Life Group

Stage 1: Encounter – Experiencing Christ Personally

Welcome to Stage 1: Encounter, the beginning of a transformative journey at Colossians New Life in Jesus Church (CNLJC). This stage is designed to lead you into an authentic experience with Jesus Christ, moving beyond knowledge to a personal relationship that reshapes your life.

Purpose of This Stage

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the noise and distractions. Stage 1: Encounter aims to help you connect deeply with Christ, experiencing His love, truth, grace, and power. This isn’t just about learning; it’s about transformation that redefines your identity and priorities.

What to Expect

Throughout this stage, you’ll engage in:​

• Personal Reflection: Exploring your current beliefs and openness to a relationship with Christ.​

• Interactive Sessions: Participating in discussions and activities that bring the teachings of Jesus to life.​

• Community Building: Connecting with others on the same journey, fostering a supportive environment.​

Our Belief

At CNLJC, we believe that encountering Christ is not just an intellectual pursuit but a relational one. This encounter propels us to share His transformative presence with others, fulfilling our mission of knowing Christ and making Him known.

Next Steps

As you embark on this journey, keep your heart open and your spirit receptive. Allow this encounter to transform you, and be prepared to carry this experience forward, illuminating the world with His love and truth.

This is where it all begins.​

Jesus’ Teaching on Salvation

Jesus’ teachings on salvation reveal a powerful truth: it requires a personal transformation and a deep connection with Him. Through vivid illustrations and life-changing encounters, Jesus emphasized that salvation is not earned but received through faith, repentance, and a relationship with Him.

From His conversation with Nicodemus about being “born again” (John 3) to offering “living water” to the Samaritan woman (John 4), Jesus highlighted the spiritual renewal needed to experience eternal life. He declared Himself the “bread of life” (John 6) and the “Good Shepherd” (John 10), showing that only He can satisfy and lead us to salvation. Through acts of forgiveness (Luke 7) and parables like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), Jesus demonstrated God’s grace and compassion for all who turn to Him.

His invitation remains clear: come to Him for rest, peace, and eternal life (Matthew 11:28-30). Salvation is a gift of grace, transforming those who embrace it into a new creation.

Main Message: Jesus emphasized the need for a personal transformation to experience true salvation.

1. Born Again – In John 3:1-15, Jesus explained to Nicodemus that to see the Kingdom of God, one must be “born again,” emphasizing spiritual rebirth as essential.
2. Living Water – To the Samaritan woman, He described Himself as “living water” (John 4), indicating that only He can satisfy the deepest thirst of the soul.
3. Bread of Life – In John 6, He proclaimed, “I am the bread of life,” meaning that He alone provides eternal fulfillment.
4. Forgiveness of Sins – Jesus forgave a repentant woman, declaring her sins forgiven (Luke 7:47-48), demonstrating His power to forgive and His compassion toward sinners.
5. Good Shepherd – In John 10, Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, the only door to salvation, teaching that no one can be saved apart from Him.
6. Invitation to Rest – In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites all who are weary to come to Him for rest, offering salvation and peace to those burdened by life’s struggles.
7. The Prodigal Son – Perhaps one of the most beloved parables, the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), illustrates God’s unconditional love and readiness to welcome back even the most lost among us.

Jesus’ Teaching on Daily Christian Living

Jesus’ teachings provide a timeless blueprint for living with integrity, compassion, and purpose. His words challenge us to reflect God’s character in our actions and attitudes, shaping every aspect of our daily lives.

He calls us to radical love and forgiveness, even toward our enemies (Matthew 5:33-48), and to give with humility, unseen by others, as an act of eternal significance (Matthew 6:1-4). Through heartfelt prayer and fasting, Jesus emphasizes the importance of deep, personal connection with God (Matthew 6:5-18).

Jesus also teaches us to trust in God’s provision, urging us to seek His Kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:25-34). Finally, He encourages us to boldly confess our faith and share His love with those around us (Matthew 10:32-33; Mark 5:19).

These teachings guide us to live each day in alignment with God’s will, embodying His light and love in a broken world.

