Search Headings
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- I. What to Know
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A. God and Spiritual Powers -
1. God's Being -
I. Basics -
a) God's Form - God is one
- God is spirit
- God cannot be seen by people
- God is everywhere
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b) God's Glory - Glory is a prominent and key attribute of God
- God’s glory manifests his presence
- In association with his glory, God is surrounded by brilliant light
- God’s glory is evidenced by the universe that he has made
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c) God's Personhood - God has a mind – knowing and understanding things
- God has a will
- God has feelings and character
- God communicates
- God interacts with people, responding to their needs
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d) God's Eternity - God has always been alive, the first of all things
- God will live forever
- God transcends time
- God is self-existing
- God does not change
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II. God's Pre-Eminence -
a) God's Greatness - God is great and awesome
- God is greater than all others
- There is no one like God
- God is beyond our comprehension
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b) God's Power - God’s power is incomparable and unlimited
- God can do all things – nothing is too hard
- God performs awesome deeds
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c) God's Knowledge and Wisdom - God knows everything
- God sees all people, seeing and knowing all that they do
- God knows people’s minds
- God knows the future
- God has incredible wisdom
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d) God's Name - God declared his name to be the "Lord"
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2. God's Character -
I. Holy Characteristics -
a) Holiness - God is holy
- There is nothing bad in God . . .
- . . . God cannot tolerate evil
- God shows himself to be holy by what he does
- There is no one holy like God
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b) Righteousness - God is righteous and just
- All God does is right and just
- God is truthful
- God does not show favoritism
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c) Faithfulness - God is faithful
- God never forsakes nor fails
- God does not lie nor change his mind – he keeps his promises
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d) Anger - God expresses anger, which has awesome consequences
- God is slow to anger and often holds it back
- God does not stay angry
- God's anger arises in response to sin and disobedience
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II. Loving Characteristics -
a) Love - God is love – as shown in him giving his only Son, to save us
- God's love is great
- God’s love is constant
- God’s love lasts forever
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b) Mercy - God is merciful
- God is also compassionate
- Due to his mercy and compassion, God is long-suffering
- Due to his mercy and compassion, God is forgiving
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c) Goodness - God is good
- God exercises kindness
- God is generous
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d) Jealousy - God is a jealous God
- God's jealousy arises in response to his people’s sin
- God is also jealous for his people’s well-being
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3. Jesus Christ -
I. General -
a) Jesus Christ's Eternity - Jesus Christ existed in the beginning . . .
- . . . Jesus Christ was before all things
- Jesus Christ will be alive forever
- Jesus Christ is self-existing – he is "the life"
- Jesus Christ remains the same
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b) Jesus Christ's Pre-Eminence - Jesus Christ is greater than all things
- Jesus Christ has divine glory
- Jesus Christ has mighty, sovereign power
- Jesus Christ has superlative knowledge and wisdom
- Jesus Christ is everywhere
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c) Jesus Christ's Character - Jesus Christ is holy and righteous
- Jesus Christ is faithful
- Jesus Christ is loving
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d) Jesus Christ's Name - Jesus Christ’s "name" signifies Jesus Christ himself
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II. Jesus Christ and God -
a) Jesus Christ Is the Son of God (I): General - Jesus Christ is the Son of God . . .
- . . . Jesus Christ is God's only Son
- Jesus Christ is the image of God
- Jesus Christ has the form and fullness of God
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b) Jesus Christ Is the Son of God (II): Testimony - God testified to Jesus Christ being his Son
- Others also testified to Jesus Christ being the Son of God
- Jesus Christ's deeds are evidence that he is the Son of God
- Other events of Jesus Christ’s incarnation are further evidence
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c) Jesus Christ Is Identified with God - Jesus Christ and the Father are one
- To know or see Jesus Christ is to know or see the Father
- Jesus Christ is called "God"
- Note: There is one God, the Father – and one Lord, Jesus Christ
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d) Jesus Christ Is Treated like God Is - Jesus Christ is worshiped
- People pray to Jesus Christ
- People obey and serve Jesus Christ
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e) Jesus Christ Is Under God's Authority - God is both Jesus Christ’s God and his Father
- Jesus Christ is described as being subordinate to God
- Jesus Christ is God’s servant
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4. The Holy Spirit -
I. General -
a) The Holy Spirit of God - The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God . . .
- . . . God refers to the Holy Spirit as his Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is correlated with God's presence
- God and the Holy Spirit know each other’s mind
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b) The Holy Spirit's Being - As well as being a spirit, the Holy Spirit is everywhere
- The Holy Spirit is eternal
- The Holy Spirit has great power
- The Holy Spirit has great knowledge
- The Holy Spirit has great wisdom
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c) The Holy Spirit's Personhood - The Holy Spirit is distinguished from God and Jesus Christ
- The Holy Spirit has his own mind
- The Holy Spirit has personal characteristics
- The Holy Spirit communicates . . .
- . . . and the Holy Spirit interacts in other ways
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II. God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit -
a) Mutual Association - God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are closely associated
- The Holy Spirit is identified with God
- The Holy Spirit is also identified with Jesus Christ
- The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ
- God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit work together
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b) Mutual Divine Attributes - Omnipresence – God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are everywhere
- Omnipotence – they each have infinite, sovereign power
- Omniscience – they each have complete knowledge
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c) Mutual Divine Roles - God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are each ascribed a primary role in creation
- They each give spiritual or eternal life
- They each make God's people holy
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5. Angels, Satan and Demons -
I. Angels -
a) Attributes of Angels - Angels have a human-like form, but are very awesome
- Angels are very powerful
- Angels can communicate and interact with others
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b) Angels and God - Angels surround God, and even stand in his presence
- Angels worship God and Jesus Christ
- Angels serve God and Jesus Christ
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c) Angels and God's People - Angels help and care for God’s people
- Angels give people messages, including instructions . . .
- . . . Angels also give messages about future events
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II. Satan and Demons -
a) Satan's Evilness - Satan is evil and is opposed to God’s kingdom
- Satan is deceitful
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b) Satan's Power - Satan has great power and authority in the world
- Satan works in and through unbelievers
- Satan is not as powerful as God
- Satan is not as powerful as Jesus Christ
- Satan stands condemned
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c) Satan's Work against God’s People - Satan tempts God’s people
- Satan can afflict God’s people
- Satan’s influence is limited by God and Jesus Christ
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d) Demons - Demons are evil and powerful spiritual beings
- Demons are aligned with Satan
- Demons can possess people . . .
