Search Headings
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I. What to Know -
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
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b) God's Eternity - God has always been alive
- God will live forever
- God does not change
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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
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2. God's Character -
a) God's Holiness - God is holy
- There is nothing bad in God
- God cannot tolerate evil
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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
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c) God's Anger - God’s anger is awesome
- God is slow to anger and does not stay angry
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d) God's Love and Mercy - God is love
- God is merciful and compassionate
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e) God's Goodness - God is good
- God exercises kindness
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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
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b) Jesus Christ's Pre-Eminence - Jesus Christ has sovereign power
- Jesus Christ has supreme knowledge and wisdom
- Jesus Christ is everywhere
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c) Jesus Christ's Character - Jesus Christ is holy
- Jesus Christ is righteous
- Jesus Christ is loving
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d) Jesus Christ's Divinity - Jesus Christ is the Son of God
- Jesus Christ has the nature and fullness of God
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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
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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
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c) The Holy Spirit Is Personal - The Holy Spirit communicates
- The Holy Spirit interacts in other ways
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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
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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
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c) Demons - Demons are evil and powerful spiritual beings
- Demons can possess people and cause them great harm
- Demons fear God
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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
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b) God Sustains Everything - Every creature's life is dependent on God
- God made and sustains all things through Jesus Christ
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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
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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
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b) God Has Control over All Things - God has control over evil
- God has control over nature
- God has control over the nations
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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
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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
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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
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9. The Problem of Sin -
a) What and Who - Sin is breaking God's law
- Sin is committed by all people
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b) Consequences of Sin - Sin means that we face God's anger
- Sin results in physical death
- Sin brings the prospect of eternal death
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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b) Prophecy of the Messiah's Death for Sins - The Messiah would die for people’s sins, but then be raised
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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
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d) The Messiah's Mission - God sent Jesus Christ to take away sins
- God sent Jesus Christ to save the world
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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
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b) Jesus Christ's Death - The Jewish authorities compelled the Romans to crucify Jesus
- It was God’s will that Jesus die – for everyone
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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
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d) Jesus Christ's Ascension - Jesus was taken up to God in heaven
- God gave Jesus Christ great glory
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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
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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
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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
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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
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c) Other Key Aspects - The kingdom of God came in Jesus Christ's mission
- God has made Jesus Christ Lord of all
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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b) God's Knowledge of His People - God knows his people
- God knows his people’s needs
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c) God's Love and Grace - God loves his people greatly
- God shows much grace to his people
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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
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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
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b) Holiness - God's people are made holy, through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice
- God’s people are being transformed to be like Jesus Christ
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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
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d) How God Transforms - God disciplines his people as his children, who he loves
- God teaches his people
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19. God's Care of His People -
a) Basics - God cares for his people
- God consistently helps his people in need
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b) God Saves His People - God saves his people out of all troubles
- God enables them to overcome all that is in the world
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c) God Protects His People - God is a refuge for his people
- God guards his people
- God protects them until the end
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d) God Sustains His People - God strengthens his people
- God provides for all their needs
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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
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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
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c) God's Guidance of His People - God guides his people always
- God guides them in difficult circumstances
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II. What to Do -
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
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b) Do What Is Right - Obey God, along with believing
- Do good deeds, which are an essential part of true faith
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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
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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
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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
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c) What Not to Do - Do not be afraid
- Do not worry
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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
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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
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c) Obey God - Obey God's word
- Persistently read God’s word
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d) Follow Jesus Christ - Follow Jesus Christ
- Make Jesus Christ your Lord
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24. Connecting with God -
a) Seeking God - Seek God with all your heart
- Persistently focus on God
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b) Praying to God - Pray to God as a caring father
- Pray in the Holy Spirit
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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
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d) God's Response to Requests - God answers those who obey and please him
- God grants anything that is in accordance with his will
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25. Exalting God -
a) Glorify God by Your Actions - Glorify God by how you live
- Do not dishonor God by your actions
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b) Praise and Thank God - Praise God constantly
- Give thanks to God always
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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
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d) Rejoice Before God - Rejoice when giving praise and thanks to God
- Rejoice in God always
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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
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b) Do Things Together - Meet together with other believers
- Participate together in church activities
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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
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27. Worshiping God -
a) Basics - We must worship God – and God alone
- Live righteously in order to acceptably worship God
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b) How to Worship God - Worship God in spirit
- Worship God with reverence and awe
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c) Worshiping Together - Join with fellow believers in worshiping God
- Offer praise and thanksgiving together
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d) Offerings - We are also to worship God with offerings
- Give willingly
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28. Serving God -
a) Devotion to God's Service - Be devoted to God’s work
- Serve only God
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b) How to Serve God - Do quality work that bears "fruit" – “fruit” that will last
- Pray to God for help in the work
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c) Spiritual Gifts - God gives believers a spiritual gift, through the Holy Spirit
- Use your spiritual gift to build up the church
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d) Being Guided by God - To be guided by God, live a godly life
- Ask God to guide you (as in troubled times)
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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
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b) The Lord's Supper - Observe the Lord’s Supper
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c) Confessing Jesus Christ - Confess (or acknowledge) Jesus Christ, before others
- Things to confess about Jesus Christ
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d) The Sabbath - The Sabbath is holy – keep it holy by resting on it
- It is permissible to do good things on the Sabbath
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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
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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
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c) Church Members' Duties to Leaders - Obey your leaders
- Give your leaders material support
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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
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b) Showing Mercy - Show mercy – and God will show you mercy
- Forgive others and God will forgive you
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c) Further Things to Do - Be humble, gentle and patient
- Be generous and share with others
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d) Things to Avoid - Avoid anger
- Do not hate
- Do not murder
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32. Justice -
a) General - Act justly
- Do what is right
- Do not show favoritism
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b) Honesty - Speak the truth
- Act honestly
- Do not steal, lie or deceive
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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
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33. Wisdom -
a) Wisdom through God - Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom
- Ask God for wisdom
- Obeying God's commands brings wisdom
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b) Wisdom through Others - Pay attention to instruction
- Take notice of correction
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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"
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d) Foolishness - Fools spurn and lack wisdom
- Foolishness involves acting contrary to God
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34. Common Relationships -
a) Spouses - Husbands should love their wives
- Wives should submit to their husbands
- Do not commit adultery
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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
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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
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d) Servants and Masters - Servants should be obedient
- Masters must treat servants justly
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35. Spreading the Gospel -
a) Tell People the Gospel - Tell people the gospel message about Jesus Christ
- Tell all people, everywhere
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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
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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
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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
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H. Persevering -
36. Standing Firm -
a) Be Faithful to God - Be faithful to God and Jesus Christ
- Do not forget God
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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
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c) Engaging in Spiritual Warfare - Resist Satan
- Use spiritual weapons and armor
- Have Faith
- Use God's word
- Pray
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37. Rejecting Sin -
a) Dealing with Sin - Be sorrowful over your sin
- Confess your sin to God
- Ask God for forgiveness and restoration
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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
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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
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d) Be Holy - We are to be holy, as God is holy
- Be set apart for God
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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
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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
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c) Sexual Sin - Avoid sexual sin
- Sexual sin results in God's judgment
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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
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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
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c) God in Our Hard Times - God is near us in hard times
- God comforts us in hard times
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40. Persecution -
a) Have Faith in God - Trust in God
- Do not be afraid
- Pray to God, asking for help
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b) Be Faithful to God - Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ
- Consider and follow Jesus Christ's example in suffering
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c) Rejoice in Persecution - Rejoice because trials develop Christian character
- Rejoice because of rewards for enduring persecution