The
signs
of
the
last
days
are
similar
to
what
we
see
and
experience
when
a
storm
is
approaching.
As
clouds
appear
on
the
horizon
an
uneasy
feeling
begins
to
rise
as
ominous
darkness
approaches.
Our
senses
confirm
a
storm
is
imminent
as
we
witness
flashes
of
lightening,
followed
by
the
sound
and
feeling
of
reverberating
thunder.
Our
thoughts
soon transition to concern and safety as we determine what to do and where to go to avoid harm.
Many
persons
(Christians
and
non-Christians)
are
aware
of
an
approaching
“storm;”
see
and
have
a
conceptual
understanding
of
the
“signs;”
and
are
experiencing
various
degrees
of
deep
gut-wrenching
anxiety
and
fear
due
to
pending
unknowns.
However,
due
to
our
human
nature
it
is
much
easier
to
live
in
denial
(i.e.
“sleepwalking”)
than
to
take a good hard look at what’s going on in the world and prepare for the One who will come in the twinkling of an eye.
Jesus
said,
“Therefore
whoever
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
them,
I
will
like
n
him
to
a
wise
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
rock:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
did
not
fall,
for
it
was
founded
on
the
rock.
But
everyone
who
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
not
do
them,
will
be
like
a
foolish
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
sand:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
fell.
And
great
was
its
fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus
Christ
used
a
parable
of
two
builders
to
convey
the
importance
of
hearing
God’s
Word
and
changing
our
behavior.
Each
person
is
the
builder
of
their
own
house
and
has
the
choice
of
which
foundation
to
build
upon.
At
one
end
of
the
spectrum
is
solid
rock
(Jesus
Christ),
the
other
is
soft
sand
(all
delusional
lies
the
world
offers).
The
rain,
rising
streams
and
wind
represent
difficult
and
perilous
times.
Each
person
who
builds
their
foundation
upon
Jesus
Christ
are
able
to
withstand
day-to-day
trials
in
life.
But
what
is
more
important—they
will
be
able
to
withstand
the
“stormier”
days
ahead.
However,
those
who
build
their
foundation
on
sand
will
be
overtaken
and
destroyed
by
the
“torrential rains,” “flooding waters” and “tornadic winds” of the last days.
Jesus
said
regarding
the
last
days,
“For
then
there
will
be
great
tribulation,
such
as
has
not
been
since
the
beginning
of
the
world
until
this
time,
no,
nor
ever
shall
be.
And
unless
those
days
were
shortened,
no
flesh
would
be
saved;
but
for
the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22
“Foundation”
is
comprised
of
key
fundamentals
upon
which
to
build
a
mature
faith
in
Jesus
Christ;
and
is
intended
for
all persons—including those who do not know Jesus Christ.
From Darkness to Light
What is Sin?
If
you
ask
a
diverse
group
of
people
to
define
the
word
“sin”
you’d
likely
receive
varying
responses
that
range
across
an
entire
spectrum.
For
example,
there
are
some
who
believe
there
is
no
such
thing
as
sin.
Others
may
define
sin
from
a
behavioral
perspective,
such
as
murder,
theft,
sexual
immorality,
and
so
forth;
or
knowing
what
should
be
done,
and not doing it. (James 4:17). While others may define sin based upon thoughts.
God
gave
us
the
Ten
Commandments
(Exodus
20,
Deuteronomy
5)
as
a
“minimal
benchmark”
or
“standard”
to
enter
into
Heaven,
and
as
means
to
reveal
our
sin.
But
more
important,
He
gave
us
the
Ten
Commandments
because
of
His
love
for
us.
(Unfortunately,
many
fail
to
understand
this
and
view
them
as
a
list
of
do’s
and
don’ts.)
God’s
Commandments are a list of logical, relevant and prudent behaviors that seem fairly easy to obey.
1
.
I am the Lord you God, you shall have no other gods before me.
2
.
You shall not worship false gods.
3
.
You shall never take My name in vain.
4
.
Keep the Sabbath day holy.
5
.
Honor your father and mother.
6
.
You shall not murder.
7
.
You shall not commit adultery.
8
.
You shall not steal.
9
.
You shall not lie.
1
0
.
You shall not want what belongs to others.
Take
a
moment
and
review
the
list.
Have
you
ever
broken
one
of
the
commandments?
If
you’re
like
everyone
else
on
earth
your
answer
is
yes
because
we
are
all
guilty.
Romans
3:23
says
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
The
reason
is
because
everyone
is
born
with
a
sinful
nature
which
has
been
passed
down
through
the
generations since the beginning, starting with Adam and Eve.
God
gave
Adam
one
simple
and
easy-to-follow
commandment.
“And
the
Lord
God
commanded
the
man,
saying,
‘Of
every
tree
of
the
garden
you
may
freely
eat;
but
of
the
tree
of
the
knowledge
of
good
and
evil
you
shall
not
eat,
for
in
the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” Genesis 2:16-17
Adam
and
Eve
could
live
a
perfect
life
in
absolute
bliss
in
Heaven
and
in
God’s
presence.
All
of
their
needs
were
met
and
they
could
do
anything
they
desired.
The
only
commandment
from
God
is
they
were
not
allowed
to
eat
the
fruit
from one tree. Besides, there’s many other trees to eat from. Seems like a pretty good deal, right?
In
Genesis
chapter
3,
the
serpent
(Satan)
executed
his
standard
method
of
operation:
use
deceptive
lies
to
stimulate
our sinful nature and desire to sin.
“Now
the
serpent
was
more
cunning
than
any
beast
of
the
field
which
the
Lord
God
had
made.
And
he
said
to
the
woman,
‘Has
God
indeed
said,
‘You
shall
not
eat
of
every
tree
of
the
garden’?’
And
the
woman
said
to
the
serpent,
‘We
may
eat
the
fruit
of
the
trees
of
the
garden;
but
of
the
fruit
of
the
tree
which
is
in
the
midst
of
the
garden,
God
has
said,
‘You
shall
not
eat
it,
nor
shall
you
touch
it,
lest
you
die.’