Main Message: Jesus’ teachings guide us in how to live our lives with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

1. Love and Forgiveness – In Matthew 5:33-48, Jesus teaches us to go beyond the law, encouraging us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and forgive others as God forgives us (Matthew 6:14-15).
2. Giving in Secret – Jesus emphasized humility in giving, advising us to give in secret (Matthew 6:1-4) as a form of eternal investment in God’s kingdom.
3. Prayer and Fasting – Jesus taught the importance of private, heartfelt prayer (Matthew 6:5-13), encouraging continuous and faith-filled communication with God. He also practiced and taught fasting as a spiritual discipline (Matthew 6:16-18).
4. Trust in God’s Provision – In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches that we should not worry about our daily needs, for God will provide if we seek His Kingdom first.
5. Confessing Christ – Jesus calls us to boldly confess our faith in Him (Matthew 10:32-33), encouraging believers to share their testimony starting with those closest to them (Mark 5:19).

Jesus’ Teaching on False Teachers and Hypocrites

Jesus spoke with urgency and clarity about the dangers of hypocrisy and false teaching, calling His followers to seek genuine faith and stay vigilant against deception.

He exposed the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing “woes” upon their actions and labeling them “blind guides” for leading others astray (Matthew 23). Jesus warned against the subtle influence of their false teachings, urging believers to remain grounded in truth (Matthew 16:6).

Furthermore, He likened false prophets to wolves in sheep’s clothing, emphasizing that their true nature is revealed by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). These teachings challenge us to live authentically and discern wisely, anchoring our faith in God’s Word.

Main Message: Jesus firmly condemned hypocrisy and false teaching, urging believers to seek genuine faith and beware of deception.

1. Warnings Against Hypocrisy – In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounced “woes” upon the scribes and Pharisees, calling them “blind guides” and “fools” for their hypocrisy. He warns His followers to avoid becoming like them and to beware of their false teachings (Matthew 16:6).
2. Recognizing False Prophets – In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus likens false prophets to wolves in sheep’s clothing, stressing the importance of discerning true believers by their fruits.

Jesus’ Teaching on Stewardship

Jesus’ teachings on stewardship remind us that everything we have—our time, money, and talents—is a gift from God, and we are called to manage it wisely for His glory. He warns against the dangers of greed and the temptation to store up earthly wealth, urging us to focus on treasures in heaven (Luke 12:16-34). Jesus also highlights the value of sacrificial giving, as seen in His praise of the poor widow who gave everything she had (Mark 12:41-44).

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus calls us to be faithful stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us, using our abilities to expand His kingdom. Through His teachings, we are reminded that good stewardship reflects our love for God and our commitment to His purposes.

Main Message: Jesus taught that we are to wisely steward all that we have—our time, money, and talents—for God’s glory.

1. Right Use of Wealth – Jesus warned against greed and emphasized storing up treasure in heaven (Luke 12:16-34). He praised the poor widow who gave sacrificially, saying her small offering held great value (Mark 12:41-44).
2. Faithful Use of Talents – In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus taught that we should use our God-given abilities to expand His kingdom.

Jesus’ Teaching on Heaven and Hell

Jesus spoke frequently about the reality of heaven and hell, emphasizing the eternal significance of the choices we make in this life. He warned about hell as a place of eternal suffering, urging repentance and a turning away from sin (Mark 9:42-48). At the same time, He offered the promise of heaven, reassuring His followers that He is preparing a place for them, filled with peace and eternal joy (John 14:1-3).

Through His teachings, Jesus makes it clear that our response to Him determines our eternal destiny. He calls us to choose the path of life, inviting us to embrace His salvation and the hope of heaven.

Main Message: Jesus frequently taught about the reality of heaven and hell, urging people to choose the path of eternal life.

1. Reality of Hell – Jesus described hell as a place of eternal suffering (Mark 9:42-48), emphasizing its seriousness and the need for repentance.
2. Promise of Heaven – In John 14:1-3, Jesus reassures His disciples that He is preparing a place in heaven for them, offering hope and peace to all believers.

Jesus’ Teaching on Bearing Fruit

Jesus calls His followers to bear fruit as a visible sign of a transformed life, reflecting His presence within us. In John 15, He teaches that He is the vine and we are the branches, urging us to bear “fruit,” “more fruit,” and “much fruit” by remaining connected to Him. This fruitful life is the result of abiding in His love and truth.

