PHILOSOPHY, AFFIRMATIONS,
AND STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
OF
HOUSE OF WORSHIP & PRAYER ASSEMBLIES (HOWAP)

What We Stand for, Our Values, Our Practices and Statement of Beliefs

HOWAP’s – Elevate Class – you The manual for HOWAP’s core values of discipleship

Lesson 1 – Introduction TEACHERS NOTES
Welcome to the entry point into HOWAP and our vision, our culture and our values.
This class is designed to start on the membership and discipleship process of HOWAP. It covers all of HOWAP’s core values as well as gives you the vision and mission of this church.

VISION
Reaching our Hurting World with the Love of God in order to bring Healing and Deliverance.
Our Vision incorporates the Ladder of Success: 1) Win. 2) Consolidate. 3) Disciple. 4) Send.
1) Win: Winning is all about bringing people to Christ. It is about rescuing people from this world and leading them to Christ.
2) Consolidate: Consolidating people is all about helping people clearly understand what salvation is about and what it takes to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We must be actively involved in the person’s life after conversion until they get into relationship with God and us.
3) Disciple: Discipling people is all about helping them to grow and become mature believers. It is about training people and raising them up to be good stewards of their time, their money and their gifts. We must be actively involved in a person’s life to love them, help them grow and become mature in Christ.
4) Send: Sending people is all about mission and multiplication. After we disciple a person we ask them to repeat the process and disciple another person. We also plant churches as missions is a big part of our vision.

MISSION
To Disciple, Equip and Send
SLOGAN
“Experience Heaven’s touch”

THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP & PRAYER COMMITMENTS
Elevate class is designed to help you commit yourself to Christ and to a church. We become what we are committed to. These four commitments are what HOWAP is committed to. By the time we finish this class we pray that you will commit yourself in the following 4 areas.
1. THE WIN COMMITMENT… is a commitment to Christ and to a church body.
You are members of God’s very own family … and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian. Ephesians 2:19 (LB)
2. THE CONSOLIDATION COMMITMENT …is a commitment to the spiritual growth. To invest in the necessary habits to become mature.
Continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
3. THE DISICPLESHIP COMMITMENT …is a commitment to discipleship. To be discipled and to disciple others.
There are different kinds of service to God … together you form the Body of Christ and each one of you is a necessary part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:5 and 27(LB)
Our Discipleship Creed says: “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am called to “go” and make disciples. I am part of a Discipling church. By His grace, I will be discipled and I will disciple others. In Jesus Name, Amen.
4. THE SEND COMMITMENT …is a commitment to missions. … you will be my witnesses for me … to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8(GN)
Jesus Was a Disciple Maker
As we read the gospels, we see Jesus as the master disciple maker. He spent most of His time and the best of His time in public ministry focused on that one thing. Jesus was all about relating to individuals as people of value. He accepted them where they were, but He didn’t leave them there. He loved them in spite of their weaknesses and through grace guided their transformation into a God centered life.
The people that Jesus reached had their problems, and yet Jesus met them where they were and matured them into disciples, ultimately equipping them to make disciples of others. He clearly saw their potential for personal transformation, as well as transforming others after He was gone. Jesus didn’t love these individuals just to see their lives changed. He had a much larger mission in mind. He desired to do what He came to earth to do—to transform their lives for eternity, empowering and equipping them to do the same for others.

What is a church?
Here is an example of what many people call church. The building is packed. A crowd has gathered. The people are excited. There is loud music and dancing. The people raise their hands and shout in agreement with the well-dressed speaker.
What have I just described?
You may have thought I was describing a Church. I was not. This was a promotional rally for MTN (a mobile phone company in Uganda).
The New Testament Church did NOT have: A church building, a sound system, a large weekly gathering, nor did they have favor from the government. They did not have a copy of the New Testament, they had no outside support and they did not have professionally trained pastors or an established church structure.
Prior to the end of the First Century the Church had grown from one small group in Jerusalem to thousands of believers in many congregations spread throughout Asia, Europe and Africa.
How did the early church reach their world when they lacked so many of the things that we think are essential?
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you… Acts 1:8

What makes a Church, a church? What are the characteristics of a true local church?
1. Teaching and Raising disciples,
2. Fellowshipping,
3. Sharing the Word of God with one another,
4. Believers who are actively releasing the Kingdom of God through signs and wonders—Witnessing.
5. Believers who are accountable to each other to grow in spiritual maturity,
6. Godly leadership,
7. Congregation gathering__ Worship, Prayer,
8. Love,
9. Church discipline
10. Unity of believers and Missions.
11. Transforming the community in which they live with love and good works.
This is how every church should reach out.

You are not a Christian simply because you attend church and bring your offering. When a church meets on Sunday it is gathering for power – so you can go be the church where you live.
We are not the church because we attend a service on Sunday. We are the church because we are actively involved in the Kingdom of God. We live as Jesus and the Apostles lived – every person must follow their example and be the church, not just attend church. HOWAP does not believe that attending a service on Sunday and giving your offering makes you a Christian.
In this class you find out exactly what we believe a True Christian is and the fruit they should bear in their daily life. This class is to help you discover what HOWAP’s discipleship program is all about.
Remember that the church is people not an event. The Church lives everyday 24/7 not just on Sunday.

ELEVATE – Lesson 2 Salvation – Teacher’s Notes

Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing “WHY?” They exist year after year with no idea of God’s purpose for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is, “What is the meaning of my life?” We ask the What? Who? Where? And When questions – but we don’t often ask Why?

A. WHY AM I HERE?

1. GOD MADE ME SO HE COULD LOVE ME!
God made me because He loved me and wanted to have fellowship with me. This is God’s first purpose for creating the human race and giving me this chance to know Him.
“God says, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love!’ ” Jeremiah 31:3
Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ … because of His love, God had already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His children – this was God’s pleasure and purpose. Ephesians 1:4-5 (GN)

2. WE WERE CREATED TO ENJOY A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND TO MANAGE ALL THE REST OF GOD’S CREATION! THIS MAKES US SPECIAL!
So God created human beings, making them in his image. He blessed them, and said, … live all over the earth and bring it under control. I am putting you in charge. Genesis 1:27-28(LB)
God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

3. WHEN WE KNOW AND LOVE GOD, AND LIVE IN HARMONY WITH HIS PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES, IT PRODUCES TREMENDOUS BENEFITS IN OUR LIVES, SUCH AS:

Clear Conscience, Rom. 8:1
Life & Peace, Rom. 8:6
Help in Weakness, Rom. 8:26
Purpose, Rom. 8:28
Confidence, Rom. 8:31
Security, Rom. 8:39
Power & Strength, Phil. 4:13
Fulfillment, Phil. 4:19
Freedom, John 8:32,36
This is the kind of lifestyle God intends for us to live!

“Jesus said, ‘I have come in order that you might have life – life in all it’s fullness!’ ” John 10:10

If this is true, why aren’t most people really happy?

B. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Humanity has a natural desire to be the boss and to IGNORE God’s principles for living.
This ignorance to God’s way of living is communicated in our words and lifestyle:
• “God will give me what I want in life”
• “God will forgive me, so He understands why I lie sometimes”
• “Everybody else is corrupted, so I also need to take my share”
• “If I think it will benefit me – I will do it – its my life”

THE BIBLE CALLS THIS ATTITUDE: SIN. Sin is a biblical word that means “to miss the mark.”
This stems from a root of REBELLION in the heart of mankind.
All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way. Isaiah 53:6

If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth. 1 John 1:8
Sin breaks our close relationship with God. Sin separates us from God and causes us to live our lives outside of his will.
The trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2 (LB)

All have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious ideal. Romans 3:23

The best attempts in the world will not get you to where you need to be. Many people say things like:
* “I attend church every week – so I am a Christian…”
* “I don’t do bad things like murder people – so I am a Christian .”
* “I sing in the choir at church – so I am a Christian.”
* “I pray for God to bless me – so I am a Christian.”
The result of these attempts is worthless. The Bible teaches us that our attempts lead to DEATH. A relationship with God is not based on anything you do.

