Lesson. 1. The Bible

The sailors were frightened. There had been a terrible storm and some of their friends had drowned. They were lost and many unanswered questions trouble them. Where were they going? How long would this trip last? Would they ever find their way home?

It was 1492 and the captain of these men, Christopher Columbus, could not answer their questions. He had taken them on an uncharted course across the Atlantic Ocean. Looking for India instead, he found an island in the Americas. There he and his sailors found fresh water and their lives were saved.

 A similar story would not likely be repeated today. With accurate charts and maps to direct their course, ship captains need loose their way.

Though still on land, many people feel as if they are lost on a storm-tossed ocean. They are asking themselves questions. Where am I going? Am I lost? Will I ever find the right way? God has heard our questions and he has already given us a book to guide our lives.

Before searching for the answers, let’s look together at the great book. We will see how it was written and how it was given to us.

THE ORIGIN AND STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE

Objective 1. Describe the origin and basic structure of the bible.

The Holy Bible, made up of 66 books, is like a small library that god has given us. The first part of the bible – The Old Testament – contains 27 books.

Over a period of 1600 years approximately 40 men were involved in writing these books. The bible tells us that these men were holy men of God. They were kings and peasants, poets and merchants, military and religious leaders. They were different backgrounds, different cities, and of different interests.

The book of the bible cover many different subjects like history, prophecy, and poetry. It has songs and wise sayings called proverbs. It contains stories to interest the young and the old. Yet it all fits together because it has one central theme the relationship between god and man.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE.

Objective 2. Recognize aspects of divine inspiration.

Perhaps in the first part of this lesson. It says that god gave us the bible, but it also says that men wrote it how can this be?

The forty men who wrote the Bible were divinely inspired. This means that the Holy Spirit put in the authors’ minds the thoughts that God wanted them to write. Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is inspired by God.” This verse also tells why the bible was given for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and giving instruction.

God has given us instructions for right living because he desires our highest good. He knows that when we do not live according to his principles we hurt ourselves. Our minds, our bodies, and especially our spirit suffer. The best way to avoid hurting ourselves is to follow his word closely. Through it we get to know him personally, we understand that his ways are best for us. Like a chart or a guide book, his word was written for us to turn to for help and strength. How wonderful that we can have his personal instructions to s always at our side!

Lesson 2. God

I was a little child when my mother taught me how to enjoy storms. She would put her arms around me as we stood at the window of our house.

The wind would ship through the banana threes in out front yard. It was magnificent to see the tossing leaves, wet with rain, shining when the lightning flashed. The thunder sounded like drums telling the story of how the grass and flowers loved the refreshing rain.

People can enjoy or fear a storm, depending on what they have been taught about it. It is also important to know what kind of a storm it is – beneficial of destructive.

How can you understand a storm? What is the shape of the wind and rain and lightning? Can you put storm in a bottle? Of course not. A storm is understood when we study its parts; for example, the cold air meeting the hot. We can study its effects what it does to the land or the sea.

In a way, god can be compared to a storm. Some people fear him and others love him depending on what they have been told what they do about it.

You cannot see God, but you can study what he does. In lesson we learned that it is the bible that tell us all about god about his qualities and how he deals with mankind. In the lesson we will look into the bible and explore a few of the many things it has to say about god.

HIS RELATIONSHIP TO US.

Objective 1. Name at least five attributes of god.

The bible says in John 4:24 that God is a spirit. The dictionary says that a spirit is the vital principle that gives life. Since god is the Creator, this means that he is the supernatural force that gives life to all of his creation. Because he is a spirit he cannot be seen unless he chooses to show himself in some visible form.

He did show himself through his son. John 1:14 says, “The word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only son.”

God has revealed himself as father, son, and Holy Spirit, three persons, which are called the Godhead or trinity. The three are referred to in many places, one of which is Matthew 28:19: “Go, then, to all peoples every where and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

One good way to learn more about god is by studying his attributes or qualities. God is good, holy, just, all-powerful, all –knowing, and eternal. Let’s look at a series of verses that mention these qualities and others as well.

Exodus 34:6 Starts, “I, the Lord, am a god who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness.”

Leviticus 11:44 says: “I am the Lord your god, and you must keep yourselves holy, because I am holy.”

The fact that is all-powerful can be seen in Daniel  4:35 . It says, “No one can oppose his will or questions what he does.”

God knows everything.

There is nothing that can be hid from god; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give and account of ourselves (Hebrews 4:13).

Revelation 10:6 tells us that God is eternal. An angel “ “took a vow in the name of God, who lives forever and ever, who created heaven, earth, and the sea, and everything in them.”

The few verses that we have read, verses that give a little description of God, help us to realize how great he is. He is powerful and he is strong – but he is also merciful and kind. And he wants to have a close relationship with us, his creation.

OUR RELATIONSHIP TO HIM.

Objective 2. Recognize that your first responsibility is toward God.

In Matthew 22:37 Jesus said, “lord the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

There are various ways of showing god that we love him. Our worship and praise can put our love in to words said directly to him. But we should also show our love.

Now… listen to what the Lord your god demands of you; have reverence for the Lord and do all that he commands. Love him, serve him with all your heart, and obey all his laws. (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

But whoever obeys his word in the one whose love for God has really been made perfect” (1 John 2:5). If instructions he gives us in his word.

Another way to show our love to God is by giving and sharing with others. 1 John 3:17-18 says;

If a rich person sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against his brother, how can he claim that he loves God? My children, our love should no be just words and talk it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

The love that is obedient and sharing will be a satisfying and rewarding love. Jesus says in Luke 10:28 that if we love god above all else we “will live.” Some people think that “real living’ is wealth, power, and position. But these things in themselves will never satisfy because we were made in God’s likeness and for his glory. Our spirits must be satisfied with the spiritual.

Real living loves God. Jesus said, “Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you, with all these other things” (Matthew 6:33)

Don’t limit yourself to the less important things. Love god with all your heart.

Lesson. 3 - MAN

There is a children’s story about a famous wood carver who one day carved the figure or a little boy. It was a beautiful carving and the man called it Pinocchio. He was proud of his work but there was no way their carving could love him in return.

What would have happened if the carver had put a little talking-machine inside the wooden boy? Maybe he could have made the little figure move and say, “I love you.” Would that have satisfied the carver? Would he have been thrilled and said, “Now I know my carving loves me?” no, because that would not be an expression of love, it would be only a mechanical phrase with no real feeling.

The story says that somehow the wooden boy came alive. He had a mind of his own and when he would say, “I love you.” It did thrill the carver, why? Because the wooden boy wasn’t forced to say it he said it with love.

We know the story is just a fable, but it gives us a little picture of how god felt when he made man. He made him beautifully and, most important, with the power to make his own choices.

God made man, but not carved from a block of wood. How did he make him? What qualities did he put in man?  In the last lesson we studied some of the qualities of God and our attitude toward him. Now let’s look at how god made man and the responsibility He gave him.

MAN’S CONDITION AT CREATION

Objective 1. State how man was made and identify a reason for his being created.

God created a beautiful world with trees, flowers, and animals. The bible says that God was pleased with what he say, but it wasn’t complete. There were no people to enjoy and share that beauty.

Genesis 1:26-27 tells us:

Then God said, “And now we will make human beings they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all the animals domestic and wild, large and small. So God created human beings, making them like himself.

Man was different from the animals already created because he was made in God’s likeness. He was glorious creation; perfect in body, soul, and spirit further details of the story are given in Genesis 2 where it tells how god formed man out of the soil of the ground. Then he breathed life-giving breath into man’s nostrils and man began to live.

With life came responsibility. Man could make his own decisions. He could glorify god in his everyday living. Isaiah 43:7 give us God’s words, “They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory.”

The bible says that in the cool of the evening god would walk and talk with man in the beautiful garden where they lived. God loved those first people, Adam and Eve, and wanted their perfect fellowship to continue forever. But he knew it could not be perfect if it were forced, if Adam and eve had no choice but to fellowship with him.

Because God has the freedom to choose and he made man like himself, he gave man the freedom to decide whether that fellowship should continue as it has unbroken and beautiful. Perhaps Adam and eave wanted to keep it that way, but they wanted some other thing too. One day they would come to a place of having to decide what they wanted most of all.

MAN’S CONDITION NOW.

Objective 2. Recognize the condition of man as a result of man’s fall.