Jesus also emphasizes the importance of spiritual fruit in passages like Luke 6:43-46 and Matthew 13, encouraging us to cultivate good works and grow in godly character as we follow Him. Bearing fruit is not just about actions but about reflecting the transformation of our hearts, showing the world the evidence of a life lived for Him.

Main Message: Jesus calls His followers to bear fruit as evidence of a transformed life.

1. The Vine and Branches – In John 15, Jesus teaches that He is the vine and we are the branches, called to bear “fruit,” “more fruit,” and “much fruit” through abiding in Him.
2. Fruit of the Spirit – In Luke 6:43-46 and Matthew 13, Jesus underscores the importance of spiritual fruitfulness, encouraging us to grow in character and good works as we follow Him.

Jesus’ Teaching on Prophecy

In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), Jesus shares profound teachings about the end times, outlining key events such as His second coming and the final judgment. He warns of difficult times ahead, urging His followers to remain faithful and vigilant, prepared for His return. Jesus also speaks of the judgment of nations, describing the future separation of the righteous from the wicked, highlighting the importance of living in readiness and aligning our lives with God’s will. His teachings remind us to stay watchful, faithful, and ready for the fulfillment of His promises.

Main Message: In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), Jesus outlines key events of the end times, including His second coming and the final judgment.

• Signs of the End Times – Jesus warned of difficult times, encouraging believers to remain faithful and watchful.
• Judgment of Nations – Jesus described the future separation of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the need for readiness.

As we close this stage, remember, this journey is all about encountering Jesus and allowing His love to transform you. You are chosen, you are loved, and you are called to a life of purpose and dedication. Keep pressing forward, with passion and love in your heart—trust the Holy Spirit to lead you every step of the way.
The best is yet to come! Stay passionate, stay dedicated, and let your life shine with His love.

Ps. Rai
In His abundant Grace

Stage 2: Equip – Deepening Your Faith and Preparing for Ministry

After encountering Jesus, the next step is to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with Him. We don’t just want you to know about Christ—we want you to walk in His truth daily.

At this stage, you will:
✅ Build a strong foundation in God’s Word
✅ Develop spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and studying Scripture
✅ Discover your God-given gifts and calling

At CNLJC, we believe that every disciple is called to grow. This is where we learn to stand firm in faith, overcome life’s challenges, and become equipped for the work of the Kingdom.

Objective: To strengthen spiritual foundations, cultivate spiritual disciplines, and prepare believers for effective ministry service.

Firm Foundations – Building on the Rock

A strong faith starts with a firm foundation in biblical truth. This module equips believers with essential doctrines to establish a Christ-centered life.

Key Topics:

• The Nature of God: Understanding the Trinity
• The Authority of Scripture: Why the Bible is Our Guide
• The Plan of Salvation: Grace, Faith, and Works

Key Verse: Matthew 7:24-25

Rooted in Christ – Growing in Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual growth requires intentionality. This module teaches the importance of prayer, fasting, and studying the Word.

Key Topics:

• Developing a Daily Devotional Life
• Prayer and Fasting: Strengthening Your Spiritual Walk
• Worship as a Lifestyle

New Creation – Living in Your Identity in Christ

Understanding who we are in Christ transforms the way we live. This module helps believers embrace their new identity and overcome past struggles.

Key Topics:

• Who You Are in Christ: Living as a New Creation
• Breaking Free from Sin and Strongholds
• Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Discovering Your Gifts – Called to Serve

God has given each believer unique gifts for His purpose. This module helps believers identify and use their spiritual gifts effectively.

Key Topics:

• Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts
• Using Your Gifts in the Church and Community
• Growing in Your Calling

Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Bold Witness – Sharing and Defending Your Faith

Every believer is called to share the Gospel. This module equips disciples with practical ways to evangelize and defend their faith.

Key Topics:

• The Great Commission: Why Evangelism Matters
• Defending Your Faith: Answering Common Objections
• Sharing Your Personal Testimony

Key Verse: 1 Peter 3:15

Empowered by the Spirit – Walking in God’s Power

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live victoriously. This module teaches how to live a Spirit-led life.