There are ways that seem right to man, but they only end in death. Proverbs 16:25

When our relationship to God is not right, it causes PROBLEMS in every area of our lives: friendships, school, parents, jobs, finances, etc.

C. WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
“Jesus said, ‘I AM THE WAY, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except THROUGH ME!’” John 14:6

God came to earth as a human being [in the person of Jesus] to bring us back to Himself. If any other way would have worked, Jesus would not have had to come. “The Way” is through the person of Jesus!
The wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

Jesus has already taken care of your sin problem when he died on the cross!
God is on one side and all are on the other side, and Christ Jesus, Himself man, is between to bring them together, by giving His life for all mankind. 1 Timothy 2:5 (LB)

WHY DID GOD SEND JESUS TO DIE IN YOUR PLACE?
God did this for YOU because he loves YOU and wants YOU to know him.
God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still separated from God, by sin, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God has already done His part to restore our relationship to Him. He took the initiative. Now He waits for each of us to individually ACCEPT what He has done for us.

D. WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

1.) REPENT – You need to repent for your sins and be willing to give God everything. Salvation means leaving everything behind that is not godly.
You must change your old ways, including your addictions, your music, your movies and any other sinful habits that God wants you to stop doing. If you repent and change your mind about sin, God will forgive you and your life will change from today onwards.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9

2.) BELIEVE That Jesus Christ is the only way to God. No other gods or no other way can bring you to heaven.
If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

3.) ACCEPT God’s free gift of eternal life and salvation. Accept His love and today you will become His child.
For it is by grace you are saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us!

4.) INVITE Jesus to be the Lord of your life and for God to become your Father and the Holy Spirit to be your comforter.
To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn! … not a physical rebirth … but from the will of God. John 1:12-13 (LB)

“Jesus says, ‘Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in …’” Revelation 3:20

YOU CAN TAKE THESE STEPS BY PRAYING A SIMPLE PRAYER OF COMMITMENT TO GOD. IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING LIKE THIS…

“Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and today I repent from my old life – I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian.

ELEVATE – Lesson 3: Communion & the 1st Commandment – Teacher’s Notes

I. WHAT IS COMMUNION OR THE LORD’S SUPPER? READ: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

1. IT IS A REMINDER.

The bread reminds us that Jesus’ body was beaten for us.
… and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.’ (1 Corinthians 11:24)

The cup reminds us that Jesus’ blood was shed for us.
In the same way, He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; drink it to remember me.’ (1 Corinthians 11:25)

2. IT IS A SYMBOL.

The bread symbolizes the healing qualities of Christ’s death for us. Isaiah 53:5

The cup symbolizes the forgiveness of our sins through Christ’s death for us.
…He took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28

3. IT IS A STATEMENT OF FAITH.
For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes back. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

II. WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Only those who are already BELIEVERS. (see Mark 14:22-26)
For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthy, not honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 1 Corinthians 11:29

III. HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER?
1. Remember (what Jesus did for you) the CROSS and receive His healing, His love and forgiveness.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

2. Repent and change your mind about SIN.
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

3. Re-examine your life and FOCUS on being a son of God
A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 1 Cor. 11:28

4. Recommit yourself to God a fresh.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

When and how often should we take the communion
Jesus never said “when” or “how often” believers should observe The Lord’s Supper. We usually take communion once a month. On either the first or the last Sunday of the month
All service must come out of communion
Out of communion comes obedience to the Lord’s commandments.
This next section reminds us of the importance of keeping our communion with Christ on a daily basis and not just once a month. Our communion with Christ is an ongoing relationship that grows inwardly as it is lived out through the 1st commandment.
Christianity is an on-going encounter of love with a PERSON. A deep sense of mission to change a city or nation will not keep us steady unless we encounter Jesus in love. The labor of ministry makes us weary without the small but consistent stirring of love in our emotions by the Spirit.

The 1st Commandment
“Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart … soul … and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:36-40

a. Loving God is the greatest commandment; the greatest calling; and greatest LIFESTYLE a person can give themselves to.
Loving God is the greatest thing we can do. It has the greatest impact on God’s heart and ours. Our greatest satisfaction is to know and feel His love, to love Him and to overflow in love for others.
Our identity is found in this. I confess, “I’m loved (by God) and I am a lover (of God) therefore I am successful”.

b. Love is defined by OBEDIENCE.
Jesus defined loving God as being deeply rooted in a spirit of obedience, John 14:21; Deut. 6:1-9

There is no such thing as loving God without seeking to obey His Word. Loving God requires more than singing to Him or having feelings about a “god we make in our image”.
If you love Me, keep My commandments…21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me…23 If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… John 14:15-23

Three types of Obedience to God

1) AFFECTION Based Obedience: We can choose to obey God willingly and freely because we love Him. This type of obedience flows from experiencing Jesus’ affection for us and giving it back to Him because we love Him. It is the strongest, deepest and most consistent obedience.

2) DUTY Based Obedience: Sometimes we must obey simply because it’s our duty as Christians to always obey Christ. This type of obedience is rooted in our commitment to Jesus even if we do not feel God’s presence. God’s Word requires that we obey God even when we don’t feel like it. For example: We may not always feel like going to church, but that should not keep us from coming.

3) FEAR Based Obedience: Sometimes we will obey because we fear the negative consequences. If we don’t obey God, we will have to suffer the consequences. For example: If we choose to disobey God and steal something and we get caught we will have to go to jail. Sometimes we do not freely and willingly want to obey God nor do we want to obey because it’s our duty as Christians. In the end it would be better to obey out of the fear of negative consequences than not obey at all. You can end up in a worst place when you don’t obey God. Therefore, obedience can be motivated by the fear of negative consequences. It is biblical to appeal to shame and fear to motivate people. Scripture has many “do’s and don’ts” such as do not commit adultery, steal, etc. The bible says – if your hand causes you to sin, it is better to obey and cut off your hand than to disobey and go to hell with both your hands.
The best option is to willingly and freely obey God because of His great love for us and our desire to love Him back. It is the best form of obedience, because a person in love will endure anything for love. They will sacrifice and not quit, because a person in love will endure to the end.

ELEVATE – Lesson 4 Baptism – Teacher’s Notes

Why should a person be water baptized?

1. TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY CHRIST.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. Mark 1:9

2. BECAUSE CHRIST COMMANDED IT. Matthew 28:19-20

3. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A BELIEVER. … many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized, Acts 18:8

When should a person be water baptized?

Immediately: Believers were baptized immediately after they repented.
Example: Acts 16:25-34 – The Philippian Jailer Saved (33) And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Throughout the Book of Acts, the Apostles baptized people immediately they believed.

What is the meaning of water baptism?

a. IT ILLUSTRATES JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION.
Christ died for our sin …He was buried … and He rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

b. IT ILLUSTRATES MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.
By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead …so also we may live a new life. Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer, it demonstrates that you already believe. It’s important to understand that baptism does not “save” you. You are “saved” only by your faith in Jesus.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Baptism is like a wedding ring — it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
It symbolizes the believer’s pattern of living from the day they are born again. In other words, when we are born again – we die to our old man of sin and reckon that man is dead. Then we rise up into Christ – into our new man – our spirit man. This is how we live everyday of our lives. Daily, we die to our old man of fleshly desires and live to the new man of spiritual godly desires. We die to anger, bitterness, fear and shame and live to joy, peace and grace.

Who should be water baptized?

EVERY PERSON WHO HAS BELIEVED IN CHRIST.
Those who believed and accepted his message were baptized … Acts 2:41

What if I was baptized as an infant?

Some churches baptize infants. At HOWAP we don’t. We only baptize those who have made a decision to believe in Christ’s death as the payment for their sin. In the Bible, men and women were baptized following their belief in Jesus. Therefore, if you were baptized as a baby, we encourage you to be baptized by immersion as a believer.
Greek word baptizo means to be immersed, to be plunged into; hence water baptism is full immersion in water. Immersion corresponds as a symbol, as explained in the prior paragraph.

