lesson 1 - new hope international church to life/bridge... · web viewlesson 1. the good news. 1....
TRANSCRIPT
Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 1 The Good News
1
Lesson 2 Bridge to Life
6
Lesson 3 Repentance
9
Lesson 4 Jesus
13
Lesson 5 Who is Jesus Christ
16
Lesson 6 Outline of “God’s Word and God’s Scientists”
21
Lesson 7 How Do We Know the Bible is True
23
Lesson 8 The Bible is the Word of God
32
Lesson 9 Real Happiness: An Abundant Life
39
1
Lesson 10 Sharing Our Personal Testimony and the Gospel
43
Lesson 11 Effective Evangelism
49
Lesson 12 Important Questions
55
Lesson 13 Rejoice in God’s Relationship with Us
58
2
LESSON 1THE GOOD NEWS
SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is an important key in witnessing to nonbelievers. Our personal testimony often helps people become interested in the love of Jesus Christ, but we need to lead people to accept Christ by sharing the main content of the gospel which is the good news that Jesus Christ loved us so much that He was willing to be crucified and die for our sins. There are 5 steps in presenting the gospel.
1. Telling about God's character (By giving an illustration)
1.1 He is the Creator and Almighty
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
1.2 He is holy and just
Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and lofty One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
1.3 He is love
Psalm 103:17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children
Psalm 108:4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
3
1.4 He is powerful
Luke 1:37 For nothing impossible with God.
2. Telling about men's sinful nature
By describing that God, who is the creator of men, gave us the freedom of choice. We can choose to do good or evil. But men decided to do their own will (or sin) by making choices apart from God's ways.
2.1 God's character
He is the Creator.Colossians 1:16-17 For by him all things were created: things in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
2.2 He created men
God gave us freedom of choice (to do good or evil). But men choose to commit sin.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even
one;Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has
laid on him the iniquity of us all.
3. Telling about sin
Give an illustration to show that God is righteous, holy and just, and that sin can not dwell in His presence. Because of men's choice to commit sin, they are automatically separated from God. The penalty of sin is eternal death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
4
1) God's character ----------> Holy and just2) Men ---------> Choose to commit sin3) Sin -----------> Death ------------> In eternal lake of fire
Revelation 21:7-8 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
The Bible says, "The wages of sin is eternal death." In other words, the payment of our sin is eternal death in hell. Men are therefore in a hopeless situation and they can not save themselves to be free from the penalty of sin.
4. Telling about salvation through Jesus
Besides being just, God is also full of love. He does not want men to go to hell. He therefore has provided the way of salvation for them by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in order to redeem us from the punishment of sin.
1) God -------------> Full of love2) Men -------------> Choose to commit sin3) Sin -------> Death --------> Hell4) Jesus ------> Died for men's penalty of sin (Romans 5:8).
1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
Men can not be saved from the penalty of sin by any other means except by putting their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus who died for them (Acts 4:12).
5. Telling about what men will receive after they believe in Jesus
5.1 Eternal life
5
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
5.2 The right to be God’s children
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
5.3 Peace
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
5.4 New life
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
After explaining the 5th step of the good news, we should challenge those listeners, who seem to be interested to make a decision to accept Jesus Christ as their savior (Romans 10:9-10, Revelation 3:20). Read the four Bible verses in step 5 for them so that the Holy Spirit will convict them through God's word. We should emphasize that these four blessings can not be bought by credit we earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). God would like to give His love and blessings as free gifts to those who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we mention about having a new life in Christ, we should share our personal testimony of how God has changed our lives. If they are ready to accept Christ, we should persuade them to accept Him. We should give an illustration while we are explaining the gospel so that the listeners will not be confused with its content.
Note: We should memorize every step of witnessing so that we will not forget some important part of the personal testimony and the gospel.
CONCLUSION
6
In Romans 1:14-15 the apostle Paul said, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at...Seattle."
Witnessing the good news of Jesus is not a choice but it is what we should do with eagerness because of what we owe Jesus since He died for us. Jesus commands us to preach the way of salvation to others after we receive salvation. As Christians, we all have the responsibility to witness for Christ and share the gospel with others. Therefore, learning how to witness and to share the gospel helps us to be productive in serving God.
MEMORY VERSES
Please memorize the following verses because they are very important Scriptures that you can mention while witnessing.
John 3:16; John 1:12; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23
7
LESSON 2BRIDGE TO LIFE
GOD LOVES US AND WANTS TO OFFER A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR OUR LIFE
1. God's love is revealed
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. God has a wonderful plan for us
John 10:10 "Jesus said, 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'"
God loves us and all mankind. He wants to bless our life and make it full and complete. He offers us not only an abundant life here and now, but a life which is eternal.
MEN HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND ARE SEPARATED FROM HIM
1. Man is sinful
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
2. Man is separated from God; Sin brings death and judgment
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you."
Man was created to have fellowship with God; but he chose to go his own way, and fellowship with God was broken. To continue in sin will result in spiritual death, which is separation from God forever.
Hebrews 9:27 "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord. 9They will be punished with everlasting
8
destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power."
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD'S ONLY PROVISION FOR MAN'S SIN
1. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
We do not have to lead a "good" life and do charitable acts so that God will love us. God loves us even in our sin. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die in our place and to pay the penalty for our sin so that we can be reconciled to God.
1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Timothy 2:5-6 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men."
2. Jesus rose from the dead
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 "Christ died for our sins...He was buried...He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures...He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred..."
3. Christ is the only way to God
John 14:6 "Jesus said, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me'."
SALVATION IS A FREE GIFT AND WE MUST INDIVIDUALLY RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD
We are saved by God's grace
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
We receive Christ through faith. Grace means undeserved favor. God graciously offers to us what we could never do for ourselves. God's gift to us
9
is free. All we need to do is to receive it and believe with all our heart that Jesus Christ died for us to provide deliverance from our sins.
10
LESSON 3REPENTANCE
GOALS OF THIS LESSON
To help the new believers to:1) Repent or turn away from sins2) Follow Jesus Christ as Lord of our life.
JESUS' COMMAND
Mark 1:15 "The time has come." he said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! "
Additional Bible verses that support this command are: Matthew 16:24, Matthew 18:3-4, Acts 17:30
The early church in the book of ActsActs 2:38 "Peter replied, 'Repent...' "
INTRODUCTION
It is Jesus' desire for us to have a new spiritual life.1) God wants to bless us and wants to change our life.2) God wants to use our lives to touch and to bless other people.
Teacher prays with the group and starts the lesson.
Read Luke 19:1-10. Explain the story of Zacchaeus and the command of Jesus Christ for Christians to repent.
JESUS AND ZACCHAEUS
Luke 19:1-10 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6So he came down at once and welcomed
11
him gladly. 7All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’” 8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
1. Before Zacchaeus met Jesus Christ, what kind of person was he?
1.1 He was a tax collector and a very rich man (verse 2)
Zacchaeus spent his life cheating people and being corrupt; he was a sinner (verse 7, Romans 3:23).
1.2 What is sin?
Sin is when we do everything according to our own will, not according to God's will (Isaiah 53:6). Sin is not giving honor to God (Romans 1:21). Some examples are lying, being proud, stealing, etc. Sin separates us from God and eternal life (Isaiah 59:2).
2. How did Jesus greet Zacchaeus?
2.1 Jesus called his name
Jesus knows our names.Each one of us is a special person to God. He has a wonderful plan
for each one of our lives.
2.2 Jesus accepted Zacchaeus just as he was
Jesus loved Zacchaeus and was willing to stay in his house even though he was a sinner. Zacchaeus was valuable enough that Jesus would die for him on the cross. Jesus took the punishment for our sins when he died on the cross. Jesus is the way that we can have reconciliation with God (1 Peter 3:18).
