A.	God and Spiritual Powers

1.	God's Being

a) God's Form God is one God is spirit God is everywhere God has great glory b) God's Eternity God has always been alive God will live forever God does not change c) God's Power and Knowledge God can do all things – nothing is too hard God knows everything God even knows the future God has incredible wisdom

2.	God's Character

a) God's Holiness God is holy There is nothing bad in God God cannot tolerate evil b) God's Righteousness and Faithfulness All God does is right and just God does not lie nor change his mind – he keeps his promises c) God's Anger God's anger is awesome God is slow to anger and does not stay angry d) God's Love and Mercy God is love God is merciful and compassionate e) God's Goodness God is good God exercises kindness

3.	Jesus Christ

a) Jesus Christ's Eternity Jesus Christ existed in the beginning Jesus Christ will be alive forever Jesus Christ remains the same b) Jesus Christ's Pre-Eminence Jesus Christ has sovereign power Jesus Christ has supreme knowledge and wisdom Jesus Christ is everywhere c) Jesus Christ's Character Jesus Christ is holy Jesus Christ is righteous Jesus Christ is loving d) Jesus Christ's Divinity Jesus Christ is the Son of God Jesus Christ has the nature and fullness of God

4.	The Holy Spirit

a) The Holy Spirit and God The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God The Holy Spirit is linked with God's presence God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are very closely associated b) The Holy Spirit's Divine Characteristics The Holy Spirit is everywhere The Holy Spirit is eternal The Holy Spirit has sovereign power The Holy Spirit has complete knowledge c) The Holy Spirit Is Personal The Holy Spirit communicates The Holy Spirit interacts in other ways

5.	Angels, Satan and Demons

a) Angels There are millions of angels, surrounding God Angels are powerful beings who serve God Angels help and care for God's people b) Satan Satan is evil and is opposed to God's kingdom Satan is deceitful Satan has great power and authority in the world But Satan is not as powerful as God Satan has been condemned c) Demons Demons are evil and powerful spiritual beings Demons can possess people and cause them great harm Demons fear God

B.	God and the World: Basics

6.	God's Creation

a) God Makes Everything God made the heavens, the earth and everything in them Because he made everything, all things belong to God Creation is evidence of God and what he is like, to all people b) God Sustains Everything Every creature's life is dependent on God God made and sustains all things through Jesus Christ c) God's Creation of People God has made people with a spirit God has made people in his own image Every person will die People's spirits exist after death

7.	God's Sovereignty

a) God Rules Supreme He is the one and only God God rules over all God will reign forever God carries out his plans God will impose his absolute rule on all b) God Has Control over All Things God has control over evil God has control over nature God has control over the nations c) God Has Control over People God has control over people's minds God has control over people's actions God controls all that happens to people

8.	God's Word

a) General The Bible is God's word God's word is true God's word is active and powerful God's word brings spiritual life God's word gives light b) God's Covenant with Israel God made a covenant with Israel, based on the laws he gave through Moses If the Israelites obeyed God, then they would be his people and he would be their God Faithful obedience to the law would bring righteousness The Ten Commandments

9.	The Problem of Sin

a) What and Who Sin is breaking God's law Sin is committed by all people b) Consequences of Sin Sin means that we face God's anger Sin results in physical death Sin brings the prospect of eternal death c) The Law's Provision for Sin An animal was offered by a priest to God to make atonement for anyone who sinned The high priest made atonement for Israel as a whole However, Israel did not keep God's law and broke his covenant

10.	God's Judgment

a) Reasons for God's Judgment God's judgment is to punish sin God's judgment is to discipline his people God's judgment is to punish the wicked b) The Justice of God's Judgment God judges fairly God judges correctly God repays people according to what they have done God gives fair warning of judgment c) The Wicked and God's Judgment People may question God's apparent lack of judgment regarding the wicked But in due time God does take action against the wicked