Then
the
serpent
said
to
the
woman,
‘You
will
not
surely
die.
For
God
knows
that
in
the
day
you
eat
of
it
your
eyes
will
be
opened,
and
you
will
be
like
God,
knowing
good
and
evil.’
So
when
the
woman
saw
that
the
tree
was
good
for
food,
that
it
was
pleasant
to
the
eyes,
and
a
tree
desirable
to
make
one
wise,
she
took
of
its
fruit
and
ate.
She
also
gave
to
her
husband
with
her,
and
he
ate.
Then
the
eyes
of
both
of
them
were
opened,
and
they
knew
that
they
were
naked;
and
they
sewed
fig
leaves
together
and
made
themselves
coverings.
And
they
heard
the
sound
of
the
Lord
God
walking
in
the
garden
in
the
cool
of
the
day,
and
Adam
and
his
wife
hid
themselves
from
the
presence
of
the
Lord
God
among
the
trees
of
the
garden.
Then
the
Lord
God
called
to
Adam
and
said
to
him,
‘Where
are
you?’
So
he
said,
‘I
heard
Your
voice
in
the
garden,
and
I
was
afraid
because
I
was
naked;
and
I
hid
myself.’
And
He
said,
‘Who
told
you
that
you
were
naked?
Have
you
eaten
from
the
tree
of
which
I
commanded
you
that
you
should
not
eat?’
Then
the
man
said,
‘The
woman
whom
You
gave
to
be
with
me,
she
gave
me
of
the
tree,
and
I
ate.’
And
the
Lord
God
said
to
the
woman,
‘What
is
this
you
have
done?’
The
woman
said,
‘The
serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” Genesis 3:1-13
Adam
and
Eve
knew
God’s
one
and
only
commandment,
and
they
decided
to
disobey
and
sinned
against
God.
Their
response
was
to
(1)
hide
from
God,
and
(2)
pass
the
blame.
These
two
behaviors
are
indicative
of
spiritual
death,
and
a common response when people sin.
God’s
word
defined
the
consequences
if
they
disobeyed:
they
would
die.
Satan
attacked
the
authority
of
God’s
word
by
saying
they
will
not
die
(which
is
both
a
lie
and
truth).
It
is
a
lie
because
they
would
die
spiritually.
It
was
also
true
because
they
would
not
physically
die.
Then
he
added
another
lie—targeted
at
their
sinful
nature—in
that
they
will
be
like God.
As
Eve
listened,
she
became
mentally
“locked
in”
on
the
forbidden
fruit,
saw
it
was
pleasant
to
the
eyes
and
would
make her wise. They ate and spiritually died—as God said would happen.
Jesus
said
regarding
Satan
“He
was
a
murderer
from
the
beginning,
and
does
not
stand
in
the
truth,
because
there
is
no
truth
in
him.
When
he
speaks
a
lie,
he
speaks
from
his
own
resources,
for
he
is
a
liar
and
the
father of it.” John 8:44
“6
Stages
of
Temptation”
(on
UniqueBibleStudies.com)
provides
additional
details
of
what
occurred
in
the garden, the different stages of temptation, and how to overcome temptation.
The
same
deceptive
lies
in
the
garden
are
used
today
by
the
god
of
this
age
(Satan).
“But
even
if
our
gospel
is
veiled,
it
is
veiled
to
those
who
are
perishing,
whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded,
who
do
not
believe,
lest
the
light
of
the
gospel
of
the
glory
of
Christ
,
who
is
the
image
of
God,
should
shine
on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
The Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ro
mans 6:23
The
wage
(consequence)
of
sin
is
spiritual
death.
The
term
of
“death”
defines
the
same
consequences
Adam
and
Eve
experienced:
a
separation
from
God
and
torment
of
soul
and
spirit.
However,
God
provided
a
means
to
restore
the
relationship
through
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
1
John
2:1-2
says
“And
if
anyone
sins,
we
have
an
Advocate
with
the
Father,
Jesus
Christ
the
righteous.
And
He
Himself
is
the
propitiation
for
our
sins,
and
not
for
ours
only
but also for the whole world.”
Propitiation
is
defined
as
an
action
meant
to
make
up
for
something
you
did
wrong.
For
example,
think
back
to
when
you
were
a
child
and
you
did
something
wrong
that
demanded
punishment.
Now
imagine
as
your
parental
“executioner”
prepares
to
deliver
chastisement,
your
friend
steps
in
and
says
“I
will
take
the
punishment
for
you,”
and
does
so.
This
is
what
Jesus
did
for
us
when
He
died
on
the
cross.
In
other
words,
Jesus
Christ
took
the
punishment for our sins when He offered His body as a living sacrifice—to all who believe.
“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.” Ephesians 2:8-9
What’s
interesting
(and
very
sad),
this
glorious,
wonderful,
and
simple
truth
confounds
those
who
consider
themselves
wise.
“For
the
message
of
the
cross
is
foolishness
to
those
who
are
perishing,
but
to
us
who
are
being
saved
it
is
the
power
of
God.
For
it
is
written:
‘I
will
destroy
the
wisdom
of
the
wise,
and
bring
to
nothing
the
understanding
of
the
prudent.’”
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but
that
the
world
through
Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
It
is
God’s
grace
(receiving
forgiveness
we
do
not
deserve)
and
mercy
(not
receiving
the
punishment
we
deserve)—combined
with
our
belief
in
His
Son,
Jesus—is
what
restores
the
relationship,
breaks
the
bondage
of
sin,
changes
us
from
within,
and
opens
the
door
to
everlasting
life.
This
spiritual
transformation
occurs
when
one
is
“born
again.”
Jesus Christ Said You Must Be Born Again
“There
was
a
man
of
the
Pharisees
named
Nicodemus,
a
ruler
of
the
Jews.