3. How did Zacchaeus respond to Jesus Christ?
12
3.1 Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus with a joyful heart (verse 6)3.2 Zacchaeus showed repentance by action
He proclaimed that he would stop sinning in his life and he returned back to people four times more than he had taken from them.
This action showed that he had true repentance. This action showed that he had turned away from his old life and wanted to walk according to God's will. Sin separates us from God. When we repent of our sin, we can have a renewed fellowship with God.
4. When Jesus saw that Zacchaeus repented, what did he say?
Luke 19:9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too, is the son of Abraham."
In the same way when we repent of our sins, Jesus is ready to embrace us and to give us eternal life (Romans 6:23, John 1:12).
There are two parts to renew our fellowship with God:1) The first part is done by God: God sent Jesus Christ to die on the
cross for our sins.2) The second part is done by us: We have to repent and turn away
from sin and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord.
BRIDGE TO LIFE
1. God
He is holy. He loves his creation and He has the excellent goal for everyone.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,
2. Mankind
Man lives in his sin according to his own will and disobedience to God.Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
13
3. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ died for sins and to bring us reconciliation with God. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
4. Our human response
we have to repent and accept Jesus Christ into our lives as our Savior. Acts 17:30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he
commands all people everywhere to repent.
When Jesus calls us to repent from sin and start a Christian life, what does it mean?
1) Instead of walking our life according to our desire and our will, we turn toward Jesus and follow His will. We let Him have lordship in our lives. When we want to make any decision, we turn to Him and find out what He wants us to do.
2) We ask Him to reveal to us sins in our lives. God wants us to stop sinning, repent of our sins and receive forgiveness from Him. Christian brothers and sisters must teach the new believers how to read the Bible and pray to God daily. The teacher should encourage the new believers to spend personal time with God daily by praying and reading the Bible.
14
LESSON 4JESUS
THE GOAL OF THE LESSON
To know about Jesus' live that He is God and He humbled Himself to be born in this world in a human form to take away our sins.
INTRODUCTION
Jesus was born in Palestine about 2,000 years ago. Mary is His mother. When He was 30 years old He began His ministry by teaching the word of God and performing great miraculous signs for 3 years. After that the religious leaders arrested Him and the Romans executed Him on the cross. But He still influenced a lot of people and more people believe in Him. Millions of people exalt Jesus and proclaim that "Jesus is alive even now."
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
1. He is the Son of God
The angel proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God (Luke 1:35).God the Father proclaimed that Jesus is His Son (Luke 3:21-22).Even the devil accepted that Jesus is the Son of God (Luke 4:40-41).
2. He is the Creator
Colossians 1:16 "For by Him all things were created: Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible."
John 1:3 Through Him all things were made.Hebrews 1:2 And through whom (Jesus) He made the universe.
3. He is God
John 14:9 Jesus told His disciples, "Any one who has seen me has seen the Father."
15
4. He is God who came in human form
He was born of a virgin woman, His name is Jesus. Jesus means the Savior.
Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
Hebrews 4:15 "But we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin."
WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE?
1. It is God's plan
Acts 2:23 "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge, and you with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross."
2. To take away our sins
Matthew 27:46 "Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?'" God the Father turned His face away from Jesus because of sin.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were sinners, Christ died for us."
3. So that we will be changed and become Christlike
2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."
THE RESURRECTION
1 Corinthians 15:4 "That He was buried, that He was raised from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures."
Evidence:
16
Acts 1:3 "After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God."
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, He appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time.
CONCLUSION
Jesus humbled Himself to come to this earth as a man, died on the cross and was raised from the dead so that we can be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) by the power of God, not by our good deeds. This is God's desire for everyone.
17
LESSON 5WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
In Mark 8:27, Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." In verse 29, He asked, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" The answer to this question was and still is very important because it is the foundation for our Christian faith.
JESUS CHRIST IS THE LIVING GOD
1. The prophecies and fulfillment
The Old Testament prophets foretold about the coming of the anointed One: the Lord Jesus Christ and their words were fulfilled hundreds of years later by His life.
1.1 He was born from a virgin
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.”
1.2 He was born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Luke 2:4-7 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
18
1.3 Hands and feet pierced
Psalm 22:16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
Luke 23:33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left.
1.4 Bones were not broken
Psalm 34:20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
1.5 His side pierced Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and
the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieves for a firstborn son.
John 19:34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
2. Who is Jesus according to Peter's testimony
He was the Son of the living God.Matthew 16:15-16 “But what about you?” he asked, “Who do you say
I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
3. How did Jesus demonstrate His power
Jesus healed all kinds of diseases and sickness.Matthew 4:23-25 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over
19
Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Matthew 8:1-3 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing.” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
(Matthew 8:5-13; 8:23-27; 9:1-8)
4. Why did Jesus have unlimited power?
John 5:21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives lift to whom he is pleased to give it.
Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
5. Why do some people not experience His power and love?
John 5:39-40 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me. 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
6. How did Jesus identify Himself with God the Father? (John 10:22-33)
John 10:30 I and the Father are one.
Why did the Jews want to stone Him?John 10:33 “We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews,
“but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
7. The disciple Thomas had doubt about Jesus' resurrection (John 20:24-28)
What did Thomas say when Jesus later appeared to him?John 20:28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
20
8. What attitude toward Jesus should we have?
John 5:22-23 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
9. Are you convinced that Jesus Christ is God? If so, why?
JESUS CHRIST BECAME FULLY MAN
1. How did the Lord Jesus Christ show His humility?
Philippians 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!
2. Why did Jesus come to earth to live as a human being and to die?
Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil.
3. How is Jesus shown to be human in these Scriptures?
John 4:6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
John 11:35 Jesus wept.John 19:28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the
Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
4. Even though Jesus took on the likeness of sinful man, did He Himself became sinful?
Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
21
sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.
5. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
22
LESSON 6OUTLINE OF "GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S SCIENTISTS"
I. IntroductionScripture records amazing scientific facts, which have only recently
been discovered by modern science.
II. StarsA. Countless Jer. 33:22, I Cor. 15:41B. "Sing" (radio pulses) Job 38:7
III. EarthA. Suspended from nothing Job 26:7B. Spherical Isa. 40:22
IV. WeatherA. Water cycle Eccl. 1:6, Job 28:25B. Evaporation/precipitation Job 36:27-28, 38:25-26
V. OceansA. Currents Ps. 77:19, 8:8B. Origin of sedimentary strata Gen. 1:6-9, 7:19-26
VI. Physics (Science of matter, motion and energy)A. Light spectrum Job 38:24B. Conservation of matter and energy Heb. 4:3, Neh. 9:6C. Entropy (decay of all matter and energy) Heb. 1:10,11
VII. ChemistryA. "Invisible" atoms Heb. 11:3B. Subatomic stability (from Christ) Col. 1:16-17, Heb. 1:3
VIII. LifeA. Biogenesis (life from similar life) Gen. 1:24-25B. Differences between animal tissues I Cor. 15:39
IX. Zoology (Science of animal life)A. Eagles' unique characteristics Isa. 40:31B. Ants' unique characteristics Prov. 6:6-8
23
X. Health and medicineA. Sterilization Num. 19, Lev. 7B. Quarantine Lev. 13, 14
XI. Anatomy (Science of the body)A. Life in the blood Lev. 17:11B. Antiracism Acts 17:26C. Marvel of man Psa. 139:14D. Psychosomatics Prov. 23:7; Neh 8:10,
(mind-body relationship)Prov. 17:22
XII. ConclusionAll of God's Word is scientifically trustworthy, which is further proof of
inspiration. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousnessIsaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our
God stands forever.Many scientific discoveries have been derived from the Bible (Isa.
