The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of the meaning of salvation and purpose of the Holy Scriptures. By the end, you should be able to:

• State the purpose of Scripture
• Express the difference between reading and studying Scripture
• Explain what Salvation is and why we need it 

Part 1 – Scripture (The Bible)

• What is it?

• Why is it different from other books?

• What is its primary purpose?

• How are we to view the Bible?

• What does the Bible say about itself?
  • II Timothy 3:16-17
  • II Peter 1:21
• Why Study the Bible?
  • II Timothy 2:15
  • II Peter 2:1
• What is the difference between studying and reading?

Scripture Summary: We believe that the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13).

OBJECTIVES

• To educate and inform new members about Christian stewardship
• To provide an overview of stewardship at Alpha Church

STEWARDSHIP DEFINED
A steward is a trustee, manager, and overseer. Stewards do not own things; rather, they care for what has been entrusted to them by the true owner. God owns everything and has given us dominion—responsibility to care for—what is placed in our stewardship (Psalm 24:1). We are all stewards, charged with maintaining and wisely using the gifts that God has given us.

Biblical Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

ALPHA EXPENSES
Alpha Church operates on an annual budget approved by the church board. This budget is aligned with our mission to grow the Alpha Church ministry through people and programs and is based on expenses incurred in three major areas: building expenses, human resources, and ministries/programs.

Biblical Reference:

• Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

ALPHA INCOME
The ministry and ongoing work of the Church are primarily supported by tithes and offerings, with a smaller percentage coming from other income sources.

• Tithe: Defined as one-tenth of your income, the tithe reflects our recognition of God as our source of supply and the cause of our prosperity. In the Seventh-day Adventist system, all tithe money is returned to the Conference Office (Dallas, TX) to support work throughout the conference jurisdiction. Alpha Church operates on whatever you give in the offering.
• Offering: A financial gift of any amount given above the tithe, as God has prospered us. We encourage viewing your tithe as part of your offering—a joyful act of worship that supports the church’s mission.
• Other Income: Includes sources such as donations and facility rentals.

Biblical Reference:

• Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

YOUR PERSONAL STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship encompasses more than just financial contributions; it includes our time, talents, and resources. As responsible stewards, we aim to avoid waste, spend wisely, and respect God’s house in terms of its beauty, soundness, cleanliness, and security. We strive to give cheerfully and generously, reflecting our gratitude for all that God has provided.

Biblical Reference:

• 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:

1. In what ways can I better recognize God as the source of my resources, beyond just finances?
2. How can I assess my current giving and adjust it to align more closely with biblical principles, considering both tithes and offerings?
3. What specific gifts or talents has God entrusted to me that I can use to support the work of the church?
4. How can I actively participate in church ministries and programs beyond financial contributions?

The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of “The Church,” its purpose, and the role it plays in the disciple’s development. By the end, you should be able to:

• Define “The Church”
• Name four reasons for attending church
• Contemplate ways to serve in the church

One Universal Church

• Church: The called-out ones (ekklesia)
• The Origin of the Church
  • Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
  • Acts 2: The birth of the Church at Pentecost.
• Unity within the Church
  • Ephesians 4:5-6: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
• The Head of the Church
  • Ephesians 1:20-23: Christ as the head of the Church.
  • Colossians 1:15-19: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
• The Body of Christ: All Believers
  • 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

The Purpose of The Church

• Worship (God Exalted)
  • Psalm 100: A call to joyful worship.
  • Psalm 150: Praise Him with music and dance.
• Discipleship (Believers Edified)
• Witness/Evangelism (Kingdom Expanded)
  • Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”
• Fellowship (Believers Encouraged & Engaged)
  • Acts 2:42-47: The early church’s communal life.

Finding Your Place in Our Local Church

• All believers have the gifts of God; everyone has different spiritual gifts
  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.”
• The gifts of the Spirit are active in the church to accomplish God’s purposes
  • 1 Corinthians 12:8-11
  • Romans 12:4-9
  • Ephesians 4:11-13: Gifts for the building up of the body.
• Gifts are for Growth – adding to the Body of Christ and furthering the Gospel
  • Ephesians 4:12: “To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

• 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

Examples of Spiritual Gifts:

• Administration (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:28)
• Evangelism (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:11)
• Giving (Romans 12:8b)
• Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9)
• Teaching (Romans 12:7b)

Discovering Your Gifts & Getting Involved

• See Appendix for a list of ministry and service opportunities.

Reflective Questions:

1. How do I define “The Church” in my own life?
2. What four reasons resonate most with me for attending church regularly?
3. In what ways can I actively participate in worship and fellowship?
4. Which spiritual gifts do I believe God has given me, and how can I use them to serve the church?
5. How can I encourage others in our church community to discover and utilize their spiritual gifts?
6. What steps can I take this week to deepen my involvement in the life of the church?

