LESSON ONE

OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTIONAnd the things which you have heard from me in the

presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. - 2 Timothy 2:2

Our Purpose: That we would gain an understanding of the basic truths of God’s Word

Our Goal: To be prepared to pass these things along to other people

We want to follow the example of Ezra 7:10. There is a three-fold purpose:

1. Study the Scriptures

2. Make Application

3. Teach Others

We want to help you be prepared to know and apply the Scriptures by:

1. Hearing the truth taught

2. Handouts, charts, video and audio files

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3. References to other materials

I. The Bible

A. Overview of the Bible

God revealed Himself to man in three key ways.

1. Romans 1:20 – General Revelation through nature

2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Special Revelation written

3. Hebrews 1:1-2 – Special Revelation incarnation

The word “Bible” comes from the word ___Biblos______

The Bible is divided into two major sections.

1. Old Testament

2. New Testament

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What is the central plan and theme of the Bible?

How the perfect Righteous God brings fallen man back to Himself by sending His son Christ, Messiah.

How is mankind saved in both the Old Testament and New Testament?

The same way. By grace through faith in Messiah

What are five key statements by God announcing the Messiah?

1. Gen. 3:15 – The seed of the Woman

2. Gen 12:1-3 – The seed of Abraham

3. 2 Sam 7:12-17 – The seed of David

4. Luke 1:31-33 – The seed of the Woman

5. Mat 3:1-3, Isa. 40:3, John 1:29 – Messiah comes

What are five key terms dealing with God’s word?

1. Revelation – God making known His mind and will which was / is unknown unless He takes the initiative to make it known.

2. Inspiration

Two keys of inspiration:

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a. 2 Pet 1:20,21 – The writers of Scripture were “born along by the Holy Spirit”

b. 2 Tim 3:16,17 – The original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic writings are God Breathed, and inerrant and infallible.

Four theories of inspiration: (there are others)

a. Dictation – The author’s style not seen (false)

b. Concept – The ideas are inspired, not the writings

c. Neo-Orthodox – The words BECOME inspired to me existentially. “What it means to me.”

d. Verbal Plenary – Matt 7:18 – Every word and letter is important.

3. Illumination Application – 1 Cor 2:14 – Ministry of the Holy Spirit which works along side our efforts to apply those truths to our attitudes and actions.

4. Inerrancy – Without error in the original writings. We can get very close to the originals because of the number and quality of the existing copies.

5. Authority – The Word of God as properly Translated and Interpreted is to be our Sole Authority.

Three ways to deal with the authority of the Bible

a. Limit its authority. Just take parts of it.

b. Add to it. Add things to the Word of God.4

c. Accept it (when all 5 links are properly followed).

SUMMARY – LESSON ONE

God’s Word is from God to man, making known God’s plan of salvation and giving us truths and principles so that we can grow spiritually and live our lives as His representatives.

MEMORY VERSES

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ezra 7:10

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LESSON TWO

OVERVIEW OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT

The Bible is made up of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament,

and 27 in the New Testament.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and in some parts Aramaic. – It looks forward to coming Messiah.

The OT was also translated into Koine Greek and called the Septuagint or LXX.

In 382 A.D. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin

And it was called the Vulgate.

The OT’s central theme is the promise of the Messiah / Redeemer in Genesis 3:15.

The Hebrew canon is divided into 3 parts. ( TANAKH )

1. Torah – The Law

2. Neviim – Prophets

3. Katuvim – The Writings

Our OT is divided into 4 parts.

1. Pentateuch – Gen to Deut

2. History – Josh to Esther

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3. Poetry/Writings – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Eccl

4. Prophets - Major Prophets, Minor Prophets

Why is the OT important for us. (1 Cor 10:11)

It was written for our instruction

The New Testament

The New Testament focuses on the fulfillment of the promises of the Messiah. It looks back to the Messiah

The NT is divided into three main divisions

1. History – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts

2. Epistles / Letters – Paul’s letters and General letters

3. Prophecy - Revelation

The Word of God is so vital. We must:

1. 2 Timothy 2:15 – Study the Word that we may be approved, and not be ashamed at the Bema, judgment seat of Christ.