40:22, Gen. 7:19-26, Prov. 6:6-8, Num. 19, Lev. 7, Lev. 13-14, Job 26:7, etc.).
24
LESSON 7HOW DO WE KNOW THE BIBLE IS TRUE?
INTRODUCTION
1) "Bible" comes from the Greek word (biblia) which means "books."
2) The Bible is the oldest book in the world. It is over 5000 years old.
3) The Bible was written by God (using men to write down His words) for the purpose of:
a. Reveal (or show Himself) to mankind, a written record of what God is like.
b. Promise mankind that Jesus would come - God in the flesh:Jesus would show us what God is like.Jesus would come to be the Savior for the whole world.
c. Jesus came approximately 2000 years ago. He is the God-Man.We will examine His life, His teachings, His deeds, His actions and answer the following questions:- Is Jesus really God?- How does Jesus' life affect me?
The Bible states plainly that God the Holy Spirit wrote the Book:2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but
men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.2 Timothy 3:16, 17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(Revelation 1:1-3; 22:16, 19 )
The Bible has been attacked, examined word for word, page by page by critics. These critics do not believe in God or that Jesus is God. They have examined the Bible completely because God said He wrote the Book and their purpose was to find evidence to disprove it.
25
The critics checked for the following:
a. The accuracy of the Bible.
b. The predictions of the Bible.Did these predictions happen as stated?
c. Examined old civilizations named in the Bible.Did they ever exist?
d. Examined kings mentioned in the Bible.Did they ever live?
On the first examination of the Bible in the 18th century, the critics said:
a. Some kings listed in the Bible never existed - therefore the Bible is wrong.
b. Some civilizations named in the Bible never existed - there is no evidence ever found to show that they existed - therefore the Bible is wrong.
But Jesus said in Luke 19:40, "If the disciples (or followers in Jesus) are quiet -THEN THE STONES WILL TELL YOU!"
We will show in this study that:1) Archaeology2) History or historical record3) Science4) Predictions5) Christian religion
All prove the Bible is true.
When Jesus made the statement in the book of Luke that if His followers were quiet, then the stones themselves would tell you. This is a very profound statement. What did He mean?
ARCHAEOLOGY
26
In the 19th century, a new science called archaeology began. It is the study of historic peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, monuments. etc.
We will examine some of the criticisms of the Bible from the critics themselves and see what they discovered.
1. Sir William Ramsay - PH.D.
Oxford University, England. Atheist, wealthy, highly educated.
Purpose of Sir William:Disprove the Bible and in particular the book of Acts. The book of Acts,
written by Dr. Luke, is a history book about the beginnings of the Christian Church.
He spent 25 years in research, study, and the examination of Acts. He traveled to places mentioned in the book, examined other historical records in the same time period.
His findings:1) Accuracy of Dr. Luke's writings2) Declared: Luke was exact - even to the last detail.
His conclusion:I now believe in Jesus Christ.I am now a Christian.
2. Old Civilization
Example: Hittites mentioned in the Bible in 25 different chapters of the Old Testament. They lived in Canaan which is the old name for Palestine.
Genesis 23:10 and 23:17-20 are two references.
Purpose of the critics:Stated the Bible is wrong, because no evidence can be found to prove
that the Hittites ever existed.
Findings:Dr. Hugh Winckler, archaeologist, went to the area where Hittites were
supposed to live according to Numbers 13:29. He began to dig.
27
Discoveries:Found over 40 of Hittite cities, including their capital and monuments
describing their activities. Found a treaty between Egypt and Hittite nation on a wall in one of the old cities in Egypt. Many Babylonian writings also were discovered in another site that revealed Hittites were a superpower nation located between Egypt and Babylon.
3. Ancient Kings listed in the Bible
Daniel 5 tells about the last Babylonian king named Belshazzar.The bible states Belshazzar died the day when Cyrus, King of Persia,
with his army entered the city of Babylon.
Historians Declared:Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon, not Belshazzar - therefore the
Bible is wrong.
Findings:Archaeologists found four clay cylinders of King Nabonidus in the City of
Ur (Abraham's birthplace). In the cylinders was a prayer to the moon-god for the King's son Belshazzar. Also contained was the writing that stated Belshazzar and Nabonidus JOINTLY ruled Babylon.
Nabonidus ruled in the country of Babylonia.Belshazzar ruled in the city of Babylon.Additional information in the cylinder:The day Cyrus, King of Persia, entered the city of Babylon with his army,
Belshazzar died !Their findings confirmed the Biblical account again!
Conclusion: ARCHAEOLOGY PROVES THE BIBLE TO BE TRUE.
WHAT DOES HISTORY OR THE HISTORICAL RECORDS TELL US ABOUT BIBLICAL ACCURACY?
Examine the facts:The spades of the archaeologists have uncovered many facts that
confirm the Bible. Over 25,000 sites have been discovered that are mentioned in the Bible.
28
The accuracy of innumerable details has brought recognition of the value of the Bible as a source of history.
Take for example the old ancient city of Babylon.Location: the fertile part of Euphrates Valley - now in present country
of Iraq.Walls of Babylon: 14-15 miles long, 184 feet thick at the base, 200 feet
tall.The Babylonian people thought no one could ever attack them because
of these walls.City: 196 sq. miles of beautiful architecture, hanging gardens of
Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the world.Invented an alphabet and worked out problems of arithmetic.The Bible has more than 100 specific predictions about Babylon. We
will talk about 3.God said: "Broad walls of Babylon shall be broken.""City a desert forever." - NEVER TO BE REBUILT."No man will ever live there again."(Jeremiah 51:58, 62)
History books tell us that most cities (ancient) in the Middle East have been rebuilt. What about Babylon?
Alexander the Great (leader of the Greek empire) decided that he would rebuild Babylon. He wanted to make this the capital of his worldwide empire. He issued the order to his soldiers to rebuild the city of Babylon. History records the fact that immediately after making the declaration to rebuild Babylon, Alexander the Great was struck dead, and the whole idea of rebuilding the city was abandoned. For God had said it would never be built again.
The walls of Babylon were destroyed in the 4th century A.D. by Roman Emperor Julian so that the walls of the ancient city would not be a protection for the Persian army. Those two nations were at war in 4th century.
Many people have traveled to the ancient site of the old city of Babylon - what do they find? A waste land, barren, no man lives there, only snakes and scorpions. The once fertile land will now grow nothing! If one talks to the Iraqi people, they are very superstitious about ancient Babylon, and the sheep herders and other animal caretakers will not go near it. In 1984, it is still a barren waste land. God spoke these words two thousand - five
29
hundred, and seventy-nine years ago. Any history book will verify the details about Babylon.
SCIENCE
There is no branch of science which looks at a larger portion of God's handiwork than astronomers. The Bible says, "The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the earth shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen."
90% of all astronomers today believe in God! They have thoroughly examined His work. Sir James Jeans, English astronomer, said "The more he examined the vast expanses of space and the tremendous complexity of these things, the more the universe seemed to be one large thought of a great mathematician."
But we also have people in the world today that believe that the earth, solar system, space, etc. happened by CHANCE! They believe the world is one big accident! Could this belief be correct? Let us look at chance.