OBJECTIVES

• To know when the Sabbath is
• To understand the importance of the Sabbath

The gracious Creator, after six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as a day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It serves as a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. It is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 4:1-11).

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that the Sabbath begins Friday at sunset and ends Saturday at sunset.

The Beauty of the Sabbath

The Sabbath is not just a day of rest; it is a gift from God, allowing us to pause from our busy lives and reconnect with Him and each other. It offers a unique opportunity to:

• Experience Peace: The Sabbath invites us to leave behind our worries and anxieties, embracing a day filled with tranquility and reflection.
• Renew Relationships: It is a time to strengthen bonds with family and friends through shared worship and fellowship.
• Cultivate Spiritual Growth: Engaging in worship, study, and prayer deepens our relationship with God and enhances our understanding of His Word.

Suggestions for Observing the Sabbath

On Sabbath, we can:

• Rest: Allow your body and mind to rejuvenate.
• Worship: Attend church services or participate in family worship.
• Fellowship: Spend time with family and friends, sharing meals and stories.
• Pray: Dedicate time to personal and communal prayer.
• Focus: Read and meditate on Scripture, reflecting on God’s promises.
• Engage in Nature: Take a walk in a park or enjoy God’s creation.
• Avoid Secular Activities: Refrain from work and activities that distract from the sacredness of the day.

Note: We understand that if you are in the medical or essential services field, your work may require you to serve on the Sabbath. We appreciate your commitment to doing good and serving others, and we encourage you to find ways to honor the Sabbath spirit in your work.

Reflective Questions

1. What does the Sabbath mean to me personally, and how can I honor it in my life?
2. How do I feel when I set aside time to rest and reconnect with God on the Sabbath?
3. What specific activities can I include in my Sabbath observance to enhance my worship experience?
4. How can I encourage my family and friends to appreciate and observe the Sabbath together?
5. In what ways can I use the Sabbath to engage with my community and serve others?
6. For those in essential services, how can I balance my work responsibilities with the spirit of the Sabbath?
7. What distractions can I eliminate from my Sabbath observance to make it more meaningful?

The purpose of this session is to provide a brief overview of the polity (the way we govern ourselves); ordinances (the two things we do to memorialize Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection); and ministry of service within the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. By the end of this session, you should be able to:

• State one historical characteristic of Seventh-day Adventists
• List the ordinances of the Church
• Explain at least one Seventh-day Adventist belief

HISTORY

Who are the Seventh-Day Adventists and how did they become who they are?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has its roots in the Millerite movement of the 1830s to the 1840s, during the period of the Second Great Awakening, and was officially founded in 1863. Over the ensuing decades, the church expanded from its original base in New England to become an international organization. In the 20th century, the SDA Church became recognized as a Christian denomination.

• Seventh-Day Adventists believe that once the gospel has been received, it must be shared
  • “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST BELIEFS

WE BELIEVE

• Supreme authority of the Holy Scriptures  (Psalm 119:105)
• The Father, The Son & The Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:2)
• Creation  (Genesis 1-2)
• Nature of humanity (Romans 5:12-17)
• The battle between good and evil. (Revelation 12:4-9)
• Life, Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)
• The Experience of Salvation (Hebrews 8:7-12)
• Growing in Christ (Philippians 3:7-14)
• Being faithful to God in the last Days (1 Peter 1:16-19)
• Unity in Church, yet celebrate our individual uniqueness (Romans 12:4, 5)
• Baptism by Immersion (Acts 2:38)
• Spiritual Gifts and Ministries (Ephesians 4:8, 11-16)
• Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16)
• The Gift of Prophecy (Joel 2:28, 29)
• The Law of God (Exodus 20:1-17)
• The Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11)
• Stewardship (Malachi 3:8-12)
• Christian Behavior (Romans 12:1, 2)
• Marriage and Family (John 2:1-11)
• Jesus as our Intercessor (Heb. 1:3; 2:16, 17)
• Second Coming (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
• Death and Resurrection (Revelation 20:1-10)
• The End of Sin (1 Corinthians 6:2, 3)
• The New Earth (Isaiah 65:17-25)

THE ORDINANCES

• Baptism 

By baptism, we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and testify to our death to sin and our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus, we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, become His people, and are received as members of His church. Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance from sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Romans 6:1-6; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12-13).

• Communion

The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Savior. In this communion experience, Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The service of foot-washing signifies renewed cleansing, expresses a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and unites our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (Matthew 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-30; Revelation 3:20).