C.	God and the World: Jesus Christ

11.	God's Promised Messiah

a) Promise of a Messiah Promise that one would arise as a great ruler of Israel Promise that he would bring God's salvation to the nations b) Prophecy of the Messiah's Death for Sins The Messiah would die for people's sins, but then be raised c) The Messiah's Identity The OT Scriptures show that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ Jesus' deeds showed that he is the Messiah Jesus Christ came as a human being d) The Messiah's Mission God sent Jesus Christ to take away sins God sent Jesus Christ to save the world

12.	Jesus Christ's Mission

a) Jesus Christ's Ministry Jesus did the work God wanted him to do Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God b) Jesus Christ's Death The Jewish authorities compelled the Romans to crucify Jesus It was God's will that Jesus die – for everyone c) Jesus Christ's Resurrection God raised Jesus from the dead Jesus' body was not found in his tomb Jesus appeared to people after his resurrection d) Jesus Christ's Ascension Jesus was taken up to God in heaven God gave Jesus Christ great glory

13.	Salvation through Jesus Christ

a) Forgiveness of Sins through Jesus Christ Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for our sins Jesus Christ's sacrifice means that our sins can be forgiven Through Jesus Christ's death we can be at peace with God Jesus Christ's resurrection was also crucial b) Salvation and Life through Jesus Christ God provides salvation through Jesus Christ We can only be saved through Jesus Christ Through Jesus Christ we can have eternal life God has provided salvation for the Gentiles through Christ

14.	The New Order

a) Righteousness by Faith and Grace We are not made right by obeying the law – but by faith in Christ We are made right by God's grace – not by law b) A New Covenant The first covenant was inadequate and superseded by the superior new covenant – through Christ Jesus Christ is now the high priest of God's people, interceding for them before God in heaven c) Other Key Aspects The kingdom of God came in Jesus Christ's mission God has made Jesus Christ Lord of all

15.	'The Last Things'

a) Jesus Christ's Return Jesus Christ will return at an unexpected time Jesus Christ's return will be preceded by distressful events b) The Final Judgment On his return, Jesus Christ will judge and reward all people according to what they have done Those who have believed in Jesus Christ will be saved Those who have rejected Christ will be condemned The ungodly will be thrown into fire What people have known will be taken into account c) The Afterlife God's people will be given eternal life There will be no more sorrow and no more death God will live amoung his people

D.	God and His Own People

16.	The Standing of God's People

a) Belonging to God God's people belong to him They are God's people God is their God b) Being God's Family Each believer belongs to the family of God God is the Father of his people God's people are his children c) Being "in" Jesus Christ God's people are "in" Jesus Christ "In" Jesus Christ they are redeemed and forgiven Through Jesus Christ God's people have access to God

17.	Keys to God's Interaction

a) God's Presence with His People God and Jesus Christ are always with their people God is with his people in trouble b) God's Knowledge of His People God knows his people God knows his people's needs c) God's Love and Grace God loves his people greatly God shows much grace to his people d) God's Gift of the Holy Spirit God gives his people his Holy Spirit, to help and live in them God works through his people by the Holy Spirit

18.	God's Transformation of His People

a) Spiritual Life God's people are given spiritual life God's people are spiritually reborn of God b) Holiness God's people are made holy, through Jesus Christ's sacrifice God's people are being transformed to be like Jesus Christ c) Spiritual Attributes God gives his people love and faith God gives his people peace God gives his people joy God gives his people wisdom and knowledge d) How God Transforms God disciplines his people as his children, who he loves God teaches his people

19.	God's Care of His People

a) Basics God cares for his people God consistently helps his people in need b) God Saves His People God saves his people out of all troubles God enables them to overcome all that is in the world c) God Protects His People God is a refuge for his people God guards his people God protects them until the end d) God Sustains His People God strengthens his people God provides for all their needs