What is water baptism?
Water Baptism is a life-changing event in a believers’ life:
When you are baptized in water you leave your old life in the water. Your sins, your fears, your doubts, your bad attitudes, your addictions, your wicked thoughts and evil desires you will leave in the water and rise up into a new person.
After you have been baptized and you leave your old man dead in the water. A new man will rise up and you will be resurrected into a new life. You rise up into the born again person that you are. That means that you should be radically different than the person you used to be.
Your life will radically be changed after you have been raised from the dead. If a person died in a car accident and then he/she were miraculously raised from the dead they would NEVER be the same. This ought be exactly how it is for a believer – when they are raised from the dead and come out of the water they ought never to be the same. The whole experience ought to be unforgettable and life changing.
Jesus is our Example: In the life of Jesus, His water Baptism was one of the most outstanding encounters of his earthly ministry.
Read: Matthew 28:18-20 These were Jesus’s last instructions to the disciples before ascension. Last words are always very significant and important. Instruction includes command to be baptized (v19)
The process of discipleship begins with baptism (v19). God’s purpose for our lives is to set people free from the devil by making them into disciples of Jesus.

Why should we be water baptized?
1) In obedience to Christ’s command (Matt 28:19)
2) Identification as Christ’s disciples – baptism is a public declaration of one’s decision to follow Christ. There were no unbaptized believers in the New Testament – baptism always followed immediately after conversion. (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:35-38; 16:14-15,31-33; 18:8)
3) Incorporation into the Body of Christ – baptism is also a symbol of our fellowship with God’s people, the Church (1 Cor 12:13)

Pre-Requisites for Baptism
1) Become a disciple of Jesus by believing in Him and acknowledging what He has done for you on the cross (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16).

2) Evidence of true repentance by producing the fruit of repentance (Acts 2:38; Luke 3:8).

What are the benefits of water baptism?
1) A person becomes one with Christ – His death becomes our death to sin, and His resurrection becomes our resurrection to new life (Rom 6:3-5).

2) It breaks the power of sin – our death to sin breaks the power of sin in our lives (Rom 6:6-7), freeing and enabling us to reject sin and pursue righteousness.
Baptism is NOT a symbol only – it is something that we must do in order to live free from sin. To be truly saved you must be water baptized (not just confess or believe) – (what does this statement mean? this simply means that, if you have believed in Jesus, then nothing can stop you from being baptized. Not that, if you are not baptized after you have believed that you are not saved. Remember, salvation is through faith and baptism does not save).

The Trinity’s Role in Salvation

1) Repent TO God the Father.
2) Be baptized TO Jesus (in water).
3) Baptized WITH the Holy Spirit.

We are baptized into Christ

Romans 6:1-4.11,13 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (13) And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
When you are baptized into Jesus and you present yourself as a new person to the people around you. You will not continue to be that old person– you will be a new person IN CHRIST.
Upon water baptism you can also be baptized with the Holy Spirit
Luke 3:21,22 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.

As Jesus was baptized He prayed and as he came up out of the water praying, the Holy Spirit came upon Him. Today when you go into the water you should come up praying. You should pray and ask the Father to give the Holy Spirit to you as you rise up out of the water and ask Him to fill your mouth with His Words called “speaking in tongues” this is the Spirit’s or Heaven’s language.
Luke 11:9-13 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
The bible says everyone who asks the Father will receive the Holy Spirit. Today ask the Father for His Spirit and be filled.

ELEVATE – Lesson 5 “Win” – Teacher’s Notes

In the first lesson we talked about our church’s vision and the ladder of success: Win, Consolidate Disciple and Send.
Let’s review: Our church vision is based on what we call the G12 model. It is based on four components that we call The Ladder of Success.
G12 is government of 12. As a pastor, you raise 12 leaders; consolidate them,
lead them into soul winning, as you disciple them. Those are the nurture leaders who form the G12.
Then each of those leaders in the G12 will each find leaders from within the members that they each personally disciple.
Then they will lead them in soul winning. They will consolidate them, they will personally disciple them. And chose from their group those who will be sent out for missions.

The Ladder of Success: 1) Win. 2) Consolidate. 3) Disciple. 4) Send.
1) Win: Winning is all about bringing people to Christ. It is about rescuing people from this world and leading them to Christ.

2) Consolidate: Consolidating people is all about helping people clearly understand what salvation is and what it takes to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

3) Disciple: Discipling people is all about helping them to grow and become mature believers. It is about training people and raising them up to be good stewards of their time, their money and their gifts.

4) Send: Sending people is all about Missions. It is about church planting both here in Uganda and around the world. It is about releasing the Kingdom of God on a global level.

In this section we look at the four components of the: Ladder of Success – What the vision of our church incorporates.
We call our church a “Discipling Church” because discipleship is at the core of everything we do.

Winning people to Christ that is our first priority
All of us have a testimony to share about our life and about how God saved us. God wants us to share this with others both here in our city and other parts of the nation and beyond.
Everyone has a story to tell. It is not God’s plan for you to keep it to yourself. The person you are today can make a difference in someone’s life.
“The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me – to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.”
Jesus said “In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” John 17:18 (Msg)

God wants to use you to let the world know that He loves them and has a purpose for their lives.
“You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

As Jesus was sent by his Father into the world, we too are sent.
John 17:18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

The word sent is Apostolos; It means: One who is sent forth with miraculous powers.
Jesus was “A sent one” or what the bible calls an Apostle. As Jesus was sent as Apostle and so are we.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21

He is saying: “as the Father made me an apostle – I also make you an apostle”.
When you live as an apostle you realize that the Father has sent you to touch others.

Today we will look at the types of evangelism that HOWAP emphasizes. They are personal, Mass evangelism and servant evangelism.

1. Personal Evangelism
First we must share with those in our world. This is the starting point. Sharing the good news with those closest to us. Family, friends, co-workers.
But Jesus… said to him, Go home to your own [family and relatives and friends] and bring back word to them of how much the Lord has done for you, and [how He has] had sympathy for you and mercy on you. And he departed and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis… how much Jesus had done for him, and all the people were astonished and marveled. (AMP) Mark 5:19-20

Go back home means. Sharing with those in your own neighborhood, your own community. This takes place where you live and spend your time.
There are opportunities all around us to share the gospel.
1) When you get your haircut.
2) When you’re on a taxi.
3) When you’re at the market.
You’re here on earth because God has a mission for you. If not, you would be in heaven.
“God doesn’t want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives!” 2 Peter 3:9

The church that doesn’t want to grow and reach out is basically saying to the world you can go to hell.
Your life should be telling a story about who Jesus is. You are the only bible that some are going to read.
Church is not the main objective of Jesus. Jesus wants us to think beyond Sunday morning church. God is not checking your church attendance. He is much more interested in other things. We are supposed to be taking the Kingdom of God and His message of salvation wherever we go.
You can be a witness. Every time you make an effort to let someone know about Him.
“Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you.” 1 Peter 3:15 (TEV)

God wants us to have the heart for people, to love them and pray for them whenever and wherever we can.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all those who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

The inheritance of every believer is to go about doing good works and seeing God work miracles through them.
In the places we work, the schools we attend and in the market. Wherever we find ourselves – God wants to use us in miracles. It does not require you to be a well-known evangelist that has a TV program. You do not have to be a person of many words or have a loud voice. You just need to have faith.

HEALING THE SICK
When Jesus healed people: He spoke in a normal tone and spoke just a few words… like: “Rise up and walk” or “Stretch out your hand”
For example: If you see a person who is sick or injured you should ask to pray for them. You can simply say: “Excuse me, how are you? How are you today? What is your name?” (start some small talk) I am sorry but I couldn’t help notice that your leg is not OK, I believe that Jesus can heal you – Can I pray for you today?”
You don’t have to raise your voice, jump up and down, shout like the house is on fire. Just pray in Jesus’ Name and believe in faith that God will heal them. Many do not want to try this because they fear three things:
1) The person may not get healed.
2) They may not say the right thing.
3) They might look foolish.
We must pray and then leave the results in God’s hands. Whether the person gets healed or not, is not up to us. It’s not us who determines the outcome, its God.

