Christian Development Course (CDC)

Congratulations! You have just made the best decision of your life by asking Jesus Christ into your life.

This means from now on your life is to change by nurturing and the help of other Christians. When you asked Jesus into your life you did three specific things.

You admitted your life in the past was wrong and needed to change. This is called ‘repentance’, which means changing your mind and actions. Your life originally didn’t recognise sin as an issue and didn’t know that this was disobedient towards God and would separate you from him.

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ (Genesis 2:16–17)"

“Because Adam and Eve had committed sin it separated Man from God. So the only way God could bring Man back to himself was to give them an opportunity through sending His son to die on the cross to share His blood on behalf of everyone. So through this salvation became God’s purpose.

This gift of salvation only comes from God which means relationship of the love for God, living in His protection and knowing that He will take you through troubled times.

You have believed that Jesus is the Son of God and to develop your new-found belief you need to learn more about the Christian faith. This means”

you have become a disciple of Jesus Christ and now need to begin to learn about what it means to mature into a Christian. This is done by choosing a church where you can receive help.

“You have committed yourself to learning about Christianity and once you have chosen a church and fellowship with other believers this will gently challenge you and help you on your way. A church should offer a Bible study or other facilities by which you can learn. If you’re a younger person you may consider the youth group.”

Reading your Bible

The first step to being a Christian is to read the Word of God, the Bible. Some people find history boring and unexciting. However, we believe the Bible is not just history; it’s the living word with real life stories. The Bible is divided into two major parts: the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament starts with Genesis with God creating the world, and goes right through until the New Testament where Jesus arrives on the scene for the very first time”

“We want you to develop and grow and get to understand the fundamentals of Christianity as quickly as possible, so you begin to change your lifestyle in accordance with God. There is nothing better in life than to search for what God wants from your Christianity and know that He came to make God’s kingdom available to you.”

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Being a ‘new Christian’ and starting a new life with Jesus, it is recommended that you start by reading a chapter of the Bible a day. Also, you might want to meet up with friends in your church and discuss certain aspects of Scripture (Bible study).

The Bible is divided up into 66 books and these books divide into chapters and verses. For example: John 3:16 is the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

“When you read a passage like this, pray and mediate that the Lord will speak to you through it. We read the Bible primarily to get to know Christ, to know more about him. Also this means we come under the teaching of churches, maybe even join a Bible school, to get a full understanding of what the Bible has to offer.

Jesus came with the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near! The word ‘kingdom’ in the New Testament means literally the sovereign reign of God. So this is established in the hearts of men and women.”

our kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

“So our job on this earth is to establish God’s kingdom through His people. To repent is not only to have your sins forgiven, but to turn your life over to Jesus Christ that He might be the Lord of your life: that He might establish His Kingdom in you and enable you to fulfil His will.”

Excerpt From

Christian Development Course

Rev Dr Jim Master

This material may be protected by copyright.

The Gift of Salvation

Salvation is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is God's gracious gift to humanity, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What is Salvation?

Salvation is deliverance from sin and its consequences, brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast."

The New Birth

In John 3:3, Jesus said, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." The new birth is a spiritual transformation that happens when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. It marks the beginning of a new life in Him.

Key Scriptures

• Romans 10:9-10 — Confession and belief
• John 3:16 — God's love and gift of eternal life
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — A new creation in Christ
• Romans 6:23 — The wages of sin and the gift of God

The Significance of Water Baptism

Water baptism is one of the first acts of obedience for a new believer. It is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ and your identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.

Why Be Baptised?

Jesus Himself was baptised (Matthew 3:13-17) and commanded His followers to be baptised. In Matthew 28:19, He said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The Symbolism of Baptism

Romans 6:4 explains: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

• Going under the water — dying to your old self
• Coming up out of the water — rising to new life in Christ

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is not merely a force or influence; He is a person who dwells within every believer.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Comforter and Counsellor — John 14:26
• Guide into all truth — John 16:13
• Empowerment for service — Acts 1:8
• Conviction of sin — John 16:8
• Producing spiritual fruit — Galatians 5:22-23

Being Filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 instructs us to "be filled with the Spirit." This is not a one-time event but a continual experience. As we yield to the Holy Spirit daily through prayer, worship, and obedience to God's Word, we experience His power and presence in our lives.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It is not merely a religious ritual but a vital relationship-building activity that draws us closer to our Heavenly Father.

