Christian Life Program

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The Christian Life Program (CLP) Service Team Manual
The Christian Life Program (CLP) is the initiations course leading to membership in CFC Singles for Christ (SFC). This team manual is intended for the use of CLP Discussion Group Leaders (DGLs).

Contents
1. !er!ie" of the CLP a) Goals b) Structure #. $oles and $esponsibilities %. The Sessions& Goals' (ain Points ) Discussion Guides *. Discussion Group Leader+s Guide a) b) c) d) e) f) Purpose of Discussion Groups The $ole of a Discussion Group Leader Leading a Discussion Group Team (eetings (a,e-up Sessions Guidelines for Personal Dialogues

.. Supplementar/ (aterials a) b) c) d) e) f) Commitment to Christ Guidelines for Pra/ing for 0aptism in the 1ol/ Spirit Praising the Lord Titles of 2esus Fasting Co!enant of CFC Singles for Christ

OVERVIEW O T!E C!RISTI"# LI E PRO$R"M (CLP)
"% $O"LS O T!E CLP
1. 3!angeli4ation. To ta,e the basic message of Christianit/ and to proclaim it ane" so that those "ho hear it can ma,e a rene"ed commitment to the Lord in a "a/ "hich "ill allo" them to recei!e a fuller e5perience of the "or, of the 1ol/ Spirit in their li!es. #. $ene"al. a) 6ndi!idual - to bring indi!iduals to a stronger relationship "ith God b/ disco!ering and li!ing more full/ the po"er and gifts the/ recei!ed through the 1ol/ Spirit. b) Famil/ - to bring single men and "omen to a rene"ed commitment to Christian famil/ life. To build up a communit/ of committed Christian families. c) Church - to strengthen and re!itali4e Christian communit/ life in the parishes.

&% STR'CT'RE O T!E CLP
1. Content. The CLP is normall/ held o!er a period of three months' "ith 1% separate "ee,l/ sessions. 6t consists of an orientation session' follo"ed b/ the CLP proper of 1# sessions. The CLP proper is di!ided into three modules of four sessions each. follo"s& (odule ne& The &asic Truths "(out Christianit) 1. God+s Lo!e #. 7ho is 2esus Christ8 %. 7hat it means to be a Christian *. $epentance and Faith (odule T"o& The "uthentic Christian Life .. The Christian 6deal& Lo!ing God 9. Lo!ing /our :eighbor ;. The Christian Famil/ <. Life in the 1ol/ Spirit (odule Three& Living a S*irit+fille, Christian Life =. $ecei!ing the Po"er of the 1ol/ Spirit 1>. Gro"ing in the Spirit 11. The Life and (ission of CFC-SFC 1#. Transformation in Christ (odule ne of the CLP focuses on the basics of Christian belief and life. 6t ma,es clear the need to turn to 2esus Christ in repentance and faith in order to attain sal!ation. The/ are as

(odule T"o spells out the ideal of life that a Christian ought to aspire to. The Christian life is a life of lo!e and ser!ice that re!ol!es around 2esus Christ and is li!ed in the po"er of the 1ol/ Spirit. (odule Three helps people to commit their li!es in a serious "a/ to 2esus Christ' b/ appropriating for their li!es the po"er of the 1ol/ Spirit and b/ entering into a suppor ti!e en!ironment for continued personal gro"th and formation. #. D/namics. The program should ha!e an atmosphere that culti!ates good relationships' "ins respect' attracts people to the Lord' and gi!es people faith. The leader and the team set the tone. 3ach session' e5cept for the ninth and t"elfth tal,s' follo"s the follo"ing format& %> minutes .-1. minutes *. minutes *. minutes #>-*> minutes . minutes arri!al' fello"ship' practice of songs opening song' pra/er' remar,s tal, discussion groups fello"ship announcements and closing pra/er

Thus the sessions "ould normall/ last about # 1?# to % hours. 1andouts are gi!en out to participants at the end of each tal,. The/ include a brief tal, outline' a discussion starter' dail/ Scripture readings for the "ee,' and recommended additional readings. %. @ttendance. The CLP is open to all single Christian men and "omen' ages #1 - *> /ears old. The CLP is open to Catholics and non-Catholic Christians' and occasionall/ to non-Christians (the latter subAect to the appro!al of the Chapter 1ead). Participants need not ha!e an/ current religious or spiritual in!ol!ement. 3!er/ participant is e5pected to attend all sessions' since the CLP is offered as an integrated pac,age for spiritual rene"al. 1o"e!er' some absences can be e5pected. 6n such cases' the participant should be gi!en a ma,e-up session b/ his?her discussion leader. Participants "ill be allo"ed no more than one (1) absence in (odule ne of the CLP' and not more than an o!er-all total of three (%) absences for the "hole program. 0e/ond this' a participant "ill be reBuired to ta,e the "hole program again at another time. @n/ e5ceptions "ill be granted onl/ upon the recommendation of the team leader and the appro!al of the Chapter 1ead. Participants "ho finished (odule ne or (odules ne and T"o in a particular CLP but "ho did not continue for an/ reason (other than not being allo"ed b/ us to continue) ma/ be allo"ed to resume "here the/ left off in an/ other CLP' subAect to the recommendation of the Chapter 1ead o!er the first CLP and the appro!al of the Chapter 1ead o!er the second CLP. *. Personal Dialogue (one-to-one).

There are t"o (#) occasions "hen the discussion group leader meets indi!iduall/ and pri!atel/ "ith each of the members of his group. The first time is at the end of (odule ne and the second is at the end of (odule T"o. These meetings are often referred to as Cone-to-oneC meetings. appropriate section in this manual. Please see the

ROLES "#- RESPO#SI&ILITIES
"% T!E TE"M
The Lord reaches out to men and "omen through the members of 1is bod/. The ne" life 1e "ants to gi!e 1e offers through men and "omen in "hom 1is Spirit li!es. (ore than an/thing else' the CLP is the forum "hereb/ the bod/ of Christians "ho ha!e been gi!en a fuller life in the Spirit come together to share that gift "ith others. The team members are abo!e all "itnesses. The/ are men and "omen "ho are li!ing the life of the 1ol/ Spirit and "ho can "itness to its realit/ and effecti!eness for themsel!es. 6n order for them to be "itnesses' the/ ha!e to be able to spea, the truth in a simple "a/. People should not onl/ see the life in them but also learn about it from them. 6t is essential for the team members to be faithful and reli able. The/ ha!e to be persons "ho can be counted on. The/ need to do their best to care for the persons "ho are entrust ed to them. @nd in order to be faithful' one has to ha!e certain characteristics& 1. 1e has to be gro"ing in commitment to the Lord and to the life and mission of CFC. #. 1e has to be committed to the rene"al of indi!iduals in the po"er of the 1ol/ Spirit. 1e has to belie!e in the message of the tal,s and to see the importance of helping a person become firml/ established in Christ. %. 1e has to be committed to his part in the CLP.

&% T!E TE"M LE"-ER
1e o!ersees the entire program. 1e focuses his attention on the participants and the d/namics of the CLP. 1e cares for the team members and helps them to better ser!e the Lord. 1e should get to ,no" e!er/one in the program b/ name and be a!ailable to them to some degree. @ll administrati!e tas,s should be entrusted to his "ife' to the assistant team leader and to the ser!ant. 6f the team leader is a single' he assume the role and responsibilities of the CFC team leader. The onl/ difference is that because he is single he entrusts all administrati!e tas,s to the single co-team Leader' to the assistant team leader and to the ser!ant.