What a joy the heart of God must have felt having communion with his creation. Then Adam and Eve chose to break that precious fellowship with god.

That is how man fell from his perfect state. He made the wrong choice and became sinful. Romans 5:19 says, “All people were made sinners as the result of the result or the disobedience of one man.”

The justice of God could not ignore sin. God cannot lie and go against his word. He had said that disobedience would cause man to become mortal. Adam and Eve had to leave that paradise garden of Eden and be separated from the presence of God.

Man’s condition today is still sinful. Romans 3:23 says, “Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence.” Man has never lost the ability to choose. Wrong choice still keep people away from god.

Lesson 4. Sin

Let us imagine a friend has given you palace full of beautiful things. It is yours to enjoy. The only request he make is, “Please don’t jump from the tower because you will die.

Then an enemy comes to your palace. He says, “Who told you not to jump? Go ahead. You’ will be able to see your place from a different view.

Don’t worry about what happens when you hit bottom; just think about all the new things you’ will learn on the way down”

Would you run to the top of your tower and jump? Of course not. It would be stupid to trust you enemy and do as he says.

Adam and eve had a similar experience. God put them in a beautiful garden and made them masters over everything. He gave them permission to eat of every tree but one. Along came the enemy, Satan, who told them to eat the fruit of the tree anyway – that it wouldn’t hurt them. They trusted his word instead of god’s. How foolish!

As we studied in the previous lesson, man was made perfect but through disobedience sin entered his life. How would we define sin? Did Adam bring it into the escape? The bible verses in this lesson will give us the answers.

THE DIFFINITION OF SIN.

Objective 1. Recognize descriptions of sin.

Sin is disobeying God’s laws. It is saying to God. I am more important than you. I don’t take your word as my final authority.” Sin is rebellion.

“No one has a right to limit me, you might say,’ “I” will do what I please” The limits God has set for us were made for one reason our highest good. For instance, god knows that bitterness and hate can cause severe headaches; a desire for revenge can cause ulcers. These attitudes hurt other people too. God showed his love for us by setting certain limits, or laws, as protection. For us to go outside these limits is to sin. First John 3:4 say, “Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law.”

“Is it all right then to do anything that doesn’t hurt me or others?” No, everything is lawful ONLY if it is inside the limits that God has set. We might think that something doesn’t hurt others or us and be mistaken in our belief. For example, there were parents who thought they shouldn’t obey God’s law of correcting their children because that would frustrate or confuse them. Now a recent magazine article informs us, “It’s time to discipline our children.” Man’s opinions change.

For a while he thinks one thing won’t hurt us and late he says it will. The only safe conduct for us is obedience to the laws that God has set, whether we understand the reason for them or not.

THE ORIGIN OF SIN.

Objective 2. Identify statements showing how sin entered the world.

 Satan tempted man to sin, and man yielded to that temptation. First John 3:8 says, “Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning.” It was Satan that brought sin into the world, but this does not free man from blames. Man is responsible too.

Adam did not have to yield to temptation form Satan. We know that temptations do not come from God. James 1:13-14 tells us:

If a person is tempted by such trials, he must not say, “This temptation comes from god.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.

It is not sin to be tempted. Even Jesus was tempted by the devil. But it is sin to yield. How different the world die. He didn’t die immediately as we know death, but he immediately became mortal. Death began to work in his body, soul, and spirit.

Sin came into the world through one man, and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned (Romans 5:12).

Yes, all people are sinners. Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence” (Romans 3:23).

The penalty for sin today is the same penalty that was given to Adam and Eve – death. Romans 5:12 expresses its wage – death.” No, the sinner doesn’t physically die the moment he commits sin! Sometimes it even looks

As though he prospers. But death is working there nevertheless, and eventually he will not only die physically but spiritually also. Spiritual death means eternal separation.

THE SOLUTION FOR SIN.

Objective 3. Explain how a sinner can escape penalty of sin.

Do you remember the story that I told you at the beginning of this lesson? The person who jumps from the palaces tower will surely die. But that if a friend was near and stretched out a strong net just below the window? If the one who jumped caught the net, his life could be saved.

God has given us a way to escape the punishment of sin, which is spiritual death and everlasting separation from him. the way is through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. In a future lesson we will learn the verses that tell us how to reach out and be saved.  For now, it would be good to memorize two verses that show us how to escape the punishment of sin.

God has shown us how much he loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8)

If we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right; he will forgive us our sins and purify from all our wrongdoing (1 John)

Lesson. 5 - Jesus Christ.

“Yes, of course I believe in Jesus Christ,” said my new friend.” He was a great prophet, a man sent from God who gave us many teachings that we should follow.”

“That’s wonderful,” I replied, “but it’s not enough. You must not only believe that he was a great prophet, but that he is god. You must know him as divine, as a savior.

This was difficult for my friend to accept he had learned something about Jesus but had never established communion with him trough reading his word or through prayer. It was hard for him to believe that all men are sinners (as we studies in Lesson 4), or that there is an escape from sin.

He asked me many questions that day. Who is Jesus? How can he be human and divine at the same time? if he died, why do Christians say he is living? What is he doing not?

The best answers that I could find were in the bible, the word of God. In this lesson we will look at those same questions and find the answers that my friend wanted to know.

HIS PERSON

Objective 1. Recognize biblical descriptions of Jesus

Jesus Christ is the visible manifestation of God to man. He chose to become like men so that we would be able to understand him better and learn his plan of salvation for us. This choosing to become like a man meant that Jesus would have two natures in one person, both human and divine. Romans 1:3-4 says:

It is about his son, our Lord Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendent of David; as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the son of God by being raised from death.

To have a human nature, Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary.

The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. You wll become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the kingdom of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end! (Luke 1:30-33) 

The word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son (John 1:14)

Who is the Father mentioned in John 1:14? God is the Father of Jesus. Second Peter 1:17 tells us.

He was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the supreme Glory, saying, “This is my own dear son, with whom I am well pleased!

That name “Jesus Christ” also tells us of his divinity. When the angel said that the baby’s name would be Jesus, it was for a very special reason. Jesus means Savior. Matthew 1:21 says, “She will have a son and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”

The name Christ has a special meaning too. It means “the anointed one” or “the Messiah.” Many years ago when a man was chosen to be king, oil was poured over his head as part of the ceremony. This pouring on of oil was called “anointing.” To call the lord “Christ” or “the anointed one” meant that he was royalty. Messiah was the name the Jews gave to the king and deliverer for whom they waited. Simon Peter recognized him as king and said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

HIS PURPOSE

Objective 2. Identify statements showing why Jesus died on the cross and what he is doing today.

Jesus came into the world to wave man from sin. Luke 19:10 says, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” There was only one way he could save us by giving his life. “The Son of man. Did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people” (Mark 10:45)

Redeem means to set free, rescue, save or delivers. This is a wonderful promise to all mankind. But why did Jesus have to die to redeem us? If we remember the story of Adam and even, we will recall that God has told them that sin is followed by death. God cannot go against his own judgment against sin. If there is sin someone has to die. So Jesus Christ came to die in sinner’s place. No one else could do it because he was the only one who could conquer death.

Yet it was not easy – even for our Lord. he, who had been sitting on his throne with angels to carry out every command, who created heavens and earth and man, became a servant. He permitted his creation to hurt him, despise him, and crucify him on the cross of Calvary that they might be saved. In 1 Peter 1:18-19 we read:

You know what was paid to set you free…it was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw.

Are all men now saved since Jesus died for them? No, God never took away the privilege of Choice. Each man still has to make his own decision. He has to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. Jesus said to his followers.

Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all mankind. Whoever believes and is baptized wall be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16: 15-16)

For god loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not sent his son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. Whoever believes in the son is not judged. But whoever does not believer has already been judged because he has not believed in God’s only Son (John 3:16-18)

Jesus died for us. There would have been no hope of salvation for man, however, if he had remained the grave.

Many religions have built shrines at the tombs of their leaders. Inside are the revered bones of their dead but the tome of Jesus is empty because of the miracle hat took place three days after his crucifixion. Jesus rose from the dead and was seen many times after his resurrection.

That he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the scriptures; that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles Then he appeared to more than five hundred or his followers at once, most of whom are still alive although some have died. Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:4-7).

Jesus resurrection is one evidence that point to his being the Son of God. Romans 1:4 says, “He (Jesus Christ) was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised form death.”