Dr. A. Cressy Morrison, President of New York Academy of Sciences says:
Take 10 pennies.Number each coin 1 to 10. Place in a container or pocket and shake
them all up. Reach in and draw out the coin marked #1. The chances are 1 in 10. Put that coin back in with the other 10 and shake again. Reach in and draw out coin marked #2. The chances are 1 in 100. Repeat. Draw out coin marked #3. The chance is 1 in 1000. To draw out each coin in the correct order of 1 through 10, the chance factor becomes 1 in 10 billion. THAT IS CHANCE! YET PEOPLE WANT US TO BELIEVE THIS COMPLEX EARTH HAPPENED BY CHANCE AND THAT CHANCE DID THE FOLLOWING:1) Earth's crust is just the right depth - if thicker, metallic elements would
take all the oxygen.2) Oceans are just the right depth - if deeper, absorb carbon dioxide from
air--no plants.3) Atmosphere just the right mixtures of gases--if too much oxygen,
fire/strike/match.4) Earth just the right size--if smaller or larger life not possible.5) Earth just the right distance from the sun--if closer or further away--
burn or freeze.
30
6) Earth is just the right distance from the moon--closer, earth would flood two times a day.
7) Axis of earth tilted just the right amount 23 degrees angle provides slow turn of earth, if no tilt, north and south pole would have large masses of ice, and center part of earth would be intensely hot.
8) Rotation of earth 365 times a year.change it to say 36 times, days and night 10x as long - no life.
9) Temperature of the sun is 12,000 degrees F. All of earth's heat is from the sun. We are 93 million miles away--just the right distance. If the temperature of the sun was hotter--no life; if temperature of the sun was colder - no life.
Conclusion: All of these were carefully chosen to meet the requirements of living
creatures. This planet was designed by God so that it would support one thing - LIFE. Without life, earth would be just another planet - a wasteland. Why life? Because only through life can man understand God and glorify his Maker. Only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can the designed know and glorify the Designer!
PREDICTION IN THE BIBLE
Bible predictions are specific, detailed, unique - exist no where else. God says:
Deuteronomy 18:22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
(Isaiah 46:9-10)
All predictions in the Bible have come true. The only predictions remaining yet unfulfilled are those about the second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many people today make prophecies or predictions. Do they come true?
1. Jeane Dixon/American Astrologer
Examine her record. In 1952, 1956, and 1960 - she prophesied who would be the candidates for the Democratic and Republican political parties in America. That would be 2 names.
31
She prophesied who would win the election in all three elections of those years.
How did she do? She missed all the candidates in 52, 56, and 60.She missed the winner of election in 52, 56, and 60. Not a good average
for someone who claims she can predict the future.
2. National Enquirer: January 7, 1975 - pp. 24 & 25
Listed predictions of 10 leading seers for events to take place July-Dec. 1975. 61 predictions were listed. How did they do? Not even 1 event came true!
3. Jackie Kennedy Onassis
Jackie K. Onassis was predicted that she would remarry by 1982 by a leading astrologer in America. She is still single in 1985.
4. Nostradamus/French Astrologer
Published a book of prophecies in 1555.Predicted that on December 26, 1982 major disasters would occur on
the earth because of the alignment of the planets and planet earth. Current astrologers in America and Europe reading this book, also predicted major disasters. December 26, 1982 has come and gone. The major disasters that were predicted DID NOT HAPPEN.
Let us look at biblical prophecy also predicted years ago. Remember predictions in the Bible MUST be EXACTLY fulfilled. They were written hundred of years before the event happened. Fulfillment of these predictions took place hundreds of years after the death of the prophets. There are approximately 2000 specific prophecies in the Bible that have already been fulfilled. These predictions deal with cities, nations, and people in regard to their relationship with the nation of Israel. These 2000 predictions DO NOT INCLUDE the predictions about the FIRST coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Examples: 1) Babylon, 2) Edom, 3) Tyre, 4) Sidon, 5) Egypt, 6) Assyria, 7) Moab, 8) Syria, 9) Sudan
ALL OF THESE PREDICTIONS CAN BE VERIFIED BY A GOOD ENCYCLOPEDIA.
Let us look at one prediction - about the city of Tyre.
32
Ezekiel 26:4-5, 12-14
Predictions about Tyre:1) Destroy the walls of Tyre - break down her towers.2) Scrape the dust from her.3) Kill remaining people with the sword.4) Make her like the top of a rock.5) A place for the spreading of nets in the middle of the sea.6) Lay the stones, timber, dust in the middle of the water.7) Old Tyre never to be rebuilt.8) King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will come.
A few years after Ezekiel wrote this prophecy King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon brought his army to city of Tyre located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. New city of Tyre is presently located 1/2 mile outward in the Mediterranean in Lebanon. For 13 years Tyre withstood the efforts of the King of Babylon. Finally, when the King used battering rams on the walls, they crumbled and fell (1) he broke down the towers (1). The Babylonian Army poured into the city and killed the remaining people of Tyre with sword (3). Thousands of Tyre citizens had fled during these 13 years into the sea by boat to form a new city of Tyre on an island 1/2 mile in the Mediterranean. Two predictions have come true, 3 including the name of the King (Nebuchadnezzar) and the Country (Babylon), 5 predictions remain to be fulfilled.
250 years later, the crumbled walls, the broken timber, and stone laid there. Then came the mighty Alexander the Great (Greek) who made war on the Persian Empire. Persians fled with Alexander behind them. Alexander sealed all ports on the east end of the Mediterranean. Alexander came to new Tyre built in the Mediterranean Sea. He demanded that they surrender. They just laughed and mocked him. He ordered a causeway to be constructed from the coastline 1/2 mile to the new city of Tyre. He ordered that the materials to be used for this causeway were to be: stone, timber, and rubble and dust from old Tyre that was lying there (6). He even ordered that when all of the stones and timber were used - to scrape the dust from the old city and use it also (2). Old Tyre looked like a top of a rock when the causeway was finished (4).
Pictures taken by National Geographic will show you old Tyre. What does it look like? Flat, like the top of a rock, never rebuilt (7) and one can see that this rock is used today for the spreading of nets (5). ALL HAVE COME TRUE ! Down to the last detail. "I HAVE SPOKEN" - says the Lord
33
God. This can be verified by a good encyclopedia. This is just one example. I could tell you about all the 2000 prophecies in the Bible and show you in history how each prediction came true. One other example that proves the Bible is true is the nation of Israel.
Scattered all over all nations of the world.Completed in A.D. 70.Deuteronomy 28:64 Then the Lord will scatter you among all nations,
from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship other gods--gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fatehrs have known.
"I WILL BRING YOU BACK." ISRAEL ONCE MORE A NATION IN 1948!Deuteronomy 30:3 then the Lord your God will restore your foretunes
and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.
34
LESSON 8THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
INTRODUCTION
Many people do not believe that the Bible is actually the Word of God. They have sincere doubts concerning its divine accuracy, reliability, and authenticity. Some Christians have struggled with this issue as well. Many non-Christians demand substantial proof that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. This lesson is designed to offer a series of logical and convincing reasons why the Bible should be accepted as the only inspired Word of God.
The Bible is the divinely inspired and infallible revelation of God to man, rather than the mere words of men to other men. When we say the Bible is God's Word, we do not mean that all the words are God's words. Instead some are the words of men, angels, demons and even Satan. However, it is in its entirety the Word of God because the Holy Spirit directed and inspired its writing and supernaturally controlled its overall design and recording of contents. If a person will review the evidence in support of the Bible's accuracy with an open and honest attitude, he will accept that the Bible is God's Word. Although the following facts can help a person have confidence in the Bible, he must exercise a faith which acts upon the logical facts presented in order for God's Word to have its divine influence upon his life.
Hebrews 4:2 "For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith."
We will examine 12 reasons for accepting that the Bible is the Word of God.
THE UNITY OF THE BIBLE
Even though the Bible is a book involving many diverse factors and many complex and controversial subjects, it contains an amazing continuity of harmonious message because the all-knowing, all-powerful God is behind its construction and composition.1) The Bible was written over a 1600 year period, covering 60 generations.2) It was written in many different places, under a variety of situations,
from three different continents (Africa, Europe and Asia).