2. Psalms 119:11 – Memorize the Word. Program it into our brain so it becomes part of us.

3. Philippians 4:9 – Apply the Word (as interpreted correctly). It was given to change us.

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4. 2 Timothy 2:2 – Teach the Word. We do not obey the Great Commission unless we are involved some way in passing it along.

The Canon

Both the OT / NT came about slowly as progressive revelation given by God over a period of time.

What does the word “canon” mean? Ruler or measuring stick. Recognizing the books that are inspired.

70-170 AD – During this period many of the writings of the NT were put together. 96 AD – Clement of Rome, recognized the NT books exactly as we have today.

170-303 AD – Church Fathers. A few books were challenged as to whether they should be included in the Canon (James, 2 & 3 John, 2 Peter)

What is the criteria for the New Testament Canon?

1. Apostolic – Written by an Apostle or someone closely associated with an Apostle.

2. Received as authentic by the Churches. “Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.” The churches accepted his letters.

3. Consistent with the teaching of the OT and teaching of the Apostles and Christ.

4. Evidence of Objective and Subjective inspiration. The books had to have internal evidence, as well as having the distinct character or ring of truth of being God’s word.

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303-379 AD - Church Councils. They ended up ratifying the list of books already accepted.

Four main church councils

1. Laodicea 363 A.D. Accepted all

2. Damascus 382 A.D. Accepted all

3. Carthage 397 A.D. Accepted all

4. Hippo 419 A.D. Accepted all

The canon is closed. God’s Word is complete.

1. Jude 3,4; 2 Pet. 1:2-4 – Revelation given once for all.

2. No more Apostles or Prophets after 95 A.D.

3. The book of Revelation completes the information. – Rev 22:18,19

Our goal concerning God’s Word

1. Know the Word of God

2. Apply the Word of God

3. Teach the Word of God

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 10:17

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LESSON THREE

THE OLD TESTAMENT

The central focus of the Old Testament is this: the OT looks

forward to the coming of Messiah.

The English Old Testament is divided into four sections:

1. Pentateuch / Law - Genesis through Deut

2. History – Joshua through 2 Chronicles

3. Writings / Poetry – Job through Song of Sol

4. Prophets – Isaiah through Malachi

The Law: Who wrote the 1st 5 Books? Primarily Moses. How do we know? Mark 10:1-5 – Jesus gave Moses the law at Sinai

- Know the various people and events

Genesis – Beginnings, 2 Big sections

4 events- Creation, Fall, Flood, Scattering

4 great people – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

Exodus – Coming out of Egypt

Moses and the Law

Leviticus – Priesthood, Sacrificial system

Numbers – Israel wandering in the Wilderness 40 years

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Deuteronomy – Second reiteration of the Law

The History:

Joshua – Israel inhabits the land

Judges / Ruth – Cycle: Israel does well, they sin, God sends a Judge, they repent. 12 Judges (Major: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah/Barak, Gideon, Jepthah, Samson. Minor: Shamgar, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon.)

Who was the last judge?

1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings – Stories of final Judge (Samuel) and of Israel demanding a King.

1 & 2 Chronicles – Same as Samuel & Kings with focus on Judah

The Writings:

Job – Trusting God in Suffering

Psalms – Songs of Worship to God

Proverbs – Wisdom for life

Ecclesiastes – Live is a vapor, Live for God

Song of Solomon – Love between Husband & Wife

The Prophets: Oracles of Judgment and Restoration; the 1st Coming & 2nd Coming of Christ to set up His Kingdom on earth.

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1. Major Prophets – Larger Books

Isaiah – 1-39 Judgment & Law, 40-66 Comfort, Blessing

Jeremiah / Lamentations – Babylonian

Ezekiel / Daniel – More focus on the future role of Israel, and on End times, such as in Revelation

2. Minor Prophets

Prophets: Judgment & Restoration

Before Captivity

To Israel (Northern Kingdom)

1. Hosea 2. Amos – (from Judah)

To Assyria

1. Jonah 2. Nahum

To Judah (Southern Kingdom)

1. Joel 2. Isaiah

3. Micah 4. Jeremiah

5. Habakuk 6. Zephaniah

To Edom

1. Obadiah

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During Captivity

1. Ezekiel 2. Daniel

After Captivity

1. Haggai 2. Zechariah

3. Malachi

SUMMARY

See handouts for Overview and Themes of the various Books

MEMORY VERSES

Isaiah 53:6

Lamentations 3:22-23

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LESSON FOUR

THE NEW TESTAMENT

INTRODUCTION

The twenty-seven books of the New Testament give us the: Fulfillment of the Old Testament promises centered on Jesus.