PROPHECY
The Lord wants us to prophesy over the people we meet – he wants us to be supernaturally natural. We ask the Lord for opportunities and when we have a chance then we open our mouth. Prophecy is just really telling people what the Lord wants to tell them. It comes in an encouraging word.
For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. I Corinthians 14:31

We do our part. Open our mouth. God does His part, He fills it. Many times God does not move until we open our mouth. But as we speak, He fills our mouths and the Holy Spirit begins to touch people.
And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. Matthew 10:19 (MSG)
Reaching out to people around us is simply loving people and asking God to bless them. As we love and bless people this opens the door for salvation, healing, deliverance and miracles.
Commit: We encourage every person in HOWAP to commit daily to reaching out to those around them through love and good works.

2. Mass Evangelism
We do mass evangelism just as it was done in the New Testament times. This is done through mass crusades, Televangelism, Radio preaching and social media.

3. Servant Evangelism.
“Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.” Galatians 6:2 (Msg)

This means that we must care about those around us. We must not be so focused on our own problems that we fail to involve ourselves in the world around us. I must dare to reach beyond my world.

Love means that I will reach beyond my comfort zone. I will reach all people regardless of their background, tribe, economic status or even their language.
Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!
Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Hebrews 13:1-3 (MSG)

You have to make the commitment to reach out! If you had the cure for AIDS and you never told anyone. Would that be right? You have the cure to overcome physical death. Is it right to keep it to yourself?
We are called to build bridges. Not walls. You’re a bridge builder. We should find every way we can to reach people.

“Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b (LB)

In HOWAP we reach out beyond ourselves in many practical ways in servant evangelism.
1) Community Outreaches (Including: Christmas)
2) Servant Evangelism (Community projects including cleaning sewage areas, painting schools and more).
3) Benevolence Ministry (Caring for the sick, the elderly, widows and orphans).
4) Trips to prisons, hospitals and slums.

Elevate Lesson 6 – Consolidate – Teacher’s Notes

In order for a believer to become a disciple they must go through consolidation
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13,14

Illustration: What is the difference between a tree branch and a tree trunk?
The branch can be easily broken because it has not grown in the ground or soil. Yet the trunk of a tree is very strong and solid, because it has grown up in the soil.

What is Consolidation?
The word consolidate means “to make something physically stronger or more solid”.
The tree trunk was consolidated in the soil. God wants you to be consolidated in the soil of a local church so you can grow and become strong.

HOWAP is here to help you grow stronger and become more solid in your salvation. This happens when you enter into the discipleship process of this church.
The process that takes a person from being a church attender to a disciple is called consolidation.
Branches can easily be broken off the tree – but the trunk of the tree is very difficult to cut off. You have to dig up the roots in order to cut it off.

The enemy does not want you to get planted in a church and become a disciple of Jesus, he wants to cut you off from other believers. He will do everything he can to get you to be a loner Christian who never takes seriously the call to discipleship and to join with other believers in fellowship.
We want to see you get planted in the soil. To see your roots grow very deep in the soil of being in fellowship with other believers so you won’t fall away from salvation.

In Matt 13 – Jesus talks about four seeds that represent four different types of people.
1) One seed fell on ground that was not plowed and the birds came and ate it.
2) Another seed fell on hard ground; therefore it was never planted in the soil.
3) Then another seed fell among the thorns, it got squeezed and was choked to death.
4) The last seed (a believer) fell into good soil and grew up and became strong and solid. As this seed was consolidated in the ground – it became fruitful.
The last seed that was planted in good soil bore much fruit. Yet, each seed (or believer) did not bear the same amount of fruit. One tree grew up and gave a 30% increase; another bore a 60% increase while the last example bore a 100% increase.
We want you to be a seed that falls in good ground and bears much fruit. This is what consolidation does – it helps to plant you in the soil of a local church.
Every seed must be planted in the soil in order for it to grow.
If you are willing to be planted – then we at HOWAP are willing to do our part and help you to grow.
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow… (when they are) planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. Psalm 92:12,13

Getting planted in a church is a very important principle to your spiritual growth.
It’s not enough to attend church on Sunday. Discipleship requires that you get involved with other believers in fellowship and that means getting into a small group. At HOWAP we call these groups – Life Groups.
Small groups give us an opportunity to be loved by other believers and love them in return.
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples – that you have love for one another. John 13:35

The “heartbeat” of HOWAP is small groups. Every member needs to be a part of one.
Fellowship is the word the bible uses to describe loving each other.
“…You are members of God’s very own family… and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)

Some people say they are Christians but don’t belong to any church.
That’s like saying: I am football player but I don’t want to be on any team.
It’s not good for you to be alone in your salvation; you need to be in fellowship with other believers. This way you will be encouraged to share your life with them and learn to be a part of God’s family.
And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family. James 1:18 (TLB)

The greatest privilege you will ever be offered in life is a privilege of being a part of God’s family.
The following verse tells us that we must love our brothers and sisters who are in the family of God.
“Those who do not love their brothers and sisters, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have never seen.” 1 John 4:20

Some of you grew up in homes that didn’t have a lot of love. And, honestly, you don’t know how to love. In fact, most people don’t have the slightest idea how to love. The only love they know about is romantic love. For many people, the church or the family of God is where we learn to love people unselfishly and also faithfully.
At HOWAP – Life groups enable us to love each other by meeting together weekly in order to edify and disciple one another.
Life groups are where the blessing of growth takes place. Cells or life groups are the way of fulfilling the New Testament mandate we have as believers to be disciples and to disciple others.
Life groups or cells are where you receive the personal ministry you need and where you find and fulfill your ministry in the body.
In order to be a disciple – we must learn to love each other in obedience to his commandments
“Anyone who does not love other Christians does not belong to God.” 1 John 3:10

It is our utmost desire to see you get into a Life group and be a part of this church so we can do life together. So we can share in each other’s lives.
“All the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other.” Acts 2:44 (LB)

Please consider the following scriptures as part of our vision at HOWAP and make a decision to follow Christ’s commandments in order to be a successful Christian.
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together. Instead, let us encourage one another…” Heb. 10:25 (TEV)
“Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 (LB)

Elevate – Lesson 7 – Disciple – Teacher’s Notes

DISCIPLESHIP: GROWING SPIRITUALLY

Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity … Hebrews 6:1

Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12

At HOWAP we believe strongly in discipleship. We are a Discipling church. We require that each person get involved in the discipleship process in this church if they want to be involved in ministry and become a vital part of this fellowship.

Our discipleship model is based on our Christian Development Program (commonly referred to as CDP) that encompasses three areas. 1) Biblical Knowledge. 2) Ministry Involvement. 3) Christian Character.
Let’s look at the three areas in detail.

1. BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE
We help believers grow in their biblical knowledge of God’s Word through the following methods.

a. Bible Classes (known as LIW or LIFE IN THE WORD)
A person can only grow spiritually when they study the word of God and learn it’s principles, truths and commandments.
At HOWAP we have a systematic, comprehensive and intense bible school built right into the fabric of our church.
Every member is given the opportunity to grow in their biblical knowledge through our Life In the Word (commonly called LIW) bible classes and School of Christian Growth (SCG) classes.
LIW classes begin at Level 1 with our rock solid “Foundation Classes” and continue through to Level 7. Each level has several different classes to give you a strong biblical foundation.

b. Bible Study ACTION Plan
Every believer needs to be in the word daily and grow through their own individual study of God’s Word. We do this by teaching each person to have a Personal Bible Study Action Plan (PBSAP).
A bible study action plan enables you to develop a daily HABIT of being in God’s word. It teaches you how to have your own systematic plan to studying the books of the bible.
This is a simple and easy way to study the bible. This plan is primarily for studying books in the New Testament and can be used for Psalms and Proverbs also. The method for studying the Old Testament is looked in another lesson.

Materials Needed
• A Bible (two translations if possible).
• A notebook and a pen. (An exercise book can work just fine).
Try to get two different translations of the bible. If you can’t get two – then one can work.