35
3) Over 40 authors were involved in its composition, each from many different cultural and occupational backgrounds. These included a fisherman, a rabbi, statesmen, poets, a doctor, a tax collector, a shepherd, kings, and a general.
4) The Bible was written in three major languages - Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek.
5) It includes hundreds of controversial subjects and a variety of literary styles, such as history, law, biographies, prophecy, and poetry.In spite of this multitude of contributing factors, the Bible is one, unified
book with a single, unfolding theme concerning God's redemptive plan for mankind. A unity of such scope and magnitude gives a strong testimony of its divine authorship and design.
ITS ENDURING POPULARITY
The Bible has been the all-time best seller of human history. No other book can compare to the Bible's appeal. It was the first major book printed by Johannes Gutenburg's press in 1454. According to statistics compiled by the United Bible Society, 6,562,911,347 Bibles had been distributed worldwide as of 1984. The Bible has also been translated into 1808 languages or dialects.
The Bible's enduring popularity proves that it is inspired by God.
ITS INDESTRUCTIBILITY
Because of its indestructibility, the Bible is the Word of God. It has successfully withstood the repeated attacks of atheistic philosophies, higher criticism, modernists, liberal theologians, rationalists, humanists, scientific skepticism, communists, and every conceivable brand of critic. In spite of the determined and aggressive attacks against the Bible, it has not only survived, but has consistently triumphed over all its enemies.
For example, during the 18th century, Voltaire confidently boasted of the eventual extinction of Christianity and the Bible. However, only fifty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society used his press and house to produce countless Bibles.
THE SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY
36
Scientific fact or discovery has never disproved the Bible's accuracy. In fact, the steady advance of science has repeatedly confirmed the Scriptures' statement.
For example: The Bible tells us that the earth is round in Isaiah 40:22, which was written approximately 2,700 years ago. But it was not until the 15th century that explores discovered that the world was not flat.
Isaiah 40:22 "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth...."The Hebrew word for "circle" in this verse means "sphericity" or
"roundness."Before the invention of the telescope, Ptolemy counted the number of
stars at 1,056; Kepler figured 1,005; and Tycho Brahe counted 777 (from Henry M. Morris, "That You might Believe", pg. 18). We know that these figures are wrong. In 600 B.C. the prophet Jeremiah, inspired by God, wrote, "the host of heaven (stars) cannot be numbered"(Jeremiah 33:22).
Job 26:7 "He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing."
The Bible told us that the earth is hanging in the empty space even before scientists found this fact.
THE TESTIMONY OF GREAT MEN AND WOMEN
Many great men and women, who have good reputation and honor, have testified to the divine authorship and accuracy of the Bible:
Napoleon: "The Bible is no mere book, but a living creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it."
Sir Isaac Newton: "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."
George Washington: "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
Abraham Lincoln: "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
THE FULFILLMENT OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY
The Bible contains hundreds of specific prophecies concerning nations, cities, historic events, and individuals. Most of them have been fulfilled in the most minute detail. The prophetic fulfillment is a legitimate testimony of divine authorship and accuracy of the Bible.
37
Isaiah 41:21-23, 26 "Present your case," says the Lord. "Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King. 22 "Bring in your idols to tell us what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, 23 tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear....26 Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could say, 'He was right'? No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you."
Isaiah 46:9-10 "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come."
In Ezekiel 26, God gave the prophecy though His prophet about the overthrow of the city of Tyre in 6th century B.C. Seven specific prophecies were fulfilled during the 4th century B.C. The mathematical probability of this happening has been calculated to equal 1 in 75,000,000.
The Old Testament contains 332 specific prophecies, which were literally fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ. This fact substantiates the divine authorship of the Bible.
For example:* He was born of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10, Luke 3:23,33).* Christ was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4-7).* He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18, 24-25).* He entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech. 9:9, Luke 19:35-37).* He was betrayed by a friend (Psalm 41:9, Matthew 10:4).* He was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12, Matt.26:15).* Hands and feet pierced (Psalm 22:16, Luke 23:33).* Crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 27:38).* Bones were not broken (Psalm 34:20, John 19:33).* His side pierced (Zech. 12:10, John 19:34).* Ascended to God (Psalm 68:18, Acts 1:9).
THE ACCURACY OF THE MANUSCRIPTS
There are over 5,400 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, over 10,000 of the Latin Vulgate, and at least 9,300 other early versions. The
38
Bible has more manuscript evidence supporting its accuracy of translation than any ten pieces of ancient literature combined.
The precise accuracy of manuscript translation, as well as the great amount of manuscript material in existence, strongly supports the divine authorship of the Bible.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Even though many critics have tried to disprove the contents of the Bible, archaeology has consistently proven its absolute reliability and chronologies.
1. Sir William Ramsay - PH.D.
Oxford University, England.Atheist, wealthy, highly educated.
Purpose of Sir William:Disprove the Bible and in particular the book of Acts. The book of Acts,
written by Dr. Luke, is a history book about the beginnings of the Christian Church.
Spent 25 years in research, study, and the examination of Acts. Traveled to places mentioned in the book, examined other historical records in the same time period.
His findings:1) Accuracy of Dr. Luke's writings.2) Declared: Luke was exact - even to the last detail.
His conclusion:I am now a believer in Jesus.I am now a Christian.
2. Old civilization
Example: Hittites mentioned in the Bible in 25 different chapters of the Old testament. They lived in Canaan which is the old name for Palestine.
Genesis 23:10 and 23:17-20 are two references.
Purpose of the critics:
39
Stated the Bible is wrong, because no evidence can be found to prove that the Hittites ever existed.
Findings:Dr. Hugh Winckler, archaeologist, went to the area where Hittites were
supposed to live according to Numbers 13:29. He began to dig.
Discoveries:Found over 40 of Hittite cities, including their capital and monuments
describing their activities. Found a treaty between Egypt and Hittite nation on a wall in one of the old cities in Egypt. Many Babylonian writings also were discovered in another site that revealed Hittites were a superpower nation located between Egypt and Babylon.
ARCHAEOLOGY PROVES THE BIBLE TO BE TRUE!!!
SACRIFICE OF MILLIONS
Another important support of the Bible's divine authorship is the fact that countless millions of Christians have laid down their lives in defense of it.
Christians have suffered torture, imprisonment, confiscation of property, and banishment because of their strong belief that the Bible is the only inspired Word of God.
For example: John Hus was burned at the stake in 1415 because he taught that the Bible was the only inspired and reliable message from God to mankind.
ITS TRANSFORMING POWER
The Bible has a dynamic, life-changing power upon the lives of individuals world-wide, in spite of their sex, age, nationality, ethnic origin, culture, social status, occupation, intellectual level, or environmental background.
Millions of "born-again" Christians can testify of the powerful transforming reality of the Bible.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
THE LAW OF COMPOUND PROBABILITIES
40
The law of compound probabilities is a mathematical law which is used to calculate the probability of a specific set of conditions, or qualifications being fulfilled.
Professor Peter W. Stoner applied this law to the probabilities of Biblical prophecies relating to the Lord Jesus being fulfilled. His findings rule out coincidence, chance, or human manipulation in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
Stoner calculated the probability of one individual precisely fulfilling only eight prophecies relating to Christ. He found the odds at 1 in 1017. This is the same as 1 followed by 17 zeros. This would be the equivalent of covering the entire state of Texas 2 feet deep in silver dollars, specifically marking one of them, and asking a blindfolded person to pick the right silver dollar on the first try.