When does the New Testament begin?

The New Testament is divided into three sections:

1. History – Gospels and Acts

2. Epistles / Letters – Paul, General

3. Prophesy – Revelation

The History Section

Five books make up the history section

1. Matthew

2. Mark

3. Luke

4. John

5. Acts

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What does the word “Gospel” mean? The word euangellion means “good news” See 10 Most Misunderstood Words – Bob Wilkin

The four Gospels give us the fulfillment of the four Old Testament Pictures of the Messiah.

Title: Verse: Picture:

1. King of Israel Zech. 9:9,Isa. 32:1 The King

2. Servant of YHWH Isa. 42:1 The Servant

3. Son of Man Isa. 7:14 The Man

4. Son of God Is 9:6 God

The New Testament fulfillment of those pictures

Matthew – King of the Jews?

Mark – He came to serve and give his life

Luke – The perfect man

John – Son of God, Messiah, Christ

The Gospels

Matthew – 2:2 (Born King of the Jews)

If you are King of the Jews who do you have to be a descendant of? Gen 12:1-3 Abraham and 2 Sam 7:12-17 David

Matt 1:6,16; 9:27; 12:23; 21:9; 27:37

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Mark – 1:4, 9, 11; 10:45 (The Servant)

If you are a servant do you need geneology? What do you need? References

Luke – 2:1-6 (The Perfect Man)

What book do we go to to see the birth of Jesus Christ? What was a manger? Did Jesus ever spill his milk, fall down and cry? None of these kinds of things are sin.

Lineage starts with Jesus and goes backwards to Adam.

John – 1:1-14 (Son of God)

We see that Jesus was, was, was. . . then in 14 what happens? How does the Gospel of John show that Jesus was God? 20:30,31 – Purpose of the 8 signs is to persuade people that Jesus is the Christ and at that moment, what happens?

The Book of Acts gives us the history of the 1st century church.

Acts covers about 30 years.

Acts key verse is 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.

Acts divides into three sections:

1. Chapters 1-7 – Spread of the Message in Jerusalem. Key person is Peter.

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2. Chapters 8-12 – Spread of the message in Judea / Samaria. Key persons are Peter and Phillip.

3. Chapters 13-28 – Spread to the remotest parts of the earth. Key person is Paul.

How did we get from the Gospels to the Epistles/Letters? Acts is the bridge between the two

The Epistles

The 21 Epistles give us information and principles dealing with the life and growth of believers.

The Epistles’ authors were:

1. Paul 2. James

3. Peter 4. John

5. Jude 6. Unknown (Hebrews)

Paul’s 13 letters can be divided into 3 categories:

1. Journey

2. Prison

3. Pastoral

Journey Epistles:

After Journey 1. Galatians – Simplicity of the Gospel. When Paul left, Judaizers came in and complicated the simple message by adding something else to faith.

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After Journey 2. 1 and 2 Thessalonians – 1 Thes - Steadfastness until the coming of the Lord, 2 Thes - The coming of the Lord.

After Journey 3. 1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans – 1 Cor. deals with Paul’s authority, 2 Cor. deals with problems in the church, Rom. teaches about doctrines of Salvation, Christian Life and restoration of Israel.