What does Baptism symbolize? (Romans 6:4)

What does the Lord’s Supper commemorate? (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19)

WHY ATTEND CHURCH?

The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to humanity, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish.

At Alpha Church, our vision is to cultivate a dynamic faith community that embodies the transformative power of Christ in every aspect of our lives. This vision is structured around the 5 C’s—Clear Discipleship, Community, Children, Connection, and Commitment. These pillars guide our efforts as we seek to empower believers, impact our community, and glorify God in all we do.

1. Clear Discipleship

Discipleship is the heartbeat of our church. At Alpha, we believe in a structured and intentional approach to nurturing spiritual growth. Our Clear Discipleship strategy focuses on:

• First Impressions: From the moment someone steps through our doors, they should feel the love and presence of Christ. Our hospitality teams are trained to welcome every individual warmly, making their first encounter with Alpha a memorable one.
• Pathway to Engagement: We aim to integrate every member into the life of the church. This means identifying their spiritual gifts and passions and connecting them to ministries where they can serve and grow. Each disciple is engaged in a ministry that aligns with their calling, whether it be outreach, teaching, or worship.
• Unified Vision: We ensure that the journey from visitor to committed disciple is seamless and cohesive. Whether someone is new to faith or a long-time believer, they find a consistent message and mission that binds them to the church community. Regular discipleship classes and mentorship programs support this unified vision, providing continuous spiritual growth and development.

2. Community

Alpha Church is not just a building but a beacon of hope and service to the surrounding community. Our Community strategy emphasizes:

• Building Relationships: We prioritize authentic relationships both within and outside the church walls. This includes partnering with local organizations and hosting community events that foster connection and mutual support.
• Leveraging Social Media: We use digital platforms to expand our reach and engage with people where they are. Our social media presence shares testimonies, highlights community projects, and invites people to participate in church activities, making Alpha a visible and accessible presence in the community.
• Impactful Service Projects: We organize and participate in community service initiatives that meet tangible needs—food drives, health clinics, and educational programs. These projects are not just acts of service but opportunities to share Christ’s love and build lasting relationships with those we serve.

3. Children

Our Children’s Ministry is a vibrant and essential part of Alpha Church. We believe in nurturing the faith of the next generation through:

• Engaging Programs: Our programs are tailored to be both fun and spiritually enriching, incorporating age-appropriate worship, Bible stories, and interactive lessons that make learning about God exciting and meaningful for kids.
• Technology and Media: We use modern technology to make learning accessible and engaging. From interactive online content to creative media resources in our classrooms, we meet children in their digital world while grounding them in biblical truths.
• Special Events: Events like Vacation Bible School, family worship nights, and service projects designed for kids and their families are key components of our ministry. These special times allow children to see faith in action and understand their role in God’s kingdom.

4. Connection

True community is built on deep, meaningful connections. At Alpha, we foster an environment where people feel known, loved, and valued through:

• Welcoming Atmosphere: We train our leaders and volunteers to be intentional about making everyone feel welcome, whether it’s their first visit or they’ve been attending for years. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where people can be authentic and vulnerable.
• Relationship Building: Small groups and fellowship events provide opportunities for people to connect beyond Sunday services. These gatherings are designed to facilitate deeper relationships, spiritual support, and shared life experiences.
• Integrated Activities: We offer a range of activities that appeal to different interests and life stages—men’s and women’s ministries, young adult groups, and senior fellowships. These diverse opportunities ensure that everyone can find a place to belong and connect at Alpha.

5. Commitment

At Alpha, we are committed to excellence in all things, serving with a spirit of humility and dedication. Our Commitment strategy includes:

• Comprehensive Training: We invest in our leaders and volunteers through workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs. This ensures that everyone is equipped and confident in their roles, contributing to the church’s mission with excellence.
• Accountability and Support: We foster a culture of accountability where members are encouraged to grow and excel in their spiritual and personal lives. Through regular check-ins, prayer partnerships, and goal-setting, we help each other stay committed to the path God has set before us.
• Goal-Oriented Ministry: Every ministry and initiative at Alpha operates with clear objectives and outcomes in mind. This goal-oriented approach helps us measure our impact and continually improve, ensuring that we remain aligned with God’s vision for our church.

Conclusion

The 5 C’s of Vision at Alpha Church—Clear Discipleship, Community, Children, Connection, and Commitment—form the foundation of our ministry. They guide us in making disciples, serving our community, nurturing our children, building strong connections, and striving for excellence in all we do. As we faithfully pursue this vision, we believe that God will continue to use Alpha Church to make a profound impact for His kingdom, both within our walls and beyond.