After he showed himself to many people and spoke words of encouragement to them, he ascended into heaven,. This, also, was no secret because he ascended whiled his disciples were watching.

Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

What is Jesus doing now? When he ascended he took his rightful place at the right hand of his father. He talks to his father about our needs. Let’s look at three verses that tell what he is doing now.

“We have such a high priest, who sits at the right of the throne of the Divine Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 8:1)

“If anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the father on our behalf – Jesus Christ, the righteous one” (1 John 2:1).

“And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to pled with god for them”  (Hebrews 7:25)

How wonderful that the costly price has been paid for our redemption! After dying on the cross, rising from the grave, and ascending to be with his father, he does not forget us. He is interested in us every day and wants to help us whenever we will allow him to do so.

HIS RETURN

Objective 3: State at least five events that will take place at the time of the Rapture.

Jesus Christ will come back to earth again. We all his second coming. The bible tells us that before this takes place. His church (all who have ever believed on him) is caught up to meet him in the air. This is called the Rapture. Sometime after the Rapture he will come to earth again and establish his kingdom.

Believers look forward to the Rapture because it is them that we will be caught up to be with him and to receive our reward of eternal life. Acts 1:11 says, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 also states:

There will be the shout of command, the archangel’s voice, the sound of God’s trumpet, and the Lord himself will come down from heaven. Those who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first; then we who are living at that time will be gathered up along with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

We will learn more about the Rapture and other future events when we study Lesson 10.

Lesson. 6 - Salvation

I was sitting in her little house when 95-year-old Amelia told me how she came to accept Jesus as her savior.

Many years before she had stood at the doorway of a church in Latin America. She was afraid to enter, but listened intently as the preacher said, “Jesus is your savior. He will save you from your sins. When you are in need, call on Jesus.”

That day she walked back up the hill and when she entered her room she heard a rustle. Suddenly, before she could run, a large boa constrictor snake wrapped itself around her. She could see the large head in front of her face as it began to squeeze. She remembered that preacher’s words and in desperation she cried out, “Jesus, save me! Jesus, save me!” The snake loosened its coils, fell from her and slithered out of the room.

Needless to say, that day Amelia not only thanked the Lord Jesus for saving her physically, but asked him to save her spiritually as well.

The same lord Jesus that saved Amelia can save you. Lets study about this precious salvation and what you can do to obtain if.

DEFINITON OF SALVATION

Objective 1: Recognize the biblical definition of salvation.

One day a young man from a university said to me, “There are many roads to salvation and heaven. Sincerity is the key to reaching heaven. You may believe whatever you wish as long as you are sincere.”

Was he right? Is being sincere enough? Or can a person be sincerely mistaken?

The bible is very clear in saying that freedom from sin comes only through Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:5 says, “He (Jesus Christ) loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins.”

Acts 4:12 states; “Salvation is to be found through him (Christ) alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us.”

So, in defining salvation we can say that it is pardon from sin, but we must add. “through the death of Jesus Christ.”

Who needs this salvation? As we previously studied, everyone has sinned and been sentenced to eternal death or separation from God. Ezekiel 18:4 says, “The person who sins is the one who will die.” And in Romans 3:23 we read, “Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence.” All mankind is in need of forgiveness of sin and pardon through Jesus Christ.

INITIATION INTO SALVATION

Objective 2. Identify statements showing the bas is for salvation.

A few years after the resurrection of Jesus, the writer of Acts tells the story of a jailer who was very frightened because there had been an earthquake and he thought some of his prisoners were escaping. Two of them. Paul and Silas, were followers of Christ.

Paul and Silas quickly assured the jailer that no prisoners were getting away. Then the jailer, seeing that god had worked a miracle, asked how he could be saved. The answer the believers gave him was very simple. It is found in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” So the first step that must be taken to enter salvation is to believe in the Lord Jesus.

In what way must we believe? Again the Bible has the answer. It says that we must accept him as our lord and savior, and depend on him to take us to heaven.

These have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life. (John 20:31)

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we must also turn from sin. we must repent and ask God, for Jesus sake, to forgive us and make us clean. if we ask  him to do this, we must also trust that he does forgive and cleanse us. Remember 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right; he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.”

This acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior is done simply by talking to him as you would to a friend. If you have never taken this step, just tell god that you want to accept the forgiveness he offers. Perhaps you could say in your own words something like:

“Dear Father,

I recognize that I am a sinner.

I’m sorry for my sin and ask your forgiveness.

Cleanse me and keep me from all wrongdoing.

I accept the sacrifice of your son, Jesus who died for me.

I take him now as my Lord and savior.

Thank you. Amen.”

Once you have sincerely prayed this, you can trust that your sins are forgiven! You can praise and thank God that you belong to him, that you are his child.

RESULT OF SALVATION

Objective 3. Recognize five results of salvation.

What happens to you when you accept salvation? A definite spiritual change, a transformation, takes place. Sometimes this is called a change of heart.

Second Corinthians 7:10 says, “For the sadness that is used by god brings a change of heart that leads to salvation.” Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “When  anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is several ways. Sometimes a person’s attitude toward life changes from sad to happy, or perhaps he now loves someone he couldn’t love before.

There can also be physical transformations. Those  who have been bound b habits such as alcoholism can be set free. The lord is powerful to make any changes necessary in the person who now believes in him.

To accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior also means to be born into the family of God. this is what Jesus meant when he said in John 3:3  that we should be “born again.”

John 1:12-13 says:

Some, however, did receive him and believed in him: so he gave them the right to become God’s children. They did not become god’s children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; god himself was their father.

The bible also speaks of adoption, which brings out similar relationship. By adoption we are received into God’s family. God makes us his children, giving us all the rights of inheritance that belong to the sons of god, God’s spirits joins himself tour spirits to declare that we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people. And we will also possess with Christ what god has kept for him; for if we share in Christ’s suffering we will also share his glory (Romans 8:16-17).

Being in the family of God is special. This is why you will hear Christians call each other “brother” or “sister.” This is a way of saying, “we belong to the same family.”

Can we be sure of our salvation? One day a young woman asked for prayer. She told me that when she accepted Christ as her savior she had left so wonderful, so full of joy. Now the didn’t feel that way and wanted to know why she had “lost her salvation.” We know that we are not saved by feeling, but by taking god at his word.

If we have met the conditions that the Bible gives us for salvation, we must believe we are saved no matter what we feel. The Holy Spirit can speak this assurance to our hearts also. We can find reassurance from our brothers and sisters in Christ, too, like my friend did the day she came to me.

“We know that we have left death and come over into life: we know it because we love our brothers.” (1 John 3:14)

perhaps you have heard Christians use the words justification and sanctification. What do these means?

Justification means being free from sin, made righteous. It is a result of salvation. god forgives our sin, takes away all guilt, and says that we are now righteous – just as if we had never done anything wrong. Roman 5:1 tells us, “Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Being put right with God is justification.

Sanctification means being made holy, that is, clean from sin and dedicated to God.

May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being – spirit, soul, and body free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

God wants all Christians to be sanctified, made holy. “God wants you to be holy and completely free from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the lord without it” (Hebrews 12:!4)

There is another point that should be touched upon while talking of the results of Jesus death on the cross. This is divine healing. Divine healing was included in the benefits Jesus bought for us on Calvary.

People brought to Jesus may who had demons in them. Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. he did this to make come true what the prophet Isaiah had said, “he himself took our sickness and carried away our diseases” (Mathew 8:16-17)

“We are healed by the punishment he suffered made whole by the blows he received’ (Isaiah 53:5). Divine healing is the supernatural power of God bringing health to the human body. James 5:14-15 tells us how we can claim this healing.

Is there anyone who is sick? he should sent for the church elders, who will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. this prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore him to health, and the sins he has committed will be forgiven.

Lesson. 7  - THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The disciple knew that Jesus was going away he had told them so. At first it didn’t sound like good news and their hearts were trouble. They loved Jesus they had walked three years with Jesus. How could they live without him?

Jesus read their hearts and he assured them that it was best for them that he returns to his father in heaven. His father would send the Holy Spirit (part of the trinity we read about in Lesson 2 ) and they would never be left alone.