Prison Epistles:

Ephesians – Who we are in Christ

Philippians – Joy of Fellowship

Colossians – Pre-eminence of Christ

Philemon – Personal dealing with Onesimus

Pastoral Epistles:

1 Timothy – Church order and leadership

Titus – Good works encouraged; not basis of salvation

2 Timothy – General encouragement

General Epistles:

1. Hebrews – Jesus superior to the Old Covenant

2. James – Quick to hear, Slow to speak, Slow to wrath

3. 1 & 2 Peter – 1 Pet. Suffering, 2 Pet. False Teachers

4. 1, 2, 3 John – 1 John, tests of fellowship, not of Salvation; 2 John, false teachers, 3 John, Division in the church

5. Jude – False Teachers

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The Prophetic Section

The Book of Revelation gives us the summary of all things. The major divisions of Revelation are:

1. Chapters 1-3, - 7 Letters to the Churches

2. Chapters 4-5, - Throne of God in Heaven

3. Chapters 6-19, - The Great Tribulation

4. 19:11, - The Second Coming of Christ

5. The Judgments – Great White Throne

6. Chapters 21,22 - The Eternal State, New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem.

SUMMARY

See handouts for Overview and Themes of the various Books

MEMORY VERSES

2 Timothy 2:15

Romans 14:11

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LESSON FIVE

TIMELINE

INTRODUCTION – In order to interpret the Bible correctly, we must know where things fit in the overall picture.

Purpose of the Bible – Perfect God, bringing sinful men, back to Himself, by means of the Messiah.

There are 3 kinds of Salvation in the Bible in all ages, Justification Salvation, Sanctification Salvation, Glorification Salvation. Which one is always the same?

There are five major sections of the Bible:Genesis 1-11 – Age of the GentilesGenesis 12 to Acts 2 – Age of the Jews/Israel Acts 3 to Rev 3 – Age of the Church Revelation 4 to 19 – The Tribulation, 7 yearsRevelation 20 to 21 – Age of the Kingdom

Dispensation – A period of time in which God deals with man in a different way.

There are often listed seven dispensations:1. Innocence – Test: Don’t eat from Tree of Knowledge.2. Conscience – Test: Do what is right, don’t do evil.

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3. Human Government – Test: Populate the earth4. Promise – Test: Stay in the land.5. Law – Test: Greatest command is Love the Lord.6. Grace – A parenthetical time period, ends with the

Rapture of the church.7. Kingdom – Restoration of God’s program on earth,

and after 1000 years, for eternity.

Israel and the church We must always see the Biblical distinction between the nation of Israel (Jewish people) and the church (the Body of Christ – Jew and Gentile). Reformed Theology and the majority of Evangelicals today do not. What difference does it make?

Israel ChurchNation BodyJewish people Jews and GentilesPromised Land All the WorldCovenant Benefits of New Cov.

Time Periods (approximate)

Adam & Eve – 6,000 to 10,000 years before Christ

Abraham – 2000 years before Christ

Moses – 1500 years before Christ

David – 1000 years before Christ21

Daniel - 500 years before Christ

We can get the flow of the Bible from 20 key people in the Word of God.

(1) Adam and Eve, (2) Noah, (3) Abraham, (4) Isaac, (5) Jacob, (6) Joseph, (7) Moses, (8) Joshua, (9) Samuel, (10) Saul, (11) David, (12) Solomon, (13) Elijah, (14) Isaiah, (15) Daniel, (400 silent years), (16) John the Baptizer, (17) Jesus, (18) Peter, (19) Paul, (20) John

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The Central person in the Bible is ______________

The Old Testament looks ______________________

The New Testament looks _____________________

In the Old Testament the Messiah is called:

- The Seed of ____________________

- The Seed of _____________________

- The Son of _____________________

MEMORY VERSES

John 3:14-18

1 Peter 3:18

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Additional Material on Dispensationalism:

Rice Hall: See his video on my youtube channel dreiher2.

Biblical Dispensationalism is the Key to understanding God’s plan for the world as taught in the Bible.

Dispensationalism: A job description given by God to somebody asking them to fulfill that job description faithfully and well. As a result they are rewarded, but if they do poorly then they are punished.

Since 1950 Dispensationalism has fallen on hard times because people have been looking at Dispensationalism as the teaching of men. Instead, it should be looked at from a Biblical perspective, and most importantly as taught by Jesus. When people reject Dispensationalism, they no longer believe God’s plan as revealed in the Bible.

When we look at the actual Biblical teaching we see the Greek word group Oikos, oikonomos, and oikonomia as talking about Offices, Duties, Responsibilities, Jobs, Administrations, Managements and Stewardships.