- . . . and demons can cause such people much harm
- Demons both fear and have to submit to God and Jesus Christ
- Demons face eternal punishment
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B. God and the World: Basics -
6. God's Creation -
I. General -
a) God Made All Things - God made the heavens and earth – and everything in them
- All that God made is very good
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b) God Maintains Creation - Every creature's life is dependent on God
- God provides food for all creatures
- God regulates all aspects of the weather
- God maintains nature
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c) How God Made and Maintains Creation - God made all things with his wisdom
- God made all things with his power
- God made all things by his word
- God made and sustains all things through Jesus Christ
- The Holy Spirit also has a role in creation
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d) Implications of God Being Creator - Because he made everything, all things belong to God
- Because he made everything, God is sovereign over all things
- Creation shows God's power and wisdom to be incomparable
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II. God's Creation of People -
a) Life and Death - God creates people . . .
- . . . God gives people life and breath
- People's lives are very brief
- Each person is destined to die
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b) The Human Spirit - God has made people with a spirit
- The spirit is at the core of one's being
- People are dead without their spirit
- People’s spirits exist after death
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c) The Uniqueness of People - God has made people in his own image
- God has given people an able mind – with which they can think and reason intelligently
- People have the moral capacity to know good from evil
- People are to care for and act responsibly towards creation
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d) Epilogue: God's Self-Revelation to People - God reveals himself to people
- God reveals himself by what he does
- Creation perpetually evidences and reveals God to all people
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7. God's Sovereignty -
I. God's Supreme Authority -
a) The Lord Is God – the Only God - The Lord is God
- The Lord is God of all people
- The Lord is the one and only God
- His deeds show that he is the only God
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b) God Reigns Supreme - God rules over all
- God rules over all authorities
- God rules over the earth in righteousness
- God will reign forever
- God will impose his absolute rule on all
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c) God Defeats His Enemies - No one can effectively oppose God
- God destroys his enemies
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d) God Fulfills His Plans - God carries out his plans
- God does not change his plans
- No one can thwart God's plans
- God works everything for his plans
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II. God's Control over the World -
a) God Has Control over Evil - God exerts control over evil
- God even uses evil to fulfill his purposes
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b) God Has Control over Nature - God directs nature
- God can perform miracles of nature
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c) God Has Control over the Nations - God is in control of the nations
- God has been in control of the nations throughout history
- God establishes all ruling authorities
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d) God Has Control over Each Person - God has control over people's hearts and minds
- God has control over people’s actions . . .
- . . . Despite people’s plans, their steps are directed by God
- God controls all that happens to people
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8. God's Word -
I. General -
a) What God's Word Comprises - God’s word primarily is Scripture
- God’s word includes his laws
- God’s word includes his covenants
- God’s word includes his prophecies
- God’s word also includes the gospel, proclaimed by his people
- Jesus Christ is "the Word of God"
- Note: God has given his word by the Holy Spirit
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b) Characteristics of God's Word - God’s word is holy, righteous and good
- God’s word is true . . .
- . . . and what God’s word foretells comes true
- God’s word is living and active
- God’s word is powerful
- God’s word is everlasting
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c) Functions of God's Word - God’s word brings spiritual and eternal life
- God’s word gives light
- God’s word gives hope
- God’s word gives joy
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II. Key Old Testament Covenants -
a) God's Covenant with Abraham - God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him: countless descendants; the land of Canaan; . . .
- . . . and that all peoples would be blessed through Abraham
- Abraham believed God, and was accredited with righteousness
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b) God's Covenant with Israel and the Law - God made a covenant with Israel, based on his law
- If the Israelites obeyed God, then they would be his people and he would be their God
- Laws for the people’s relationship with God
- Laws for relationships with other people
- By obeying all the law, the Israelites would have righteousness
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c) God's Dealings and Covenant with David - David was chosen by God, as ruler over Israel
- David reigned over Israel, as a powerful and righteous king – undergirded by God
- God’s covenant with David, promising that David’s royal dynasty would last forever
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9. The Problem of Sin -
I. General -
a) What Sin Is - Sin is breaking God's law
- All wrongdoing is sin
- Not doing what we should do is sin
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b) Sin Is against God - Sin is action against God
- Sin is rebellion against God
- Thus, sin is hated by God
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c) Sin Is Universal - All people have sinned . . .
- . . . No one is righteous before God
- People in fact have a sinful nature
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d) Sin Has Intrinsic Ill Effects - Sin brings spiritual defilement
- Sin results in separation from God
- Sin brings spiritual death
- Sin also brings enslavement to sin
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e) Sin Brings God's Anger and Death - Sin makes one subject to God’s anger
- Sin results in physical death
- Sin brings the prospect of eternal "death"
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II. The Law's Provision for Israel’s Sin -
a) Offerings for Atonement for Sinners - An animal was offered to make atonement for one who sinned
- Animals brought as offerings were to be without defect
- The sinner laid hands on the offering, signifying it as a substitute
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b) The Blood of the Offerings - The blood of the offerings for sin featured in making atonement
- For the life of a creature is in its blood
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c) The Role of the Priests - God designated Aaron and his descendants as priests
- The priests made the offerings for people when they sinned, to make atonement for them
- The high priest made atonement yearly for Israel as a whole
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10. God's Judgment -
I. Basics -
a) God Is the Judge of the World - God is judge – of the whole earth
- God makes judgments in the world
- God makes himself known by his judgment
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b) Reasons for God's Judgment - God’s judgment is to punish sin and unfaithfulness
- God’s judgment is to discipline God’s people
- God’s judgment is to punish the wicked
- God’s judgment is also to reward God’s people
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c) God's Judgment Is Just - God judges righteously and justly
- God judges people with knowledge of all their deeds
- God takes into account thoughts and motives
- God judges and repays people according to what they do
- God gives fair warning, allowing for judgment to be avoided
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II. The Manifestation of God's Judgment -
a) Means of God's Judicial Retribution - Angels
- Nature
- Nations
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b) Characteristics of God's Judicial Retribution - Awesome power
- Inescapable
- Terrifying
- Horrific consequences
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c) The Wicked and God's Pending Judgment - Questioning of God’s apparent lack of judgment on the wicked
- The situation of the wicked is precarious
- In due time God does take action against the wicked
- The wicked reap what they sow, brought down by their own evil
- The future of the wicked contrasts with that of the righteous
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d) God's Judgment of Israel – and His Mercy - Israel failed to keep God’s laws and broke his covenant
- Eventually God decided to destroy unfaithful Israel
- But God promised to spare a remnant of Israel
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C. God and the World: Jesus Christ -
11. God's Promised Messiah -
I. The Messiah's Identity -
a) The Promise of a Messiah in OT Scripture - The OT Scriptures speak of a coming anointed one of God
- The anointed one would have God's Spirit on him
- The Scriptures speak of the coming of a great ruler of Israel
- The ruler would bring salvation to the nations
- The ruler would be a descendant of King David, in accordance with God’s promise to David
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b) Prophecy of the Messiah's Death for Sins - The OT Scriptures say the Messiah would suffer and die, for people’s sins – but then be raised and exalted
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c) Jesus Is the Promised Messiah - Jesus Christ is the one chosen by God
- Jesus Christ is the one anointed by God, with the Holy Spirit . . .