Step 1.
Read the verse and take a minute to meditate on it.
Step 2.
Write something about the verse.
1. What is God showing you about the verse? Anything? What is the verse saying to you?
2. What is the writer of the book saying?
3. If the scripture is really coming alive. Write a prayer about how you want God to change your heart in that area of your life – where the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction and revelation.
4. If you don’t clearly understand the verse – Write down “I need some help to understand this verse” and then seek out help from a mature believer who studies the Bible.

c. Sunday Sermons
Our Sunday Morning Services at HOWAP are meant to teach you how to grow spiritually and become mature. We encourage you to study and discuss the Sunday Sermon in your small group and go back each week and apply the message in your life.

d. ATC (AFRICA THEOLOGICAL CENTRE) For those who feel God’s fulltime call to ministry HOWAP has an affiliated full time bible school that raises up Pastors, Church Planters and Missionaries and equips them with both Spiritual and practical skills to raise up HOWAP type churches around the nation and the world. Semesters begin every January and June and go for six months.
If you feel that God is calling you to missions or a full time call please ask your Pastor about the possibility of attending ATC.

2. MINISTRY INVOLEMENT
The second area of the Christian Development Program is Ministry Involvement.
Each person who becomes a part of HOWAP is developed in ministry so they can reach their full potential as Christians, in life and at HOWAP. There are many ways a person is developed in ministry including: ministry within the church, ministry on the mission field and ministry through local outreaches in the community, plus many other ministry opportunism that HOWAP offers.
In the last section of Elevate class there is a lesson on Ministry, where you will be given a chance to review the ministry opportunities we offer here at HOWAP.

3. CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
The third area of the Christian development program is the area of Character development.
Christian Character is something that every believer must commit to. It is the one area of the CDP that is hardest to measure yet it is one of the most important. Without good character a person cannot grow. You can have the gift to evangelize and the biblical knowledge to go along with it but if you’re not obeying God or living in sin – your knowledge and your gift have lost their integrity. A person may be a great preacher – but if they are known as a “womanizer” they will lose their influence within the church and community.
1) Being a disciple of Jesus will not always be easy. At times it will be very inconvenient. You must learn to be faithful and follow Jesus wherever He tells you.
2) Being a disciple of Jesus means at times you could be persecuted – at home, at work or from friends.
3) Being a disciple of Jesus means you must persevere. Don’t listen to the lies of the devil and others who will try to get you to quit and give up on following God.
4) Being a disciple of Jesus means, following Him will come with a cost, you will have to sacrifice things, change things and stop doing the things you used to do. Including listening to secular music, watching movies that are not good for you and hanging out with friends that will drag you back into your old ways.

ELEVATE – Lesson 8 “Send” – Teacher’s Notes

Missions
Sending at HOWAP is:
1) Reproducing.
2) Releasing the kingdom.
3) Missions.

1. REPRODUCING
Reproduction is the goal of every living thing. We see this throughout the pages of the Bible. The Bible is full of reproductive language. God created humankind, animals, and plants to reproduce.
The ultimate goal of discipleship is to reproduce disciples who will reproduce disciples. Reproducing disciples is the result of selecting, training, and empowering leaders who will in turn reproduce themselves in others.

God’s Method is Man.
Jesus’ plan of reproducing disciples, “was not with programs – but with men” …Men were to be His method of winning the world to God.
Jesus expected His disciples to reproduce His likeness in others. He imparted His message and mission to His disciples so that they would reproduce themselves in others and make disciples of all nations.
We are called to win, consolidate, disciple and send disciples of Christ out into the world who will be able to repeat the process of discipleship.

2. RELEASING THE KINGDOM
Since we are to release God’s Kingdom on the earth daily – we see a need to help clarify to believers what this might look for us to be ACTIVELY involved in releasing the Kingdom of God in every arena of everyday life.
We see these three areas of our life that we daily release the kingdom as we go forth
1) At Home
2) At Work or School
3) In the Public (shopping, walking, taxi, etc).

How do we bring the Kingdom of God to the earth?
A simple way to explain how to do this is to focus on the fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit.
As these are manifested in our lives – we bring the Kingdom of God to the earth as the sent ones.

3. MISSIONS
We are a missions sending church. Our mission is missions (Win, Disciple, Send).
We must care about the whole world not just our city and our nation
Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask Him to save them
unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:13 – 14
God commands us to reach out beyond our city.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

Jerusalem is our community. Judea is our city of Kampala. Samaria is our nation of Uganda. The ends of the earth is the world.

Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15 (NCV)
We are a missions sending church. God has put His hand upon His church not just to be a taker but to be a giver to the nations of the earth. Uganda is called to send missionaries, not just receive them.
It is our mission to be involved in missions.

I. GOD’S MOTIVE FOR WORLD-WIDE MISSIONS: LOVE.

a. For God so loved the world, that He gave… (John 3:16).
b. The task of missions is to love and deliver lost people from oppression by the enslavement of sin and Satan.

II. GOD’S METHOD IN WORLD-WIDE MISSIONS: PEOPLE.

a. Jesus in His humanity illustrated the kind of man God needs to reach the lost.
A man who is totally submitted to the will of God, a man of self-denial and of compassion for lost humanity.
b. Every member of the Body of Christ is to be involved in reaching the world for Christ (John 4:34-38).
This means we must quit living self-centered lives. We must lift up our eyes from what we think is important.

III. GOD’S MIRACLE IN MISSIONS: SIGNS AND WONDERS.

a. God miraculously brought Jesus into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35).
b. God’s approach to missionary ministry is always a supernatural approach through the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:8

IV. GOD’S MEANS FOR MISSIONS: SACRFICIAL GIVING.

God gave His only begotten Son and sent Him to the earth on a Mission to give His life a ransom for mankind. In the giving of His Son, God has established sacrificial giving as the means for world missions. Sacrificial giving is the principle that causes the missions task to succeed. God in Christ has given sacrificially of Himself as the example for us to follow in reaching the world for Him.
II Corinthians 8:7,8 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace (giving financially) also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

Missions Faith Pledge (MFP)

1. What is the Missions Faith Pledge (MFP)?
AT HOWAP we believe that missions is the mission of every local church body. We also believe that every believer should be giving to missions. As a member of HOWAP you are asked to give to missions in a sacrificial manner. In other words, we all give to missions and we all give in faith. We make a pledge every 4 months on our Missions Sunday when we highlight missions.

2. How does the Missions Faith Pledge actually work?
Every “Missions Sunday” in each region of HOWAP we ask every member to make a pledge towards missions. Each member then fills out a pledge form and signs it. At that time they are given the details of the pledge period and are exhorted to fulfill the pledge within the time allotted.

3. What is a faith pledge?
There are three kinds of pledges people make: a normal pledge, a faith pledge and an emotional pledge.
A. A normal pledge: It is an amount a person commits himself to give each month, which they already have. It does not require any faith.
B. An emotional pledge: It is a pledge made by an individual because they are emotionally stirred up, but they have not heard God’s specific word.
C. A faith pledge: It is also a pledge to God for an amount to be given each month. However, it is a pledge to give beyond what one has. It can only operate in the realm of faith. Faith is acting upon what is not seen or evident.

4. What are the principles of faith pledge giving?
A. A faith pledge is made as a result of hearing the Word of God. We pray and seek God as to how much God wants us to give each month for the following pledge period. We give by being sensitive to God’s voice and direction. Since you heard the Word of the Lord, there should be no doubting.

A Mission Faith Pledge is above a person’s tithe and regular offerings.

B. Faith may involve sacrifice. Many times God will test us as He did to Abraham and ask us to sacrifice something in order to fulfill our pledge. Even Jesus asked the Father for “another way” when he had to die on the cross. Yes, sacrifice is hard but every man or woman of God must sacrifice in order to fulfill God’s purpose in their life.

C. Faith is obeying the voice of God with full confidence in Him. Whether He returns us the blessing now or years from now, we still maintain full confidence in Him.
D. We must honor the faith pledge and be faithful in obeying God’s Word. We must always complete our pledge or it will affect us. It will stay in our mind and often the devil uses it to condemn us. Since God has to do His part – when He does we must give the pledge without hesitation.