Start by looking at the use of the terms Jesus’ parables of Dispensations used in Luke 12 and Luke 16. In them we see a Master, The Master’s management, the Manager’s management, and the Manager’s accountability.

Major Dispensations have been given through the ages to people like we see in the classic 7 Dispensations, but technically, Dispensations have been given to all people.

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LESSON SIX

WHAT GOD IS LIKE

INTRODUCTION – We began our study of the person of God. We want to know Him, and understand His plan and provision

We are finite and God is infinite. We were created in His image, and He has made Himself known to us. We will never come close to understanding all that He is like.

Two Truths1. To know and understand God is the most important

thing in life. Read Knowing God, Right Thinking2. What we know about Him affects how we live. Phil

2:10 Refer to notes on Big Picture

Man has responded to God in a number of general ways:1. Polytheism – Believe in many gods2. Materialism – Material things become god3. Pantheism – Everything is god, and god is in

everything4. Monotheism – Believe in one god

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Trinity means “Three in one” or one God in three persons. (All illustrations fail at some point.)

1. Ephesians 4:6 – One God and one Father2. Hebrews 1:8 - . . . but to the Son He says, Your throne,

O God, is forever and ever3. Acts 5:3-4 – You have not lied to men, but to God

The Old Testament shows us the plurality in the Godhead.Gen 1:26 – Let Us make man in Our image

The Old Testament names of God show us what He is like:El – GodElohim – Plural of majesty, or pluralityAdonai – Lord, or Master, deityYHWH – LORD

New Testament names of GodTheos – Basic name for GodKurios – Lord, master, deity, sirJesus – Yeshua, YHWH savesChrist – Annointed one of God, Messiah

There are three types of beings:

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1. God2. Angels3. Human

We look at God’s attributes in two ways:Attributes of His being or essenceAttributes of His character

God’s Being or Essence (This is not an exhaustive list) God is infinite in many ways – Rom 11:33; Job 11:7-10; Is 55:8,9 God is a spirit – Not material - John 4:24 God is eternal – without beginning or end - Psa. 90:2 God is omnipotent – all powerful - Job 42:2; Rom 4:20,21; John 10:28,29 God is omnipresent – present everywhere – Psa. 139:7-11 God is omniscient – all knowing – Psa. 139:1-6 God is immutable – unchanging – Heb 13:8; James 1:17God’s Character God is Personal – not a force – Rom 11:33; John 3:16 God is Righteous – He does right always - 1 John 1:6 God is Just – no partiality – Rom 2:11; 1 Sam 16:7 God is Love – seeks good for the one loved – 1 John 4:8, 10,11

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God is King/Sovereign – but not reigning yet – 2 Cor 4:4 God is Merciful and gracious, withholds judgment – Deut 4:31 God is Truthful – He cannot lie – Tit 1:2

SUMMARY

We must realize that God is a personal God, who made us, knows us, and wants us to know Him.

MEMORY VERSES

John 3:14-18

1 Peter 3:18

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LESSON SEVEN

CREATION & FALL

INTRODUCTION:We turn from looking at our perfect God to see ourselves, sinful. How did we get here? Why are we the way we are?

The way we view the first 11 chapters of Genesis indicates our view of God and the authority of the rest of the Bible. (see Ken Ham video)

There are basically two views concerning man’s existence:1. Evolution – Man evolved from lower forms of life2. Creation – God created everything

Two types of evolution:1. Atheistic Evolution – Time plus chance explains

everything2. Theistic Evolution – God intervenes in evolution (they

prefer the term “Progressive Creationism”)

What is creation? – An act in which God spoke all things into beingIn Gen 1:26-27, we find that God created everything

We notice that God is a plurality (Hebrew – Elohim)

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In Gen 1:26, we find that, at that time, man was given dominion over the earth.