- . . . Jesus is the Messiah
- The OT Scriptures testify to Jesus being the Messiah, the Christ
- For the OT Scriptures speak of the sufferings and resurrection of the Christ as fulfilled in Jesus . . .
- . . . and they speak of the messianic salvation that would come through Jesus Christ
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d) Further Testimony to Jesus Being the Messiah - Jesus' deeds showed that he is the Messiah, the Christ
- People acknowledged him as the Christ
- Note: The Christ is understood to be the Son of God
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II. The Messiah's Purpose and Person -
a) Jesus Christ's Mission from God - God sent Jesus Christ into the world
- God sent Jesus Christ to take away sins
- God sent Jesus Christ to save the world
- Jesus came to bring truth
- Jesus came to enable us to know God
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b) Jesus Christ's Humanity - Jesus Christ became a human being
- Jesus was born – after being conceived through the Holy Spirit
- Jesus was a descendant of David
- Jesus’ humanity was vital to his mission to save people
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c) Jesus Christ's Personality - Jesus was loving
- Jesus was compassionate
- Jesus was gentle and humble
- Jesus was righteous
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d) Epilogue: God Works through Jesus Christ - God works in all eras through Jesus Christ, impacting all things everywhere
- God fulfills his promises through Jesus Christ
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12. Jesus Christ's Mission -
I. God's Enablement of Jesus Christ -
a) Jesus Christ's Power from God - God granted Jesus sovereign authority
- God bestowed the Holy Spirit on Jesus, for his mission
- The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus in what he said and did
- Jesus did many miraculous deeds with God’s power
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b) Jesus Christ's Knowledge from God - God taught Jesus
- Jesus knew everything
- Jesus was also filled with wisdom
- Nobody could match Jesus’ wisdom
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c) Jesus Christ's Direction from God - God worked through Jesus . . .
- . . . Jesus only did what God did
- Jesus carried out God’s will, doing the work God had given him
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II. Ministry, Death and Resurrection -
a) Jesus Christ's Miracles - Jesus performed miraculous deeds that greatly amazed people
- Jesus delivered people from disease and disorders
- Jesus even raised the dead
- Jesus exercised control over nature, in helping people
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b) Jesus Christ's Teaching - Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God
- Jesus’ teaching was from God
- Jesus’ teaching was amazing – leading people to believe in him
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c) Jesus Christ's Rejection and Death - Jesus faced intense opposition, with efforts to kill him
- The unjust condemnation of Jesus – who was innocent
- The horrific suffering and death of Jesus
- It was God’s will that Jesus die – for everyone
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d) Jesus Christ's Resurrection and Ascension - God raised Jesus from the dead
- Jesus’ body was not found in his tomb
- Jesus appeared to people after his resurrection
- Jesus was taken up to God in heaven
- Because he suffered death, God gave Jesus Christ great glory
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13. Salvation through Jesus Christ -
I. Salvation from Sin -
a) Jesus Christ's Sacrifice for Us - Jesus gave himself to God, as a sacrifice for our sins
- So, Jesus Christ died for us
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b) Atonement for Sin - Jesus Christ's sacrifice means that our sins can be forgiven . . .
- . . . and that we can therefore be righteous before God
- Consequently, through Jesus Christ’s death we can be reconciled to God . . .
- . . . and so through Jesus Christ we can have peace with God
- Thus, Jesus Christ was the atoning sacrifice for sins, saving people from God’s wrath
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c) Redemption from Sin - Jesus gave himself as a ransom for us, to free us from sin
- Jesus Christ's death sets us free from sin’s control
- God’s people have been bought by Jesus Christ’s death
- As such, they are free from sin and are now slaves to God
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d) Jesus Christ's Resurrection and Salvation - Jesus Christ’s resurrection has a key part in us being saved
- Jesus Christ’s resurrection was essential for our resurrection
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II. Salvation for the World -
a) The Savior of the World - God provides salvation through Jesus Christ . . .
- . . . Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world
- We can only be saved through Jesus Christ
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b) Life through Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ brings spiritual life
- Through Jesus Christ we can have eternal life rather than death
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c) Salvation for the Gentiles through Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ died for all people
- God has made the way of faith in Jesus open also to Gentiles
- Jesus Christ has made Jews and Gentiles one
- Those who believe are the true, spiritual children of Abraham
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d) Epilogue: Jesus Christ's Mission and Israel - Jesus Christ came foremost to Israel
- The Jews largely rejected Jesus Christ
- So, God largely rejected the Jews and accepted the Gentiles
- God has left a faithful remnant of Israel
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14. The New Order -
I. Jesus Christ and the Law's Diminished Role -
a) Righteousness by Faith and Grace - The Mosaic Law cannot bring perfection
- We are not made righteous by obeying the law – but by faith in Jesus Christ
- We are justified and made righteous by God's grace, through Jesus Christ – not by law
- We are saved by God’s grace rather than by works
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b) Release from the Law through Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ fully realized what the law had worked towards
- Through Christ believers have been released from the law
- With Jesus Christ's once and for all sacrifice, there is no longer any need to sacrifice for sin
- Instead of being under the law, believers are under grace
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c) The Relevance of the Law - The main purpose of the law is to make people aware of sin
- The law's spiritual and moral commands are still to be obeyed
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II. Key Elements of the New Order -
a) God's New Covenant - The first covenant (with its priesthood and law) was inadequate and superseded by the new covenant – through Christ
- Under the new covenant, God’s people: have God’s laws in them; know him; and are forgiven
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b) Jesus Christ as High Priest - Jesus Christ is the high priest of God's people – representing them before God in the superior heavenly sanctuary
- Jesus Christ sacrificed for sin once and for all
- Jesus Christ intercedes for God’s people
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c) The Kingdom of God - The kingdom of God came in Jesus Christ's mission
- The kingdom of God is spiritual in its nature
- The kingdom of God is dynamic
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d) Jesus Christ as Lord of All - God has made Jesus Christ Lord of all
- God has given Jesus Christ power over all things
- In the end, all Jesus Christ's enemies will be made his footstool – totally conquered
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15. 'The Last Things' -
I. Jesus Christ's Return and the Judgment -
a) The Timing of Jesus Christ's Return - Jesus Christ will return at an unexpected time, while people are living as usual
- Jesus Christ’s return will be preceded by distressful events
- Awesome cosmic events will occur just prior to Christ’s return
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b) Jesus Christ's Return - Jesus Christ will return with his angels
- Jesus Christ will come in great glory
- On Jesus Christ’s return his followers will be gathered to him
- On Jesus Christ’s return evil powers will be crushed
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c) The Final Judgment (I): Its Scope and Outcomes - God will judge every person, for all they have done
- The dead will rise to be judged, and either rewarded with eternal life or be condemned
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d) The Final Judgment (II): The Process - God will judge all people through Jesus Christ
- 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 have eternal life
- Those who have rejected Jesus Christ will be condemned
- What people have known will be taken into account
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e) The Millennium - The prophecy of a thousand year reign of Jesus Christ
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II. The Afterlife -
a) The New Creation - The present heavens and earth will pass away
- God will create new heavens and a new earth
- God's people will live in the new Jerusalem
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b) Eternal Life - As God raised Christ from the dead, God will raise his people
- On Christ's return, their bodies will be made imperishable, glorious and spiritual – like Christ
- God’s people will be given eternal life
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c) The Heavenly State of God's People - God’s people will enter the kingdom of God
- God’s people will be made perfect
- God’s people will have glory
- There will be no more sorrow and no more death
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d) Being with God - God's people will be with God and Jesus Christ forever
- God’s people will see God
- God’s people will praise God
- God’s people will serve God
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e) The Punishment for the Ungodly - The ungodly will be separated from God and Jesus Christ
- The ungodly will be thrown into fire
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D. God and His Own People -
16. The Standing of God's People -
I. Basics -
a) Prologue: God Draws People to Himself - God chooses people (to be his people)
- God moves people to believe and turn to Jesus Christ
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b) God's People Belong to God - God’s people belong to him
- They are God’s people . . .