Key Topics:

• The Role of the Holy Spirit in a Believer’s Life
• Overcoming Sin and Temptation Through the Spirit
• Hearing and Following God’s Voice

Key Verse: Galatians 5:16

Stewardship and Generosity – Managing God’s Blessings

Everything we have belongs to God. This module teaches how to be faithful stewards of time, talents, and finances.

Key Topics:

• Biblical Stewardship: Managing What God Has Entrusted to You
• The Heart of Generosity
• Faithful Stewardship in Finances

Key Verse: Matthew 6:21

Growing in Christ, Ready to Serve

As you complete Stage 2: EQUIP, you have built a strong spiritual foundation, developed key spiritual disciplines, and discovered your identity in Christ. You have learned that faith is not passive—it requires intentional growth and application. You have also explored your spiritual gifts and the call to serve.

Now, you are equipped to actively live out your faith by serving in the church, sharing the Gospel, and strengthening your walk with Christ. Your next step is to move from preparation to participation—engaging in ministry, community outreach, and the mission of making disciples.

👉 Next Step: Advance to Stage 3: ENGAGE, where you will step into active ministry and impact lives for Christ.

STAGE 3: ENGAGE – Active Participation in God’s Mission

Faith is not just something we keep to ourselves—it’s something we share and live out. In this stage, we move from being learners to active participants in God’s work.

At this stage, you will:
✅ Step into ministry and service within the church
✅ Share the Gospel boldly and make disciples
✅ Be part of life groups that strengthen and encourage your faith

This is where we walk like Jesus walked—serving, loving, and reaching out to those who need Him. At CNLJC, we believe in discipleship that extends beyond the walls of the church and into our homes, communities, and workplaces.

Objective: To equip believers for active ministry involvement, outreach, and missions.

Light of the World – Impacting Your Community

As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light. This module equips believers to make a difference in their communities.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing Needs in the Community
• Serving with Compassion and Action
• Making an Impact Through Acts of Love

Key Verse: Matthew 5:14-16

Go Into All the World – The Call to Missions

Missions is not just for a select few—it’s for all believers. This module explores the importance of global and local missions.

Key Topics:

• The Biblical Call to Missions
• Understanding Cultural Sensitivity in Evangelism
• How to Support and Engage in Missions

Key Verse: Matthew 28:19-20

Serving in the Church – Finding Your Ministry Role

Every believer has a role in the Body of Christ. This module helps believers find where they fit in ministry.

Key Topics:

• Discovering Your Ministry Role
• Excellence in Serving God
• Overcoming Challenges in Ministry

Key Verse: Colossians 3:23

Faith at Work – Living for Christ in the Marketplace

Faith is not just for Sundays—it should impact every area of life, including work.

Key Topics:

• Representing Christ in the Workplace
• Ethics and Integrity in Business
• Using Your Career for Kingdom Purposes

Key Verse: Colossians 3:17

Making Disciples – Raising Up the Next Generation

Discipleship is not just about personal growth; it’s about helping others grow in Christ too.

Key Topics:

• The Great Commission and Discipleship
• How to Lead a Life Group
• Mentoring and Multiplying Disciples

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:2

Battle Ready – Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Believers face spiritual battles daily. This module prepares them to stand firm in faith.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing the Enemy’s Tactics
• The Armor of God
• Victory Through Prayer and the Word

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:10-18

Living by Faith – Trusting God for Greater Things

Faith moves mountains. This module challenges believers to live with bold trust in God.

Key Topics:

• Trusting God in Uncertain Times
• Living with a Kingdom Perspective
• Stepping Out in Faith for Greater Works

Key Verse: Hebrews 11:6

Called to Make an Impact

As you complete Stage 3: ENGAGE, you have learned that faith must be lived out beyond personal devotion. You have been equipped to serve, disciple others, and share the Gospel in your workplace, community, and the world. You now understand that ministry is not just for pastors and church leaders—it is for every believer called by God.

Now, it is time to fully embrace your role in God’s Kingdom. Whether in your church, family, or workplace, you are a representative of Christ, and your faith should be evident in everything you do.

👉 Next Step: Advance to Stage 4: EMPOWER, where you will grow as a leader and mentor others to continue God’s work.