This
man
came
to
Jesus
by
night
and
said
to
Him,
‘Rabbi,
we
know
that
You
are
a
teacher
come
from
God;
for
no
one
can
do
these
signs
that
You
do
unless
God
is
with
him.’
Jesus
answered
and
said
to
him,
‘Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.’
Nicodemus
said
to
Him,
‘How
can
a
man
be
born
when
he
is
old?
Can
he
enter
a
second
time
into
his
mother’s
womb
and
be
born?’
Jesus
answered,
‘Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the
Spirit is spirit.’
” John 3:1-6
We
are
all
born
into
this
world
of
the
flesh
(physical
body
and
soul)—including
our
sinful
nature
and
self-centered
heart.
Those
who
are
reborn
in
the
Spirit
will
experience
a
regeneration
of
their
soul
via
the
washing
and
cleansing
of
sinful
impurities
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
In
addition,
those
who
are
reborn
in
the
Spirit
will
also
experience
a
renewing
of
their
heart—where real and lasting change occurs.
“Not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5
In
response
to
the
Samaritan
woman
at
a
well,
“Jesus
answered
and
said
to
her,
‘Whoever
drinks
of
this
water
will
thirst
again,
but
whoever
drinks
of
the
water
that
I
shall
give
him
will
never
thirst.
But
the
water
that
I
shall
give
him
will
become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’
” John 4:13-14
“On
the
last
day,
that
great
day
of
the
feast,
Jesus
stood
and
cried
out,
saying,
‘
If
anyone
thirsts,
let
him
come
to
Me
and
drink.
He
who
believes
in
Me,
as
the
Scripture
has
said,
out
of
his
heart
will
flow
rivers
of
living
water.’
”
John
7:37-
38
When
someone
is
born
again,
their
rebirth
is
not
just
a
superficial
improvement
of
the
old
nature.
But
rather,
it
is
a
supernatural
(Holy
Spirit)
creation
of
a
new
nature.
There
is
a
change
in
the
core
desire;
and
in
the
underlying
motivation;
and
in
the
basic
need—from
seeking
to
fulfill
the
desires
of
the
flesh
to
pleasing
the
One
who
forgives
us
and
loves
us
unconditionally.
This
is
where
the
relationship
with
our
Savior
thrives;
this
is
where
our
efforts
produce
an
eternal benefit; and this is where indescribable joy may be found.
Human Birth vs. Spiritual Birth
“And
you
He
made
alive,
who
were
dead
in
trespasses
and
sins,
in
which
you
once
walked
according
to
the
course
of
this
world,
according
to
the
prince
of
the
power
of
the
air,
the
spirit
who
now
works
in
the
sons
of
disobedience,
among
whom
also
we
all
once
conducted
ourselves
in
the
lusts
of
our
flesh,
fulfilling
the
desires
of
the
flesh
and
of
the
mind,
and
were
by
nature
children
of
wrath,
just
as
the
others.
But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses,
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ
(by
grace
you
have
been
saved),
and
raised
us
up
together,
and
made
us
sit
together
in
the
heavenly
places
in
Christ
Jesus,
that
in
the
ages
to
come
He
might
show
the
exceeding
riches
of
His
grace
in
His
kindness
toward
us
in
Christ
Jesus.
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.
For
we
are
His
workmanship,
created
in
Christ
Jesus
for
good
works,
which
God
prepared
beforehand
that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10
In
answering
Paul’s
question
below,
Jesus
Christ
explained
how
people
are
unable
to
see
due
to
the
power
of
Satan
and
the
darkness
that
results
from
sin.
However,
every
person
who
places
their
faith
and
trust
in
the
unmerited
grace,
forgiveness,
and
eternal
life
given
to
us
by
God
in
His
son
Jesus
Christ
will
see
the
world
from
a
completely
different
view—as His light illuminates our life from His perspective.
“So
I
said,
‘Who
are
You,
Lord?’
And
He
said,
‘I
am
Jesus,
whom
you
are
persecuting.
But
rise
and
stand
on
your
feet;
for
I
have
appeared
to
you
for
this
purpose,
to
make
you
a
minister
and
a
witness
both
of
the
things
which
you
have
seen
and
of
the
things
which
I
will
yet
reveal
to
you.
I
will
deliver
you
from
the
Jewish
people,
as
well
as
from
the
Gentiles,
to
whom
I
now
send
you,
to
open
their
eyes,
in
order
to
turn
them
from
darkness
to
light,
and
from
the
power
of
Satan
to
God,
that
they
may
receive
forgiveness
of
sins
and
an
inheritance
among
those
who
are
sanctified
by
faith
in Me.’
” Acts 26:15-18
Those
who
recognize
the
deceptive
lies
of
Satan;
those
who
realize
the
vanity
and
uselessness
of
sin;
those
who
are
tired
of
the
bondage
and
pain;
those
who
have
a
desire
for
more
than
what
the
world
has
to
offer;
those
who
experience
the
tugging
of
their
heart
by
God’s
Holy
Spirit;
and
those
who
obey—these
are
they
who
can
see
in
the
dark
because
of
His
light;
as
their
perception
of
the
world,
of
people;
and
of
themselves
began
to
change.
These
are
they
who
also
witness
(and
can
attest)
to
their
behavioral
transformation
that
occurs
because
of
His
love,
and
His
grace, and the eternal forgiveness of their sin.
For additional and insightful information, read the following two Bible studies on UniqueBibleStudies.c
om.
“What
is
a
Born-Again
Christian”
explains
why
we
cannot
earn
our
way
to
Heaven;
expands
biblical
understanding
of
what
it
means
to
be
born
again;
facilitates
self-evaluation;
and
enhances
spiritual
growth and maturity in Christ.
Paraphrasing
C.S.
Lewis
in
his
book
Mere
Christianity,
based
upon
the
words
Jesus
spoke
and
who
He
claimed
to
be,
Jesus
Christ
was
either
a
lunatic
or
the
Son
of
God.
This
is
a
very
bold
and
provocative
statement.
But
when
you
think
about
it…C.S.