Elevate – Lesson 9 – Membership in HOWAP – Teacher’s Notes

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER OF HOWAP

HOWAP encourages each person to become accountable through our discipleship process. We recognize that there is a big difference between “attendees” and “members”. A member is not a member because they simply attend HOWAP. A member is a member when they become committed to Christ, they bear the fruit of the Spirit in their life and are in fellowship within our body.
We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything … school … a relationship … our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “church shoppers & hoppers.” Membership in a church means one is committed to the vision of the church and is actively involved in the discipleship process of the church. They come to give back to God and serve Him through a local church body.
Just as every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every army has an enlistment. Membership identifies our family of believers and who can be counted on in our attempt to fulfill our purpose.
The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. It’s tough to be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A MEMBER?

At HOWAP, we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only encourage our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do.
As a person attends Elevate class they are slowly “put into the discipleship process”.
• They are put into a Life group.
• When they get a permanent Life group, the leader of that cell group becomes their “discipler” whom they personally meet with from time to time.
• They are encouraged to attend the Foundation Classes.
• They are encouraged to join a ministry.
• They are encouraged to attend Prayer Meetings, Sunday and Weekly LIW classes and other church activities as to ground them in their faith.
• They are encouraged to attend a 3-day “Encounter Camp”.
In HOWAP we distinguish between three groups of people who attend our church:
1) Attendees: People who attend only the Sunday service.
2) Members
1. Attend weekly services.
2. Are accountable to someone.
3. Give in tithes and offerings.
4. Attend a cell group.
5. Live a lifestyle that adheres to scripture.
3) Leaders: A person is considered a leader in HOWAP when adheres to all the requirements of a member as well as:
1. Is involved in a ministry.
2. Attends prayer meetings, bible classes and leadership meetings

HOWAP’s Core Values: Our core value is Discipleship. Our core value of discipleship is practiced and applied through our sub-values. Our sub-values are:
1) We value the Word of God. We are dedicated to Teaching the Word of God; the whole counsel of God. We challenge members to do Personal reading and studying large portions of the Word of God.
2) We value Intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. We are committed to personal and corporate cultivation of the relationship with the Holy Spirit
3) We value Evangelism and Discipleship. We are intentional about this, and believe in the mandate of every Christian evangelizing and Discipling others.
4) We value Worship: Living a lifestyle of Worship
5) We value Prayer & Fasting: We are dedicated to a lifestyle of continual prayer & fasting. We disciple people to be a praying church. We have established a house of prayer to be our heavenly board room to transact heavens agenda on earth.

6) We value Fellowship

7) We value Son ship: We disciple people to know that they are loved as sons by a Father in heaven who is pleased with them. We disciple people to love God first, above all else and make Him the Lord of everything they do.

8) We value the Presence of God: We disciple people by asking the Holy Spirit to come during our times of worship in the presence of God to touch, heal, deliver and set people free.

9) We value Integrity: We disciple people in Christian character that they might live their lives with integrity before all men. We disciple people to study and obey the Word of God above all else, both practically and spiritually.

10) We value Missions: We disciple people in the apostolic nature of sending people out from our fellowship to plant churches in this nation and around the world.

11) We value Kingdom Living We disciple people to live wholehearted lives for God through generous giving and exercising their spiritual gifts everywhere they go.

12) We value Transformation: We disciple people in Christ’s ability to transform and change their lives from a past of sinfulness, hopelessness, and poverty into men and women of righteousness with a bright future in Christ.

13) We value Children: We disciple people to see the value of children and to disciple the children into the godly future leaders this nation deserves to have.

14) We value Relationship: We disciple people to be in right relationship with one another through small groups and accountability.

15) We value Family: We disciple people to have strong godly families. We disciple men to be godly fathers and husbands as well as women to be godly mothers and wives.

HOWAP’s Vision: We disciple people in the vision of this church through the “G12 Ladder of Success.”
The vision incorporates four steps on the ladder. Win, Consolidate, Disciple and Send.
1) Our vision is to win people to Christ through our services, cell groups and personal evangelism.
2) Our vision is to consolidate people into the Kingdom through our Elevate class, our small groups, our ministries and our Encounter camps.
3) Our vision is to disciple people through our bible classes, small groups and outreach events.
4) Our vision is to send every person to help plant a church through our missions program. At the same time we desire to see every person in our church involved in releasing the Kingdom of God around them, through: praying, healing, giving and encouraging people they come in contact with on a daily basis.

HOWAP’s Mission: We are a value-driven ministry. If Christ is our engine then His values are the petrol for the engine.
Our mission is to instill biblical values into the culture of our church. Our mission is to make sure that each of our disciples knows, understands and lives by biblical values.
The values we are talking about are the biblical values of the Kingdom of God. These values go beyond our core sub-values.

The Fundamental Truths of House of Worship & Prayer is part of the Uganda Assemblies of God. We are apart of their fellowship voluntarily and are in submission to their leadership. The Uganda Assemblies of God is a member of the World Assemblies of God and ascribes to the doctrinal truths of the denomination.
1. WE BELIEVE in the complete canon of Scriptures (the Whole Bible- every page of the bible) to be inspired, the Holy Spirit being the Author of it all.
2. WE BELIEVE in the deity of God. There is one God, who is infinite, sovereign, eternal, and the creator of everything. He is holy in His attributes and His nature. He is triune in His essential being and is biblically revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; the Creator of all things, and in whom all things consist. Rev. 4:11, Neh. 9:6, Deut. 6:4; Heb 11:3; Mt.28:19
3. WE BELIEVE in the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s son Jesus was both human and divine. John 1:1-2,14
4. WE BELIEVE that forgiveness is only possible through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. And without the blood of Jesus Christ, there is no forgiveness of sin. And now everyone can obtain forgiveness of sins by repentance, trusting and, believing in Jesus Christ and making him Lord and savior.
WE BELIEVE…Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through ‘Salvation’ (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
5. WE BELIEVE in the power of the Holy Spirit working signs, miracles and wonders in yesterday, today and forever.
6. WE BELIEVE the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. We believe the initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is “Speaking in Tongues,” as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles. . . [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
7. WE BELIEVE… and practice two ordinances.
i. Water Baptism by immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation.
ii. Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation.
8. WE BELIEVE… in eternal judgment and holding firm the reality of Heaven and Hell. We believe in the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the resurrection of the dead.
9. WE BELIEVE… in Evangelization of all nations being our major focus, reaching millions of humanity with the gospel of Christ. We also hold it that, Evangelism is possible with the accompaniment of Signs and wonders, Mark 16:20
10. WE BELIEVE… in marriage of opposite sex, man and woman as in the bible order, not same sex. We don’t give license for divorce.
11. WE BELIEVE…though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.

12. WE BELIEVE…Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christ-like.

13. WE BELIEVE…The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. We believe the Church is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God’s offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.

14. WE BELIEVE…A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church and to Meet human needs with ministries of love and compassion.

15. WE BELIEVE…Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today and is provided for in Christ’s atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]

16. WE BELIEVE…in The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]

17. WE BELIEVE…in The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of the nation of Israel and the establishment of universal peace.

18. WE BELIEVE…A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.

19. WE BELIEVE…and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. ‘And so shall we forever be with the Lord!’

FIVEFOLD CALL OF HOUSE OF WORSHIP & PRAYER ASSEMBLIES
1. EVANGELISM: this is the call to evangelize the world
• Open air preaching
• Church Planting
• TV and Radio preaching
• Door to door preaching
• Missions_ within and outside Uganda
• Outreach in;
1. Schools
2. Prisons
3. Hospitals
4. Orphans
5. The disadvantaged

2. DISCIPLESHIP: This is the call to discipleship
• Teaching
• Training
• LIW classes

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT: This is the call for empowerment for effective ministry
• Learning to follow the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit
• Manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit by living transformed & changed lives.
• Manifesting the power of the Holy Spirit through signs and wonders. Believing God for miracles, signs and wonders
• Praising and worshipping God in our meetings or gatherings in the power of the Holy Spirit
• Operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The prophetic, (including visions, dreams & the interpretation of dreams)
• Counselling

4. WORSHIP: This is the call to Worship
• Praise & Worship
• Giving of Thanks
• Praise and worship Teams
• Worship through giving our resources & money
• Living a lifestyle of Worship
• Worshipping God in accordance to the truth revealed in the Word of God (Bible)

5. PRAYER: This is a call to pray and Prayer
• Intercession
• Devotional Prayer
• Prophetic Prayer teams
• Supplication
• Praying in the Spirit
• Prayer walks
• Chain prayers
• Prayer and Fasting
Prayer: In House of Worship & Prayer, as long as we exist, it is our God given Mandate to pray for;

I) The salvation of the lost in the four winds.
Salvation of Asians, Africans, Europeans, Americans: Salvation of Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and those in other world false religions.
We pray for open doors for the Gospel in rebellious and receptive nations. The Lord of the vineyard to send labourers to those nations including ourselves. And the Gospel to find free cause
II) Effective Discipleship of believers worldwide
III) Peace of the world__ peace of Israel, Uganda and other Countries of the World
IV) Healing of the sick worldwide
V) Families__ Restoration, love, unity and reconciliation in Families
VI) Our president and government officials. Praying for our nation so that the angel of the Lord will protect us from the satanic forces that wish to destroy our country. Praying for the seven mountains of influence in our country that they be shaped in the fear of our God.