20.	God's Plans for His People

a) Basics God has plans and purposes for his people In spite of their troubles, God will fulfill his purposes for them b) God's Work for His People to Do God's plans for his people include work for them to do God makes them willing and able to do his work God has great power for his people in doing his work c) God's Guidance of His People God guides his people always God guides them in difficult circumstances

E.	Relating to God

21.	Being Right with God

a) Getting Right with God Turn from sin to God and believe in Jesus Christ Believing in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness of sins Believing in Jesus Christ brings eternal life We can be sure of God's forgiveness b) Do What Is Right Obey God, along with believing Do good deeds, which are an essential part of true faith c) Live By the Holy Spirit We have been freed from the law to live by the Holy Spirit Instead of living by sinful human nature, live by the Holy Spirit

22.	Having Faith in God

a) What Faith Is Faith involves believing in God We must also trust in God Faith is based on what we hope for b) What to Have Faith For Have faith that God will fulfill what he promises Have faith that God will care for you Have faith that God will do what you ask c) What Not to Do Do not be afraid Do not worry

23.	Loving, Fearing and Obeying God

a) Love God Love God with all your heart – which is most important Love for God is shown by obeying him b) Fear God Fear God and nothing else God's people should not live in fear of his punishment Fearing God is closely associated with obeying him c) Obey God Obey God's word Persistently read God's word d) Follow Jesus Christ Follow Jesus Christ Make Jesus Christ your Lord

24.	Connecting with God

a) Seeking God Seek God with all your heart Persistently focus on God b) Praying to God Pray to God as a caring father Pray in the Holy Spirit c) How to Make Requests Ask for things in Jesus Christ's "name" Ask earnestly and persistently Believe that what you ask will be granted d) God's Response to Requests God answers those who obey and please him God grants anything that is in accordance with his will

25.	Exalting God

a) Glorify God by Your Actions Glorify God by how you live Do not dishonor God by your actions b) Praise and Thank God Praise God constantly Give thanks to God always c) Reasons to Praise God Praise God because of his greatness Praise God for his love and faithfulness Praise God for his creative work Praise God for his salvation through Jesus Christ d) Rejoice Before God Rejoice when giving praise and thanks to God Rejoice in God always

F.	Church Life

26.	Being One Body

a) Be One Body Church members form one body – the body of Christ Be united as one Be at peace with each other Submit to one another b) Do Things Together Meet together with other believers Participate together in church activities c) Love and Care for Each Other Love each other as Jesus Christ loved us, even dying for us Pray constantly for each other Help each other

27.	Worshiping God

a) Basics We must worship God – and God alone Live righteously in order to acceptably worship God b) How to Worship God Worship God in spirit Worship God with reverence and awe c) Worshiping Together Join with fellow believers in worshiping God Offer praise and thanksgiving together d) Offerings We are also to worship God with offerings Give willingly

28.	Serving God

a) Devotion to God's Service Be devoted to God's work Serve only God b) How to Serve God Do quality work that bears "fruit" – "fruit" that will last Pray to God for help in the work c) Spiritual Gifts God gives believers a spiritual gift, through the Holy Spirit Use your spiritual gift to build up the church d) Being Guided by God To be guided by God, live a godly life Ask God to guide you (as in troubled times)

29.	Significant Practices

a) Baptism God's people are baptized in (or into) the "name" of Jesus Baptism signifies belief Baptism signifies the washing away of sins b) The Lord's Supper Observe the Lord's Supper c) Confessing Jesus Christ Confess (or acknowledge) Jesus Christ, before others Things to confess about Jesus Christ d) The Sabbath The Sabbath is holy – keep it holy by resting on it It is permissible to do good things on the Sabbath

30.	Church Leadership

a) Leading the Church Provide good leadership Be gentle and sparing in the use of authority Be an example for others to follow b) Caring For Church Members Pray for church members Strengthen members in the faith Work hard at helping church members Confront church members over sin Teach God's word to church members c) Church Members' Duties to Leaders Obey your leaders Give your leaders material support

G.	Relating to People

31.