Lewis
was
right:
it
is
one
or
the
other.
There’s
no
middle-of-the-road
statement
such
as
“Well,
he
was
simply
a
prophet,
or
a
good
teacher,
or
a
godly
man.”
This
lesson
provides
factual
evidence Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
God
If
you
ask
a
group
of
persons
who
believe
in
God
to
describe
their
relationship
with
Him,
you
will
likely
get
varying
responses
that
fall
under
two
categories.
The
first
category
is
based
upon
our
perception
of
how
God
views
us:
hateful,
angry,
or
loving.
The
second
category
is
based
upon
whether
or
not
God
is
perceived
as
being
close
or
distant.
Sin
causes
us
to
live
in
darkness,
reduces
our
ability
to
see
the
Truth,
and
separates
us
from
God—which
is
why
one
may perc
eive God as being hateful or angry, and distant.
God Loves Us More Than We Realize
As
one
grows
and
spiritually
matures
in
Jesus
Christ;
as
they
yield
to
the
guidance
of
the
Holy
Spirit;
and
as
they
are
changed
into
His
likeness;
perceptions
of
God
as
being
hateful
and
angry
will
transform
due
to
an
affirmation
that
God
loves
us
above
and
beyond
all
human
understanding.
In
addition,
any
perceptions
of
God
as
being
distant
will
also
change due to evidence He is very close and involved with all aspects of our lives.
“For
God
so
loved
the
world,
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
belies
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4-5
“For
I
am
persuaded
that
neither
death
nor
life,
nor
angels
nor
principalities
nor
powers,
nor
things
present
nor
things
to
come,
nor
height
nor
depth,
nor
any
other
created
thing,
shall
be
able
to
separate
us
from
the
love
of
God
which
is
in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“Therefore,
humble
yourselves
under
the
mighty
hand
of
God,
that
He
may
exalt
you
in
due
time,
casting
all
your
care
upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
God is Not Distant
We
may
feel
God
is
distant,
but
He
is
still
there.
In
lieu
of
the
word
distant,
a
better
term
to
consider
is
discipline.
Sin
separates
us
from
God,
which
is
a
form
of
punishment.
For
example,
when
a
child
disobeys,
the
parent
must
immediately
chastise
the
child—otherwise
the
inappropriate
behavior
will
continue.
Disengagement
from
God
due
to
sin
equates
to
disapproval
and
punishment.
The
pain
on
the
inside
will
cause
us
to
reconsider
the
painful
experience
the next time we are tempted.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19
It
is
very
important
to
note
there
are
times
when
our
faith
will
be
tested;
and
it
may
seem
God
is
distant
during
this
time—even
when
we
have
not
sinned
(i.e.
Job).
This
is
when
we
need
to
hold
onto
our
faith,
and
His
grace,
and
His
promises.
“Through
whom
also
we
have
access
by
faith
into
this
grace
in
which
we
stand,
and
rejoice
in
hope
of
the
glory
of
God.
And
not
only
that,
but
we
also
glory
in
tribulations,
knowing
that
tribulation
produces
perseverance;
and
perseverance,
character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:2-4
“And
we
know
that
all
things
work
together
for
good
to
those
who
love
God,
to
those
who
are
the
called
according
to
His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“For
You
formed
my
inward
parts;
You
covered
me
in
my
mother’s
womb.
I
will
praise
You,
for
I
am
fearfully
and
wonderfully
made;
marvelous
are
Your
works,
and
that
my
soul
knows
very
well.
My
frame
was
not
hidden
from
You,
when
I
was
made
in
secret,
and
skillfully
wrought
in
the
lowest
parts
of
the
earth.
Your
eyes
saw
my
substance,
being
yet
unformed.
And
in
Your
book
they
all
were
written,
the
days
fashioned
for
me,
when
as
yet
there
were
none
of
them.
Psalm 139:13-16
“And
the
Lord,
He
is
the
One
who
goes
before
you.
He
will
be
with
you,
He
will
not
leave
you
nor
forsake
you;
do
not
fear nor be dismayed.”. Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5
God
desires
communion,
communication,
and
fellowship.
He
wants
our
heart,
our
desire,
and
our
inner
self
seeking
and
yearning
for
His
presence.
For
every
step
we
make
towards
God,
He
will
make
10
towards
us.
For
every
area
in
our life we yield to God, He will keep His promise in that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.
God is Omnipresent
It
is
difficult
for
our
finite
minds
to
comprehend
our
infinite
God—who
is
not
limited
by
space
and
time—and
is
everywhere.
“‘Can
anyone
hide
himself
in
secret
places,
so
I
shall
not
see
him?’
Says
the
lord;
‘Do
I
not
fill
heaven
and
earth?’
says
the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
“Where
can
I
go
from
Your
Spirit?
Or
where
can
I
flee
from
Your
presence?
If
I
ascend
into
heaven,
You
are
there;
if
I
make
my
bed
in
hell,
behold,
You
are
there.
If
I
take
the
wings
of
the
morning,
and
dwell
in
the
uttermost
parts
of
the
sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalms 139:7-10
God is Omnipotent
Omnipotent
is
defined
as
having
unlimited
power
and
authority.
God’s
omnipotence
is
exemplified
by
His
speaking
the
earth
and
the
heavens
into
existence
(Genesis
1;
Psalm
33:6);
and
by
His
granting
authority
to
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ,
to rise from the dead.
“Thus
says
the
Lord,
your
Redeemer,
and
He
who
formed
you
from
the
womb:
‘I
am
the
Lord,
who
makes
all
things,
who stretches out the heavens all alone, who spreads abroad the earth by Myself.’” Isaiah 44:24
Jesus
said
“Therefore
My
Father
loves
Me,
because
I
lay
down
My
life
that
I
may
take
it
again.
No
one
takes
it
from
Me,
but
I
lay
it
down
of
Myself.
I
have
power
to
lay
it
down,
and
I
have
power
to
take
it
again.