How is man made in the image of God? – Gen 1:26, 1 Thes. 5:23Man can be viewed as a three part unit:

1. Body – he has physical flesh2. Soul – he can relate to the world around him3. Spirit – he can relate to God

As we go back to Genesis and the very beginning, we find that man had very special relationships:

1. Unbroken fellowship with God2. Unbroken fellowship with each other3. They had dominion over all created things

What was God’s command? – Gen 2:15-17Positive – Eat from every tree in the garden, work to

tend the gardenNegative – Do not eat from one of the trees

How did sin enter the world? – Rom. 5:12 – Adam

THE FALL OF MAN – Genesis 3:1-5 How did sin enter the world? – Rom. 5:12 – Adam Who is the Serpent? – No details given in Genesis. Satan was behind what he said to Eve. Isa. 14, Ezek 28

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The Serpent’s temptation of man. What was Satan’s question? – Genesis 3:1 – Has God said you shall not eat of every tree of the garden? What was Eve’s answer? – Genesis 3:2-3 – We may eat of the trees. One tree we are not to eat of, or touch lest we die. How should Eve have responded to Satan’s attacks? God loves us. He has never lied to us. The Serpent raised doubts concerning God in two points:

1. Gen. 3:1 – Goodness and Love of God2. Gen. 3:4 – God’s word

The two statements made by Satan:Genesis 3:4 – You shall not surely dieGenesis 3:5 – Your eyes will be open, you will be like

God How did Eve now look upon the tree? – Genesis 3:6 1. Good for food

2. Pleasant to the eyes3. Desirable to make one wise

How is man tempted to sin? – 1 John 2:16We never sin in a moment. It is the culmination of a

process. – James 1:12-151. Lust of the flesh2. Lust of the eyes

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3. Pride of life What were the effects of eating the fruit? – Gen. 3:7-8

1. Shame2. Separation3. Loss of dominion over creation

How did Adam and Eve respond to God? – Gen. 3:9-13 Adam – 3:9-12 – fear, blamed EveEve – 3:13 – blamed the Serpent

SUMMARY

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

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LESSON EIGHT

PENALTY, PROVISION & RESULTS

INTRODUCTION:In the last lesson we studied how sin entered the world through man’s rebellion against God’s commands.

In this section we see three things concerning man and his fall

1. Penalty of sin

2. Provision for sin (temporary)

3. Results of the fall

What was God’s command to Adam & Eve?Eat from every tree, be fruitful and multiply, have dominion

over creation. Don’t eat from the tree of Knowledge.

The serpent raised two doubts to Eve concerning God1. About God’s Love and Goodness2. About God’s word.

Result – Shame and separation. Why did God say, “Where are you?” What should the man & woman have done? What did they do?

The Penalty of SinGenesis 3:14

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The serpent The penalty – Crawl on belly, Enmity between him and

coming Messiah. See Col 1:19,20 peace through the blood of His Cross What do we find in Genesis 3:15? First promise of a Savior from the Seed of the woman. The promise narrows through the Old Testament: all men, then all Jewish Men, then Sons of David, then son of a Virgin.Genesis 3:16

The WomanThe Penalty – 1. Pain in bearing children, 2. Desire

toward husband.What does “desire for your husband” mean? Gen 3:16 – Husband will desire to subject wife, Wife will desire to rule over husband. (see Gen 4:7 for meaning of “desire”)Genesis 3:17-19 (Adam means “earth”)

The ManThe Penalty – 1. Physical and Spiritual Death, 2. Ground

is cursed (work itself is not bad), 3. Man will return to the ground, 4. Kicked out of the Garden, no more access to the Tree of Life.

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The Provision for Sin

Genesis 3:15 – God promised the seed of the woman. Who is this referring to? - Jesus the Messiah. Eve bears a child and calls him Cain. The Hebrew word means “Living.” Why did she name him that? What picture did God use to show the coming sacrifice of a Savior? Genesis 3:20-21 God killed animals to provide skins for them to replace the fig leaves.Genesis 4:1-26 – Eve called her son “Cain” from Hebrew “Acquired.” Why did she call him that? She thought he was the Messiah. Abel brought an animal in worship, Cain brought fruit of the ground. Both were acceptable with the right attitude. Cain had an anger problem (“sin is crouching at the door”). Abel was killed. Genesis 4:25,26 Eve bears “Seth;” from Hebrew “Appointed.” To what was Seth appointed?

THE RESULTS OF THE FALL Before the fall - perfect fellowship. After the fall - death, separation and shame. In Romans 5:12, what do we find concerning our connection to Adam? In Adam all sinned.