C% T!E TE"M LE"-ER.S WI E or CO+TE"M LE"-ER
6f a couple is as,ed to lead the CLP' the "ife of the team leader listens "ith a special ear to the sensiti!ities and peculiarities being reported at the "omen+s discussion groups. She supports and ad!ises her husband (team leader) in addressing and meeting the needs of the "omen in the CLP. 6n some cases' she coordinates "ith the CLP Team Ser!ant in administrati!e and practical "or,. 6f the a single is as,ed to lead the CLP' she is called the C -T3@( L3@D3$. She ta,es on the same role and responsibilities mentioned abo!e but "or,s "ith the Team Leader' "ho is a single male member of singles for Christ.

-% T!E "SSIST"#T TE"M LE"-ER
1e assists the team leader in running the program' and is in training for leading a future CLP. 1e ta,es o!er in case the team leader is absent.

E% T!E SERV"#T
1e carries the main administrati!e burden and should assume that he needs to co!er e!er/ need that ma/ arise. 1e should not be a part of a discussion group. 1is Aob includes the follo"ing ("hich ma/ be delegated to others)& 1. (an the reception table' ha!e a chec,list of those attending' gi!e out name tags. #. (a,e a!ailable song sheets and handouts. %. @rrange for a boo, table. *. (a,e a!ailable a guitarist and lead singer. .. Set up the sound s/stem. 9. Set up the ph/sical facilities li,e chairs' lights' lectern' etc. ;. Tape the tal,. <. @rrange for refreshments. =. Clean up after the sessions.

% T!E -ISC'SSIO# $RO'P LE"-ERS
The/ ta,e responsibilit/ for the o!er-all care of indi!iduals in their groups. The/ "ill personall/ o!ersee and bring to issue each person+s relationship "ith Christ during the CLP.

T!E SESSIO#S/ $O"LS0 M"I# POI#TS "#- -ISC'SSIO# $'I-ES
"% SESSIO# #o% 1 + $O-2S LOVE
1. Goals. a. To help people understand that man b/ himself cannot sol!e the problems and e!il in the "orld' but that sal!ation is necessar/ through 2esus Christ. b. To present the realit/ of sin and Satan' the spiritual po"ers tr/ing to destro/ humanit/. c. To communicate the truth that God lo!es us and has a plan for our "elfare.

#. (ain points. a. God+s original and final intention for creation& the ,ingdom of God. b. The realit/ of sin and Satan. c. The !ictor/ of Christ for us o!er sin and Satan.

%. Discussion guides (see note belo"). a. @s, each indi!idual to gi!e a brief account of their personal histor/' including their Christian bac,ground' and also "h/ the/ decided to come to the CLP. This Buestion enables /ou to sound out e!er/one+s position on Christianit/' the Lord and the program. b. C7hat ha!e /ou thought in the past about e!il and its cause' and ho" does that compare "ith the Christian !ie" of e!il e5pressed in the tal,8C : T3& @ discussion starter has alread/ been pro!ided in the participant+s handout. These discussion guides are gi!en for /our optional use. The/ ma/ be in addition to or in lieu of the discussion starter. Dse /our o"n Audgment' considering "here /our group members are' or "hat /ou are more comfortable "ith.

&% SESSIO# #o% 3 + W!O IS 4ES'S C!RIST5
1. Goals. a. To stir up nominal Christians+ interest in 2esus and Christianit/. b. To cause Christians to thin, more about the di!init/ of 2esus and not Aust accept it as a matter of fact. c. To get people to begin to pra/ and to read the 0ible outside the CLP.

#. (ain points. a. 7ho 2esus "as historicall/ and "hat he "as li,e personall/. b. The claims he made -his authorit/' his relationship "ith God' his po"er to forgi!e sins' his di!init/. c. The conclusion& liar' lunatic or Lord8 Eour choice.

%. Discussion guides. a. C1o" "ould /ou describe the character of 2esus the man and the claims that he made8C b. CDo /ou see that 2esus+ claim to be God sets him apart from moral teachers and other religious figures' that he can+t Aust be another great moral teacher8C

C% SESSIO# #o% 6 + W!"T IT ME"#S TO &E " C!RISTI"#
1. Goals. a. To dispel "rong notions about "hat it means to be a Christian. b. To inspire people to li!e up to the standards set b/ God for 1is people. c. To inspire people to "ant to ha!e all God "ants to gi!e.

#. (ain points. a. (isconceptions or incomplete notions about Christianit/. b. The essence of Christianit/ is union "ith God. 7e become a ne" creation. 7e become children of God. c. @s Christians' "e can trust in our Father 7ho pro!ides for us. Thus "e can be peaceful at all times.

%. Discussion guides. a. Share "ith one another ho" /ou are e5periencing concretel/ this ne" relationship "ith the Father through 2esus and the difference it is beginning to ma,e in /our life. b. CDo /ou belie!e /ou can li!e a life of peace and Ao/ because of /our trust in a lo!ing Father8C

-% SESSIO# #o% 7 + REPE#T"#CE "#- "IT!
1. Goals. a. To lead people to repent of sin and turn to faith in 2esus Christ. b. To help people to gro" in e5pectant faith. c. To get people to loo, for"ard to (odule T"o' "hich "ould focus on ho" the/ are no" to li!e as true Christians.

#. (ain points. a. ur response to God+s lo!e and call is repentance and faith.

b. The meaning of repentance and the simple steps to turn a"a/ from "rongdoing and sin. c. Faith is rel/ing on "hat God has said and claiming 1is promises for oursel!es. d. God promises sal!ation and ne" life in the Spirit.

%. Discussion guides. a. C7hat do /ou need to do to repent8C b. C7hat do /ou hope to see change in /our life as /ou dedicate it more to God8C

E% SESSIO# #o% 8 + T!E C!RISTI"# I-E"L/ LOVI#$ $O1. Goals. a. To call idealism out of people' and ha!e them appl/ their idealism to the highest ideal' lo!ing God. b. To help participants understand that lo!ing God is an attainable ideal and that lo!ing God is not an option but a command. c. To introduce people to !erbal pra/ers of than,sgi!ing and petition.

#. (ain points. a. The importance of ideals and goals in our li!es. The lo!e of God as the highest and greatest ideal. b. 7hat it means to lo!e God "ith our "hole heart' mind and strength. c. 2esus is our model in lo!ing God.

%. Discussion guides. a. C7hat are /our ideals8 6n "hat "a/s do the/ moti!ate and dri!e /ou8C @s, the Buestion and gi!e the people a minute to thin,' and ma/be to "rite do"n their response. @s the/ bring up different ideals' don+t shoot them do"n and put people on the defensi!e' but instead raise up the Christian ideal and gi!e e5amples from /our o"n life. b. C1o" are /our life directions ser!ing God8C

% SESSIO# #o% 9 + LOVI#$ :O'R #EI$!&OR
1. Goals. a. To communicate a !ision for right relationships among Christians' ho" it+s humanl/ good' ho" it helps us gro" as Christians. b. To correct "rong notions that participants ma/ ha!e about lo!e' to present "hat lo!e is and to help them appl/ Christian lo!e in their li!es. c. To suggest concrete and practical "a/s of lo!ing one another.