STAGE 4: EMPOWER – Leading and Multiplying Disciples

The final stage of this journey is all about multiplication. Jesus didn’t just make disciples—He raised leaders who would disciple others. At this stage, you will be empowered to lead, mentor, and build up the next generation of believers.

At this stage, you will:
✅ Develop Christlike leadership and spiritual maturity
✅ Train and mentor new believers
✅ Help expand God’s Kingdom through church planting and discipleship

CNLJC is committed to raising leaders who raise leaders. The journey doesn’t end here—it continues as you invest in others, lead life groups, and disciple the next generation.

Objective: To develop Christ-centered leaders who will equip others, plant churches, and expand God’s Kingdom through discipleship and servant leadership.

Called to Lead – Becoming a Christ-Centered Leader

Leadership in the Kingdom of God is about servanthood, integrity, and Christlikeness. This module equips believers to lead with wisdom, humility, and spiritual authority.

Key Topics:

• The Heart of a Christian Leader: Servanthood and Integrity
• Leading by Example: Character Over Charisma
• Developing Vision and Purpose in Leadership

Key Verse: Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Church Planting – Building and Strengthening New Churches

Expanding God’s Kingdom requires establishing strong, healthy churches. This module provides practical steps in starting and sustaining a church community.

Key Topics:

• Biblical Basis for Church Planting
• Building a Core Team and Vision for the Church
• Overcoming Challenges in Church Growth

Key Verse: Matthew 16:18 – “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Next-Gen Discipleship – Raising Up Young Leaders

Investing in the next generation is crucial for the future of the church. This module equips leaders to mentor and disciple young believers effectively.

Key Topics:

• The Role of Mentorship in Discipleship
• Engaging and Empowering Youth for Ministry
• Discipling the Next Generation to Become Leaders

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Strengthening the Family – A Christ-Centered Home

A strong church is built on strong families. This module focuses on discipleship within the home and equipping families to live according to biblical principles.

Key Topics:

• Biblical Blueprint for Marriage and Parenting
• Restoring Broken Relationships Through Christ
• Family as the First Place of Discipleship

Key Verse: Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Endurance in Ministry – Overcoming Challenges and Burnout

Ministry comes with trials and spiritual battles. This module teaches leaders how to stay strong, avoid burnout, and persevere through difficulties.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing and Preventing Ministry Burnout
• The Role of Prayer and Rest in Sustaining Ministry
• Encouragement in Trials: Trusting God’s Faithfulness

Key Verse: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Radical Faith – Living for God’s Greater Purpose

God calls His people to live with boldness and radical faith. This module challenges leaders to step out in faith and trust God’s plans for their lives.

Key Topics:

• Trusting God in Uncertain Seasons
• Living with a Kingdom Mindset
• Faith That Moves Mountains

Key Verse: Hebrews 11:6 – “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.”

Leaving a Legacy – Multiplying Disciples and Leaders

A true leader doesn’t just lead—they empower others to lead. This final module focuses on mentorship, multiplication, and finishing strong in the faith.

Key Topics:

• The Power of Spiritual Multiplication
• Training and Releasing New Leaders
• Finishing Strong and Leaving a Godly Legacy

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

A Leader Who Multiplies

Completing Stage 4: EMPOWER marks the beginning of a new chapter. You are no longer just a disciple—you are now a disciple-maker and a leader who empowers others. You have been equipped to lead with Christlike humility, mentor new believers, and multiply disciples and ministries.

True leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about position or power; it is about servanthood, perseverance, and faithfulness. Your mission is to invest in others, train leaders, and expand God’s work through discipleship, church planting, and mentorship.

Your journey does not end here. The cycle of discipleship continues as you raise up the next generation of leaders who will carry on the mission of knowing Christ and making Him known.

👉 Final Challenge: Who are you discipling? Who will you equip to lead? Continue to invest in others and pass on what you have learned!

Your Next Step

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of knowing Christ and making Him known. As you move through each stage, you are not just growing for yourself—you are growing so that you can help others experience the same transformation.

At CNLJC, we believe that we grow best when we grow together. You are not walking this path alone. We are here to support, pray, and walk with you every step of the way.

Are you ready to take the next step in your discipleship journey?
Let’s grow, serve, and lead together as we fulfill God’s mission in our lives!