God’s spirit wouldn’t be felt in just one country or minister to just one race of people but over the whole earth. On the day of Pentecost Peter spoke to the crowd representing at least 15 different language groups. Acts 2:16-17 tells us what he said: “This is what the prophet Joel spoke about: this is I will do in the last days; God says: I will pour out my spirit on everyone.”

In lesson 6 we studies about salvations. Did you know that we are brought to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit? Let’s study about the Holy Spirit and his work in us.

THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

objective: 1. describe who the Holy Spirit is and state at least five of his qualities.

The Holy Spirit is God. He is the third Person in the Godhead, called the Holy Trinity. Like the Father and the son, he also has other names. Some are the Holy Ghost, the spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, and the comforter. Matthew 28:19 mentions all three persons. “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit.” 

The Holy Spirit is like God the father. He is eternal all-powerful, all knowing, and everywhere. He works together with the Father and the son and was with them at creation. Let’s look at some verses that tell us about the Holy Spirit.

“Though the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God.”(Hebrews 9:14)

“The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God’s purposes” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

“God’s spirit made me and gave me life”(Job 33:4)

the Holy Spirit moved on prophets and priests in Old Testament times. He helped men and women serve God. Of Joseph who was sold as a slave into Egypt it was  said, “We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God’s spirit in him (Genesis 41:38).

THE  WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Objective 2. identify six functions of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible.

The Holy Spirit plays an essential part in our salvation, he shows us how wrong our sins  are and helps us accept Jesus us our savior. He changes our lives.

And when he comes [the Holy Spirit], he will prove to the people of the world that they are wrong about God’s judgment (John 16:8)

“I am telling you truth, “replied Jesus, “that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born physically of human parents, but spiritually of the spirit.” (John 3:5-6)

the Holy Spirit dwells in every believers. He enters the heart when conversion takes place. “To show you that you are his sons, god sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, the spirit who cries out, father, my father” (Galatians 4:6). Romans 8:9 says further, “Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” if we belong to the family of God. His Spirit within us.

For the spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the spirit makes you God’s children, and y the spirit’s power we cry out to God, “Father! ,my Father!” (Romans 8:15-16).

We have talked about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and we may also have the infilling of the Holy Spirit which occurs after conversion. It is sometimes called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Not every believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, but it is an experience God wants all his children to have.

He [Jesus] has been raised to the right side of God, his Father, and has received from him  the Holy Spirit, as he had promised. What you now see and hear is his gift that he has poured out on us (Acts 2:33)

Peter said unto them, “Each one of you must turn away from his sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you wll receive God’s gift, the Holy Spirit” (Acts 3:38).

The Holy Spirit, is our Comforter, our helper. He teaches, gives us love and fellowship, and guides us into truth. He has fruits, like joy, peace, patience, humility and self-control (Galatians 5:22) and spiritual gifts with which to minister unto the Lord and to our fellowman ( 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

Lesson. 8 - THE CHURCH

There are beautiful buildings and cathedrals, humble adobe mission sand huts that have on them the name “Church.” They have steeples and crosses, bells and towers that have their own way of announcing to passers-by , “This is a church.” These man-made structures are churches in one sense of the word, but the church spoken of in the New Testament is something more.

The church in its larger sense is made up of all believers. It is called the  body of Christ. God dwells among these believers by his spirit. In Lesson 7 we studied about the Holy Spirit and some of his Functions. One of the functions we did not mention is that he unites the church. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Do your best preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.

In this lesson we will study what the church is, what it should be doing, and what is going to happen to it. Again, it is the Bible that will give us the right answers.

ITS NAMES

Objective 1. List several names for the church

When you hear the words body,building,bridge, family, do they suggest something in common? All relate to people and in biblical language these words refer to a specific group of people – those who make up God’s family.

The church is compared to a body of which church is the head. Colossians 1:18 says, “He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body’s life.”

God put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him to church as supreme lord over all things. The church is Christ’s body, the completion of him who himself completes all thing everywhere (Ephesians 1:22-23)

“All of you are Christ’s body, and each one a part of it’ (1 Corinthians 12:23). The bible also likens the church to a building, a temple dedicated to the lord, church to a building, a temple dedicated to the lord.

you, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostle and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself.  He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. in union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22).

Another name given to the church is the bride of Christ. The bible calls Jesus the Lamb and states that the church is the bride that will be married to him. revelation 21:9 says, “Come, and I will show you the Bride, the wire of the Lamb.” And his bride has prepared herself for it.” (Revelation 19:7). Christ is compared to the husband and the church to the wife in Ephesians 5:25. “Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave  his life for it.”

As you read the Bible you will find other comparisons. The important thing to remember is that the church is made up of all those who are truly  born- again followers of Christ. It’s a growing group, “praising and every day the lord added to their group these who were being saved” (Acts 2:47)

ITS ORDINANCES.

Objective 2. Name the two ordinances of the church.

Now that we know who the church is, it is important to understand its ordinances. An ordinance is a rule made by an authority.  The ordinances of the church are water baptism and communion, which we also call the Lord’s Supper.

Jesus himself instituted these two ordinances. His final command to all his disciples was, “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19). Water baptism has a special significance:

For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through you faith in the active power of god, who raised him from death (Colossians 2:12).

As a believer you will want to be water baptized as a testimony of your new life in Christ. You will also want to take part in communion.

Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or last supper, was the last meeting Jesus had with the 12 disciples before he was arrested by the Roman soldiers. We take communion to commemorate Jesus death. “This means that every time you eat and drink form this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” ( 1 Corinthians 11:26)

For I received form the lord the teaching that I had passed on the you; that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took the bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup and said, ‘This is god’s new covenant, sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it do so in memory of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)

ITS MISSION

Objective 3. Identify the mission of the church.

The mission of the church is to preach the gospel to all mankind. Jesus himself gave this commission before he went back to his father.

Then the opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”  (Luke 24:45-46)

ITS FUTURE

Objective 4. Select statements describing the future Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. For what purpose?

He did this to dedicate the church to god by his word, after making it clean by washing it in water, in order to present the church to himself in all its beauty pure and faultless, without spot or wrinkle or any other imperfection. (Ephesians 5:26-27).

The church will be praising God both in heaven and on earth where they will reign with Christ.

You have made them a kingdom of priests to serve our God, and they shall rule on earth… And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the universe and they were singing; to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever! (Revelation 5:10,13).

Lesson 9 - THE SPIRIT WORLD

“The spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the World” (John 4:4)

Marina was teenager when she became a spirititats medium. When I met her, she was 25 and already bound by Satan and evil spirits. The first three weeks of those months that several other believers and I lived with marina and her husband were a time of terrible spiritual battle.

Every evening we laid hands on Marina, praying for her deliverance. The evil spirits tried to kill her and also to harm us, but they couldn’t we resisted the Satanic forces and pleaded the protection of the blood of Jesus. Slowly the evil spirits left. The power of God was greater and soon Marina was completely free! She could tell everyone, “Greater is God that is in me, than Satan or any evil spirit in the world!”

Marina became a member of God’s family, part of the church that we have just studied about. Only god controlled her and only the Holy Spirit lived in her.

Perhaps you too, have seen the power of Satan working. But you don’t have to be afraid. The power of God is greater! In this lesson we will learn about the forces of the spirit world and the protection that we as believers have in Christ.

SATAN AND EVILSPIRIT.

Objective 1. State who Satan is and  what is his destiny and that of his evil spirits.

Satan is a wicked angel who was cast out of heaven because he wanted to exalt himself above God. Isaiah 14:14, 15 says:

You said you would climb to the tops of the clouds and be like the Almighty. But instead, you have been brought down to the deepest part of the world of the dead.

The bad angels who followed him met a like fate:

“God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell” ( 2 Peter 2.4) Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)

Satan (Sometimes called Lucifer of the devil) tries to turn men and women away from serving the living God. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Evil spirits work with Satan to hurt and destroy people. Matthew 8:28-34 tells of two men who were driven insane because they were possessed by evil spirits or demons. But the power of the devil. Jesus showed that power by casting the demons out of the men.

When evening came, people brought to Jesus many who had demons in them. Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. he did this to make come true what the prophet Isaiah had said, “He himself took our sickness and carried away our disease” (Matthew 8:16-17).

When Christ comes to set up his kingdom on earth, Satan will be cast into hell.

Then the Devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).