#. (ain points. a. Lo!ing neighbor' together "ith lo!ing God' form the core of Christian life. b. God+s lo!e contrasted "ith "orld+s idea of lo!e. c. Christian lo!e is self-sacrificial. 6t is ser!ice lo!e. d. @ll men in need of our help are our neighbors.

%. Discussion guides. a. C1o" ha!e /ou e5perienced associating "ith Christians ma,ing a difference for /ou8 1o" could /ou ma,e this more a part of /our life8C b. CCan /ou see concrete "a/s b/ "hich /ou can ser!e others' especiall/ those in need8C

$% SESSIO# #o% ; + T!E C!RISTI"# "MIL:
1. Goals. a. To stress the importance of the famil/ in God+s plan. b. To gi!e practical ad!ice for building up a strong Christian famil/. #. (ain points. a. God+s plan for families. b. 7h/ God+s plan is not happening in the "orld toda/. c. 1o" "e can ma,e God+s plan happen in our families.

%. Discussion guides. a. C1o" ha!e /ou e5perienced the negati!e effects of the "orld+s "a/s on /our famil/8C b. C7hat areas in /our famil/ life need to change in order to conform to God+s plan8C

!% SESSIO# #o% < + LI E I# T!E !OL: SPIRIT
1. Goals. a. To stir up e5pectant faith and an eager desire for a greater "or,ing of God in people+s li!es through the 1ol/ Spirit. b. To e5plain the baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit and spiritual gifts. c. To prepare people for the pra/er session ne5t "ee,. d. To encourage them and to help them o!ercome an/ obstacles. #. (ain points. a. The Christian life is not Aust human "ill po"er' but a ne" heart and ne" life from God in the 1ol/ Spirit. b. c. !er!ie" of the baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit and spiritual gifts. Description of obstacles to recei!ing the baptism of the 1ol/ Spirit and "a/s to o!ercome them.

%. Discussion guides. a. C1a!e /ou e5perienced the "or, of the 1ol/ Spirit8 6f so' ho"8 7hat more can /ou see that the 1ol/ Spirit "ould li,e to do in /our life8C b. CDo /ou understand "hat it means to be bapti4ed in the 1ol/ Spirit8C

c.

CDo /ou understand "hat the gift of tongues is and "h/ such a gift is important for the life of a Christian8C

I%

SESSIO# #o% = + RECEIVI#$ T!E POWER O T!E !OL: SPIRIT
1. Goals. a. To lead people to recei!e the baptism of the 1ol/ Spirit and the gift of tongues. b. To lead people to commitment of their li!es to 2esus Christ. c. To instruct them about charismatic praise and "orship.

#. (ain points. a. Description of the baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit and spiritual gifts. b. P$@E3$ S3SS6 :. c. @ call to faithfulness to pra/er and one+s ne" life in the 1ol/ Spirit.

4% SESSIO# #o% 1> + $ROWI#$ I# T!E SPIRIT
1. Goals. a. To teach the basic steps to"ard gro"th and maturit/ for Christians and call e!er/one to mo!e ahead in their life "ith God. b. To e5plain the importance of Christian support. #. (ain points. a. 0aptism in the 1ol/ Spirit is Aust the beginning. (uch gro"th and transformation still lie ahead. b. The basic tools to gro"th in the Christian life are pra/er' stud/' fello"ship and ser!ice. @lso sacraments for Catholics. %. Discussion guides. a. C1o" are /ou coming along in /our personal pra/er time and dail/ reading of the 0ible8C b. C1o" ha!e /ou enAo/ed our time and discussions together as a group8C c. CDo /ou see the need for regular fello"ship "ith other committed Christians8C

?% SESSIO# #o% 11 + C!RIST
1. Goals.

T!E LI E "#- MISSIO# O

C C SI#$LES

OR

a. To e5plain the life and mission of CFC Singles for Christ (SFC). b. To inspire people "ith the desire to be part of a committed Christian communit/ such as SFC. #. (ain points.

a. 1istor/ of SFC. b. The SFC Statements of (ission and Philosoph/. c. 1o" "e support one another in SFC. d. @ in!itation to be part of the life and mission of SFC. %. Discussion guides. a. Share about the times "hen /ou found it difficult to li!e out /our !ocation as a Christian man or "oman and son or daughter. b. CDo /ou see the "isdom behind the e5istence of a Christian communit/8C

L% SESSIO# #o% 13 + TR"#S ORM"TIO# I# C!RIST
1. Goals. a. To encourage singles to perse!ere and li!e out acti!el/ the ne" life in the po"er of the 1ol/ Spirit. b. To e5cite them about becoming a part of the mission of SFC. #. (ain points. a. The end of the CLP is Aust the beginning of a "hole ne" e5citing life "ith God. b. God+s purpose in our transformation and gro"th is to raise up families in the 1ol/ Spirit that "ill rene" the face of the earth. c. 7e all need to gro" in personal holiness' build strong Christian families and homes' and pursue our "or, of global e!angeli4ation.

d. D3D6C@T6 : C3$3( :E.

-ISC'SSIO# $RO'P LE"-ER2S $'I-E
"% P'RPOSE O -ISC'SSIO# $RO'PS
1. To help the participants to understand and digest the material presented. #. To allo" them to e5press their thoughts and feelings' and to gi!e them a chance to as, Buestions. %. To help people to open up and respond to God+s in!itation and grace. *. To pro!ide a place for them to begin to e5perience Christian fello"ship' preparing the "a/ to participation in Christian communit/ (SFC) after the CLP.

&% T!E ROLE O " -ISC'SSIO# $RO'P LE"-ER
1. To help set the right tone. a. Come promptl/ to each session at the time indicated b/ the team leader' so that the team meeting ma/ be held as scheduled and there "ill be enough time for /ou to greet the participants as the/ come in' especiall/ the members of /our discussion group. b. 0e "arm and friendl/' e!en if people are a little stiff at first. :e" people "ill "arm up as /ou are "arm "ith them. Ta,e special care to establish an atmosphere of lo!e and interest in the group. c. 0e Ao/ful and outgoing. (eet other men and "omen "ho are not in /our group. 3ncourage /our group members to get to ,no" more people outside their o"n group.

d. Participate enthusiasticall/ in "hate!er is going on. Sing the songs' listen attenti!el/ (e!en if the tal, is familiar)' and follo" Buic,l/ an/ lead the team leader gi!es. e. Pra/ out "here there is an opportunit/. 35press /our pra/er in a "a/ that teaches the ne" people ho" to pra/' but does not o!er"helm them (e.g.' grant that "e ma/ be mart/rs)' and does not use unfamiliar Aargon (e.g.' 2esus' than, /ou for /our all-sufficient and substitutionar/ sacrifice' that purchased m/ redemption). #. To help e!angeli4e those in /our discussion group. a. $emember the names and important details of /our discussion group members. 0/ this /ou communicate a great amount of concern. b. Tailor the program inputs to /our members+ needs during the discussion. Eou ha!e freedom to lead discussions as /ou thin, best' "ith the goal of ma,ing the message of the tal,s connect "ith each one in a personal "a/. c. Follo" up regularl/ "ith /our group members during the "ee,' especiall/ during (odule ne of the CLP. 6f necessar/' meet "ith them for further discussion. 3ncourage them to be open' to perse!ere and to turn to the Lord to see, out 1is "ill for them. Contact those "ho miss tal,s and get together "ith them for ma,e -up sessions.

d. 6ntercede for them and do spiritual "arfare on their behalf. Fast and pra/ for them. e. Do "hate!er is appropriate to bring to issue each one+s relationship "ith Christ. 6t is /our responsibilit/ to help them personall/ and to do all /ou can to bring them to commitment to Christ.