Stoner further calculated 48 prophecies at 1 x 10157. This figure is beyond human comprehension, but the Lord Jesus fulfilled over 300 distinct prophecies!
THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
Jesus' resurrection confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be and His statements regarding the Scriptures' inspiration are reliable.
The post-resurrection appearance of Jesus was verified by over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6) who touched Him, spoke with Him, and ate with Him.
Because Jesus' tomb was empty, we can have confidence that He is God.Jesus Himself testified that the Bible was the Word of God. He also
linked the written Word to Himself.(Mark 4:1-10, 5:18, 24:35, Mark 7:9-13, Luke 24:44-45, John 1:1-
18, 10:35, 17:17, Luke 24:27)John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have
eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."
CONCLUSION
The supporting evidence concerning the Bible's divine authorship is conclusive and overwhelming. We should therefore respond to this fact with a sincere faith commitment.
41
Hebrew 4:2 "For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith."
Faith is essential, but it must be a faith with acts (James 1:22).
42
LESSON 9REAL HAPPINESS:AN ABUNDANT LIFE
1. Advice on how to use this lesson
This lesson is designed for sharing the good news with non-believers, especially with those who are seeking real happiness in their lives.
2. Playing a game - "200 dollars"
1) Goal - To help us realize that people value things by considering how important they are in their lives.
2) The optimal amount of players in one group is 5 people.3) Duration - 20 minutes4) Materials - Each person has a piece of paper and a pen.5) The steps of how to play this game:
a. Each group is composed of five people.b. Each person must have a pen and a piece of paper.c. "Suppose you have 200 dollars by which you can buy 2 things.
What are the two different things you will buy?" (You must buy at least 2 things.)These are the merchandise that you can buy:* A body that does not have the right hand and left index finger
(130 dollars)* A healthy body (200 dollars)* A body that does not have kidneys (80 dollars)* A car (70 dollars)* A body that does not have an appendix (170 dollars)* A house (100 dollars)* A body that does not have the right foot (90 dollars)
d. Spend 5 minutes to choose 2 things.
6) Questions
a. Why did you choose the first thing?
43
b. Why did you choose the second thing?c. If you were encouraged to buy the 3rd and 6th thing, would you
choose them?
7) Conclusion
a. We learn that a perfect body is more valuable than material things.
b. There are both necessary and unnecessary things for our lives. Therefore, we should make a right decision to choose necessary things.
3. Words of Testimony
A few Christian brothers and sisters share their personal testimonies of how they have found peace and joy in their lives since they put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever asked yourself what the meaning of happiness is? In some period of your life, you might have had happiness. How long did that period last? Why did it last only temporarily? This means that you haven't found real happiness even though you may have many things which you consider the sources of happiness. Why didn't your delight last long after you got those things? God, the creator, wants to give you real peace and happiness. That is one of His promises. You can receive an abundant life from Him.
1. Ask everyone to read the Scriptures and answer questions
Everyone desires to have happiness and joy in his life.
1) Do you want to have real happiness and joy in your life?
2) King Solomon, a king of the Israel nation, had everything that man desires to have. He was very wealthy and ruled over a vast land. His people were loyal to him. It has been very difficult to find men who had wisdom like his. But Solomon said that all of his belongings
44
and wisdom could not really give him real joy and happiness. He mentioned this fact in Ecclesiastes.
a. Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 I thought to myself, “Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 18For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
b. Ecclesiastes 2:1 I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.
c. Ecclesiastes 2:9, 11 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. 11Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind, nothing was gained under the sun.
d. Ecclesiastes 2:17-18, 22-23 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must heave them to the one who comes after me. 22What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
e. Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. 11As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
3) Even though King Solomon had everything that man desires, he did not have real happiness and joy because he lacked something.
45
4) Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
5) Jesus can give us an abundant life because He is God.
6) In Ecclesiastes 12:1, what did Solomon recommend that we seek?In everyone's life, there is an empty space which nothing can fill except God.
7) God is perfect and He is the source of the abundant life. Therefore, if we don't invite God into our lives, our lives will lack real peace and joy. God is holy, love, just, merciful, gracious and patient. As the living and perfect God dwells in our lives, we will have true happiness and abundant life.
8) Do you have abundant life?Do you want to have abundant life? As Jesus is the holy and perfect God, would you like to invite Jesus to come into your life?
3. Discussion Questions
1) What do you think can give you real peace and happiness?2) Have you ever seen a person having an abundant life after he
receives worldly things?3) Why do millions of people say the same thing, that God has given
them real peace and joy?4) Do you want to invite Jesus to come into your life?
4. Challenging non-Christian guests
1) To accept Christ2) To come to church every Sunday for 10 times and notice how God
will bless them3) To go to care group meetings4) We pray for everyone to have a personal experience of God's love
and power.
46
LESSON 10SHARING OUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY AND THE GOSPEL
GOAL OF THE LESSON
1) To help new believers realize the importance of sharing their personal testimonies and the good news of Jesus with other people.
2) New believers will learn how to share their personal testimonies and the good news of Jesus in a clear and correct way.
3) To help new believers to develop a firm faith in God as they begin to experience how He has changed their lives.
ADVICE ON HOW TO USE THIS LESSON
1) Spiritually mature Christians should teach this lesson by emphasizing the importance of sharing personal testimonies, which is necessary to bring other people to salvation.
2) Spiritually mature Christians should be clear in teaching this lesson step by step so that new believers will have a clear and correct understanding of how to effectively witness for Christ.
3) They should also impart the spirit of evangelism into new believers by bringing them along with us as we go to witness, so that this lesson will become real in their Christian walk.
INTRODUCTION
1) Share our personal experience of witnessing to others when we were new believers.
2) Pray with new believers and ask God to help them to have the opportunity to witness for Christ and to bring others into God's kingdom.
CONTENT
In Matthew 10:32-33 Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”
47
To acknowledge Jesus before men means to witness to others about our faith in the Lord Jesus. This Scripture shows us the importance of witnessing to others. Sharing our personal testimony is the way to demonstrate that we accept Jesus before men. If we do not accept Jesus before men, He will not accept us before the Father. In the time of the early church, Christians were persecuted in various ways. Some were put to death because they refused to deny Jesus. Christians in the early church continued to witness for Christ even though sharing about Jesus was illegal. This was because at that time the government considered Christianity a false religion. It was very difficult for them to witness for Jesus because they knew there was a price to pay. Nevertheless they were willing to sacrifice their lives in order to spread the good news.
In this era Christians in the U.S. are prohibited to spread the good news in many places, such as in public schools. Yet often we do not speak up for the Lord for fear of being mocked, embarrassed or rejected from our society. If we are ashamed of sharing that we have accepted and believe in Jesus, He will also be ashamed to accept us as His disciples before the Father in heaven.
Another reason why many Christians do not witness is a lack of knowledge of how to witness. In this lesson, we will learn how to prepare ourselves to be ready to share our personal testimonies and the good news of Christ with others. Jesus gave the great commandment, “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
SHARING PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Sharing our testimony means to share personal experiences of what God has done for us. It is easy to share this because we are telling others about our own story. In order to give a good personal testimony, it is often helpful to write our personal story of how we repented on paper. This can help us organize our thoughts and memorize it. There are 3 components of personal testimony according to the Bible:
1. Sharing about our lives before we became Christians
We start with sharing about our general backgrounds: family, education, religion, and general circumstances, our ideas, philosophy, life goals, our behaviors and actions.
We do not have to tell every detail of our backgrounds but we should share factors that prepared or influenced our decision to repent and to
48
become Christians. For example, we can share that we came to know God because we tried to seek the meaning of life. We may share about personal problems that lead us to find answers in Christ, such as drug addiction, gambling, sickness, etc.