OUR CONVICTIONS AND VALUES
1) We are intentional and passionate about Soul Winning,
2) We value humanity so special as God’s number one point of Focus on earth,
3) We Value all people with equal dignity, irrespective of their; skin color, tribe, Ethnicity and nationality,
4) We are an evangelistic church.

OUR MORAL STANDARDS
1. Holiness
2. Righteousness
3. Loyalty
4. Trust
5. Faithfulness
6. Honesty
7. Servant hood
8. Accountability
9. Transparency

OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1. We Reach nations through evangelism, preaching uncompromised Word of God,
2. We minister love, hope and, forgiveness, to all people, conducting healing and deliverance thereby through the power of the Holy Spirit, the bondage of Satan over people’s lives is broken,
3. We carry out church planting with Major emphasis of planting churches in major urban centers, towns and cities.
4. Reaching the disadvantaged, the sick, prisoners, schools and institutions, prostitutes, through outreach; with some scholastic materials that God blesses us with.
5. We Disciple, train and send believers to reach the world for Christ.

Elevate Class Lesson 10 – Tithe and Offerings Teacher’s Notes
All that we have belongs to God. Therefore, God owns everything.

A. GOD’S OWNERSHIP
Christians believe that God is a Person. He created all things and the world belongs to Him.
“the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof…” (Psalm 24:1).
“…silver is mine, and the gold is mine…” (Haggai 2:8).

Unbelievers believe that their money belongs to them. This concept denies God’s ownership of all things. But Christians believe that God owns everything including all our money. The unbeliever’s ways are not the same. Whatever comes into their hands become their assets, and they do as they like with them.
When Jesus is Lord of our lives it means He has ownership and control over us and all we have. We are stewards not just of money, but all that we have – property, houses, talents, skills, time, etc. God expects a return on the assets He entrusted to us.
Giving is a heart issue – which means it’s a Lordship issue.

B. OUR GIVING IS TO GOD
The “giving of our finances to God” reminds us that, everything we have is given to us by God.
If we have looked after our own interests and made personal plans without regard for God, and put our education, building a house or even getting a new hairstyle before God. We are not putting Him first.
If we act like this, we are no different from the unbelievers who centers everything around themselves because they do not believe in God and His sovereignty.

C. TITHING

1. Tithing is a principle God set from the beginning.
Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedek (before the Mosaic law) (Genesis 14:18-20 and Hebrews 7:4).

2. Tithing is not a gift – it is returning to God what is already His.
According to Malachi 1:8, the people were rebuked because they were not bringing their offerings on God’s terms.
We bring our tithes according to God’s regulation. It is a transaction between God and us.
• As HOWAP we agree to bring our tithes to “the storehouse” to the church we belong to.
Our faith is in God who is faithful, not in the method or system or teaching of tithing and giving. We do not give just to be blessed and to get more. We give out of obedience.

D. OUR GIVING SHOULD BE WILLINGLY
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Today some Pastors use fear or manipulation to get people to give.
1) Some use manipulation by telling you that if you give a certain amount then God will give you a 100 fold of what you gave.
2) Some use fear by telling you that if you don’t give you will be cursed and something bad will happen to you. It’s true that there are consequences for not obeying God, but people must still give willingly.
When someone preaches out of fear or manipulation they never teach the value of giving. That means that these Pastors are disempowering people so they never grow up into the mature things of God.

1. We bring our offerings to God. Malachi says it. If I loan you a book and ask for it back. I ask you to bring it back. The tithe belongs to God, He has given to you on loan, when he asks for it back He asks you to bring it to Him.

2. We agree that according to the exhortation given in Malachi 3:10 and the fact that Abraham gave a tithe before the law was instituted that we should bring a tithe to our local church.
Malachi 3:10 says, “… bring your tithe to the storehouse.” We interpret this to be the local church where you attend.

3. We agree to tithe on all our income, including money that is given us as a gift.
Of course all money that you earn from your job or from other sources should be tithed on.
If someone gives or blesses you with money for any reason you should tithe on it.
Anytime you profit for any reason you should tithe including the sale of lands or businesses that is profit to you.

E. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE FAIL TO GIVE TITHES AND OFFERINGS?
1. They SPEND all their money before Sunday comes.
Put it aside immediately. Put it in an envelope, set it aside and don’t touch it, it is sacred.

2. They say they can’t AFFORD to give.
You can’t afford not to give your tithes and offerings.
People that say they can’t afford to give offerings, do not understand how giving to God works in a person’s life. Giving insures that your needs will be taken care of by the Lord.

3. They say an emergency came up and they NEEDED the money.
What if I am sick or my family is sick and I need to go to hospital and all I have is my offering?
Give your offering first before you give to anything else.

4. They say they FORGOT.
People often forget their offering because they neglect other spiritual matters in their lives. Take care of your spiritual life first.
When a person puts God first, they won’t forget – because it’s part of their worship.

5. They say giving doesn’t WORK.
Our primary reason for giving should be out of obedience and a willingness to serve God. God is not a machine and giving is not the Stock Market.
God has given us a promise in the area of giving that if we give, we can test Him by expecting Him to come through for us.

Elevate Class Lesson 11 – Ministry Involvement Teacher’s Notes

MINISTRY – In and out of the church

MINISTRY: MEETING NEEDS WITH LOVE

Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5,27 (NLT)

To Minister is to Serve:
Every member is: a minister and every task is important.
God has deposited into your life certain gifting and talents. You have been shaped to serve God. You have been designed to make a contribution.
God created you to give something back and to be a blessing to others through good deeds.
[God] has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do” Eph 2:10

Serving God is not something we decide to do. Like we decided to go to school. Like we decide to study a certain subject. We decided to be a nurse. Serving God is a command from God.
As we discuss, everything you do should be worship unto God. You don’t have to wait until you have a degree, but you can serve God today, with your whole heart and your whole self.
But God wants you to be fulfilled in life and He made you in such a way that fulfillment comes when we serve Him.
“Before I made you in your mother’s womb. I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work” Jeremiah 1:5 (NCV)

When you are part of a family everyone takes part. Everyone has a job to do.
“All of you are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it” I Corinthians 12:27 (NLT)

The word service and ministry are the same words in the Bible, as are servant and minister.
Many people in our culture dream of the day when they stop washing their own clothes. When they have someone else driving them around in a car. When someone else carries their bag for them. When they sit at the high table.
Some live to be served, others live to serve. Which one are you?

You will never arrive at a place where you are too important for any job. God will never say oh you don’t have to clean the toilets any more, you are beyond that.
If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody. Galatians 6:3 (NLT)

Ministry within the Church:

Every person at HOWAP is encouraged to be in a ministry within the church. There is no need to worry, we will help you to find a ministry that best suits you.
We will explain to you now how to get into a ministry in our church.

Ministry outside the Church: Sharing your faith – through the: One Minute Witness

The following instructions explain to you how to lead a person to Christ.
When you meet a person, this is how you can approach Him or Her.

1. Ask for Permission: Start up conversation with someone and then ask
~ “May I ask you a question?”
When you are given the permission, then ask this
~ “What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
~May I share the best thing that’s ever happened to me?