When you are faced by temptation from Satan or are in danger because of evil spirits, you can stand against him. James 4:7 says, “Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. One way to resist the devil is to say it out loud. You could say something like this” “I resist the devil. He has no power over me because I am a child of God. I am covered and protected by the blood of Jesus that has over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed.” (Revelation 12:11)

As we will study in the next section, God sends his angles to be of service to you. You have nothing to fear if you are a child of God!

ANGELS

Objection 2. Identify three functions of angels.

“What are angels, then? They are spirits who serve god and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation” (Hebrews 1:4)

have you heard about guardian angels? They are real. The Bible says, “His angels guards those who have reverence for the lord and rescues them from danger” (Psalm 34:7)

Angels have much function, the first of which is to serve God, their Creator. Angels worship god at all times. Nehemiah 9:6 states, “The heavenly powers bow down and worship you.” They do not act on their own, but are under Christ’s authority. 1 Peter 3:22 tells us that Jesus” has gone to heaven and is at the right side of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers.”

Angels participated in the living of the old law (Galatians 3:19) and later sang over the Judean hills, announcing the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:13, 14). We have all heard their song, singing their words over every glad Christmas.

They ministered to Jesus while he was here on earth. Luke 4:11 tells us that after his temptation in the wilderness, angels helped him. When Jesus prayed in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, an angel came to strengthen him.

The bible tells that angels minister to us as well. though they aren’t often see, they watch over us keeping us, and protecting us from danger. We have no way of knowing the accidents and other kinds of trouble that we have been spared because of their ministry in our behalf.

Yet we know they have been sent to help us because the bible says so. Examples also are given to encourage us to believe. When Daniel was kept in the lions’ den, he testified to the king, “God sent his angel to shut the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me” (Daniel 6:22).

First Kings 19:5 tells us that an angel brought food to the prophet Elijah When he was so tired he thought he would die. And angel freed the apostle Peter from prison when he was being persecuted for the gospel’s sake. (Acts 12:7).

Whether angels are seen or whether they are invisible, we know they are sent to minister to us. How comforting to know they are ready to do whatever God tells them.

As we have already learned, they do not act except under divine authority. Nor do they accept praise. John the beloved was so overwhelmed with a message given him by an angel stopped him “Don’t do it! He said, “I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers, all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealed worship god1 (Revelation 19:10).

You must not worship angels, but you can give them cause for rejoicing. If you have given your life to Christ, you have already given them joy. Jesus said, “I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). As a child of God, you can count on their continued help. “God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11)

Lesson 10 - THE FUTURE.

Everyone is interested in the future. Books, both good and bad, have been written about what people think is going to happen. Scientists and government leaders are asked for their ideas about what lies ahead for their nation.

People have always been anxious about the future, consulting tea leaves, horoscopes, crystal balls and other forms of “Fortune-telling.” One day a lady came running to me, asking if she could read my palm and tell me my future. She was quite surprised when I told her that I had a little book that told me my future and it told her future too! Then I gave her a copy of the New Testament.

The bible is the one source of true predictions. Through his word God gives us all that we need to know. There is no need to” read” tea leaves, or tarot cards. In fact, these and other forms of “magic” are forbidden by God.

If you have wondered about your future and about what will happen when Jesus comes again, you will be interested in studying this lesson. We will study about future judgments and the time of the Lord’s coming. Even the angels we studies about in the last lesson are interested in knowing when the Lord will return to earth. Let’s look into the Bible and see what it says about our future!

THE RAPTURE OF BIBLIEVERS.

Objective 1. Describe and identify events surrounding the Rapture.

In Lesson 5 we studies the meaning of the word Rapture. It refers to the future coming of the Lord when he will meet his church in the air. No one can tell us when the Rapture will take place because only God the Father knows.

“No one knows, however, when that day and hour will come neither the angels in heaven nor the son; the Father alone knows.”  (Matthew 24:36)

But there are signs telling us that the Rapture is drawing near. Jesus said that just before his return there would be an increase in worldliness, wickedness, and violence. False Christs and false prophet would arise; there would be earthquakes, famine, and pestilences. There would be wars and rumors of wars. All these signs spoken of in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are happening in our day.

Not everything, however, is negative. Inspite of terrible times many people will seek the Lord and find him. Joel 2:28,29 tells us about it!

Afterward I will pour out my spirit on everyone; your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. At that time I pour out my spirit even on servants, both men and women.

Christian look forward to the Rapture with joy. Those who have died will be resurrected and those who are alive will be changed. All will be caught up together to meet the lord in the air.

Listen to this secret truth; we shall not all die but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as he blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. For what is mortal must be changed into what cannot die. (A Corinthians 15:51-53).

After the Rapture Christians will be judged and rewarded according to their faithfulness to Christ. Then they will go to the marriage supper of the Lamb when Christ, the Lamb of God, welcomes the church as his bride.

For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily life. (2 Corinthians 5:10).

We know that our sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus and we will not have to answer for them. But we will be rewarded according to our faithfulness. When trials come our way it is good to remind ourselves that the Lord sees everything.

Let us rejoice and be glad let us praise his greatness for the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. She has been given clean shining linen to wear. (The linen is the good deeds of God’s people). Then the angel said to me, “Write this; happy are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And the angel added, “These are the true words of God. (Revelation 19:7-9)

THE EARTHLY RULE OF JESUS

Objective 2. recognize events that define the Christian term “Millennium.”

The lord will return with his people to rule over the earth a thousand years. This period of time has been called millennium (taken from the Latin mile meaning a thousand.)

The bible talks of this era as a time of great joy and peace on earth. Jude 14 says, “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels.”

Happy and greatly blessed are those who are included in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them; they shall be priests god and of Christ, and they will rule with him for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6)

Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. (Isaiah 11:6)

THE JUDGEMENT OF UNBELIEVERS

Objective 3 Define Great white throne judgment.

After Jesus has ruled a thousand years, the wicked dead will be raised to stand before God in judgment. Then Satan, his angels, and all the wicked will be cast into hell. This judgment is called the Great white Throne judgment. Several verses from Revelation 20 tell us why it is called by this name.

Then I saw a great white throne and the one sits on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence and were seen no more. And I saw the dead, great and small alike, standing before the throne, books were opened, and then another book was opened, the book of the living. The dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books, then the sea gave up its dead. Death and the world of the dead also gave up the dead they held and all were judged according to what they had done. Then death and the world of the dead were thrown into the lake of fire. (This lake of fire is the second death.) Whoever did not have his name written in the book of the living was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20; 11-15)

Those whose names are written in the book of the living are the believers in Christ. They have nothing to fear because they will be with Christ forever. Revelation 21:2-3 tells us what john w\saw in a vision. And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, loud voice speaking from the throne; “Now God’s home is with mankind!  he will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their god.

After the Great white Throne Judgment, God’s children will be with him. he will prepare for them a new heaven and a new earth.

He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying of pain. The old things have disappeared (Revelation 21:4)

Lesson. 11 - THE LAW OF GOD.

1.      Worship no god but me.

2. Do not make for yourselves images of anything.
3. Do not use my name for evil purposes.
4. Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Respect your father and your mother.
6. Do not commit murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Don not commit  steal.
9. Do not accuse anyone falsely.
10. Do not desire anything another man owns.

In lesson 10 we studied about what we will do in the future; in this lesson we will study what we must be doing in the present. God wrote the Ten Commandments on two tables of stone and gave them to the great leader of Israel, Moses, for his people. Even though they are ancient laws, they can be applied today.

MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THE LAW.

Objective 1. List the Ten Commandments with their references.

The lord, said to Moses, Cut two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.” (Exodus 34:1)

In Exodus 20 the Ten Commandments that God wrote are written for us. He gave them as laws and guidelines for his children to follow. Let’s look at each law individually.

1.      Worship no god but me.

As we learned in Lesson 2, we are to give God first place in our lives. This commandment is repeated in Matthew 4:10; “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!

2. Do not make for yourselves images of anything.

our allegiance is to God – we cannot have divided loyalties. Jesus said that no man can serve two masters (Luke 16:13), for he will love one and despise the other we want to be true to the Lord, loving him with our whole heart.

3. Do not use my name for evil purposes.

People break the third commandment by causing and using God’s name in vain. We will always give that name which is above all names a place of love, honor, and respect.

Do not use harmful word, but only helpful words the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. (Ephesians 4:29).

Do not swear by heaven, because it is God’s throne.’ Nor by earth, because it is the resting place for his feet; nor my Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great king (Matthew 5:34-35).