2. Sharing about the event of our repentance and decision to become a Christian
* Where did we hear about Jesus Christ for the first time?* How did we feel about the gospel before we believed?* Sharing the reasons that helped us to make a decision to accept
Jesus Christ* Sharing about the time of accepting ChristIn this part of our personal testimony, we should be clear in our
presentation of why we decided to believe in Jesus.
3. Sharing about our lives after we become Christians
* Sharing how God has solved problems in our lives that we faced before we became Christians.
* Sharing about new habits or behaviors that have been changed by God, such as we stopped drinking alcohol or smoking etc.
* Sharing about various kinds of blessings that we have received since we became God’s children.
* Sharing personal experiences we have had with the Lord.We should be clear in our presentation of how God has changed our
lives and has given us a new way of how to handle our problems.
SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is an important key in witnessing to non-believers. Our personal testimony often helps people become interested in the love of Jesus Christ, but we need to lead people to accept Christ by sharing the main content of the gospel which is the good news that Jesus Christ loved us so much that He was willing to be crucified and die for our sins. There are 5 steps in presenting the gospel.
49
1. Telling about God's character (Drawing an illustration)
He is the almighty God and the Creator.Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible
qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
He is holy and just.1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by
it you may grow up in your salvation.
He is full of unconditional love. 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is
love.
2. Telling about man
By illustrating that God, the Creator, gave us the freedom of choice. Everyone can choose to do good or evil. But man decided to do his own will (or sin) by making choices apart from God.
1) God's character -----------> He is the Creator.2) God created man ----------> Freedom of choice (to do good or evil).
But men choose to commit sin.Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
3. Telling about sin and the wages of sin
Draw an illustration to show that God is righteous, holy and just, and that sin can not dwell in His presence. Because man chooses to commit sin, he is automatically separated from God. The penalty of sin is eternal death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ our Lord.
1) God's character ----------> Holy and just2) Man ---------> Choose to commit sin (Romans 3:23).3) Sin -----------> Death ------------> in eternal lake of fire
50
The Bible says “The wages of sin is eternal death.” In other words the payment of our sin is eternal death in hell. Mankind is therefore in a hopeless situation and can not save himself to be free from the penalty of sin.
4. Telling about salvation through Jesus
Besides being just, God is also full of love. He does not want man to go to hell. He therefore has provided the way of salvation for man by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in order to redeem us from the punishment of sin (John 3:16).
1) God -------------> Full of love2) Men -------------> Choose to commit sin3) Sin -------> Death --------> Hell4) Jesus ------> Died for men's penalty of sin
Man cannot be saved from the penalty of sin by any other means except by putting their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus who died for them (Acts 4:12).
5. Telling about what men will receive after they believe in Jesus
1) We will have eternal life.John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2) We will have the right to be God’s children.John 1:12 yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his
name, he gave the right to become children of God.
3) We will have peace.John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
4) We will have a new life.2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
51
After explaining the 5th step of the good news, we should challenge the listeners, who seem to be interested, to make a decision to accept Jesus Christ as their savior. Read the four Bible verses in step 5 for them so that they Holy Spirit will convict them through God’s word. We should emphasize that these four blessings can not be bought by money we earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). God would like to give His love and blessings as free gifts to those who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we mention about having a new life in Christ, we should share our personal testimony of how God has changed our lives. If they are ready to accept Christ, we should persuade them to accept Him. We should write the illustration while we are explaining the gospel because the listeners will not be confused with its content.
Note: We should memorize every step of witnessing so that we will not forget any important part of the personal testimony and the gospel.
CONCLUSION
In Romans 1:14-15 the apostle Paul said, “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at...Seattle..”
Sharing the good news of Jesus is not a choice but it is what we should do with eagerness because of what we owe Jesus because He died for us. Jesus commands us to preach the way of salvation to others after we receive salvation. As Christians, we all have the responsibility to witness for Christ and share the gospel with others. Therefore learning how to witness and to share the gospel helps us to be productive in serving God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) What have your ideas been sharing the good news in the past? What do you think about telling the gospel today?
2) Who do you want to share your personal testimony and the good news with?
MEMORY VERSES
Please memorize the following verses because they are very important Scriptures that you can mention while witnessing.
52
John 3:16; John 1:12; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23
HOMEWORK
1) Encourage new believers to write and memorize their personal testimony.
2) Encourage them to memorize the five steps of how to share the good news. They should share and draw the illustration when they meet their teachers next time.
3) Bring new believers along to witness to non-believers and the teachers should evaluate their performance.
53
LESSON 11EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM
BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS
We must build good relationships with others so that they will listen to our testimonies and trust our words.
PERSUADING UNBELIEVERS TO BE INTERESTED IN OUR CONVERSATIONS
* Passing Christian tracts* Beginning our conversations with some topics that could eventually lead
to topics of God and Christianity* Sharing how we become a Christian* Sharing about God's power and how He has shown love to us in our
daily life* Sharing the evidences of the divine origin of the Bible
SHARING OUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY AND THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
1. The components of our personal testimony(Acts 26)
1) What our lives and characteristics were before we became a Christian.
2) The experience of accepting Christ and repentance: How and why did we make a decision to repent and accept Christ?
3) What our lives are like now that we are Christians: In what way has God changed our lives? What are the new characteristics of our lives?
54
2. The Gospel
2.1 How do we know God?
We can know Him 2 ways:
1) We know who He is.
Exodus 3:14 God also said to Moses, “Say I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
2) We know Him by looking at or experiencing what He has done.
Genesis 1:1-31
For example, we can know Mr. Johnson by acknowledging two characteristics:
What kind of person he is? His face, appearance, personality, nationality, etc.What does he do?His profession/job, hobbies, etc.
2.2 Explaining God's 2 characteristics
1) Who is God?
God has highest authority and power. He is full of wisdom. He created the universe out of nothing. He is omnipresent and versatile.
God has unlimited wisdom. Psalm 104:24 How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you
made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
He is powerful and He can perform signs and wonders. Psalm 105:28-41
He is just and righteous.
55
Psalm 97:2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
He has an unconditional love and mercy.Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to
anger, abounding in love.1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because
God is love.
He is holy.Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.
2) What has God done?
God created all things.Genesis 1
2.3 What were the characteristics of man before he sinned?
God made man in His image. Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image,
in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
God made male and female to support one another. Therefore, marriage is established by God.
Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 1:27; 20-25
God blessed them to be fruitful and increase in number. Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
56
God gives man the authority to rule over all the earth.Genesis 1:26-28
Man was initially created to be without sin.
2.4 The origin of sin
Sin comes from Satan or Lucifer, who was a prideful and rebellious angel. Lucifer was chased out of heaven after he rebelled against God.
Satan tempted man to sin. Genesis 3:1-4 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the
wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will be like God, knowing good and evil. 4”You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman.
2.5 The Fall of Man
* Man was tempted by Satan to disobey God.* Man listened to Satan instead of obeying God.* Man follows his own way.
Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
* Because Adam sinned, everyone in this world is a sinner and receives the consequences of sin.Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned
2.6 The wages of sin
* Sin enslaves man (Romans 7).* The wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus Christ.
57
* The second death in the eternal lake of fire is the punishment of God for sinners (Revelation 20:11-15).
* Sin separates man from God.Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
2.7 Man always tries to find something to help him be free from sin
* Morals and religions* Knowledge and education* Worshipping different kinds of false gods and idols
2.8 God reveals Himself to man so that he will know Him and receive salvation from Him
God came to this world in the form of man named Jesus.(Philippians 2:5-8, Luke 1:29-33)
The Lord Jesus Christ did many supernatural things in order to show that He was God:
* He performed miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead.