- . . . and God is their God
- God’s people likewise belong to Jesus Christ
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c) God's People Are His Family - Each believer belongs to the family of God
- God is their Father
- They are God’s children
- As God’s children, they are also heirs of God
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d) God's People Are His Church - God’s people form his church
- The church is God’s temple, in which God dwells by his Spirit
- Jesus Christ is the ruler of God’s church
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II. Being 'in' Jesus Christ -
a) God's People Are 'in' Jesus Christ - God’s people are "in" Jesus Christ
- Jesus Christ identifies himself with God’s people
- God’s people live with Jesus Christ
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b) The Significance of Being 'in' Jesus Christ - "In" Jesus Christ God's people are redeemed and forgiven
- “In” Jesus Christ God’s people have righteousness
- “In” Jesus Christ believers are identified with him in his death, resurrection and life
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c) God's People Are One Body 'in' Jesus Christ - All believers – including Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free – are one body "in" Jesus Christ
- The church is the body of Christ
- Jesus Christ is the head of the body
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d) Epilogue: God's People Relate to God through Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ’s death and priesthood have opened the way into God’s presence for God’s people
- God’s people have access to God through Jesus Christ – by the Holy Spirit
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17. Keys to God's Interaction -
I. Basics -
a) God Is Always with His People - God and Jesus Christ are always with their people
- God is with his people wherever they go . . .
- . . . God also goes before his people
- God is with his people in trouble – and sees them through it
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b) God Knows His People - God and Jesus Christ know their people
- God and Jesus know all their people's needs and troubles
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c) God Loves and Is Faithful to His People - God loves his people greatly
- God's love is with his people always
- God is faithful to his people
- God faithfully keeps his promises to his people
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d) God Shows Grace to His People - God shows much grace towards his people
- By grace God's people are given spiritual blessings
- By grace God’s people are strengthened
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II. God's Holy Spirit in His People -
a) God Gives the Holy Spirit to His People - God gives his people his Holy Spirit, to live in them
- Having the Holy Spirit shows a person is one of God's people . . .
- . . . Having the Holy Spirit indicates that God lives in a person
- The Holy Spirit is God’s seal, guaranteeing what is to come
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b) God Works in His People through the Holy Spirit - God saves his people through the Holy Spirit
- God teaches his people through the Holy Spirit
- God works through his people by the Holy Spirit
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c) The Holy Spirit Renews God's People - The Holy Spirit brings spiritual life
- The Holy Spirit makes God’s people holy
- The Holy Spirit produces spiritual "fruit" in God’s people
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d) The Holy Spirit Helps God's People - The Holy Spirit helps each believer
- The Holy Spirit leads God’s people
- The Holy Spirit empowers God’s people to do God’s work . . .
- . . . The Holy Spirit has a key role in what God’s people say
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18. God's Transformation of His People -
I. General -
a) God Makes His People Spiritually Alive - God's people are given spiritual life
- In union with Jesus Christ, their sinful selves have "died" and they are now spiritually alive
- God’s people are spiritually reborn of God
- God’s people are a new creation
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b) God Makes His People Holy - God makes his people holy
- God's people are primarily made holy through Jesus’ sacrifice
- God’s people are in fact being transformed to be like Jesus
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c) God Teaches His People - God teaches his people how to live
- God enables his people to know the truth
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d) God Disciplines His People - God disciplines his people as his children, who he loves
- God's discipline is done in righteousness and faithfulness
- God’s discipline and testing can be intense, but God brings his people through
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II. Spiritual Attributes -
a) Love, Faith and Hope - God and Jesus Christ give their people love and faith . . .
- . . . God teaches his people to love
- God gives his people hope by what he has done through Christ
- God's promises give his people hope
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b) Peace - God gives his people peace . . .
- . . . Jesus Christ gives his people peace
- It is a great peace
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c) Joy - God and Jesus Christ give joy to their people
- It is an enduring joy
- The joy is present even in trouble
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d) Wisdom and Knowledge - God gives his people wisdom and knowledge
- God's people are given spiritual sight
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19. God's Care of His People -
I. God's Saving of His People -
a) God's Capacity to Save His People - God is able to save his people – no matter what the odds
- God has mighty power to save his people
- God does not need to use any other means but himself
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b) God Saves His People – from All Things - God is the Savior of his people
- God saves his people out of all troubles
- God sets his people free from things that imprison
- God's saving of his people makes known that he is the only God
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c) God Helps His People against Enemies - God consistently helps his people
- God helps his people by delivering them from enemies
- For God fights for his people, giving victory over enemies
- God enables his people to overcome all that is in the world
- God's people are enabled to overcome Satan
-
II. God's Preservation of His People -
a) God Meets His People's Needs - God cares for his people
- God meets his people’s physical needs even in harsh situations
- God satisfies his people’s spiritual hunger and thirst
- God provides for all their needs – they will not lack anything
-
b) God Strengthens His People - God strengthens his people when they are weak
- God strengthens his people in the face of adversity
- God strengthens them spiritually, until Christ's return
-
c) God Protects His People - God protects his people
- God is a refuge for his people
- God guards his people
- God protects his people from all evil – including Satan
- God will protect his people until the end
-
20. God's Plans for His People -
I. General -
a) God Has Plans for His People - God has plans and purposes for his people
- These plans include work for God's people to do
- God’s plans are not dependent upon his people’s backgrounds
-
b) God Fulfills His Plans for His People - In spite of his people's troubles, God will fulfill his plans and purposes for them
- God may even initiate seemingly bad things to fulfill his purposes for his people
-
c) God Works through His People - God moves his people to do his work
- God equips his people for the work
- God helps and empowers them to do his work even if they feel inadequate
- God's power for his people is great
-
d) God Guides His People - God guides his people always
- God guides his people in difficult circumstances
- God guides his people in doing his work
-
II. God's Plans for Israel -
a) Return to the Land - God will return home the remnant of exiled Israel
- The people of Israel will possess the land forever
-
b) Physical Renewal and Peace - Israel will be physically restored
- Joy will accompany God's renewal of Israel
- The Messiah will rule Israel forever in righteousness and peace
- Israel will have lasting peace
-
c) Spiritual Renewal - God will cleanse Israel of sin
- The people of Israel will be given God's Spirit
-
d) A Renewed Relationship with God - God will be Israel's God and they will be his people
- God will dwell in Jerusalem, living among his people forever
- The nations will come to Jerusalem to worship God
-
e) Glorification - God will glorify Israel
- Israel's renewal will display God’s glory
-
II. What to Do -
E. Relating to God -
21. Being Right with God -
I. Getting Right with God -
a) God's Invitation - God invites all people to come to him and be saved
- God wants us to earnestly seek him
- We must believe in God and what he says
- We need to be open to believing and responding
-
b) Repentance - We must repent
- Confess your sins . . .