%. 6mportant general comments& a. The team members+ lo!e for one another and for the participants is a crucial element of the program. b. Participating in the singing and full/ in the pra/ers is crucial' because that is the "a/ the participants "ill learn ho" to pra/. c. Faithfulness to all meetings is absolutel/ essential. 0eing punctual is presupposed. d. Prepare for the sessions b/ stud/ing the goals and content of the sessions beforehand. Pra/ and thin, about the discussion starters and guides. Fno" "hat /our members should be ta,ing home from the session and help them to appropriate that. e. $3@D @:D STDDE T16S T3@( (@:D@LG

C% LE"-I#$ " -ISC'SSIO# $RO'P
1. The discussion groups form and begin right after the tal,. The men meet separatel/ from the "omen. #. 7hen first meeting as a discussion group' tr/ to establish a rela5ed atmosphere. Don+t be o!erl/ serious' but maintain control. 6nspire confidence in others that /ou ,no" "hat e!er/bod/ is supposed to be doing. $emember that man/ people ha!e ne!er been in this t/pe of discussion group. 0e clear about instructions li,e sitting in a circle' etc. %. Start and end e!er/ discussion "ith a short pra/er. (o!ing into (odule T"o and (odule Three' /ou ma/ as, others in /our group to lead the pra/er if the/ seem read/' but don+t put them on the spot. *. For the first session' start "ith introductions and let e!er/one get to ,no" one another. .. @ssure them that the principle of confidentialit/ is at "or, in /our discussions. 7hate!er is shared basicall/ remains onl/ "ithin the group. General reports during team meetings maintain the anon/mit/ of sharers. 9. Let the group ,no" that the/ are free to as, rele!ant Buestions or bring up rele!ant problems. ;. For (odule ne' if the participants are still not !er/ open or are still sh/' /ou ma/ ha!e to begin the sharing /ourself. This also is a good "a/ of sho"ing them ho" the discussion? sharing is to be handled. <. 6f the group is eager to respond to the tal,' allo" them to' "ithout bothering "ith the discussion starter. =. 3ncourage sh/ people "ho don+t spea, much b/ as,ing them Buestions. Don+t put them on the spot' ho"e!er. Start "ith eas/ general Buestions at first' then "or, /our "a/ up to more specific things about themsel!es. (a,e sure e!er/one gets to tal, during the discussion. Don+t allo" an/one' including /ourself' to ta,e too much time and dominate the discussion. 1>. ne "a/ to control dominant people in discussion groups is to spea, to the person before the session begins. 3ncourage their sharing but impress them "ith the limited amount of time and the need for e!er/one to share.

11. Don+t let the discussion get off the subAect. Gentl/ but authoritati!el/ tell them that it is time to stop this line of con!ersation. Suggest another time or place to the people in!ol!ed. 1#. 6t is usuall/ best to open up the discussion to an/ Buestions onl/ after /ou are sure the/ ha!e understood the main points of the tal,s' or if the/ "on+t share. Huite often Buestions as,ed do not ha!e an/thing to do "ith the tal,. 1%. 7hen ans"ering Buestions' /ou don+t need to offer e!er/thing on the subAect' but onl/ "hat "ill help the person most at this time in his?her life. n the other hand' be "illing to sa/ C6 don+t ,no"C and?or C6+ll find outC. 1*. Don+t ta,e up serious theological issues in the discussions. 1.. Don+t tal, do"n to people or appear to be an e5pert on something /ou are not. 19. @!oid Christian Aargon. There is a "a/ in "hich ne" people cannot enter into the meanings of the phrases "e ,no" so "ell. 1;. Ta,e notes and "rite do"n significant details of con!ersations in /our group so that /ou can ,eep trac, of /our people+s progress and also as a basis for the team meeting after"ards. 1<. @s /ou listen to the tal,' discern "hich points /our people especiall/ need to hear and tr/ to bring those out in /our sharing or in theirs. 1=. Feep /our e/e on the time. (a,e sure that there is enough time for e!er/one to share.

-% TE"M MEETI#$S
Team meetings are usuall/ held both before and after the session itself. The pre-session meeting helps prepare for the session. The post-session meeting is for e!aluating "hat happened in the session. The team meeting is almost the onl/ opportunit/ that team members ha!e to discuss the progress of the CLP. 6t should be a time for support and encouragement' a time that builds unit/' faith and lo!e. The team should spend time not tal,ing about administrati!e details but ha!ing a concrete discussion of the problems and situations the/ are facing. @side from these' the team meetings also help to create a spiritual unit/ among the team members' help the team members to learn to better ser!e the Lord' and communicate "hat is happening in the CLP as a "hole.

E% M"?E+'P SESSIO#S
@n/ participant "ho misses an/ tal, "ill ha!e to ha!e a ma,e-up session' "hich consists in listening to a tape of the tal, and ha!ing a short discussion "ith his?her leader. 6t is the discussion leader+s responsibilit/ to gi!e personall/ the ma,e-up session. 6t should be done "ithin the "ee, immediatel/ after the session missed. The purpose is to ensure that the participant understands the tal, and to gi!e him?her an opportunit/ to discuss the same.

% $'I-ELI#ES OR PERSO#"L -I"LO$'ES (one+to+ones)
1. First Dialogue. @fter the tal, on $epentance and Faith ending (odule ne' the discussion group leaders meet indi!iduall/ "ith each of the members of their group. These meetings should be held "ithin the "ee, prior to the start of (odule T"o. The purpose of this meeting is to see ho" the participants are doing' and more importantl/' to see "hether the/ are read/ to go on. $eadiness to go on consists in being "illing to repent and turn a"a/ from serious "rongdoing. 1as the person repented for serious sin8 Eou need to as, them directl/ and get a direct response. 6f the/ are unclear as to "hat is serious sin' go through the list. :ote that "hat is important is @illingness to turn a"a/ from sin. Sometimes the actual turning a"a/ ma/ not be accomplished in a single' immediate act (e.g. brea,ing off "ith a partner in a premarital se5ual or adulterous relationship or gi!ing up addic tion to liBuor). 0ut if the/ are "illing to repent and continue "ith the CLP' the/ ma/ be allo"ed to go on. 7or, out "ith them a timetable for finall/ setting their li!es right' and follo" up on them through the succeeding "ee,s. : :3 S1 DLD 03 @LL 73D T T@F3 ( DDL3 T7 6F T13$3 @$3 S3$6 DS T16:GS T1@T T13 P3$S : 6S : T 76LL6:G T T@F3 ST3PS T @(3:D. $eadiness also in!ol!es a "illingness to follo" 2esus and to learn more about 1im. These indi!idual meetings ma/ be held at an/ place con!enient to both leader and participant. 6t ma/ be at either+s home or office' in a church' in a restaurant' at a par,' etc. The onl/ reBuirements are pri!ac/ and a peaceful atmosphere. 6f there are an/ issues on "rongdoing that /ou cannot resol!e' refer them to the team leader. @lso inform the team leader of an/ participant "ho cannot be allo"ed to go on' prior to the start of (odule T"o. $ui,e Auestions for the Meeting/ a. 7e ha!e been tal,ing and discussing basics of our faith. @re there an/ Buestions that ha!e not been ans"ered8 6s there an/ unclarit/ that 6 can help /ou "ith8 b. The first step to a full and committed life "ith the Lord is repentance' i.e.' turning a"a/ from serious "rongdoing and turning to"ard the Lord. 6f there is serious "rongdoing in /our life' are /ou "illing to ma,e a definite brea, "ith it8 Serious "rongdoing includes the follo"ing&       :on-Christian religions and non-Christian practices (e.g.' Freemasonr/' :e" @ge' T(' etc.) @ll forms of the occult' spiritualism' "itchcraft. Se5ual "rongdoing (adulter/' premarital se5' masturbation' acti!e homose5ualit/' per!ersit/' etc.) (urder' stealing' cheating. L/ing' slander' gossip. Drun,enness' drugs.