This
command
I
have
received from My Father.” John 10:17-18
God is Omniscient
Omniscient
is
defined
as
having
unlimited
knowledge
of
all
things
past,
present,
and
future;
absolute
awareness
and
understanding; perceiving all things. What is hidden from human sight is still known by God.
“
O
Lord,
You
have
searched
me
and
known
me.
You
know
my
sitting
down
and
my
rising
up;
You
understand
my
thought
afar
off.
You
comprehend
my
path
and
my
lying
down,
and
are
acquainted
with
all
my
ways.
For
there
is
not
a
word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4
Jesus
said,
“Are
not
two
sparrows
sold
for
a
copper
coin?
And
not
one
of
them
falls
to
the
ground
apart
from
your
Father’s
will.
But
the
very
hairs
of
your
head
are
all
numbered.
Do
not
fear
therefore;
you
are
of
more
value
than
many sparrows.” Mat. 10:29-31; Luke 12:7
God is the Source of Love
“Beloved,
let
us
love
one
another,
for
love
is
of
God;
and
everyone
who
loves
is
born
of
God
and
knows
God.
He
who
does
not
love
does
not
know
God,
for
God
is
love.
In
this
the
love
of
God
was
manifested
toward
us,
that
God
has
sent
His
only
begotten
Son
into
the
world,
that
we
might
live
through
Him.
In
this
is
love,
not
that
we
loved
God,
but
that
He
loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-10
“I
love
those
who
love
me,
and
those
who
seek
me
diligently
will
find
me.
Riches
and
honor
are
with
me,
enduring
riches
and
righteousness.
My
fruit
is
better
than
gold,
yes,
than
fine
gold,
and
my
revenue
than
choice
silver.
I
traverse
the
way
of
righteousness,
in
the
midst
of
the
paths
of
justice,
that
I
may
cause
those
who
love
me
to
inherit
wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:17-21
The Holy Spirit
Jesus Said He Would Send A Helper (the Holy Spirit) After He Dies and Goes to the Father
“But
now
I
go
away
to
Him
who
sent
Me,
and
none
of
you
asks
Me,
‘Where
are
You
going?’
But
because
I
have
said
these
things
to
you,
sorrow
has
filled
your
heart.
Nevertheless,
I
tell
you
the
truth.
It
is
to
your
advantage
that
I
go
away;
for
if
I
do
not
go
away,
the
Helper
will
not
come
to
you;
but
if
I
depart,
I
will
send
Him
to
you.
And
when
He
has
come,
He
will
convict
the
world
of
sin,
and
of
righteousness,
and
of
judgment:
of
sin,
because
they
do
not
believe
in
Me;
of
righteousness,
because
I
go
to
My
Father
and
you
see
Me
no
more;
of
judgment,
because
the
ruler
of
this
world
is
judged.
I
still
have
many
things
to
say
to
you,
but
you
cannot
bear
them
now.
However,
when
He,
the
Spirit
of
truth,
has
come,
He
will
guide
you
into
all
truth;
for
He
will
not
speak
on
His
own
authority,
but
whatever
He
hears
He
will
speak;
and
He
will
tell
you
things
to
come.
He
will
glorify
Me,
for
He
will
take
of
what
is
Mine
and
declare
it
to
you.
All
things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:5-15
The
Holy
Spirit
is
more
than
a
force,
a
presence,
or
a
power.
The
Holy
Spirit
has
attributes
and
characteristics
of
a
person:
imparting
knowledge
(teaches
and
explains),
has
a
will
(makes
decisions),
and
experiences
feelings.
Most
important, the Holy Spirit came to glorify Christ and to lead believers into truth.
The Holy Spirit Teaches and Guides Us
Jesus
said,
“But
the
Helper,
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
the
Father
will
send
in
My
name,
He
will
teach
you
all
things,
and
bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26
Jesus
said,
“But
when
the
Helper
comes,
whom
I
shall
send
to
you
from
the
Father,
the
Spirit
of
truth
who
proceeds
from the Father, He will testify of Me.” John 15:26
Jesus
said,
“However,
when
He,
the
Spirit
of
truth,
has
come,
He
will
guide
you
into
all
truth;
for
He
will
not
speak
on
His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 16:13
“Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been
freely
given
to
us
by
God.
These
things
we
also
speak,
not
in
words
which
man’s
wisdom
teaches
but
which
the
Holy
Spirit
teaches,
comparing
spiritual
things
with
spiritual.
But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned.”
1
Corinthians 2:12-14
The Holy Spirit Distributes Spiritual Gifts
“Now
concerning
spiritual
gifts,
brethren,
I
do
not
want
you
to
be
ignorant:
You
know
that
you
were
Gentiles,
carried
away
to
these
dumb
idols,
however
you
were
led.
Therefore,
I
make
known
to
you
that
no
one
speaking
by
the
Spirit
of
God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.”
“There
are
diversities
of
gifts,
but
the
same
Spirit.
There
are
differences
of
ministries,
but
the
same
Lord.
And
there
are
diversities
of
activities,
but
it
is
the
same
God
who
works
all
in
all.
But
the
manifestation
of
the
Spirit
is
given
to
each
one
for
the
profit
of
all:
for
to
one
is
given
the
word
of
wisdom
through
the
Spirit,
to
another
the
word
of
knowledge
through
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
faith
by
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
gifts
of
healings
by
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
the
working
of
miracles,
to
another
prophecy,
to
another
discerning
of
spirits,
to
another
different
kinds
of
tongues,
to
another
the
interpretation
of
tongues.
But
one
and
the
same
Spirit
works
all
these
things,
distributing
to
each
one
individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
The Holy Spirit Is With Us and Lives Within Us
Jesus
said,
“And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
“Or
do
you
not
know
that
your
body
is
the
temple
of
the
Holy
Spirit
who
is
in
you,
whom
you
have
from
God,
and
you
are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19
The Holy Spirit Prays for Us
“Likewise,
the
Spirit
also
helps
in
our
weaknesses.