- . . . Turn from sin and do what is right
- Turn to God in repentance
- Repentance is required for the forgiveness of sins
-
c) Belief in Jesus Christ - Believe in Jesus Christ
- Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
- Belief in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness of sins
- Belief in Jesus Christ makes one righteous before God
- Belief in Jesus Christ brings eternal life
-
d) Reasons for Assurance - Having the Holy Spirit
- Obedience to God
- Love for other Christians
- Further reasons
-
II. Staying Right with God -
a) The Need to Obey God - We need to obey God as well as believe
- Obedience is critical for holiness and eternal life
-
b) The Need for Good Deeds - True faith involves good deeds
- Good deeds accompany salvation
- But our deeds do not earn salvation, for it is by grace
-
c) Living Free of the Law and Sin – by the Spirit - We have been freed from the law to live by the Holy Spirit
- Instead of living by the sinful nature, live by the Holy Spirit
- Inner righteousness is needed, not just compliance with rules
-
d) Epilogue: Living 'in' Jesus Christ - Live "in" Jesus Christ by faith
- Live “in” Jesus Christ by holding to his teachings
-
22. Having Faith in God -
I. Faith and Hope -
a) What Faith Is - Faith involves believing in God
- We must also trust in God
-
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) The Importance of Faith - By faith we stand firm
- Faith produces obedience to God
- Faith produces work in service to God
- Faith is vital to prayer, for God to grant requests
- If we have faith nothing will be impossible
-
d) Hope in God - Set your hope on God's care
- Set your hope on Jesus Christ’s return and what will follow
- Hope is vital for faith
-
II. What Not to Do -
a) Do Not Lack Faith - Do not be lacking in faith
- Do not doubt
-
b) Do Not Be Afraid (I): Instructions - Do not be afraid – trust in God
- Do not be afraid – be strong and courageous
-
c) Do Not Be Afraid (II): Reasons - God is far more powerful than our enemies
- God is always with his people
- God helps his people
-
d) Do Not Worry - Do not worry – trust God with your concerns
- Do not worry about the cares of this life, for God will provide
-
e) Do Not Trust in Other Things - Do not trust in other people, but rather trust in God
- Do not trust in yourself
- Do not trust in riches
-
23. Loving, Fearing and Obeying God -
I. Loving and Fearing God -
a) Love God - Love God and Jesus Christ
- Love for God and Jesus Christ is shown by obeying them
- Love for God is linked with loving other Christians
-
b) The Importance of Loving God - Loving God is of the utmost importance
- God and Jesus Christ love those who love them
-
c) Fear God - Fear God to the extent that you tremble before him
- Do not fear anything but God
- God's people should not live in fear of his punishment
-
d) Why God Should Be Feared - God's surpassing greatness and sovereignty
- God’s anger and judgment
- God’s holiness
-
e) The Importance of Fearing God - Fearing God is closely associated with obeying him . . .
- . . . Fearing God compels one to avoid sin
- Fear of God leads to life
- Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
-
II. Obeying God -
a) Obey God - Obey God always – forever
- We should obey God because of what he has done for us
- We should obey God because he is our God . . .
- . . . It is no good expressing commitment without obeying
-
b) How to Obey God - Persistently read God's commands
- Do what you learn of God’s law and word
- Ask God to help you follow his commands
- Submit yourself to God
- Obey God wholeheartedly
- Note: God’s and Jesus Christ’s commands are not too difficult
-
c) Follow Jesus Christ - Follow Jesus Christ
- Be a disciple of Jesus Christ
- Follow Jesus Christ's example
- Make Jesus Christ your Lord
-
24. Connecting with God -
I. Being Close to God -
a) Seek God - Seek God wholeheartedly
- If you seek God wholeheartedly, you will find him
- Seeking God should be accompanied by obedience to him
- Seeking God brings great blessings
-
b) Focus on God - Keep thinking about God
- Keep thinking about what God has done
-
c) Meet with God and Live before Him - Come before God, meeting with him
- Live before God . . .
- . . . "Walk" with God
-
d) Know God - Know God and Jesus Christ
- Knowing God is linked to obeying his commands
- Knowing God is linked with loving and caring for others
- Knowing God is vital for understanding
-
II. Praying to God -
a) The Power of Prayer - Prayer is very powerful
- If we ask God for things, he will give them (or do them)
-
b) Praying before God - Pray before God, in his presence
- Pray to God as a caring father
- Pray in the Holy Spirit
- Be reverent when praying
-
c) Making Requests - Ask for things in Jesus Christ's "name"
- Ask earnestly and persistently
- Do not doubt but believe that what you ask will be granted
- Give thanks when asking
-
d) God's Response to Requests - God answers those who obey and please him
- God grants anything we ask that is in accordance with his will
-
25. Exalting God -
I. Instructions -
a) Glorify and Honor God - Give glory to God
- Honor God
- Glorify and honor God by praise and thanksgiving
- Glorify and honor God by how you live
-
b) Do Not Dishonor God - Do not dishonor God by your actions
- Do not blaspheme God
- Do not treat God with contempt
-
c) Praise and Thank God - Praise God constantly
- Give thanks to God always
-
d) How to Give Praise and Thanks (I): General - In righteousness
- Wholeheartedly
- Through prayer
- Through singing
-
e) How to Give Praise and Thanks (II): Rejoicing - Rejoice when giving praise and thanks to God
- Rejoice in God always
-
II. Reasons to Exalt God -
a) Aspects of God's Being - God’s glory
- God’s greatness
- God’s power
- God’s wisdom and knowledge
-
b) Aspects of God's Character - God’s holiness
- God’s love and faithfulness
- God’s mercy
-
c) What God Does in the World - God's creative work
- God’s provision of water and food
- God’s reign
- God’s word
-
d) What God Does for His People - God's salvation through Christ and the associated blessings . . .