Love

a) Loving Others What love is Love others as you love yourself – which sums up God's law Love your enemies and do good to them b) Showing Mercy Show mercy – and God will show you mercy Forgive others and God will forgive you c) Further Things to Do Be humble, gentle and patient Be generous and share with others d) Things to Avoid Avoid anger Do not hate Do not murder

32.

Justice

a) General Act justly Do what is right Do not show favoritism b) Honesty Speak the truth Act honestly Do not steal, lie or deceive c) Caring For the Needy Defend the cause of the needy Provide the needy with food and clothing Treat foreigners the same as your native-born Caring for the needy is a vital part of true religion

33.

Wisdom

a) Wisdom through God Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom Ask God for wisdom Obeying God's commands brings wisdom b) Wisdom through Others Pay attention to instruction Take notice of correction c) Wise Speech Be quick to listen and slow to speak Use few words Speak graciously Remember that our words are determined by our "heart" d) Foolishness Fools spurn and lack wisdom Foolishness involves acting contrary to God

34.	Common Relationships

a) Spouses Husbands should love their wives Wives should submit to their husbands Do not commit adultery b) Parents and Children Parents should care for their children Parents should teach their children about God and his deeds, inspiring them to trust and obey God Children are to honor their parents Children are to obey their parents c) Citizens and Governing Authorities Citizens should obey the governing authorities, which are established by God Governing authorities should act and rule according to God's laws d) Servants and Masters Servants should be obedient Masters must treat servants justly

35.	Spreading the Gospel

a) Tell People the Gospel Tell people the gospel message about Jesus Christ Tell all people, everywhere b) What Things to Explain Explain who Jesus Christ is Tell people the results of Jesus Christ's death Tell people how they should respond c) How to Spread the Gospel Present the gospel accurately and plainly Spread the gospel bravely with God's help Act in a way that is consistent with the gospel d) Insights on the Gospel The gospel is not dependent on our presentation of it – but on the Holy Spirit and God's power There are many ready to respond to the gospel

H.	Persevering

36.	Standing Firm

a) Be Faithful to God Be faithful to God and Jesus Christ Do not forget God b) Persist until the End Stand firm until the end Persist so that you will receive the reward Be ready for Jesus Christ's return c) Engaging in Spiritual Warfare Resist Satan Use spiritual weapons and armor Have Faith Use God's word Pray

37.	Rejecting Sin

a) Dealing with Sin Be sorrowful over your sin Confess your sin to God Ask God for forgiveness and restoration b) Avoiding Sin Ask God for help to avoid sin For God will help us withstand temptation Use God's word to avoid sin Avoid sinful desires c) Alternatives to Sin Instead of living by sinful human nature, live by the Holy Spirit Instead of living as a slave to sin, live as a slave to God d) Be Holy We are to be holy, as God is holy Be set apart for God

38.	Major Pitfalls

a) Pride Do not be proud or conceited Do not be wise in your own eyes Instead of being proud, be humble b) Riches Riches are a barrier to a relationship with God Riches are not secure Hoarding riches will bring ill consequences in the afterlife So, do not love money and be content with what you have c) Sexual Sin Avoid sexual sin Sexual sin results in God's judgment

39.	Hard Times

a) Trust and Wait for God Trust in God Take refuge in God Wait for God Take comfort in God's word b) Pray in Hard Times Pour out your heart to God Cry out to God for help Persist in prayer to God Praise and thank God amidst trouble c) God in Our Hard Times God is near us in hard times God comforts us in hard times

40.	Persecution

a) Have Faith in God Trust in God Do not be afraid Pray to God, asking for help b) Be Faithful to God Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ Consider and follow Jesus Christ's example in suffering c) Rejoice in Persecution Rejoice because trials develop Christian character Rejoice because of rewards for enduring persecution