* He taught about the kingdom of God with authority.* He claimed to be God.* God forgave man's sin by His grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
* Jesus died on the cross to pay for man's sin.* God gives everyone the opportunity to make his own decision to
receive His forgiveness.
2.9 Why should man put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
* He died for man's sin.
58
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
* Jesus is the only way to salvation.John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
* He will come back to judge all men on the last day.Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
* He gives man eternal life.John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus already died on the cross to pay for everyone's sin. It is man's own decision to put his trust in Him. Even though Jesus died for everyone, not everyone will have salvation.
2.10 Persuading unbelievers to accept Christ
When a person repents, puts his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and invites Him to come into his life as Lord and master, he will be saved from sin. He will also be blessed by God.
59
LESSON 12IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Who gave us life?
John 1:3 "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
2. Who knows everything we have ever said or thought in our heart?
Psalm 139:4 "Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."
3. Who created the beautiful world for us to live on?
Colossians 1:16 "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."
4. Who really understands us when we are lonely or scared?
Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
5. Who wants us to be next to Him in heaven?
1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and with the dead in Christ will rise first 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
6. Who does not want us to go to hell?
2 Peter 3:9 "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
60
7. Who knows all about our sins, such as cheating, swearing, lust, hatred and selfishness?
Matthew 9:4 "Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?"
8. Who loved us so much that He left His throne in heaven and died for us on the cross?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
9. Who rose from the dead and went back to heaven?
Acts 1:9 "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
10. Who loved us so much that He shed His precious blood on the cross in order to wash away our sins and die for us?
Colossians 1:14 "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
11. Who promised to build us a beautiful mansion in heaven to live in?
John 14:2,3 "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
12. Who wants us to turn away from sin and start a new life because He knows that sin will bring destruction to our lives?
Luke 5:32 "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Romans 3:10 "As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one"
13. Who wants to come into our heart if we ask Him to?
61
Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
14. Who loves us so much that He would put angels at our side to protect us?
Hebrews 1:14 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
15. Who wants to share His riches, power and glory with us because He loves us so much?
1 John 3:2 "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."
16. Who wants us to be with Him when He returns to this earth as King of kings and Lord of lords?
Revelation 19:11, 14, 16 "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written."
17. Who wants us to rule at His side throughout eternity because He loves us?
Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
THE ANSWER IS "THE LORD JESUS CHRIST"
John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Revelation 3:10 "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.”
If we want to accept Him into our lives, we can pray to God with our own words:
62
1) Admitting that we are a sinner, and that only the Lord Jesus can save us (Romans 3:23).
2) Repenting of our sins (Luke 13:5, Mark 1:15).3) Believing that Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood to pay the
price for our sins, and that He rose from the dead (Romans 10:9).4) Asking God to save us and come into our lives (Romans 10:13,
Revelation 3:20).5) Asking Jesus Christ to be the Lord (take control) of our lives (Romans
12:1-2).
63
LESSON 13REJOICE IN GOD'S RELATIONSHIP WITH US
There is a hole in every man's heart for God. People may fill it with their gods. It may be gods that they know of, superstitions, spirits or any manmade god. Atheists are the most miserable people because they deny the existence of God in any form. No one can replace God who can fill man's heart. We have joy in having a good relationship with Him. God created us in His image therefore we can fellowship with Him. He created us to have a relationship with Him. When man sinned the relationship between God and man was broken yet God wants to restore it.
Genesis 3:8-9 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
God is good and loving. He always wants to have a relationship with us. Religions cannot give man joy but only make man abide by a few certain rules. A life with Christ is a life of relationship with the creator. That is what man is created for.
Many churches replace God with legalism. They set many rules for people to follow. Legalism causes people to lose joy in their hearts. This does not mean that God does not have rules or laws. Our effort to follow rules and laws cannot make us perfect in God's standard. We rejoice because we learn how to relate to our personal Savior.
1. Rejoice in God’s love and mercy to us
We are touched by the mercy of God when we walk with Him longer. When a person looks sad all the time or attacks others all the time, he does not have a good relationship with God. A Christian who is touched by the forgiveness and the love of God will know how to love others. If we are touched by God's love continually, we will reflect His character such as love and mercy. God has standards but He is also full of grace and mercy. Our hearts must be filled with His love and mercy when we relate to our brothers and sisters.
When a senior pastor has never been touched by the love of God, he will not be able to show love to his leadership team and members. As a result, the leaders do not experience his love and begin to rebel.
64
Jeremiah 33:11 the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD.
Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
2. Rejoice in God’s protection
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
God is able to protect us and He has been protecting us all along. In this world of dangers we rejoice knowing that if we walk in His way He will always protect us. No matter how bad people will to be to us, or how the devil tries to harm us, God will always protect us.
3. Rejoice in God’s blessing
Deuteronomy 16:9-11 Count off seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. 10Then celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you. 11And rejoice before the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name--you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, the Levites in your towns, and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows living among you.
Deuteronomy 26:11 Count off seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain.
1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance."
Isaiah 61:7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
Jeremiah 31:12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD-- the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.
65
We are not serving God who does not care to bless us.
4. Rejoice in God’s salvation
If God did not save us, how would we will be now? Salvation is very valuable. God saves us, not because we are so good, but because He is so good. He loves sinners and saves them from hell. God's salvation is the evidence of His love for us. Christ came to die for our sins. Whenever we think of the cross our heart should rejoice in what God has done for us. Even if God had never done anything else for us His salvation alone is enough for us to rejoice in His relationship with us. His salvation is unconditional out of His love and grace towards us.
Psalm 9:14 that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 35:9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.
Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Psalm 132:16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.
Psalm 149:4-5 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. 5Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 35:10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter
Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 51:11 The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
66
Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
When the Ethiopian eunuch received Christ, Philip rejoiced.Acts 8:39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
Acts 16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.
1 Peter 1:5-6 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
4.1 Joy because of God's forgiveness
Romans 4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
4.2 Joy because of restored relationship with God
Romans 5:11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
4.3 Joy because of God's help from penalty of sin
Psalm 30:10-11 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help." 11You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Romans 4:8 "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
4.4 Joy because of God's inheritance and glory waiting for us
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
67
5. Rejoice in God’s restoration
God is restoring everything in this world. God is a God of restoration. He restored each person to His glory. He has been restoring this world back to Himself. He is restoring joy back into this world. We can rejoice knowing that things which were lost will be restored fully in His time. Even our own body will be restored.
Restoration of the temple2 Chronicles 29:35-36 There were burnt offerings in abundance,
together with the fat of the fellowship offerings and the drink offerings that accompanied the burnt offerings. So the service of the temple of the LORD was reestablished. 36Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly.
Psalm 14:7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Psalm 53:6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Psalm 85:6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Jeremiah 31:4 I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.
Jeremiah 31:12-13 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD--the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. 13Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 33:11 the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD.
Zechariah 4:9-10 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the
68
LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 10"Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. "(These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range throughout the earth.)"
Zechariah 10:6-7 "I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. 7The Ephraimites will become like mighty men, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.
6. Rejoice in God’s power to heal
Matthew 15:31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Luke 5:25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
Luke 13:17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
Luke 17:15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
Luke 19:37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
Acts 3:8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Acts 8:6-8 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city.
7. Rejoice in God’s power to overcome the enemy
69
2 Chronicles 20:27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies.
Psalm 20:5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
Psalm 21:1 O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!
Psalm 27:6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my holy ones; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath-- those who rejoice in my triumph.
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
We can have more joy if we know more of who He is and what He has done for us. The Bible instructs us to meditate and praise God, coming to Him with thanksgiving. The more we do it the more joy we have. Often we lose joy in this world where there is so much suffering because we lose sight of the victory God has given to us over the enemy.
70