Types of Prayer

• Adoration — Praising God for who He is
• Confession — Acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness
• Thanksgiving — Expressing gratitude for God's blessings
• Supplication — Presenting our requests and needs to God
• Intercession — Praying on behalf of others

Building a Devotional Life

A daily devotional time is essential for spiritual growth. This includes reading Scripture, meditating on God's Word, and spending time in prayer. Jesus modelled this by often withdrawing to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16).

Practical Tips

• Set a specific time and place for daily devotion
• Use a Bible reading plan to stay consistent
• Keep a prayer journal to track requests and answers
• Start with short periods and gradually increase

The Authority of Scripture

The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Why Study the Bible?

• It reveals God's character and plan for our lives
• It provides guidance for daily decisions — Psalm 119:105
• It strengthens our faith — Romans 10:17
• It equips us for spiritual warfare — Ephesians 6:17

How to Study the Bible

Effective Bible study involves more than casual reading. Consider these methods:

• Observation — What does the text say?
• Interpretation — What does the text mean?
• Application — How does it apply to my life?

Approach Scripture with a humble heart, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate its truths to you.

Living by Faith

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God.

The Nature of Faith

Faith is not blind belief — it is trust rooted in the character and promises of God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Growing in Faith

• Through the Word — Romans 10:17: "Faith comes from hearing the message"
• Through prayer — Communicating with God builds trust
• Through trials — James 1:2-4: Testing produces perseverance
• Through obedience — Acting on what God says strengthens faith

Trusting God in Difficult Times

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

The Body of Christ

The church is not a building — it is the people of God gathered together in the name of Jesus. Hebrews 10:25 urges us, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another."

Why the Church Matters

• Worship — Corporate worship draws us into God's presence
• Teaching — We grow through sound biblical instruction
• Fellowship — We encourage and support one another
• Service — We use our gifts to build up the body
• Mission — Together we reach the world with the Gospel

Being an Active Member

1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." Every member has a role to play. God has uniquely gifted and positioned you within His church for a purpose.

The Value of Fellowship

Christian fellowship goes beyond socialising. It is sharing life together — bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), praying for each other (James 5:16), and spurring one another on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Becoming Like Christ

As Christians, we are called to reflect the character of Jesus in every area of our lives. Romans 8:29 tells us that God predestined us "to be conformed to the image of his Son."

The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in us:

• Love, Joy, Peace
• Patience, Kindness, Goodness
• Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

Practical Christian Conduct

• Integrity — Being honest and consistent in word and deed
• Humility — Putting others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3)
• Forgiveness — Forgiving as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13)
• Purity — Guarding our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:8)
• Love — The defining mark of a Christian (John 13:35)

Our conduct should be a testimony that points others to Christ.

A Life of Worship

Worship is more than singing — it is a lifestyle of honouring God in everything we do. Romans 12:1 calls us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship."

What is Worship?

Worship is our response to who God is and what He has done. It is acknowledging His worth, His majesty, and His love. John 4:24 teaches that "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

Expressions of Praise

• Singing — Psalm 100:2: "Come before him with joyful songs"
• Lifting hands — Psalm 134:2
• Clapping — Psalm 47:1
• Dancing — Psalm 149:3
• Silence and meditation — Psalm 46:10
• Giving — An act of worship (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Cultivating Daily Worship

Worship should not be confined to Sunday services. Make it a daily practice — play worship music, meditate on Scripture, give thanks throughout the day, and live with an awareness of God's presence.

Gifts for the Body

Every believer has been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

Categories of Spiritual Gifts

Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6-8):

• Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership, Mercy

Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11):

• Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers

Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10):

• Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues

Discovering Your Gifts

• Pray and ask God to reveal your gifts
• Serve in different areas and see where you are most effective
• Seek feedback from mature believers
• Study Scripture on spiritual gifts

Remember: gifts are given to serve others, not to promote ourselves.

The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Why Evangelism Matters

Every person needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:14 asks, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?" We are God's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Overcoming Fear

• Remember that the Holy Spirit empowers you (Acts 1:8)
• You are sharing truth, not debating — let God handle the results
• Your personal testimony is powerful (Revelation 12:11)
• Start with people who already know and trust you

Practical Outreach

• Build genuine relationships with non-believers
• Invite people to church events and services
• Share your testimony openly when opportunities arise
• Serve your community through acts of love and kindness
• Use social media to share encouraging and faith-based content