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(Nelson Study Bible notes: Romans 5:9-10 is speaking of Sanctification Salvation being possible during our lives, not Justification Salvation. Vs. 10 – Will be saved by His life. See Hodges’ commentary from Romans class.)

Mankind can be seen as three basic types: The Bad man – Immoral Man

Two Groups1. Atheistic – Rom 1:19-202. Changes God into an image – Rom 1:21, Psa. 115:1-8

The Good Man – Moral Man - Romans 2:1-16 – The Law is written on their conscience, they think that is what pleases God. (Jiminey Cricket – “let conscience by your guide”) The Jewish Religious Man – Romans 2:17 They were counting on conformity to the Law, but requires perfection (James 2:10).

What is the final summary and conclusion concerning mankind? Romans 3:9-10,23 – None righteous.

What is the purpose of the law? – Romans 3:19-20, John 5:29

1. To show the sinfulness of man

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2. To show how sinful man can fellowship with God.3. The law has nothing to do with everlasting life.

Man is sinful, God is perfect. How can man get to God? Some Reformed and Calvinist theologians distort Rom 3:11 to teach that man cannot seek after God. It uses the word “ekzeton” – “diligently seek.” Why are men cast into the lake of fire? Rev 20:15. People do not go there because of their sin. The penalty for all sin has been paid by Christ on the cross. John 1:29, 1 John 2:2. They are cast into the lake of fire because because they do not have life. (They do not have life if they have never believed in the (coming) Messiah for everlasting life.)

SUMMARY

Man is fallen and needs a Savior. How has God provided for the reconciliation of man? Through His Son, Jesus Christ.

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 5:8

1 John 4:10

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LESSON NINE

THREE PHASES OF SALVATION

INTRODUCTION:We move to the most important issue for mankind – God’s plan of salvation. We are all sinners because of Adam & Eve and need a Savior. God has a plan to bring man back to Himself. God’s plan of salvation is God’s plan of reconciliation

Isaiah 53:6 tells us our condition.

God’s plan of reconciliation – the story of the Bible – The perfect God brings sinful man back to Himself using His Son, Jesus Christ.

GOD’S THREE PHASE PLAN – Many kinds of salvation in the Bible. His plan is reconciliation

Can man be good enough to get to God? What about the Good, Bad and Religious? What is the standard? Perfection.

We need to see three distinct kinds of Salvation1. Justification Salvation – Salvation from the penalty of

sin which is death. Provision is Jesus Christ who died and rose again. Past Tense.

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2. Sanctification Salvation – Salvation from the power of sin. The power of sin is in our flesh. Provision is the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us.

3. Glorification Salvation – Salvation from the presence of sin in the New Heaven and New Earth.

PHASE I – SALVATION FROM THE GUILT AND PENALTY OF SIN AT A POINT IN TIME

The result of sin is death. Rom 6:23Jesus tells His disciples that the truth shall set you free. John 8:32-34. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6.Since all have sinned and are under a death sentence, God must deal with the penalty.1 John 2:2 – “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” The NIV is unclear, “atoning sacrifice.” Was it just a covering? No, it was a total payment. Is our sin paid for when we believe? Nobody is going to the lake of fire because of their sin. They are going because they do not believe in Jesus as the grantor and guarantor of everlasting life.

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Galatians 2:16 – Justified by faithCan you think of a verse telling of past tense salvation?

Eph 2:8,9 – Have been saved

PHASE II – SALVATION FROM THE POWER OF SINIn our Christian lives we have the pull of: The world, The flesh, The Devil. Gal 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.Romans 6:6-7 – Sin is no longer our master. Romans 6:11,12 – Reckon yourselves dead to sin. This is a command. It is not automatic for ANY Christian. We are commanded to “not let sin reign in our mortal bodies,” because we all do this. God saves us from the power of sin. This is called Sanctification Salvation. Phil 2:12 – Work out your own Salvation. Many think we are not fully saved yet. 1 Tim 4:16 – Save yourself and others who hear you.