:ote for Catholics& To ma,e repentance full and effecti!e' go to sacramental confession and ma,e a firm resolution to lead a ne" life acceptable to 2esus. c) 6s there an/thing /ou "ish to share or discuss "ith me8 6s there an/ other "a/ 6 can help /ou8

d) @re /ou read/ to turn a"a/ from sin' confess (if there is serious "rongdoing) and commit /our life to the Lord8 @ccept 1im as Lord and Sa!ior8 #. Second Dialogue. @fter the <th session on CLife in the 1ol/ SpiritC ending (odule T"o' the discussion group leaders once again meet indi!iduall/ "ith each of the members of their group. These meetings should be held prior to the ne5t session ($ecei!ing the Po"er of the 1ol/ Spirit) "hich is the start of (odule Three. The primar/ purpose of this indi!idual meeting is to help the participant prepare for the pra/er session "here the participant is pra/ed "ith for a rene"ed outpouring of the 1ol/ Spirit. ften called C0aptism in the 1ol/ SpiritC' this session sometimes causes unclarit/ in the mind of the participant. The discussion group leader "ill tr/ to clear up an/ Buestion concerning this. The meeting also ser!es to gi!e encouragement and support to the participant and to find out specific areas "here he?she needs to be strengthened and pra/ed for. These indi!idual meetings should be held as earl/ as possible during the "ee, so that the participant ma/ ha!e enough time after this meeting to adeBuatel/ prepare himself?herself for the pra/er session. Don+t "ait till the last minuteG $ui,elines for the Meeting a) Start "ith a pra/er. Foster an atmosphere of concern' friendliness and informalit/. b) Find out if there are an/ Buestions regarding "hat has transpired in the program or if there are an/ problem areas. Discuss these. c) Chec, the participant+s understanding of baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit and the gift of tongues. 35plain these concepts again. 6f there is an/ hang-up or fear in an/ of these areas' help the participant to get o!er them. d) 6f the participant has an/ in!ol!ement in the occult and the li,e (fortune telling' card reading' spirit of the glass' etc.)' "hich ma/ or ma/ not ha!e been brought out in the first indi!idual meeting' lead the participant to renounce !erball/ this in!ol!ement. e) (a,e sure that an/ serious "rongdoing "hich the participant disclosed during /our first indi!idual meeting is no longer present in his?her life. Find out if there are other @reas of "rongdoing "hich the participant has not disclosed. f) Find out if there are other obstacles to the full release of the Spirit in his?her life. Chec, areas of unforgi!eness' resentments' hatred' bitterness' etc. Lead the participant to forgi!e the cause(s) of all these negati!e emotions. Pra/ for a repentant and forgi!ing heart.

g) Find out if the participant has had an/ traumatic e5periences' so that /ou can pra/ for healing of memories during the pra/er session. h) Find out if there are other areas of concern or diffi culties that the participant "ould li,e to share "ith /ou. i) @s, if the participant has an/ pra/er intention' or an/ specific areas that he?she "ould "ant to pra/ for during the baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit.

A)

3ncourage the participant (if Catholic) to go to confession' to go to (ass and recei!e 1ol/ Communion' and to pra/ prior for the baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit.

,) Pra/ together at the end of the meeting. %. $eminders. a) The principle of confidentialit/ is still !er/ much in force. Feep to /ourself "hate!er information is brought out' e5cept "hat /ou cannot handle' in "hich case /ou should bring the same to the team leader. @n/ discussion of serious problems should be onl/ "ith the team leader (or if necessar/ "ith the super!ising Dnit 1ead or the Chapter 1ead)' and should not be specificall/ ta,en up during the team meeting. The team meeting is a time of sharing in general' to see "here people are at. @l"a/s a!oid gossip' slander' or an/ "rong "a/ of spea,ing about an/ participant. b) 6nform the team leader immediatel/ of an/ problem /ou cannot handle or of an/ obstacle to being pra/ed "ith for the baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit. Don+t "ait till prior to the pra/er session itself.

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C ((6T(3:T T

C1$6ST

Do /ou renounce Satan and all "rongdoing8 Do /ou belie!e that 2esus is the Son of God' that he died to free us from our sins' and that he rose to bring us ne" life8

7ill /ou follo" 2esus as /our Lord8 Lord 2esus Christ' 6 "ant to belong to /ou from no" on. 6 "ant to be free from the dominion of dar,ness and the rule of Satan' and 6 "ant to enter into /our Fingdom and be a part of /our people. 6 "ill turn a"a/ from all "rongdoing' and 6 "ill a!oid e!er/thing that leads me to "rongdoing. 6 as, /ou to forgi!e all the sins that 6 ha!e committed. 6 offer m/ life to /ou' and 6 promise to obe/ /ou as m/ Lord. 6 as, /ou to bapti4e me in the 1ol/ Spirit. @(3:.

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GD6D3L6:3S : P$@E3$ F $ T13 0@PT6S( 6: T13 1 LE SP6$6T
1. (uch of the effecti!eness of the pra/er session on the participants "ill be related to the ,ind of atmosphere "hich the team itself establishes. Thus the atmosphere should be one of& a) F@6T1. 7e need to turn to the Lord and put our faith in 1im. 7e need to be centered on the Lord. @nd the more "e ha!e faith' the easier it "ill be for the participants. Faith catchesC. 6n an atmosphere of "orship and faith' it is much easier to ha!e faith. b) P3@C3. 7e do not "ant to encourage emotional e5citement. $ather' "e "ant to encourage rela5ed Ao/. Those conducting the pra/er should "e "arm and friendl/ and rela5ed and should themsel!es con!e/ a mood of peace and calmness to the participants. c) P3::3SS. 7e should be especiall/ open to spiritual gifts during this time. The Lord "ill "or, through the team "ith prophec/ and "ords of "isdom' "ith discernment and faith' and e!en "ith healing. 6f "e obe/ the promptings of the Spirit' "e "ill see God "or, in man/ "a/s that "e might not ha!e e5pected.