For
we
do
not
know
what
we
should
pray
for
as
we
ought,
but
the
Spirit
Himself
makes
intercession
for
us
with
groanings
which
cannot
be
uttered.
Now
He
who
searches
the
hearts
knows
what
the
mind
of
the
Spirit
is,
because
He
makes
intercession
for
the
saints
according
to
the
will
of
God.”
Romans 8:26-27
The Holy Spirit Prepares Us to Live with God for Eternity
“Now
I
myself
am
confident
concerning
you,
my
brethren,
that
you
also
are
full
of
goodness,
filled
with
all
knowledge,
able
also
to
admonish
one
another.
Nevertheless,
brethren,
I
have
written
more
boldly
to
you
on
some
points,
as
reminding
you,
because
of
the
grace
given
to
me
by
God,
that
I
might
be
a
minister
of
Jesus
Christ
to
the
Gentiles,
ministering
the
gospel
of
God,
that
the
offering
of
the
Gentiles
might
be
acceptable,
sanctified
by
the
Holy
Spirit.”
Romans 15:14-16
“For
we
ourselves
were
also
once
foolish,
disobedient,
deceived,
serving
various
lusts
and
pleasures,
living
in
malice
and
envy,
hateful
and
hating
one
another.
But
when
the
kindness
and
the
love
of
God
our
Savior
toward
man
appeared,
not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior,
that
having
been
justified
by
His
grace
we
should
become
heirs
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal
life.”
Titus
3:3-7
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:16
The Fruit of the Spirit
“But
the
fruit
of
the
Spirit
is
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
self-control.
Against
such
there
is
no
law.
And
those
who
are
Christ’s
have
crucified
the
flesh
with
its
passions
and
desires.
If
we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
The Bible
The
Bible
is
God’s
word.
It
is
the
greatest
“How
To”
book
ever
written;
and
a
key
source
for
guidance,
direction,
decisions, and every need in your life.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105
The
Bible
is
comprised
of
66
books,
written
by
more
than
forty
authors
during
a
period
of
approximately
sixteen
centuries.
The
Bible
is
also
comprised
of
narratives
and
dialogues;
proverbs
and
parables;
songs
and
allegories;
history
and
prophesy.
What’s
more,
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Additional facts about the Bible include:
•
The Bible is comprised of two Testaments (Old and New Covenants)
o
The Old Testament was written for the most part in Hebrew, with a small percentage in Aramaic.
o
The New Testament was written in Greek.
•
The books in the Bible may be grouped by content:
o
Pentateuch:
▪
The first five books of the Bible (Genesis – Deuteronomy)
▪
Primary author is Moses
▪
Overview:
Creation,
God’s
divine
purposes
and
plans,
how
sin
entered
the
world,
God’s
response,
His
relationship with man, and insight into the character and nature of God.
o
Historical:
▪
Includes:
Joshua,
Judges,
Ruth,
1
and
2
Samuel,
1
and
2
Kings,
1
and
2
Chronicles,
Ezra,
Nehemiah,
and
Esther
▪
Covers
approximately
1,000
years
of
Israel’s
history
beginning
with
the
entry
into
the
Promised
Land,
transition and division of the nation, moral decline, period of captivity, and its return from exile.
o
Poetry and Wisdom:
▪
Includes: Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
▪
Conveys
life’s
struggles
and
experiences;
reveals
man’s
relationship
with
God;
covers
practical
topics;
and
are filled with wisdom.
o
Prophetic:
▪
Major and Minor Prophets (based upon length and importance of their message)
•
Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
•
Minor
Prophets:
Hosea,
Joel,
Amos,
Obadiah,
Johah,
Micah,
Nahum,
Habakkuk,
Zephaniah,
Haggai,
Zechariah, and Malachi
▪
Empowered
by
the
Holy
Spirit,
prophets
spoke
God’s
message
to
the
Nation
of
Israel,
warned
of
consequences for non-repentance, and described future times.
o
Gospels
▪
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
▪
Provide us with:
•
A perspective of the life of Jesus Christ
•
A link between the Old and New Testament
•
Evidence Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and the Son of God
o
Epistles
▪
Pauline
Epistles
(written
by
the
Apostle
Paul)
Romans,
1
&
2
Corinthians,
Galatians,
Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon
▪
General Epistles (Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1 2 & 3 John, and Jude)
▪
Letters written to individuals and early churches
Given
all
of
the
authors,
given
all
of
the
books,
given
all
of
the
different
writing
styles,
given
the
extensive
time
span
in
which
it
was
written—for
those
who
diligently
study
the
Bible—will
find
that
there
is
a
profound
unity
and
interrelation
between
the
Old
and
New
Testaments.
What’s
more,
the
Bible
is
sufficiently
“shallow”
for
a
baby
in
Christ
to
wade;
and
wonderfully “deep” for Biblical scholars to never touch bottom.
How to Study the Bible
The
word
study
conveys
a
deeper
and
more
active
form
of
reading.
Simple
reading
of
the
Bible
often
results
in
an
assimilation
of
facts
with
little
to
no
affect
upon
the
heart.
Whereas
studying
the
Bible
(with
the
assistance
of
the
Holy
Spirit) will enhance understanding, facilitate personal application, and assist in the transformation into Christlikeness.
Here are four basic foundational concepts with regards to studying God’s word:
1
.
If
you
do
not
eat
food
you
will
become
hungry
and
weak.
Likewise,
God’s
word
is
“food”
for
your
heart,
soul,
and
spirit. As such, you should study God’s word every day.
2
.
The
“internalization”
of
God’s
Word
must
occur
at
a
much
deeper
level
than
just
“between
our
ears”
because
knowledge
alone
is
useless.
God’s
Word
must
also
penetrate
our
heart,
our
soul,
and
our
spirit
for
true
transformation to take place.
3
.
We
are
incapable
of
truly
understanding
God’s
word
without
guidance
and
revelation
from
the
Holy
Spirit.
Therefore, prior to studying, ask God to help you understand:
•
What does it say?