- . . . in which one should rejoice
- God’s deliverance from difficulties . . .
- . . . in which one should rejoice
-
F. Church Life -
26. Being One Body -
I. General -
a) The Church as One Body - Church members form one body – the body of Christ
- Being one body, church members meet together
- Church members function together as one church body
-
b) Be in Unison - Be united as one
- Be at peace with each other
- Submit to one another
- Avoid foolish arguments and quarreling
-
c) Be in Fellowship - Have fellowship together – and with the Father and Jesus Christ
- Participate together in church activities
- Share together in the sufferings that come because of Christ
- Share in each other's joy and troubles
-
d) Love Each Other - Love each other as Christ loved us, even laying down his life
- Loving other Christians is indicative of being of Christ and God
- Love is expressed with actions
-
II. Caring for the Body -
a) Pray for Each Other (I): General - Pray constantly for each other
- Pray for those facing persecution
- Pray for those spreading the gospel
-
b) Pray for Each Other (II): What to Ask - Ask that other believers will live as God wants
- Pray for their spiritual growth and perfection
- Ask God to help and take care of them
-
c) Encourage Each Other - Encourage each other
- Encourage and strengthen each other by what you say
- Encourage others to remain true to the Lord
- Encourage and strengthen each other by what you do
-
d) Help Each Other - Be concerned for and compassionate towards each other
- Consequently, help each other
- Share what you have with those in need
-
27. Worshiping God -
I. General -
a) Worship God - Worship God alone
- Worship God for his glory and sovereignty
- Worship God for his great deeds
- Worship God for his creation of everything
- Worship God because of his care of his people
-
b) Worshiping before God - Worship God in spirit
- Worship God in reverence and awe
- Worship God with praise
-
c) Worshiping Together - Join with fellow believers in worshiping God
- Offer praise and thanksgiving together
- Pray together
-
II. Offerings -
a) Reasons to Give to God - Offerings are an important part of worshiping God
- Offerings acknowledge God's provision for us
- Offerings express thanksgiving to God for his deliverance
- Offerings support the service of God
-
b) What to Give to God - Give the "firstfruits" to God
- Give the best to God . . .
- . . . Do not give what is inferior to God
- Give all that you can
- Offer spiritual sacrifices
-
c) How to Give to God - Give willingly
- Give generously
- Give regularly
-
d) Righteousness and Making Offerings - We must live righteously to acceptably worship God
- Our offerings are not acceptable if our lives do not please God
- We should in fact offer ourselves to God, in service to him
-
28. Serving God -
I. Preliminary Instructions and Insights -
a) Be Prepared to Serve God - Be prepared and ready to do God's work
- Being prepared for God’s work requires godly living
-
b) Be Devoted to God's Work - Serve only God
- Devote yourself to God’s work
- Dedicate your life to living for God and Jesus Christ
-
c) Reasons to Serve God - God is our God, who has done great things for us
- Your work for God will be productive
- You will be rewarded for your work
- Whoever does not produce "fruit" will be cut off from Christ
-
d) Being Guided by God - To be guided by God, live a godly life
- Ask God to guide you (as in troubled times)
-
II. Doing God's Work -
a) Do God's Work – the Best You Can - Do the work assigned to you
- Work hard at God’s work
- Do quality work which bears "fruit" – “fruit” that will last
-
b) Do the Work through God - Apart from God and Jesus Christ, we can accomplish nothing
- Pray to God for help in the work – and ask others to pray
- Do God's work with his help
- Serve God through the Holy Spirit
-
c) The Manner in Which to Serve God - Serve God in holiness and righteousness
- Serve God wholeheartedly
- Be strong and courageous
-
d) Working with Other Believers - Serve each other
- Do God's work together
- Encourage each other in doing God’s work
-
e) Spiritual Gifts - God gives each of his people a spiritual gift, through the Spirit
- Use your spiritual gift to build up the church
-
29. Significant Practices -
I. Symbolic Rites -
a) Baptism - God's people are baptized in the "name" of Jesus Christ
- Baptism into Jesus Christ signifies being united with him – with the corresponding implications
- Baptism signifies belief
- Baptism signifies the washing away of sins
-
b) The Lord's Supper - Observe the Lord’s Supper – in remembrance of Jesus Christ and his death
- Participating in the Lord’s Supper also symbolizes participating in the blood and body of Jesus Christ
-
c) Circumcision: Its Needlessness - Circumcision does not bring salvation
- Circumcision is of no consequence for believers
- It is our hearts that should be circumcised
-
II. Other Significant Practices -
a) Confession of Jesus Christ - Confess Jesus Christ, before others
- Things to confess about Jesus Christ
-
b) Keeping the Sabbath Holy - Observe the Sabbath as holy by resting on it
- Observing the Sabbath enables people to be refreshed
- It is permissible to do good and necessary things on the Sabbath
- Verses that might suggest we do not need to keep the Sabbath
-
c) Fasting - Fasting can be done regularly, with worship and prayer
- Fasting can be done on particular occasions, in petitioning God
-
d) The Laying on of Hands - In conveying the gift of the Holy Spirit
- In conveying blessing
- In commissioning for ministry
-
30. Church Leadership -
I. General -
a) Required Characteristics - Godliness
- Wisdom
- Strength and courage
- Deep love for church members
-
b) Managing the Church - As a leader, provide good leadership
- Be gentle and sparing in the use of authority
- Be an example for others to follow
-
c) Caring for Church Members - Be a shepherd taking care of God's flock
- Pray for church members
- Strengthen members in the faith
- Work hard at helping church members
- Confront church members over sin
-
d) Church Members' Duties to Leaders - Love your leaders
- Obey your leaders
- Give your leaders material support
-
II. Teaching in the Church -
a) What to Teach: God's Word - Teach and preach God’s word
- Teach God’s commands and ways
- Teach the truths of the faith
- Read God’s word in church worship
-
b) How to Teach - Explain God's word and truths
- The manner in which to teach
-
c) False Teachers (I): Their Teaching - False teachers speak lies and delusions of their own, while claiming God's authority
- They say what their listeners like to hear – appealing and pleasant things
- False teachers typically deny Jesus Christ
-
d) False Teachers (II): Guarding against Them - Watch out for false teachers and their teaching – so as not to be deceived
- Test teachers by comparing their teaching with the Scriptures
- False teachers can be recognized by their "fruit"
-
G. Relating to People -
31. Love -
I. Loving Qualities -
a) Love: Insights - What love is
- The supremacy of love
-
b) Love: Commands - Live a life of love . . .