4.      Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy

This is the only commandment not repeated in the New Testament. Most Christians do not observe the Hebrew Sabbath. They keep Sunday instead because it was on the first day of the week that Jesus rose from the death. Every Lord’s Day can remind us of the Resurrection! It is important that we set aside a day for rest and worship, but which day we choose is secondary. Colossians 2:16 say, “So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath”

One person thinks that a certain day is more important than other days, while someone else thinks that all days are the same. Each one should firmly make up his won mind (Romans 14:5).

5. Respect your father and your mother.

Exodus 20:12 gives a special promise to obedient children” “Respect your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you” the New Testament reinforces the commandment.

“Children, it is your Christians duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do” (Ephesians 6:1)

6. Do not commit murder.

The first murderer was Cain who killed his brother Abel. Perhaps Cain thought no one saw what happened, but God did. He said to Cain, “Why have you done this terrible thing? Your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground, like a voice calling for revenge” (Genesis 4:10). Murder is a sin with chain reactions it hurts the families and friends of both the murderer and he who was murdered. It is also a grave offense against God who made man in his own image.

7. Do not commit adultery.

Adultery is the sin of breaking the marriage vow by having sexual relation with someone other than the marriage partner. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is to be honored by all, and husbands and wives must be faithful to each other. God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery.”

8. Do not steal.

It is wrong to take anything that doesn’t belong to you, even if the person you took it from is rich and doesn’t need it.  The man who used to rob must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for himself and to be able to help the poor (Ephesians 4:28).

9. Do not accuse anyone falsely:

The ninth Commandment includes all lying in word or deed. God does not make a difference between “good” lies and “bad” lies all false accusations are wrong. Psalm 101:7 says, “No liar will live in my palace; no hypocrite will remain in my presence.”

But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulphur, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8)

10. Do not desire anything another man owns.

To wrongly desire what belongs to anther is often called covering. Luke 12:15 puts it this way; “Watch our and guard yourselves from every kind of greed;

“For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us” (1 John 5:3).

We already know that keeping commandments won’t save us. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms it!

For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. it is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.

However we do obey the Lord because as his children we want above all else to please him. If we do break one of his commandments, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf – Jesus Christ the righteous one. And Christ himself is the means, by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only but the sins of everyone (1 John 2:1-2)

Have you sometimes felt weak and maybe even disobedient? The Lord Jesus can give you the help and strength that you need. Would you like to bow your head and ask for his help right now?

Heavenly father, I ask forgiveness of failing to love you, as I should. Help me not to sin and disobey you when I know better.

Lord, I want to love you and defend your name even more than I would love and defend my own family. Give me your strength, I pray, because I ask in the name of Jesus who gave his life for me. Amen.

Lesson 12 - OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD.

We have learned that our main responsibility as Christian believers is to love God. As we  studied in Lesson 11, we keep his commandments because we love hi. So, our relationship with God is one of love.

First Corinthians 13 gives us a beautiful description of love. Verses 4-8 tell us that love is patient and kind, not jealous, conceited. Proud, ill-mannered, selfish, or irritable. It does not keep a record of wrongs nor is it happy with evil, but with truth. Love never gives up it is eternal. This may sound like a very ideal picture of love. But it is this kind of love that every Christian believer should have for God and his fellow man. It is this unconditional kind of love that God gives to us.

It is no accident that the chapters before and after chapter 13 are about God’s gifts to believers. The chapter on love is tied in with the chapters on gifts together because when we love others we want to give them what will please them most.

GOD’S GIFTS TO US.

Objective 1. Identify several gifts from God for his children.

The first gift that god gives us when we choose to believe on him  is the gift of salvation.

For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. it is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gifts, so that no one can boast about it (Ephesians 2:8-9).

If we are believers, God is our Heavenly Father and we are his children. Matthew 5:16 give God this precious name. “Your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise to your Father in heaven.” It is wonderful that we can talk to God as we would to loving father. Jesus taught us to talk to him that way when he said, “our father in heaven: may your holy name be honored” (Matthew 6:9)

Although God is the greater, he is Father of only those who have been born into his family.

Here is the clear difference between god’s children and he Devil’s children: anyone who does not do what it rights or does not love his brother is not God’s child ( 1 John 3:10).

To be part of the family of God we must accept his son Jesus Christ as our savior and Lord. Then new life beings. “Some…did receive him and believed in him: so he gave them the right to become God’s children.” (John 1:12)

Every loving father enjoys supplying the needs of his children.  Our heavenly father supplies all our needs. “And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19)

God watches over us as his children. He watches day and night. “He will not let your fall; your protector over the righteous and listens to their cries” (Psa;, 34”15). There are many verses like this in Psalms that tell us of God’s care for us.

When our father tells us in his word that he will do certain things for us, we call those verse promises. Promises are a gift from god. We can receive blessing and have god’s promises through prayer and believing name, so that father’s glory will be shown through the son,” are words from Jesus Christ in John 14:13.

Christians can also receive blessings from God by helping others. Psalm 41:1 states. “Happy are those them when they are in trouble.”

We can receive many gifts from god if we will believe and ask him for them. This act of believing is called faith. Our faith pleases god and brings not only salvation and other gifts we have mentioned, but also healing and the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

“No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to god must have faith that god exists and rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

That we receive healing through faith is found in James 5:15. “This prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore him to health, and the sins he has committed will be forgiven.”

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is also received through faith.

Christ did this in order that the blessing which god promised to Abraham might be given to he Gentiles by means of Christ Jesus, so that through faith we might receive the spirit promised by God (Galatians 3:14)

The greatest gift, however, is found in Romans 6:23, “God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator” (James 1:17)

OUR GIFTS TO GOD

Objective 2. Recognize at least six gifts that believers can give to God.

Does it seem strange to give something to God who has everything? In his word god himself tells us what we can give him.

We can give god our worship. Psalm 95:6 says, “Come, let us bow down and worship him; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” Worship can be given by praying, by thinking God for his blessings, by praising him and giving to his work. Colossians 3:16 tells us to “sing to God with thanksgiving.”

We also worship when we give ourselves to god without any holding back.

Because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you; 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. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let god transform you inwards by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of god what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect (Roman 12:1-2)

Giving our money is another way to worship. And when we give, we also receive. God promised in Malachi 3:10

Bring the amount of your tithes to the Temple put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things. A tithe is ten percent of your income.

As Christians, everything we do can be as to the Lord. Jesus gives an interesting account in Matthew 25 of people who received rewards for giving food and drink to him and for visiting him in prison. When they asked when they has ever done that, he replied.” I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least  important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me! In other words, our giving becomes a way of life.

Continuous worship does not mean being no our knees continually in prayer. If we will live each day in a manner pleasing to the Lord he will count it as “Always give thanks for everything to God Father” (Ephesians 5:20), for he is worthy.

Lesson  13 - OUR RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERS

It was testimony time in the Monday morning chapel service at the Bible School. A gift named Olga stood to testify.

She and a fellow student had gone to work in one of the local churches the day before. While thy ministered, several drunk men entered the church and began to fight. As the believers fled, one of the men accidentally stabbed his own son who was also drunk her friend stopped and began to help him. Their own lives were in danger but they saved the life of an enemy. “Let’s pray,” she said, “that the young man will live and find Christ as his savior.”

We bowed our heads in prayer, but I wasn’t praying only for the young man. I was also thanking god for Olga and her love for others even her enemies!

Olga had learned what we learned in Lesson 12. One way to show our love to God is by loving and helping others. Let’s see what God’s word says about our relationship to others.

Objective 1. Identify whom a believer must honor and obey.

Everyone at one time or another has had someone in authority over him. Children have parents over them; parents have religious and political leaders over them. Even those leaders have others who tell them what to do. What does the Bible say about our relationship to those who are over us?

Parents should be loved, honored, and obeyed. You will remember this as one of the commandments that we studied in Lesson 11. Ephesians 6:1-2 also tells us, “Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Respect your father and mother.”

Rulers such as policemen, judges, and governors should also be obeyed. “Everyone must obey state authorities because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God.” (Roman 13:1).

As believers we have leaders like our pastor, the church board, and Sunday school teachers. They should be respected and obeyed in matters pertaining to their responsibilities.