•
What does it mean?
•
How may this apply to my life?
4
.
As
you
study
God’s
word
the
Holy
Spirit
will
often
reveal
areas
of
your
behavior,
perceptions,
thoughts,
relationships, and so forth that require change and/or action on your part.
Book vs. Topical
There
are
two
ways
one
can
study
the
Bible:
Book
and
Topical.
A
book
study
may
comprise
an
entire
book
by
chapter
and
verse.
A
topical
study
is
based
upon
researching
a
particular
topic
such
as
faith,
salvation,
biographical,
and
so
forth.
A
new
Christian
should
begin
with
a
book
study,
starting
with
one
or
more
of
the
four
Gospels
(Matthew,
Mark,
Luke,
or
John)
because
they
focus
on
Jesus
Christ.
Then
study
Genesis,
Ephesians,
Romans,
and
any
of
the
Gospels
you
have not completed.
I
recommend
listening
to
Pastor
Chuck
Smith.
Chuck
Smith
is
a
highly-regarded
expository
teacher
of
the
Bible
(explains,
describes,
and
informs
verse-by-verse;
from
Genesis
to
Revelation).
Although
Chuck
recently
passed
away,
we
are
blessed
in
that
there
are
audio
recordings
of
his
complete
Bible
teachings
which
may
be
accessed
(for
free)
on
the following website:
https://subsplash.com/twft/media/li/+fjbz8vs
An excellent web-based tool for topical studies may be found at the following website:
https://www.biblegateway.com/topical
Prayer
Some
may
have
a
perception
of
praying
to
God
requires
a
format
and
style
similar
to
Hollywood’s
version
of
Moses
(played
by
Charlton
Heston)
in
the
movie
The
Ten
Commandments.
My
son
(when
he
was
very
young)
would
dramatically
bow
down
on
his
knees,
look
up,
and
begin
his
prayer
by
yelling
(and
with
authority)
“OH
JESUS!!!”
People
in
the grocery store aisle would stand there with a look of shock and amazement.
In
reality,
genuine
prayer
has
the
same
characteristics
as
a
meaningful
and
personal
conversation
between
two
persons.
Plus,
there
are
no
formulas
or
specific
patterns
for
prayer.
Prayer
may
be
spoken
verbally,
or
in
your
mind,
and includes listening.
Because
of
Jesus
Christ
we
can
speak
directly
to
God
when
we’re
deep
in
the
valley
of
life’s
trials
and
tribulations;
when
we’re
experiencing
the
“peaks”
of
life;
and
everywhere
in
between.
“For
through
Him
we
both
have
access
by
one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:18
Different Types of Prayer
•
Faith
:
This
is
the
most
common
form
of
prayer:
between
one
person
and
God.
May
consist
of
confession,
repentance, or petition (asking) God for a particular outcome.
•
Agreement
:
When two or more persons are in prayerful agreement.
•
Intercession
: When we pray for someone else.
•
Consecration
:
When
we
ask
God
to
set
our
direction
when
two
or
more
alternatives
exist.
This
is
an
act
of
relinquishing our will and requesting God’s will be done.
•
Praise
and
Worship:
When
we
express
thankfulness
for
His
love,
mercy,
and
blessings.
All
prayer
should
include
thanksgiving regardless of the situation.
•
Binding
and
Loosing
:
Releases
divinely-appointed
power.
Binding
strips
power
from
demonic
spirits.
Loosing
releases angelic spirits to work on our behalf.
Attitude of the Heart
The
attitude
of
our
heart
is
absolutely
important
when
we
pray.
As
such,
we
should
consider
our
feelings,
thoughts,
and underlying motivations. Here are some simple tests:
•
Does my prayer align with God’s will, or my flesh?
•
Am I being real with God and myself (speaking from my heart)?
•
Does my request have eternal heavenly consequences, or temporary earthly outcomes?
•
Do
you
hold
unforgiveness
in
your
heart?
If
yes,
you
need
to
forgive.
How
can
we
accept
God’s
forgiveness
if
we are unwilling to forgive others?
Jesus
said,
“And
whenever
you
stand
praying,
if
you
have
anything
against
anyone,
forgive
him,
that
your
Father
in
heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25
Is Jesus Christ Your Lord?
Every person will eventually bow and acknowledge Jesus Christ is Lord.
“Therefore,
God
also
has
highly
exalted
Him
and
given
Him
the
name
which
is
above
every
name,
that
at
the
name
of
Jesus
every
knee
should
bow,
of
those
in
heaven,
and
of
those
on
earth,
and
of
those
under
the
earth,
and
that
every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Each
person
will
confess
Jesus
Christ
is
Lord—while
living—or
after
the
soul
and
spirit
leaves
the
physical
body.
One
insures eternal life, the other eternal death.
Jesus
declared,
“Behold,
I
stand
at
the
door
and
knock.
If
anyone
hears
My
voice
and
opens
the
door,
I
will
come
in
to
him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
If
God
is
knocking
on
the
door
to
your
heart—your
life,
your
sin,
and
your
relationship
with
Him
is
being
revealed
to
you
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
What’s
more,
you
are
likely
feeling
a
struggle
(and
even
a
fight)
between
accepting
Jesus
Christ
and
holding onto your sin. But be assured, this is more than a struggle between “your ears.”
“For
we
do
not
wrestle
against
flesh
and
blood,
but
against
principalities,
against
powers,
against
the
rulers
of
the
darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
“If
we
confess
our
sins,
He
is
faithful
and
just
to
forgive
us
our
sins
and
to
cleanse
us
from
all
unrighteousness.”
I
John
1:9
If you desire to accept Jesus Christ as your lord simply confess your sins to God in prayer. An example is:
Heavenly
Father,
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ,
forgive
me
for
my
sins.
Thank
you
for
sending
your
Son
into
the
world,
allowing
Him
to
be
crucified
for
my
sins
and
raising
Him
from
the
dead
so
that
I
may
ask
for…and
receive…Your
forgiveness. Jesus, take control of my life and change me into the type of person you want me to be. Amen.