- . . . Do all things in love
- Love others as you love yourself . . .
- . . . "Love your neighbor as yourself" sums up God's law
- Love your enemies and do good to them
-
c) Mercy - Show mercy
- Be merciful and God will show you mercy
- Forgive others and God will forgive you
- Do not judge others, or God will judge you accordingly
- Be generous and share with others
-
d) Gentleness - Be humble, gentle and patient
- Be meek
- Seek peace, including peace with others
-
II. Antitheses of Love -
a) Selfish Attitudes - Do not pursue selfish ends
- Do not be greedy
- Do not covet
- Seek the interests of others before your own . . .
- . . . Do so even at great cost to yourself, as Jesus Christ did
-
b) Ill Feelings - Control and avoid anger
- Do not hate
- Get rid of any bitterness or malice
- Do not be jealous
-
c) Adverse Speech - Do not quarrel
- Do not slander
- Do not gossip
- Do not grumble against others
-
d) Adverse Force - Do not use violence
- Do not murder
- Do not rape
- Do not oppress
-
32. Justice -
I. Justice in Action -
a) Do What Is Just and Right - Act justly
- In acting justly, do what is right
- Maintain justice
- Do not show favoritism
-
b) Justice and the Needy (I): Instructions - Do not mistreat the needy
- Defend the cause of the needy
- Provide the needy with food and clothing
- Even sell your possessions so as to give to the poor
- Treat foreigners the same as your native-born
-
c) Justice and the Needy (II): Insights - Defending and providing for the needy are part of true religion
- Providing for the needy brings oneself blessing
- God will punish those who ignore the needy
-
II. Being True -
a) Faithfulness - Be faithful
- Be trustworthy
- Stand by others
-
b) Truthfulness - Speak the truth
- Be honest
- Be sincere
- Have integrity
-
c) Deceitfulness - Do not deceive
- Do not lie
- Do not give false testimony
- Do not use flattery
- Do not plot evil schemes
-
d) Dishonest Gain - Do not steal
- Do not defraud
- Do not take excessive interest or extort money
- Do not accept bribes
-
33. Wisdom -
I. Being Wise -
a) The Precedence of Godly Wisdom - Godly wisdom is superior to anything else
- Worldly wisdom is flawed and inferior to the wisdom of God
- Worldly wisdom is ultimately futile, even detrimental
-
b) Wisdom through God - Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom
- Ask God for wisdom . . .
- . . . For it is God who gives wisdom
- Obeying God's commands brings wisdom
- Wisdom involves doing what is right – and avoiding evil
-
c) Wisdom through Others - Pay attention to instruction
- Heed discipline and correction
-
d) Wise Speech - Be quick to listen and slow to speak
- Use few words
- Speak graciously
- Remember that our words are determined by our "heart"
-
e) Wise Personal Practices - Be self-controlled
- Do not act in haste
- Work hard
- Enjoy life and be happy
-
II. Antitheses of Wisdom and Knowledge -
a) Foolishness - Fools spurn and lack wisdom
- Foolishness involves disobedience to God
- Foolishness encompasses doing wrong
-
b) Foolish Practices - Being quick-tempered is foolish
- Drunkenness and gluttony are unwise, causing one trouble
- Indulging in pleasure is foolish and pointless
- Further notably foolish practices
-
c) Spiritual Ignorance (I): Causes and Results - Spiritual ignorance is caused basically by sin
- Spiritual ignorance is caused partly by the ungodly being closed-minded
-
d) Spiritual Ignorance (II): Knowledge Lacked - The ungodly do not know God or Jesus Christ
- The ungodly do not comprehend God's word
- The ungodly are ignorant of and deceived about their sin
- The ungodly are largely oblivious of God’s pending punishment – which they will bear
-
34. Common Relationships -
I. Family Relationships -
a) Prologue: Issues Regarding Getting Married - Unmarried people can be fully devoted to the Lord
- Do not marry outside of God's people
- A person should have only one spouse
- Remarriage and adultery
-
b) Spouses - A husband and wife should be as one
- Husbands should love their wives
- Wives should submit to their husbands
- Do not commit adultery
- Avoid divorce
-
c) Parents' Duties to Children - Parents should love their children
- Parents should care for their children
- Parents should discipline their children
- Parents should teach their children about God and his deeds, inspiring them to trust and obey God
-
d) Children's Duties to Parents - Children are to honor their parents
- Children are to obey their parents
- Children should heed their parents’ teaching
- Children are to help their parents
-
II. Civil Relationships -
a) Citizens' Duties to Authorities - Citizens should submit to and obey the governing authorities
- For authorities are established by God and punish wrongdoers
- But citizens should defy commands that conflict with God’s will
-
b) Authorities' Duties to Citizens - Authorities should act and rule according to God’s ways
- Authorities should rule as servants of God and their people
- Authorities should rule wisely
- Authorities should rule justly
- Authorities should defend the needy
-
c) Servants and Masters - Servants should be obedient, submissive and respectful
- Servants should be trustworthy and faithful
- Masters must treat servants justly
- Masters must not withhold servants' wages
-
35. Spreading the Gospel -
I. Instructions -
a) Tell People the Gospel - Tell people the gospel message about Jesus Christ
- Tell all people, everywhere
- Do not be ashamed of the gospel
-
b) What Things to Explain - Explain who Jesus Christ is
- Tell people about Jesus' death and resurrection . . .
- . . . and tell people about the results
- Tell people about the kingdom of God
- Tell people about what God is like and what he has done . . .
- . . . and tell what God has done for you
- Tell people how they should respond
-
c) How to Spread the Message - Present the gospel accurately and plainly
- Spread the gospel by the Holy Spirit
- Spread the gospel boldly – with God's help
- Work hard at spreading the gospel message
-
d) Supplementary Actions - Pray for your proclamation of the gospel . . .
- . . . and pray for others who proclaim the gospel
- Pray for the salvation of unbelievers
- Act in the interests of others for the sake of the gospel
- Act in a way that is consistent with the gospel
-
II. Insights -
a) Insights on the Gospel Message - The gospel is not made up by men – it is true
- The gospel reveals God's secret plan concerning Jesus Christ
- The gospel is good news
-
b) The Need to Spread the Gospel - We are responsible for telling others the gospel
- Through believers spreading the gospel others come to believe
- There are many people ready to respond to the gospel – but they need someone to tell them
- The gospel brings salvation, saving those who respond to it
-
c) God and the Gospel's Effectiveness - The gospel is the power of God to save – though it may seem foolish to the world
- The gospel is not dependent on us and our presentation of it – but on the Holy Spirit and God’s power
- The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus Christ to people, fostering belief
- God and Jesus at times confirm the gospel message by miracles
-
H. Persevering -
36. Standing Firm -
I. General -
a) Be Faithful to God - Be faithful to God and Jesus Christ
- Serve God faithfully
- Do not be unfaithful to God by not obeying him
-
b) Remember God and His Word - Ensure you remember God
- Remember what God has done
- Remember God's word and commands
- Persistently meditate on God’s word and commands
-
c) Hold to the Faith - Continue to live by Christian teaching
- Grow in your knowledge of God
- Stand firm until the end . . .