Obey your leaders and follow their orders. They watch over your soul without resting, since they must give to god and account of their work gladly; if not, they will do it with sadness, and that would be of no help to you (Hebrew 13:17).

Only the authority of god higher than that of the leaders over us. The only time that obedience is not required is when they would ask us to do something that is expressly against God’s commandments or will. This happened to Peter and the other apostle when. They were forbidden to preach. Peter knew that God must be obeyed above all else. Acts 5:29 says, “Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God, not men.”

THOSE AROUND US

Objective 2. Recognize correct applications of the biblical principle of loving others.

One day a friend said to me, “If unbelievers treat me badly I can still love them. But, I will not tolerate bad treatment from another Christian. They know better!”

What would have happened to Peter and the other apostles if Jesus had felt that way? They knew better and yet they all failed him when he was arrested and taken to his trials. Even so, when he arose, he appeared to them and assured them of his love.

We have failed the Lord many times and yet he continues to love us. The lord asks us to love other Christians as he loves us. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

Our friends and neighbors should be treated as we would like to be treated. Luke 6:31 says, “Do for others just what you want them to do for you.” Love your neighbor as you love yourself” is found in Romans 13:9/

Our relationship to the unsaved is also one of love we should show them by the way we act that Christ lives in us.

Richard Wurmbrant, a Christian pastor who was jailed for his faith, tells the story or a fellow-prisoner outstanding Christ-like character.

Later, a young communist was jailed and put in the same cells as these pastors. The pastors witnessed to him, told him to accept Jesus as his savior. But the young man refused.

One day the young man was arguing. “How can I accept someone as my Savior, “He said,” if I’ve never met him and don’t met him and don’t know what he’s like?

“I’ll tell you who Jesus is like, “Replied the pastor “He’s like me!

Without hesitation, the man answered, if he’s like you, I’ll accept him as my savior right now!

What a marvelous testimony that pastor had. I’m afraid there are very few believers who would dare to say, “Jesus is like me! But, this is what the lord wants that we be so much like him, that people can see him in us! Matthew 5:16 says. “Your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your father in heaven.”

Let’s tell the Lord every day that we want to be more like him! Then, it’s time to put action to our words and begin to be like him.

THOSE AGAINST US

Objective 3 compare your own actions to the biblical principle of loving others.

Remember that story of Olga at the beginning of this lesson? Did Olga love those who wronged her? Instead of asking prayer that the injured man be healed, Olga could have asked that God punish them for their wicked ways.

Would that have been a Christ-like attitude? No, what did Jesus do the night he was arrested and Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave? That slave was an enemy of Jesus, but Luke tells us, “But Jesus said, “Enough of this! He touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51).

We want to be like Jesus who loved his enemies and forgave them. In Matthew 5:44 he said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” And again in Matthew 6:15, if you do not forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you have done.”

Love is the greatest Christian virtue. First Corinthians 13:13 tells us, “Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.”

Christians should love God first. He will in turn put his love in our hearts so we can love both friends and enemies. “Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your should, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37)

“And now I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Memorize this verse and repeat it often, remembering that a believer’s most important responsibility to God and his fellowman is love.

Lesson 14 - A CHRISTIAN AND HIMSELF

The small country was in a civil was and the guerillas were fighting everywhere. A young man was captured by them and his life threaded if he didn’t renounce Christianity.

In a moment of desperation he yielded and renounced his faith. he was then forced to accompany the guerillas who also expected him to work for them. He became their leader and led the killers to the homes of Christians he had known!

Months passed. Then one day he was in a terrible fight and one of his own men killed him. what a loss both in this life and in the one to come!

How much better it would have been if the man had stood true to his convictions. He might have lost his life, but he would have gained eternal life. he failed in his responsibility toward God and toward others. He also failed in his responsibility toward himself.

This chapter will help us understand what we owe ourselves, and how to obey God who wants our lives to count for both time and eternity.

DENYING OURSELVES

Objective 1. Identify that “denying ourselves” means to Christian.

A Christian believer’s life is not his own. The Lord owns the life of a Christian because he bought it with his own blood.

You know that was paid to set free. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. (1Peter 1:18-19)

First Corinthians 6:20 also tells us that about the sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross. “He bought you for a price.” If Christ paid a price for us, we must also pay a price. The bible tells us that to be a Christian  9:23 the Lord’s words are “If anyone wants to come every day, and follow me.”

We forget our selves we do god’s will rather than have our own way, Jesus Christ se the example for us and his words in John 6:38 are “Because I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”

 Not every person who calls me “Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven wants them to do (Matthew 7:21).

As Christians we must choose to do right every day even though it goes against our own wishes. “But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires” (Romans 13:14).

Does denying ourselves sound negative? I hope not, because the Lord never asks us for anything without giving us something better in its like the story of the dog and became angry and growled. The bone was all he had and he didn’t want to give it up. But when his master put down a large steak, the dog gave up his bone immediately.

Sometimes we are too concerned with hanging on to “bones” the things we think we want. We need to realize that the Lord is offering us something better. When the disciples were a bit concerned about what they had to give up, Jesus gave them a clear answer.

Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father of mother of children or fields for my sake, will receive a hundred times more and will be given eternal life. (Matthew 19:29)

Jesus said in another place that He came “in order that you might have life-life in all its fullness” (John 10:10)

Life in all its fullness! That is what the world is seeking, but only God can give it.

Yes, may you come to know his love although it can never be fully known and so be completely filled with the very nature of God. To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for or even think of: to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:19-21)

 

CLEANSING OURSELVES

Objective 2. Decide on appropriate Christian behavior regarding keeping body and mind clean

A Christian should keep his body mind pure and clean. The bible tells us why.

Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God (1Corinthians 6:19).

Such habits as smoking and using drugs injure a person’s health, can harm both his body and his mind, and shorten his life. The user may think he can stop whenever he wants to, but isn’t true he becomes a salve to his habits.

Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey either of sin, which results in being put right with God (Roman 6:16).

Perhaps some temptations have overcome you. Do you go to places that are not pleasing to the Lord, or red books or magazines that you would be ashamed for him to see? Harmful habits can be broken by asking God to help us change our ways.

Tell the Lord that you cannot conquer evil in your own strength and he will help you. Ask for his healing within you. Then learn the following verse and repeat it whenever you are tempted. “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Give yourself to the Lord;

Trust in him, and he will help you;

He will make your righteousness

Shine like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:5)

Lesson 15 - THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

My father has been a missionary for many years has been in a number of trying situations. He has been held at gunpoint, threatened and jailed for his faith. But he never wavered. His most trying experience, however, happened just a few years ago.

A man who claimed to be a believer, but was actually in rebellion against God, decided to slander and insult my father. The man told terrible lies. But instead of planning vengeance, my father prayer and left the matter in God’s hands. Within a few months the man was found guilty of the very sins he attributed to others.

My father’s story is repeated in the lives of thousands of believers all over the world. They aren’t born strong Christians, but they let God work in their lives and develop character through the years. Like tall trees, they put their roots down deep and the winds cannot blow them over.

Would you like to be a better person, one who trusts God and holds steady in all situations/ we can put to use that which we have already studied and, like the tree, “grow tall.”

RECEIVING AND SHARING

Objective 1. Identify at least two steps essential to Christian growth.

We have already learned who gives us eternal life and how we receive it; but it is good to remind ourselves often so we will never forget that our source of life is Jesus.

Whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring which will provide him with life-giving water and give him eternal life (John 4:14).

It is wonderful to be part of God’s family. It makes us want to share the good news with others so they can become part of the family too. Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, “if anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my father in heaven. Isn’t that a beautiful promise?

But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say (1 Peter 3:15-16).

We share Christ because we want to and because the bible encourages us to tell others about him. When we take our stand for Christ we grow stronger.

Another way to declare publicly that we belong to Christ is by being baptized in water. Water baptism is an important step-in your Christian growth. Jesus himself was baptized not because he needed to be, but because he is our perfect example. You can read about it in Matthew 3.

Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the son, and the holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Becoming a member of a church, joining a local group, is not necessary for our salvation, but it does give us a closer tie to our Christian family. We become responsible to and for those around us. We learn to care more for each other. Just as the natural family is part of God’s plan, so it the spiritual family - a group with whom we can share and learn from each other.

Acts2: 47 says that the Lord added those who were saved to the group of believers.

CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Objective 2. Identify two activities most helpful for Christian growth.