2. B.C. ~ Describe your life Before Christ.
“There was a time in my life when…” Write three things.
1. _______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________ 3_______________________________________________________

3. T.P. ~ What was your Turning Point?
1. How did you hear about Jesus? _______________________________________________________

Finish this sentence: “When I realized Jesus died for my sins, I invited him to…” _______________________________________________________

4. A.D. ~ “Since I’ve met Jesus, I…” Describe the positive change that Christ has made in your life.
1. _______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________

5. “If I had never met Jesus…” What would your life look like without Christ? _________________________________________________________

TAKING IT FURTHER… After sharing the ONE MINUTE WITNESS, you may ask them questions such as:

So what about you? If you died tonight, do you think you would go to heaven? Wait and listen to their answer before you ask the next question.
How do you think someone gets to Heaven? Wait and listen to their answer before you ask the next question.
“May I tell you how the Bible says you can know you’re going to heaven?”
If their answer is “yes,” you may share the following:

1. Tell them to REPENT: They need to repent for their sins and be willing to give God everything. Salvation means leaving everything behind that is not godly. They must change their old ways, including their addictions, their music, their movies and any other sinful habits that God wants you to stop doing. If they repent and change their mind about sin, God will forgive them and their lives will change from today onwards. (Romans 3:23)

2. Tell them to BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. They must renounce all other gods in their lives. Tell them that they must confess that there is no other way that can bring them to heaven, than through Christ Jesus. (Romans 10:9-10)

3. Tell them to ACCEPT – God’s free gift of eternal life and salvation. Tell them about Christ’ love for them and how He will forgive them of all sins and that today when they pray they will become His child. (1 John 1:9). Romans 6:23

4. Tell them to INVITE Jesus to be the Lord of their lives and for God to become their Father and the Holy Spirit to be their comforter. (John 1:12-13)
Would you like to know right now that you have eternal life? Let’s do what the bible says, confessing and believing Jesus is Lord, and let’s pray, these four things.

“Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and today I repent from my old life – I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian.

Lesson 12 – LOVE is at the center of everything we do at HOWAP

Expressing LOVE to God is called worship

House of Worship & Prayer is a church that is God-Centered. One of the distinctive of our church is to be a God-Elevated Church. We do NOT focus on man-centered programs or seek to place an emphasis on elevating man. We seek to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Bringing enjoyment to God and living for his pleasure is the primary purpose in your life.

“You (God) created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11b (NLT)

Bringing pleasure to God is called “worship”. “The Father seeks worshipers” John 4:23

A. WORSHIP IS A LIFESTYLE

Most people misunderstand when we use this word “worship”. They usually think of singing songs in church.
But there are many ways to worship God. We worship God mostly by our:

1) Our SPEECH and the way we communicate to others.
2) Our THOUGHTS and the way we think about others and God.
3) Our CHARACTER and the way we treat people.
“Because of God’s great mercy to us… Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” Rom. 12:1 (TEV)

Worship is not for you. Therefore, it is not about you. It’s about God and for God. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to God, not ourselves. People today only often want what is good for them. God is not often even considered.

What is worship?
1) Worship is my response to God’s love.
2) Worship is giving back to God.
Whenever you offer anything to God, that is called worship. Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship. Your whole life needs to be a lifestyle of worship.

B. HOW TO WORSHIP GOD AS A LIFESTYLE
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” Mark 12:30 (NCV)

This verse is referred to as the “First Commandment”. Every believer needs to place the first Commandment in first place in their life. In the First Commandment we see three areas of worship that we must labor to make first place in our lives.
1) Thoughtfully – “with your mind”. We make God first place in our thoughts.
2) Passionately – “with your heart and soul”. We make God first place in our hearts.
4) Practically – “with your strength”. We make God first place in our strength.

1. THOUGHTFULLY – WITH YOUR MIND
Worship is focusing my attention on God.
Thoughtfully – “with my mind” Not just repeating the phrase “Praise the Lord” over and over again.
Give God your mind by focusing on Him in prayer throughout the day.
What do you think about all day? How much of your time is spent thinking about God?
It’s hard to focus on God because we often only think about ourselves and what we think we need.
“Focusing on yourself is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self-ignores God, and ends up thinking more about self than God.” Romans 8:7 (Msg)

We FOCUS on God with our minds by starting our day with God every morning.
It’s important to have a daily time with God every day. This is the place where you can prepare yourself to think about God the whole day and give him your best thoughts.

HOW TO DEVELOP A DAILY PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY TIME WITH GOD
Daily Prayer: In order to keep our thoughts on God throughout the day we need to have a daily prayer time. Keeping the following guidelines in mind.
a) Establish a set prayer time each day.
b) Establish a set prayer location.
c) Establish a set length of time.
d) Write out some of your prayers and pray them back to yourself.
e) Establish a prayer list to pray through.
You will be able to pray more consistently and regularly when you pray at the same time in the same place for the same amount of time. Feel free to always divert from this, this should never become binding or boring.
You can also use a prayer list to help you remember what to pray for each day. Having a prayer list helps you to “fill up” your prayer time and helps you not to forget to cover every area in your life in prayer.
Learn to use the following verse as your focus in daily prayer:
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:17,18

From this verse we focus on three things:
1) We ask God for wisdom.
2) We ask God for revelation.
3) We ask God for understanding to “know” Him.

Daily Bible Study Another way we worship God before we start our day is in the study of His word.
Every believer needs to be in God’s Word daily and be growing in biblical knowledge. We help you do this by teaching you how to have a personal Bible Study Action Plan which you learnt in lesson seven.

2. PASSIONATELY – LOVE GOD WITH OUR HEARTS
Worship is expressing my affection to God through passion.
God wants you to pray and be in the word, because you want to, and because you love Him so much. Not because you think it’s your religious duty or if you don’t He will be mad at you.
“He is the God who is passionate about his relationship with you” Exodus 34:6-7 (LB)

Passion is the thing that causes a person to do something with their whole heart and give 110%.
When you do something passionately you feel something deep in heart that brings great satisfaction and pleasure.

We will have passion for God when we focus on HIS passion for us.
Learn to focus on God’s love for you in your prayer time rather than on your love for Him. Learn to spend most of your time thanking Him.
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Some people have the idea that God is a mad and angry God who cannot relate with us or has no affection for his people. They think of running AWAY from God rather than towards him.
But this should never be the case. In the example of the story of the “Lost son” in Luke 15 we find that the Father ran to His son even when the son had done wrong.

3. PRACTUCALLY – WITH OUR STRENGTH.
Worship is also using my abilities for God. This is loving God with your strength.
We need to worship and love God with our words, our prayers and our ACTIONS.
Some people are afraid to give God their life because they are afraid of what God might tell them to do.
1) Send them back to the village to dig.
2) Send them to Iraq to fight the terrorists.
3) Tell them to go and live on one of the Sesse islands, never marry, never see anyone again.
You don’t have to be AFRAID of God’s purpose for your life. God has your best interest in mind. He wants you to receive pleasure by giving Him pleasure. Most of us have separated our church worship from the rest of our life. We only worship God by doing certain things. But do you know that God wants you to worship in everything you do.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” Colossians 3:23

You can give everything to God. All your work and play can be turned in to worship.
God wants to know? Are you doing it for me? Worship is not just a church thing – worship is a lifestyle.
“Take your everyday, ordinary life — your sleeping, your eating, your going to work, your waking around life — and place it before God as an offering” Romans 12:1a (MSG)

Your destiny is much bigger than your occupation or career. God might call you to be a:
1) Dentist.
2) Carpenter.
3) Professional Footballer.
4) House wife

Important decisions such as WHO you will marry, WHAT school you will go to, WHERE you will live, WHEN will everything happen and HOW will God work it out for you are not as important as asking the WHY question.

WHY did God put me on the earth?
To answer the WHY question in our life means whatever we do – we do it all because we love God first and are in relationship with Him.

It means we “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) and then God directs in the other areas of our life. The Who, What, When, Where and How are answered because we put God first and said “yes” to the WHY question.

Why am I on the earth? What is my first priority? To love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. When you do this – the Father will direct you in the other areas and will guide you to make good and wise decisions.