BIBLE TEACHING RESOURCES
The message of God comes into focus when we see it through the Cross. We have published teaching manuals that are cross-centered and strongly testify that Jesus is the Son of God. They have sold well through this website, but we now wish to make them available for free!
The books are being rebuilt into savable, printable, internet formats so that believers anywhere can obtain them. In the past written gospel materials incurred heavy shipping costs. The need was always greater than the supply and authors could not give too many away. But by God's grace, the Kingdom of God went forward anyway.
The Internet has changed all that, and we are now on the doorstep of an enormous opportunity that could supply high quality Bible teaching resources without cost. All that is required is for Bible teachers to re-imagine their ministries in order to take advantage of the new 'Gutenberg.' Can we do it?
5 Loaves & 2 Fishes is willing to meet that challenge! Our quality gloss-cover books have been reduced to ‘donation only’ until stocks run out. Then PDF versions will take their place, and they are completely free. Answer sets, diagrams, and charts are also free. Please follow the links below to obtain the resources you require.
'Rainbow' is a low cost, highly adaptable direct witnessing tool, visual aid and scripture reference system for personal evangelists.
Use it as a give away or as a presentation visual.
'River' is a discipleship manual which reinforces the faith of new and older Christians alike. Use it for individual study, home groups, or as an evangelistic and follow-up tool.
'Printable Bible Studies.' Free, printable Bible studies developed for small groups and house churches. These studies are in pdf format and may be printed at no charge provided copyright is acknowledged.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
(1 Corinthians 1:18)
Lake Rotoiti as viewed through the cross in St. Arnauds chapel.
(Nelson Lakes National Park - New Zealand)
RAINBOW DISCOVERY
Rainbow Discovery is a direct witnessing tool for churches and evangelists. Although witnessing tools exist, it is our conviction that a new imaginative approach is needed. Instant decision techniques are no longer effective because we live in a post-Christian era where most people do not have the Biblical background to receive the gospel in a 30 minute presentation. At the other end of the spectrum are the 20 week course methods which, although useful, demand a heavy commitment on both counselor and counselee.
Rainbow is a sharp 5 lesson course that steps the seeker through the gospel revelation with power and precision. Anyone can lead their friends to Christ without getting tongue-tied yet still having the flexibility to add their own personality into it. Alternatively, it can be developed into full studies for existing believers.
Key features include:
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Dynamically linked Bible readings.
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Studies and scripture under one cover
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Picture and graphic aids
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Key concept boxes
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3 in 1 application
We plan to rebuild Rainbow into PDF format for internet download. Until then please get the book using the button below, adding an address for sending. A donation sufficient to cover postage would be appreciated.
'How to use Rainbow' is available for download now. Click the PDF button. Print back to back on A4 size paper, fold and staple. Included is an invitation page which should be printed separately. Cut into leaflets and use as a 'give away.'
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you."
(Isaiah 60:1-2)
Rainbow over the black sands of Mowhanau.
(Kai-Iwi Beach - New Zealand)
RIVER BIBLE COURSE
River Discipleship is a workbook manual developed for new Christians and others seriously thinking about spiritual things. Beginning with 'How to become a Christian,' it answers the questions new Christians most often ask: -
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Can we know that we are saved?
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What is God like?
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Why we act the way we do.
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Can I really be set free?
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Is Jesus God?
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Where do we go when we die?
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And much more.
The book consists of 'stand-alone' studies linked into a series with each lesson building on the study before. Important subjects are tackled, yet without losing simplicity, and several question and answer systems are employed to provide variety and interest to the end.
Over 300 Bible references are used and logically threaded throughout, making River a 100% scripture-based foundation course.
River Discipleship is ideal for individual study, home groups or as a follow-up course.
How to use RIVER
'River Bible Course' can be used in several ways:
In a Group Setting as a new convert class or as a 'back to basics' series for older Christians. A mixed group of old and new Christians can also work well. Each student is given a manual and they come together to go through one lesson per week. The group leader can stimulate participation in several ways. He may encourage each student to do the questions for this week at home, as well as read the next week's study. That way the class can be used to answer questions and share impressions in a individual plus group combination. Alternatively the group could divide into smaller 'buzz' groups on the same night for discussions and a spokesperson report back what they have gleaned to the overall group afterward.
For Sermon Notes. Some Pastors provide their congregation with a book and teach it as a part of the normal Sunday Service. There are 14 studies and additional supplements. Some divide naturally into several parts which can be dealt with over several more weeks if necessary. Just add some personal illustrations and 'River' makes a fine topical sermon series. Diagrams may be copied on to overheads provided that copyright is acknowledged.
As a 'One on one' Follow-up System. With brand-new Christians this will create converts made of steel. The Church would train and appoint counselors to come alongside and mentor each convert individually. The councilor then provides the student with a manual and visits weekly to go through the course at whatever pace is best for the individual need. It can be done in the students home or that of his mentor.
By Correspondence. Correspondence is the simplest option, and may also be preferable where a student cannot easily attend as described in the previous methods. The new convert is simply given a manual and instructed to do one lesson at the time posting it in for marking each time with any questions that he/she may have. His teacher sends it back with encouragement and comments.
Jesus answered her, “If you knew ... who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
(John 4:10)
Tarawera Falls
(Bay of Plenty - New Zealand)
River's topics have been turned into PDF format and may be obtained further down on this page. However, the original book is still available using the donation button. Just provide a postal address, and a donation.
Leaders marking guide to 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes Bible Studies is available for download here. Click the PDF button below. Print back to back on A4 size paper and staple.
PRINTABLE BIBLE STUDIES
5 Loaves & 2 Fishes studies have been developed from the former 'River Discipleship' course into loose-leaf studies for users wishing to print them straight from the Internet. Links are listed below.
These are designed to fit standard size paper, back to back, with each study containing one key doctrine per lesson. They are linked in series with Bible references, illustrations, and questions and answers, tailored to provide leaders with a strong, well thought out teaching program.
Supplementary studies are also being added, and it is my hope, Lord willing, that they will grow into a free Internet library. I would like to offer each of them with my personal conviction and genuine desire that the body of Christ be built up in the power of God's Word.
Christian Gedge
I'VE BECOME A CHRISTIAN
-THIS IS HOW
SOMETHING'S DEFINITELY
HAPPENED TO ME!
IF YOU WANT TO GROW
- DO THESE THINGS
AWESOME CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
THE BIBLE - GOD'S LIVING WORD
WHO IS THIS GOD WE SERVE?
PRAYER THAT WORKS
WHY YOU ARE SPECIAL TO GOD
TWISTED PEOPLE
SET FREE!
HOW FREE IS FREE?
JESUS CHRIST - GOD WITH US
WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHURCH?
THE PURPOSE OF THE CROSS
GO; PREACH THE GOOD NEWS!
NEW COVENANT - NEW HOPE
ARE WE UNDER THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?
WHAT IS THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN?
HAVE YOU RECEIVED
THE PROMISE?
HOW THE WORLD BEGAN
WHERE DO WE GO
WHEN WE DIE?
THINGS TO COME
WHEN ARE THE END TIMES?
WILL THE WORLD
COME TO AN END?
Leaders marking guide to 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes Bible Studies is available for download here. Print back to back on A4 size paper and staple.
Conversion
Assurance
Spiritual Growth
Sacraments
Scripture
God
Prayer
Humanity
Sin
Salvation
Overcoming Sin
Lord Jesus Christ
The Church
Atonement
Great Commission
The New Testament
Keeping God's Law
Unforgivable Sin
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Creation
Resurrection of Dead
Prophetic Overview
Last Day Signs
Day of the Lord