#. The gift of tongues. a) The participants should come to see tongues as another means of gro"ing closer to Christ. 6t is a gift "e can all use right from the start of our ne" life in the Spirit. @ person should claim this gift in confidence "hen he is pra/ed "ith to be bapti4ed in the Spirit. :o one needs to "ait for this gift or sh/ a"a/ from it because of un"orthiness. 6t is a gift God gi!es freel/' simpl/ because "e as, for it. :o one has to Cps/ch himself upC or feel emotionall/ read/ to recei!e the gift. b) Three conditions dispose a person to recei!e the gift of tongues&
  

1e should desire the gift. Simpl/ because it is a gift that comes from God. 1e should as, in faith for the gift. Faith means rel/ing on God+s promise (L, 11&1%) and loo,ing e5pectantl/ to 2esus to gi!e the gift. 1e must cooperate "ith God b/ spea,ing out in faith and e5pecting God to gi!e him the utterance. 7hat is needed is acti!e' not passi!e' faith.

c) There are some people "ho come see,ing to be bapti4ed in the Spirit "ho sa/ that the/ do not "ant to ha!e the gift of tongues. This is a "rong attitude because it "ould be placing limits on God+s "or,ing. 6t is not being open to the Lord. 3!er/one should "ant to recei!e the gift of tongues.

d) Tongues ma/ not be of first importance in itself' but it has great conseBuences in a person+s spiritual life. 6t can re!olutioni4e a person+s pra/er life. @ person "ho pra/s in tongues can normall/ pra/ more easil/' and his pra/er "ill be more li,el/ to be filled "ith praise and "orship. 0ut e!en more significantl/' tongues usuall/ turns out to be the gate"a/ to the charismatic dimension. 6t builds a person+s faith in a !er/ concrete "a/. 6t gi!es him a clear e5perience of "hat it means to ha!e the 1ol/ Spirit forming something ne" through him. Eielding to tongues is an important first step' and it is "orth putting effort into encouraging a person to /ield to tongues. e) @t the same time' "e should ma,e it clear that spea,ing in tongues is neither a necessar/ sign' nor b/ itself a certain sign' that a person has been bapti4ed in the Spirit. 7e should encourage the participants to be open to this gift' as a !aluable "a/ of pra/ing' especiall/ in praising God' but "e should not put too much stress on it that their attention "ill be on tongues and not on the Lord and his gift of the 1ol/ Spirit. %. Suggested Procedure in Pra/ing For 0aptism in the Spirit. a) @s, the participant to sit do"n' Aust rela5' and be open to the "or,ings of the 1ol/ Spirit. b) @s, if there are an/ other specific areas that he?she "ishes /ou to pra/ for' aside from those alread/ discussed in /our indi!idual meeting. @s, if he?she desires an/ specific gift(s) from the 1ol/ Spirit. c) Start "ith praising the Lord. @s, the participant to Aoin /ou here. Then as, the Lord+s protection for the participant and his lo!ed ones and also for /oursel!es. Claim God+s po"er and !ictor/ o!er the situation. d) Do a short pra/er of e5orcism' "hich means the casting out of e!il spirits or the telling of spirits to lea!e a person or place free. 6t should be done simpl/ and undramaticall/' in a Buiet !oice' so that onl/ those pra/ing for a particular person "ill hear it. Simpl/ command "hate!er e!il spirits there are to depart. 6f /ou ha!e an/ discernment as to the ,ind of e!il spirit present' then simpl/ command that spirit to depart. (: T3& This is not the ,ind of e5orcism called for "hen an indi!idual is actuall/ possessed. 6t is simpl/ the same ,ind of pra/er that is part of e!er/ Catholic celebration of the sacrament of 0aptism. To a!oid misconception some prefer to use the term Cpra/ing for deli!erance from e!il spiritsC). Then al"a/s as, for an infilling of the 1ol/ Spirit for the !oid left b/ e!il spirits. e) Pra/ that the participant be deli!ered from the bondage of sin. Pra/ for all those areas of "rongdoing or of "ea,nesses' all negati!e emotions' all areas of concern and difficult/' and an/ other obstacles to the full release of the Spirit in his life. f) Pra/ for healing of memories and for inner healing.

g) Pra/ specificall/ for the baptism of the 1ol/ Spirit. For e5ample&

CFather' "e no" as, /ou' in the name of /our Son 2esus Christ' that /ou pour upon JJJJJ the 1ol/ Spirit so he?she ma/ recei!e ne" lifeC. r an/ other !ariation. The important thing is that /ou as, specificall/ that the 1ol/ Spirit descend upon the participant. @nd 2esus "ill respond b/ bapti4ing the participant "ith his Spirit. h) Pra/ that the participant recei!e the gifts of the 1ol/ Spirit' especiall/ those he?she specificall/ desires. i) Pra/ in tongues. Then /ou can as, the participant to pra/ in tongues. 0ut /ou ma/ ha!e to help the participant to /ield to tongues. (an/ "ill not understand or follo" the instructions gi!en in the opening remar,s. Thus after pra/ing "ith a person to be bapti4ed in the Spirit' /ou should lean o!er or ,neel do"n and suggest that he?she should tr/ to start pra/ing in tongues. Eou should encourage him?her to spea, out' ma,ing sounds that are not 3nglish or an/ other language he?she ,no"s. Eou should then pra/ "ith him again. 7hen the person begins to spea, in tongues' /ou should encourage him. (an/ "ill still be afraid that it is CAust themC. Eou can often suppl/ the faith that "ill allo" them to /ield to the Spirit. nce the participant is able to pra/ in tongues' sa/ a short pra/er of than,sgi!ing to the Lord. 6f no tongues come' or the person feels inhibited' tr/ encouraging but ne!er force the person. Pra/ that the participant be gi!en the grace to become a strong Christian. Pra/ that he?she commit himself to the Lord.

A)

,) 1a!e a closing pra/er for the participant' some "ords that "ill encourage and upbuild him. 3nd "ith the Glor/ be. l) Let the participant go bac, to his seat' e5horting him to continue pra/ing until e!er/one is finished.

