with all your notes should be handed in at the end of this class session for evaluation. It will be returned to you.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Be a Voice, Not an Echo!

This is not the end . . . it is only the beginning. Over the last eight weeks, we have given you a host of tools to help you discover your purpose and to touch your generation for Christ. Your destiny lies vast and uncharted before you, with the Holy Spirit as your Navigator. One great lesson learned over these past eight weeks is that right decisions bring right feelings. In other words, as you have made a choice to live a more disciplined life, you have experienced things you might not have otherwise.

To experience more of God requires following as His disciple. In a world where people only want the experiences of God, you have committed yourself to discipline. Your choice to do so has paid off in many ways and will continue to do so in the years ahead. Continue to fall passionately in love with Jesus!

Commit yourself to pursuing Him and His purpose for your life.

Missionary Jim Elliot wrote the following in his journal the day before he was killed bringing the gospel to people in South America: “To die prematurely is a great travesty. Enemy tries to steal your life to minimize your effectiveness while on earth and then fail in your mission to declare whole purpose of God. So much more of life in front of you. Perhaps not in years but in purpose.”

No one is promised tomorrow. Don’t wait until you get older to do something heroic. You will only be a teenager a few more years. If you live to an average age, you have about sixty years as an adult. Take these final years as a teenager and do something great for God. Our prayer is that these past eight weeks have started a great fire in your life—the same fire that the Holy Spirit put in the lives of the early disciples.

John Wesley experienced the same fire in a meeting on May 24, 1738. He declared, “My heart was strangely warmed . . . it pleased God to kindle a fire which I trust shall never be extinguished.”

Imagine a generation of students on fire for God! As with any fire, in order to keep it burning strong you must continue to add fuel to that fire. Fuel the fire that God has started through prayer, living out your faith, telling others about Jesus, serving others, and giving to help reach more people with the gospel. Our prayer is that the FIRE Institute will provide the spark to ignite that fire in your life. Yes, you can change your world!

FOUNDATION

65

TAKE THE NEXT STEP Not for a moment do I believe you went through these past eight weeks to simply go back to “life as normal.” I believe you persevered through these past eight weeks because you have a heart for God and truly desire to make an eternal difference as one of His disciples. Staying on fire for God doesn’t have to end just because FIRE has ended. You can continue to make a difference and be like the early disciples who, “have caused trouble all over the world” (Acts 17:6). First, spend time with Jesus on a regular basis. There will be days when you may not be able to read your Bible or pray as much as you’d like to but don’t let this become a habit. Determine not to let this go on for two consecutive days. If you miss a day determine all the more not to miss the next day.

TOOL: To help you in your journey you will find free devotionals called FIRE Starters at http://fbse.ag.org/firestarters.cfm. These daily devotionals will help you in your study of God’s Word.

Second, as a part of FIRE Institute you were challenged to win one person to the Lord. They need to be discipled and there is no better person to build them in their faith than you! So now build them as a disciple so you can send them to do the same.

TOOL: Ask your youth leader about ordering the Alive in Christ series. This tool allows you to go through the basics of Christianity with this new disciple. It’s a great way to help them grow in knowledge and intimacy with Christ!

Third, consider becoming a Campus Missionary (CM). Go to www.yausa.com to sign up. A CM is committed to seeing students on his/her campus come to know Christ. As a CM you can receive copies of The Book of Hope to give to those five friends you’ve been praying for! If you’re already a CM, start a campus club or get involved in the one that meets on your campus.

TOOL: In the front section of your FBSE you will find a page with the heading, “A Discipleship Resource for Campus Missionaries.” Read this page and, if you’re ready to make this commitment, sign the bottom of the page.

Finally, find out when FIRE Institute—INSPIRATION will be available for your group. Let your youth leader know you are interested in growing in your walk with Christ by going through this step.

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FIRE INSTITUTE—FOUNDATION MATERIALS AND COURSE WORK MATRIX • • • •

FIRE Institute Student Manual Fire Bible Student Edition (FBSE) Two Faith Builder books (Your leader will assign these books.)

Pen

ASSIGNMENT & SESSION

Pre-FIRE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Orientation and Overview

X

Tuition Due

X

Personal Sketch

X

Leader Sketch

X

Class Project Proposal

X

Personal Testimony Typed

X

Faith Builder Book Report

X

8

X

New Testament Questions

X

X

X

X

X

Scripture/NT Books Memory

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

E-mail a Missionary

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Journal Completed for Week

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Fivefold Commitments

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Class Project Report Typed

X

Graduation Requirements

X

FIRE Evaluation

X

FIRE Manual Handed In

X

Celebration Gathering

X

Evangelism Assignment

X

Graduation

X

MANAGING YOUR TIME Use the following calendars to help you manage your time over the next eight weeks. Fill in the dates and record all school activities, homework, church events, prayer, FIRE Institute study and assignments, work, family time, time with friends, etc. This will help ensure that you complete all assignments on time without cutting into other important items. You may have to adjust your calendar as you go through it, but do your best to make a plan and stick to it.

FOUNDATION

67

Sunday

Monday

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

68

FIRE INSTITUTE

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

FOUNDATION

Saturday

69

Sunday

Monday

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

70

FIRE INSTITUTE

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

FOUNDATION

Saturday

71

SCRIPTURES FOR MEMORIZATION Week 1—Matthew 5:13–16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Week 2—Matthew 9:35–38 “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’ ”

Week 3—Matthew 22:36–39 “ ‘ Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Week 4—Names of the books of the New Testament memorized Week 5—Luke 9:23–26 “Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’ ”

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Week 6—John 14:23–26 “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’ ” Week 7—John 15:9–12 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.

Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Week 8—Acts 2:1–4 “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

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PRAYER JOURNAL

It was George Mueller’s (1805–1898) custom to record his prayers and then date them when when they were answered. This became a habit of his life.

History tells us he had thousands of answered prayers recorded yearly. The chart below will give you an idea of how to start your own “Answers to Prayer” journal.

Specific Prayer

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How Prayer Was Answered

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When Answered

Specific Prayer

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How Prayer Was Answered

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When Answered

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Specific Prayer

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Date

How Prayer Was Answered

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When Answered

NOTES

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STUDENT EVALUATION Please be honest and specific in answering the following questions. This will be very helpful in improving future discipleship tools. For additional space, use another sheet of paper.

Name

List the three most important things that challenged you, or were helpful, or that you learned during your eight weeks in FIRE Institute.

What, in your opinion, were the greatest strengths of the FIRE Institute?

What things would you most like to see changed or improved in the FIRE Institute to make it more effective?

Additional comments that you would like to make.

Please give this completed evaluation to your FIRE Institute leader. We appreciate the time and effort that you have put into FIRE and we hope that it has been a valuable tool to help you grow in your relationship with God.

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