As
you
confess
your
sins
believe
and
have
faith
Jesus
Christ
took
the
punishment
for
your
past
(and
future)
sins
when
He
died
on
the
cross
almost
2,000
years
ago.
Then
repent
by
turning
away
from
your
sin.
Jesus
preached
repentance
as
soon
as
He
began
His
ministry.
"Repent
for
the
kingdom
of
heaven
is
near"
(Matthew
4:17).
It
involves
a
change
in
your heart from your sin toward God. Simply stated, there are four different aspects of repentance:
•
A genuine sorrow toward God because of your sin
•
An inward hatred toward the sin
•
A realization of the depth of your sin and the magnitude of God's compassion and grace
•
An actual forsaking of the sin
Finally,
you
must
humbly
surrender
your
life
to
the
Lordship
of
Jesus
Christ.
For
every
step
you
make
toward
God,
He
will
make
10
toward
you.
For
every
area
in
your
life
you
yield
to
God,
He
will
keep
His
promise
in
that
you
may
have
and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.
Jesus
said,
“But
seek
first
the
kingdom
of
God
and
His
righteousness,
and
all
these
things
shall
be
added
to
you.”
Matthew 6:33
Turbulent Times Ahead
As
last
day
events
transpire
life
will
become
increasingly
difficult.
As
the
rain
increases,
as
the
streams
rise,
and
as
the
winds
will
blow—the
faith
of
those
who
have
built
the
foundation
of
their
life
on
Jesus
Christ
(the
Rock)
will
not
fail
if
they continue to yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Remember…All that is occurring is fulfillment of prophesy.
Remember…The Lord reigns and is still on His throne.
Remember…The Lord is in control.
Remember…The beast and those who accept the mark will live for eternity in the lake of fire.
Remember…Those who trust in God will live for eternity in Heaven.
Remember…Our time on this earth compares to a grain of sand in an ocean of eternity.
Remember…God’s Word and His promises are infallible.
Remember…Nothing on this earth is worthy.
Remember…Do not accept the mark and do not worship the beast.
Remember…To fear God and not man nor the beast.
Remember…These terrible times will end when Jesus Christ returns.
“Rejoice
in
the
Lord
always.
Again
I
will
say,
rejoice!
Let
your
gentleness
be
known
to
all
men.
The
Lord
is
at
hand.
Be
anxious
for
nothing,
but
in
everything
by
prayer
and
supplication,
with
thanksgiving,
let
your
requests
be
made
known
to
God;
and
the
peace
of
God,
which
surpasses
all
understanding,
will
guard
your
hearts
and
minds
through
Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
It
is
my
prayer
you
build
your
house
upon
solid
rock;
your
path
is
illuminated
by
God’s
Word;
your
direction
is
guided
by
the
Holy
Spirit;
your
anxieties
and
fears
are
overcome
with
the
peace
of
His
promises;
and
your
life
eternal
with
Jesus
Christ.
Please
write.
Your
comments
and/or
questions
are
greatly
appreciated.
Be
assured,
I
will
not
respond
unless
asked
to
do so. My e-mail address is: UniqueBibleStudies@Outlook.com
All for the Glory of Jesus Christ,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Foundation.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
O)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided.
Questions
O
In
Matthew
7:24-27
Jesus
spoke
of
a
wise
man
building
their
house
on
a
rock
vs.
a
foolish
man
who
built
their
house on sand.
•
How does this relate to each of us based upon a spiritual perspective?
•
What is the spiritual correlation to the rain, floods and winds?
•
What are the spiritual consequences for one who builds their house on the rock vs. sand?
•
How does one spiritually build their house on the rock?
•
Who is “the rock?”
O
What was God’s intent and purpose in giving us the 10 commandments?
O
Do you agree with all 10? Explain.
O
Adam
and
Eve
were
deceived
by
Satan
and
decided
to
sin
against
God.
Can
you
think
of
at
least
one
similar
personal example?
•
Did you attempt to “hide” from God? If yes, how?
•
Did you attempt to “pass the blame” or justify your behavior in some way?
•
How did you feel on the inside?
•
Did it seem as if you were disconnected from God? Explain.
•
Did you restore the relationship? If yes, how?
•
During
this
time
do
you
think
God
was
distant…or
was
He
simply
waiting
for
you
to
recognize,
take
responsibility for, and confess your sin to Him?
1.
1
Corinthians
1:18-19
says
“…the
message
of
the
cross
is
foolishness
to
those
who
are
perishing.”
In
simple
terms, what is the “message of the cross?”
2.
Is the message of the cross based upon our faith or good works (i.e. being a good person)? Explain.
O
Why would someone consider the message of the cross foolish?
3.
Jesus instructed Paul in Acts 26:15-18. To whom was he sent and what was the intended outcome.
O
What did Jesus mean when He said we must be born again?
O
9
different
comparisons
were
made
that
differentiated
human
birth
vs.
spiritual
birth
(born
again).
If
you
are
born
again, which ones did you experience first?
O
The lesson described different characteristics of God. Which one is most important to you?
O
The lesson described different characteristics of the Holy Spirit. Which one is most important to you?
4.
6 different types of prayer were listed. Can you identify at least 3?
O
Is
there
a
difference
between
accepting
Jesus
Christ
as
your
Savior
and
accepting
Jesus
Christ
as
your
Lord?
Explain.
Answers
1.
We are forgiven by our faith in Jesus Christ—who took the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross.
2.
“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.” Ephesians 2:8-9
3.
Paul
was
sent
to
speak
to
the
Gentiles
(non-Jews).
The
intended
outcome
was
to
open
their
eyes,
turn
them
from
darkness
to
light,
turn
them
from
the
power
of
Satan
to
God,
receive
forgiveness
of
their
sins,
and
receive
their
inheritance along with those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus.
4.
Prayer of faith, agreement, intersession, consecration, praise and worship, and binding/loosing.
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The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.