*. Pastoral notes. a) Eou should get a pra/er partner to pro!ide support. 1o"e!er' /ou as the discussion group leader "ill lead the pra/er. The pra/er partner is in a supporting role. 6t is the discussion group leader "ho has been "ith the participant for the past < sessions and "ho has had t"o indi!idual meetings "ith him?her. Thus' he?she best ,no"s the participant and "hat his?her needs are. 1o"e!er' as is called for' the pra/er partner gi!es support to the e5tent necessar/. @nd in some cases "here the discussion leader himself does not ha!e the gift of tongues' it "ould be the pra/er partner "ho should handle this portion. b) Pra/ in a lo" but audible !oice. Dsuall/ there "ill be other pra/ing teams in the same room. Eour pra/er should be loud enough to be heard b/ the participant and /our pra/er partner' but not too loud as to disturb the other groups. c) @ppl/ the right amount of encouragement and understanding for each participant. Some people "ill /ield to the Spirit beautifull/ "ithout an/ encouragement at all. Some "ill need Aust a little push. Some "ill need patient

encouragement. Some should not be pushed at all. Let the Spirit lead /ou and gi!e /ou "isdom on ho" to help /our people. d) Should the participant become restless' immediatel/ pra/ that the peace of the Lord be upon him. e) 6f the participant cries' alle!iate his embarrassment b/ telling him that tears are a gift from the Lord. 6t is called the gift of tears or the gift of cleansing. f) 0e a"are of "hat is happening to the participant. Don+t be lost in /our o"n pra/ers. 0e sensiti!e to the situation and adopt /our pra/ers' /our procedure and /our "hole self to it.

g) There is no set length of time to the pra/er of this sort. 6t can range from as short as fi!e minutes to as long as %> minutes or more. 6t is not ho" long it ta,es that is important' but ho" effecti!el/ the participants are led to baptism in the 1ol/ Spirit. 1o"e!er' /our pra/ers should also not be so long that the "hole session is stretched out. @ good rule-of-thumb is to ta,e no more than one hour to pra/ o!er /our "hole group. .. $emember& a) Stud/ this guide and other a!ailable materials "ell. b) Prepare /ourself spirituall/' throughout the "ee, but speciall/ on the da/ of the pra/er session. Pra/' read Scripture' fast and intercede for /our people. c) 1a!e faith and trust in the LordG

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P$@6S6:G T13 L $D
Praising the Lord is an essential element in our li!es as Christians. 7e in SFC are a people "ho are to li!e and ser!e for the praise and glor/ of 1is name. Wh) *raise the Lor,5 1. 0ecause the Lord is our Creator and "e are 1is creatures. 6t is but proper and fitting that creatures should ac,no"ledge and gi!e glor/ to their Creator. #. 0ecause it is our !ocation as Christians.


3ph 1&11-1#. C6n 1im "e "ere chosenK for in the decree of God' "ho administers e!er/thing according to 1is "ill and counsel' "e "ere predestined to praise 1is glor/...C 3ph 1&1*. C... a people God has made 1is o"n' to praise 1is glor/C



@s Christians' "e are God+s people. 6f the purpose for "hich 1e made us 1is people is Cto praise 1is glor/C' then praising the Lord must be the most important act "e can e!er do. 6n fact' it must be our main occupation so that e!er/ moment of our life should be a praise to the Lord.


1 Cor 1>&%1. CThe fact is that "hether /ou eat or drin, L "hate!er /ou do L /ou should do all for the glor/ of GodC

%. 0ecause the 7ord of God e5plicitl/ tells us to do so.
     

Psalm =&1#. CSing praise to the Lord enthroned in MionC Psalm ##&#*. CEou "ho fear the Lord' praise 1imC Psalm 1>%&1. nameC C0less the Lord' m/ soulK and all m/ being bless 1is hol/

Psalm 1>*&%%. C6 "ill sing to the Lord all m/ life' 6 "ill sing praise to m/ God "hile 6 li!eC Psalm 1.>&9. CLet e!er/thing that has breath praise the LordG @lleluiaGC 1eb 1%&1.. CThrough him let us continuall/ offer God a sacrifice of praise' that is' the fruit of lips that ac,no"ledge 1is nameC

*. 0ecause praise is the ,e/ that unloc,s the po"er of God.
 

2oshua 9&1.-19'#>. The "alls of 2ericho collapsed after the 6sraelites praised the Lord in procession around the cit/. @cts 19&#.-#9. Paul and Silas are deli!ered from their chains and imprisonment "hile the/ "ere pra/ing and singing praises to the Lord.

.. 0ecause this is ho" 2esus taught us to pra/.


Lu,e 11&1-*. The Lord+s pra/er has t"o parts. The first part is a pra/er of praise and the second is a pra/er of petition. Thus one thing 2esus teaches us here is to start our pra/ers al"a/s "ith praise.

What are @e going to *raise $o, for5 1. For 1is perfection.


3ph .&1=-#>. CSing praise to the Lord "ith all /our hearts. Gi!e than,s to the Father al"a/s and for e!er/thing in the name of our Lord 2esus ChristC

#. For all the inumerable blessings 1e has gi!en us.


7e praise God for 1is greatness' goodness' generosit/' merc/' patience "ith our "ea,ness' etc.

%. 3!en for the e!ils 1e allo"s to happen to us.
 

$omans <&#<K 3ph .&#>. 7e should praise 1im e!en for the trials and difficulties that came our "a/. @s Christians' "e belie!e that nothing happens "hich God does not allo" to happen. 6f something bad has happened' then God must ha!e a purpose in allo"ing it to happen. Since God+s purpose can onl/ be good' "e therefore still praise 1im' not for the bad happening but for 1is good purpose. So that Cal"a/s and for e!er/thingC "e praise the Lord.

!o@ ,o @e *raise the Lor, in grou* *ra)er5 1. Spea,ing out loud our praises to the Lord.


Psalm 99&1-#'< CShout Ao/full/ to God' all /ou on earth' sing praise to the glor/ of 1is nameK proclaim 1is glorious praiseC.... C0less our God' /ou peoples' loudl/ sound 1is praiseC 1ebre"s 1%&1. CThrough him let us continuall/ offer God a sacrifice of praise' that is' the fruit of lips "hich ac,no"ledge 1is nameC



#. Songs and singing in the Spirit.
 

3ph .&1<-1=. C0e filled "ith the Spirit' addressing one another in psalms and h/mns and inspired songs. Sing praise to the Lord "ith all /our heartsC Col %&19. CSing gratefull/ to God from /our hearts in psalms' h/mns and inspired songsC

%. $aising of hands.


1 Tim #&<. C... in e!er/ place the men shall offer pra/ers "ith blameless hands held aloftC

*. Clapping of hands.


Psalm *;&#. gladnessC

C@ll /ou peoples' clap /our hands' shout to God "ith cries of

.. Dancing.


1 Chro 1%&<. C... Da!id and all 6srael danced before God "ith great enthusiasm' amid Songs and music on l/res' harps' tambourines' c/mbals and trumpetsC # Sam 9&1*-19. CThen Da!id' girt "ith a linen apron' came dancing before the Lord "ith abandon' .... Fing Da!id leaping and dancing before the Lord...C Psalm 1*=&%. CLet them praise 1is name in the festi!e danceC Psalm 1.>&*. Cpraise 1im "ith timbrel and dance ...C

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T6TL3S
@. From the boo, of $e!elation.