- . . . Persist so that you will receive the reward
-
d) Be Ready for Jesus Christ's Return - As you do not know when Jesus Christ will come, keep watch and be ready
- Do not be deceived by false claims, for Christ’s return will be only after certain events – and obvious to all
-
II. Spiritual Warfare -
a) The Existence of Spiritual Warfare - Believers have spiritual enemies, notably Satan
- Believers have human enemies
- Believers face internal spiritual conflict
- But God and Jesus enable Christians to overcome
-
b) Engaging in Spiritual Warfare - Resist Satan
- Use spiritual weapons and armor
- Spiritual weapons and armor include: faith; . . .
- . . . God's word; . . .
- . . . and prayer
-
c) Counteraction of Demons - Distinguishing between the Holy Spirit and demons
- Demons are driven out of people in Jesus Christ's "name"
- The Holy Spirit and prayer also figure in driving out demons
-
d) Ungodly Spiritualistic Practices - Avoid witchcraft and other occult practices
- Do not consult anyone who performs occult practices
- Do not have other "gods" or idols
-
37. Rejecting Sin -
I. Encountering Sin -
a) Consequences of Sin for God's People - Sin deprives God’s people of his blessings
- God may punish sin, which can mean physical suffering and emotional anguish
- Sin defiles God’s people – making them spiritually unclean
- God turns away from those who persist in sin
-
b) Addressing Sin (I): Return from Sin to God - Stop sinning
- Return to God with all your heart
- In returning from sin to God, do what God wants
-
c) Addressing Sin (II): Deal with Sin before God - Confess your sin to God
- Be sorrowful over your sin
- Humble yourself before God over your sin
- Ask God for forgiveness and restoration
-
d) God's Response to Repentance - God forgives our sins
- God restores our relationship with him
-
II. Avoiding Sin and Being Holy -
a) Avoiding Sin - Take care in avoiding sin
- Ask God for help to avoid sin . . .
- . . . For God and Jesus Christ are willing and able to help us withstand temptation
- Use God's word to avoid sin
- Avoid sinful desires
- Get rid of sinful influences
- Hate evil and sin
-
b) Alternatives to Sin - Instead of living by the sinful nature, live by the Holy Spirit
- Instead of living as a slave to sin, live as a slave to righteousness and God
-
c) Be Holy - Be holy as God is holy
- Be set apart for God
- Do not conform to this world
- Do not live as other people do
- Avoid bad company
-
38. Major Pitfalls -
I. Pride -
a) Pride in Thought - Do not be proud
- Do not think you are better than others
- Do not be wise in your own eyes
- Do not be self-righteous
-
b) Pride in Action - Do not exalt yourself . . .
- . . . Honor others, rather than yourself
- Do not boast about yourself
-
c) Outcomes of Pride - Pride is very detrimental to a relationship with God
- Pride is associated with self-deception and flawed understanding
- Pride leads to one's downfall
-
d) Antithesis of Pride: Humility - Be humble – particularly before God
- Be humble towards others
-
II. Riches and Sex -
a) Riches and Godliness - Riches are a barrier to a relationship with God
- Riches even draw one away from God
- So, do not love money and be content with what you have
-
b) Further Warnings about Riches - Riches are not secure
- Life does not last and the dead cannot take their riches with them
- Hoarding riches will bring ill consequences in the afterlife
-
c) Sexual Sin - Avoid sexual sin
- Sexual sin has ill consequences
- Sexual sin ultimately results in God's judgment
-
d) Prohibited Forms of Sex - Lust
- Sex apart from marriage
- Prostitution
- Homosexual acts
-
e) Epilogue: Be Wary - Be alert and sober
- Examine and evaluate yourself
- Keep a clear conscience
-
39. Hard Times -
I. General -
a) Prologue: God's People Still Have Hard Times - Trouble is characteristic of human life
- Examples of God’s people undergoing hard times
- An example of hard times even being attributed to God
-
b) Mourn Loss - Mourn and weep over loss – particularly deaths
- Mourn before God
-
c) Keep in Mind God and His Word - In hard times, remember God
- Keep meditating on God's word and obeying it
- Take comfort in God’s word
-
d) Trust in God - Trust in God
- Take refuge in God, for God saves and protects those who do
-
e) Hope in God and Wait for Him - Put your hope in God . . .
- . . . Look resolutely and expectantly to God
- Wait for God, with confidence that he will act
- Wait quietly and patiently
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II. Praying in Hard Times -
a) Tell God about Your Problems - When facing trouble, pray to God
- Tell God of your plight and how you feel
- Pour out your heart to God
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b) Ask God for Help - Cry out to God for help
- Ask God for strength
- Ask God to guide you
- Ask God for deliverance
- Persist in prayer to God
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c) Praise and Rejoice in God - Praise and thank God amidst trouble
- Rejoice in God amidst trouble
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d) Epilogue: God Does Respond to Suffering - God is near us in hard times
- God comforts his people in hard times
- Testimony to God answering prayers in suffering and trouble
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40. Persecution -
I. The Persecution of God's People -
a) The Reality of Persecution - Following God and Jesus Christ results in persecution . . .
- . . . It brings all kinds of hardships and suffering
- Spreading the gospel can result in suffering
- God's people are hated
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b) The Antichrist and the Final Persecution - The antichrist will have great authority and be worshiped
- Persecution of God's people will increase in the end times – especially due to the antichrist
- "Three and a half years" is given for the rule of the antichrist and intense persecution
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c) God's Care of Persecuted Believers - God strengthens his people amidst trials
- God rescues his people from trials
- God will ultimately save believers from the persecution of the end times
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II. What to Do in Persecution -
a) Be Faithful to God and Endure - Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ
- Endure persecution
- Consider and follow Jesus Christ's example in suffering . . .
- . . . and share in Jesus Christ’s sufferings
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b) Have Faith in God and Pray - Have faith and hope in God
- Do not be afraid
- Do not worry about what to say – you will be given what to say
- Pray to God, asking for help
- Bless and pray for those who persecute you
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c) Rejoice - Rejoice because trials develop Christian character and virtues
- Rejoice because of rewards for enduring persecution
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d) Blessings for Faithfulness in Persecution - Blessings amidst suffering
- God's kingdom
- Eternal life
- Future glory