There is more than one kind of hunger. We may longer for news from someone who has gone away or we may hunger for few opportunities. Folks have been starved for love and affection. And certainly our hearts, our spirits, have reached out for more than this world can offer.

After you are saved you will feel another kind of hunger a hunger for God’s word. “Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk.” (1 Peter 2:2). Jesus said, “Man cannot live on bread alone, but needs every word that God speaks.” (Matthew 4:4)

A Christian needs to read his bible every day Israel’s king David set a good example. He said, “Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men… Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2. “How I love your law! I think about it all day long” (Psalm 119:97).

It is important not only to read God’s Word, but to memorize it and hide its precepts in our hearts. What we have learned the Holy Spirit can bring to our remembrance in times of need when we must have guidance and direction in our lives.

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will sent in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you (John 14:26)

Our daily Bible reading should be accompanied by prayer. Jesus who knew the glories of heaven before he came to this earth felt of prayer. He spent the whole night in prayer before choosing his disciples (Luke 6:12). Paul and Silas were praying and signing when they were set free from their prison chains (Acts 16). Christ told his disciples, “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9).

First Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray at all times.” Even though we are in school where our minds are kept busy, or on a job that requires our full emergency arises we know how to call on God; we take advantage of a pause in our work to lift a note of praise to the Lord. In this way we are continually worshipping him.

Thoughts and actions

Objective 3. Identify how a believer’s thought can be protected and controlled.

“Be careful how you think: your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23).

The lord can help us control our thoughts. Philippians 4:7 says, “And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” Our thoughts please God when they are clean and pure.

In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise, things that true, right, pure, lovely, and honorable (Philippians 4:8)

To keep our minds n that which is pleasing to God requires constant discipline. As long as we are in this world we will be exposed to sin and temptation, but with the Lord’s help we do not have to yield. An old proverb says, “The birds may be all around you’ but you don’t have to let it become sin in your mind and actions.” The  birds may pass overhead, but you don’t have to let it become sin in your mind and actions.”  The best way to control our thoughts, to keep our minds free from evil, is to be careful what we see, hear, say, and do.

Be careful what you see.” The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22).

What we hear also influences our thoughts. Mark 4:24 says, “Pay attention to what you hear! “ are the conversations you enjoy or the music you listen to helping you to love the Lord more? Are they building healthy thoughts? If your answer is negative perhaps you need to discipline your listening.

Listening in hearing our own words as well as the words of others. What we say can be a strong influence for good or for evil. If someone wrongs us we can forget it more easily if we haven’t answered the person harshly. Proverbs 15:1 says it like this, “A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.” Our goal could be the fulfillment of Proverbs 25:11. “An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in a Christian should be careful of what he does because God requires him to do what is right.

The lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this; to do what is just, to show contact love, and to love in humble fellowship with our God (Micah 4:8).

Our response can be words of the Psalmist we said, “ May my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer!  (Psalm 19:4)

CHURCH LIFE.

Objective 4. State the purpose of having Christian fellowship and supporting God’s work

As we have already learned, we must share the good news of the gospel with anyone including unbelievers whom we count as friends. But our closest friends should be chosen carefully. Our free time must be balanced with the right Christian influence, with those who can help us as we grow in the Lord and seek to do his will.

Happy are those who reject the reject the advice of evil men. Who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).

We want to study the Bible by ourselves and with Christian friends. We also need to hear God’s word preached, “So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.” (Romans 10:17).

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the day of the Lord is coming nearer (Hebrews 10:25)

When believers gather together they should be supportive one of another. There is strength in unity, strength in singing and praising the Lord together.

And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its happiness (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

God has a plan whereby we can share in the financial concerns of the local body and at the same time reach out to others. Hebrews 7:2-9 gives us an example from the life of Abraham who gave one tenth  (a tithe) of everything he had. Yet giving tithes may not be enough.

The Pharisees, religious leaders of their day, paid lithes, but Jesus said that our standard of giving should be far above theirs. He said, they were giving a tenth even of their seasoning herbs, such as mint, dill, and cumin, but neglecting the really important teachings of the Law, such as justice and mercy and honesty (Matthew 23:23). Jesus went on to explain that we must be faithful in all that god has asked.

We want to give generously of our money and at the same time listen for more of our time, our talents even our plans for the future. Whatever it might be, we can lay it down as an offering of love to him who first loves us.

Lesson 16 - THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE.

A spirit filled life should be the goal of every believer. Being filled with God’s spirit is another step or progression that should take place in the experience of every Christian. A spirit-filled life is one that is completely yielded and consecrated to the Lord.

Jesus promised his disciples that when he went back to his father he would send the comforter, the Holy Spirit.

I will ask the father, and he will give you another helper, who will stay with you forever,. He is the spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you (John 14:16-17).

The coming of the Holy Spirit happened on the Day of Pentecost. The story is in Acts 2. Since then it has been possible for every believer to live the Spirit filled life.

In this lesson we will learn what it means to have a spirit-filled life. We will also learn something of the reward, which comes with being filled with the Holy Spirit.

BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.

Objective 1. Identify some of the characteristics of a spirit-filled life.

Ephesians 5:18 instructs us, “Be filled with the Spirit.” This can happen by becoming a born –again Christian and by being baptized in the Holy Spirit, Jesus used these words, baptized in the Holy Spirit, to indicate a beautiful spiritual experience his disciples were going to have. He said in Acts 1:5, “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

As believers we can be baptized in the Holy Spirit just as the first disciples who waited in faith, thanking and praising God. They obeyed the instructions Jesus gave when my father has promised, but you must wait until the power from above comes down upon you (Luke 24:49).

One of the ways we can know we have been filled it that God’s power will come upon us as it did on the believers on the Day of Pentecost. They Holy Spirit will speak through us in languages, which we have not learned. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the spirit enabled them to speak (Acts 2:4).

It is important that a spirit-filled life show resulting character traits or “fruits” as they are sometimes called. “But the spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

If we think we are Spirit-filled and we are not showing these characteristics, we should go to the Lord and ask him what is wrong. If we do not have these traits, we can hinder the work is wrong. If we do not have these traits, we can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us.

And do not make God’s Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free (Ephesians 4:30).

We can keep filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with the words of psalm, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father (Ephesians 5:18-20).

These scriptures help us to understand what is meant by living in the Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit direct our lives, we grow and develop into mature Christians (Galatians 5:16). The Holy Spirit keeps us alive and active. We feel strong and ready to do our work for him. This idea is stated in 2 Corinthians 4:16 “Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.”

SUSTAINED BY THE SPIRIT

Objective 2. Identify how the Holy Spirit sustains a believer and relate Christian behavior to the gifts of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit was sent to be our helper. One of his titles is the comforter. When someone comforts us, he makes our lives easier. He holds us up when we are under pressure. That is what we mean when we say we are sustained by the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit sustains us. He helps us in every aspect of our Christian growth. The Holy Spirit helps us in our prayer life. “We do not know how we ought to pray; the spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

The Holy Spirit also guides us. Romans 8:14 says, “Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.”

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will sent in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you” (John 14:26). “When, however, the spirit comes, who reveals the truth about God, he will lead you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Among the results of the spirit filled life are the gifts that he Holy Spirit brings us. These gifts can become tools to mark our work for God easier and more effective than it could be otherwise. One of the first gifts is power for Christian service.

But when the Holy Spirit comes you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit makes available to us his gifts, which are special provisions for Christian service. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them” (1 Corinthians 12:4). Gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 are; the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. There are also other gifts and abilities that God through his spirit wants to give us.

So we are to us our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak god’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should tech; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully (Roman 12:6-8).

The Holy Spirit also has blessings and glory for God’s children.

God’s spirit himself to our spirit to declare that we are God’s children. Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ’s sufferings, we will also hare his glory (Romans 8:16-17).

The marvelous outpouring of the Holy Spirit comes in modern times just as it has in the past. God is baptizing many Christians in the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray that this will continue. Pray for your church that your pastor, deacons, and all of the members may be filled with God’s spirit and be used of Him.

It is this spirit that will sustain us even if we face problems, hunger, hardship, persecution, poverty, or death.” In all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!”(Romans 8:37).

May the Lord help us to understand all these sixteen doctrines and put our faith in the word of God and have a sound growth in our lives. Amen.

Rev. T. Marcus Devasahayam

www.barodabibleclub.org