F 23SDS

1. @lpha and mega ($e! 1&11) #. First and last ($e! 1&1;) %. Lord God almight/ ($e! *&<) *. Lion of the tribe of 2udah ($e! .&.) .. $oot of Da!id ($e! .&.) 9. Faithful and True ($e! 1=&11) ;. 7ord of God ($e! 1=&1%) <. Fing of ,ings and Lord of lords ($e! 1=&19) =. 0eginning and end ($e! #1&9) 1>. $oot and offspring of Da!id ($e! ##&19) 11. 0right morning star ($e! ##&19) 0. From the prophets. 1#. 3mmanuel (6s ;&1*) 1%. 7onder-Counselor' God-1ero' Father-Fore!er' Prince of Peace (6s =&.) 1*. $oot of 2esse (6s 11&1>) 1.. Son of man (Dan ;&1%) 19. Shoot (Mech 9&1#) C. From the gospels. 1;. (essiah ((t 1&19) 1<. Son of God ((t *&%) 1=. Lord ((t ;&#1) #>. Son of Da!id ((t 1.&##) #1. 1ol/ ne of God ((, 1&#*) ##. Lamb of God (2n 1&#=) #%. 0read of life (2n 9&%.) #*. 6 @m (2n <&.<) #.. Gate (2n 1>&=) #9. Good shepherd (2n 1>&1*) #;. $esurrection and the life (2n 11&#.) #<. 7a/ and truth and life (2n 1*&9) #=. True !ine (2n 1.&1) D. thers %>. 1ol/ and $ighteous ne (@cts %&1*) %1. @uthor of life (@cts %&1.) %#. 2udge of the li!ing and the dead (@cts 1>&*#) %%. 0lessed and onl/ ruler (1 Tim 9&1.) @::3I 3

F@ST6:G
The team is greatl/ encouraged to fast at least once a "ee, during the entire course of the program' not onl/ as a means of personal spiritual gro"th' but more so as a personal sacrifice for the intention of the participants' the people "hom the Lord has entrusted to our care. What is fasting5 Fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Fasting is not& 1. Dieting' "hich stresses abstinence from food for health or ph/sical reasons. 6t is moti!ated b/ !anit/. #. 1unger stri,e' "hich has for its purpose the gaining of political po"er or the attracting of attention for a certain cause. 6t is moti!ated b/ the desire for po"er. !o@ ,o @e fast5 The normal means of fasting in!ol!es abstaining from all food' solid or liBuid' but not from "ater. 1o"e!er' one could also engage in a partial fast' "hich is a restriction of diet but not total abstention. 2ust consider "hat /our bod/ can ta,e or ho" far /ou /ourself "ant to go. 7e can fast on the da/ of the session itself. 7e can start our fast after the pre!ious night+s supper or at midnight and end our fast "ith supper before the session or continue the fast until the session+s fello"ship. Who shoul, fast5 The list of 0iblical personages "ho fasted is li,e a C7ho+s 7hoC of Scripture& (oses the la"gi!er' Da!id the ,ing' 3liAah the prophet' 3sther the Bueen' Daniel the seer' @nna the prophetess' Paul the apostle' and of course 2esus Christ the Son of God. So "e+re in good compan/ "hen "e fast. Generall/' the "hole team should fast once a "ee, during the "hole course of the CLP. 0ut ob!iousl/ there "ill be some people "ho for ph/sical reasons should not fast. For e5ample' diabetics' e5pectant mothers and heart patients. 6f /ou ha!e an/ Buestions about /our fitness to fast' see, medical ad!ice. What is the Scri*tural (asis for fasting5 1. (t 9&19-1<. 2esus sa/s' C7hen /ou fast...C 2esus alread/ assumed that people "ould fast' and "hat "as needed "as instruction on ho" to do it properl/. #. (t =&1*-1.. 2esus sa/s C7hen the da/ comes that the groom is ta,en a"a/' then the/ "ill fastC. The Cda/C refers to the present church age. 2esus e5pected his disciples to fast after he "as gone.

Wh) shoul, @e fast5 1. The first and most important reason is that fasting is a means of "orshipping God and centering our li!es and our e5istence on the Lord.
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Li,e the prophetess @nna' "e need to "orship in fasting and pra/er (Lu,e #&%;). @s in the case of the apostolic band at @ntioch' fasting and pra/er go together (@cts 1%&#-%).

#. Fasting is also a "eapon for spiritual "arfare ((t 1;&#1). 7e can e5pect Satan to be angr/ at the "or, "e are doing' and he "ill be tr/ing to stop us and the participants from recei!ing "hat God has to offer. 7e need to fast in our fight against e!il forces. %. Fasting is a "a/ b/ "hich "e can control our bod/ and the desires of the flesh. 6n life "e cra!e for so man/ things (not Aust food) "hich "e do not need until "e become controlled or ensla!ed b/ them. 0/ fasting' "e learn to discipline oursel!es and to ,eep our desires in the proper perspecti!e. Fasting helps us ,eep our balance in life. *. Fasting re!eals the things that control us. 7e co!er up "hat is inside us "ith food and other good things' but in fasting these things surface. 6f pride controls us' it "ill be re!ealed. @nger' bitterness' Aealous/' strife' fear -- all these "ill surface during fasting. @nd ,no"ing these things "ithin us is a great benefit to one "ho longs to be transformed into the image of Christ. 7e can no" come before the Lord and pra/ for healing in these areas. .. Fasting is a "a/ b/ "hich "e grasp the realit/ that "e li!e not b/ bread alone' but more importantl/ b/ the 7ord of God ((t *&*). 7e are totall/ dependent on the Lord for our e5istence. @nd our spiritual life is much more important than our ph/sical life. 9. Fasting is a "a/ b/ "hich "e can relate' though admittedl/ in a !er/ small "a/' to the sufferings of people "ho don+t ha!e adeBuate food or other necessities of life. 0/ actuall/ e5periencing doing "ithout' "e can empathi4e more "ith their plight. ;. ther !alues of fasting are increased effecti!eness in intercessor/ pra/er' guidance in decisions' increased concentration' deli!erance for those in bondage' ph/sical "ell-being.

@::3I F

C N3:@:T

F T13 CFC S6:GL3S F $ C1$6ST

Trusting the Lord+s help and guidance' 1. I shall live as a follo@er of Christ/
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Pra/ dail/ for at least 1. minutes. $ead Scriptures dail/ for at least 1. minutes. Li!e a righteous life and a!oid situations "hich are occasions for sin. Put good order into m/ pri!ate life and support m/ parents in building a Christian famil/. Participate regularl/ in the "orship life of m/ church.

#. I @ill @orB to@ar,s the evangeliCation an, transformation of m) @orB *lace0 m) famil) an, m) communit)/
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Put good order in m/ "or, situation. 0e a "itness of the lo!e and po"er of the Lord 2esus in m/ "or, and in m/ famil/. 0e a good ste"ard of all resources entrusted to me. 0e a good citi4en of m/ countr/' obe/ing its la"s and protecting its en!ironment.

%. I @ill (e a committe, an, active mem(er of the C C SI#$LES OR C!RIST/
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@ttend m/ small group meetings regularl/ and support the good order of the meetings. Faithfull/ participate in all the acti!ities of the group. $elate in lo!e' lo/alt/ to and respect for all m/ brothers and sisters in the Lord. 6ntercede dail/ for the group and its mission.

*. I @ill maBe m)self availa(le to the Lor, for service/
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0ring other single men and "omen to Christ. Gi!e generousl/ of m/ time and resources to the LordOs ser!ice' "hene!er 6 am called and follo" directions of those "ho ha!e responsibilit/ for m/ ser!ice. Support the "or, of Couples for Christ and its (inistries.

.. I @ill stu,) an, seeB to gro@ as a Christian *erson/
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@ttend all courses' retreats' seminars and conferences of the CFC S6:GL3S F $ C1$6ST. Diligentl/ stud/ all materials gi!en to me.

(a/ our Lord 2esus Christ help me to be faithful in li!ing out this commitment e!er/da/ for 1is greater honor and glor/ and for the good of m/ brothers and sisters.

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