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PHASE III – SALVATION FROM THE PRESENCE OF SIN IN THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH God’s salvation plan is a complete plan.James 1:15 – Sin brings death, but there is no death in heaven. Philippians 3:20-21 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 This phrase is often called Glorification Salvation. Romans 13:11 – Which Salvation is Paul talking about? In John 14:1-6 we find Jesus Christ’s plans for the disciples. Dwelling places and God’s house refer not to buildings, but to places of ruling and reigning with Christ in His kingdom. The disciples were discussing this. Summary of the three phase plan. -- Titus 2:11-13

1. God’s plan is total.2. We have victory over sin, past, present and future.3. We get to tell people of all three of God’s Salvation

plans.SUMMARY

Man is fallen and needs a Savior. How has God provided for the reconciliation of man? Through His Son, Jesus Christ.

MEMORY VERSE

Titus 2:11-14

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LESSON TEN

RECONCILIATION

INTRODUCTION:We are looking in detail at God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Last time, we saw God’s three phase plan.

1. Salvation from the penalty of sin. JustificationDeath Christ’s Death Past

2. Salvation from the power of sin. SanctificationFlesh Holy Spirit Present

3. Salvation from the presence of sin. GlorificationWorld system Kingdom Future

In this lesson we are focusing on reconciliation. What is the overall plan of reconciliation found in the Bible? Perfect God brings sinful man back to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Define reconciliation: Bring back together. A change in relationship from hostility to harmony between two parties.

Why does man need to be reconciled to God?Adam’s sin.

Define sin – Rebellion or Defection from God’s standard

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Man is sinful in three ways Most people think they are not very sinful. They think they are good enough for God to let them into heaven.

1. Imputed Sin Romans 5:12How does Adam’s sin affect us? All people inherit the

sinful nature. From Adam to Moses death still reigned.

2. Inherent Sin Ephesians 2:1-3What is the flesh? The inborn capacity to sin. See

Rom 7:17,21 – It is natural to sin. Gal. 5:16,17 It requires Supernatural control for us to not be slaves to the flesh.

3. Personal Sins Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6

List two ways man sins:A. Sins of ComissionB. Sins of Omission James 4:17

Ephesians 2:1 – Summary: Man is a sinner in three ways:1. Birth2. Nature3. Choice

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God’s plan of reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20How do you get in Christ? Are we in Christ? Are we a

new creation or new creatures? Our character is not changed by being born again. Our position is changed.2 Corinthians 5:18 – Three things concerning God’s Reconciliation.

1. God took the initiative Titus 3:5, Eph. 2:8,92. Reconciliation was to God3. Reconciliation was through Christ’s Death

John 14:6, Acts 4:122 Corinthians 5:19 – God was in Christ reconciling us back to Himself.

What happened to our sins? – 1 Peter 2:24They are not imputed against anybody any more.

2 Corinthians 5:20 – Our responsibility: We are ambassadors for Christ. We are like ambassadors here in Satan’s world. What are we supposed to do?

God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

SUMMARY

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Because we have all sinned and need a savior, God in His grace and mercy reconciles us to Himself through His son Jesus Christ and gives us the responsibility of telling others

MEMORY VERSE

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Acts 1:8

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LESSON ELEVEN

THE REDEMPTIVE WORK OF CHRIST

INTRODUCTION:As we continue in our study of God’s plan of salvation, we need to look at two main things:

1. Person and Work of Christ

2. Doctrinal Terms - Redemption – see handout

Reconciliation:

Perfect God brings sinful man back into a relationship with Himself using His son, Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18-201. God took the initiative.2. Reconciliation is to God.3. Reconciliation was through Christ’s death.

As we look at God’s reconciliation of man in Jesus Christ we want to think about Christ in two ways:

1. The Person of Christ. What He is like.2. The Work of Christ. What He did.

He could not have done what He did, if He was not Who He was.

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1. The Person of ChristIn John 1:1-3 we find:a. Jesus is Deity, God. John 10:30, 14:4He is not the same as the Father, or the Spirit

The Jehovah’s Witness Bible – see handout

b. He is the Creator. John 1:3. Also see Gen 1:3, Col 1:16,17

Summary: He is the Son of God, the God/Man

2. The Work of Christa. John 1:14 – Became a man. Why?To Die for men. He had to be man in order to die.

He had to be God in order to pay for all our sins. He did not die for Demons – Demon faith in James 2:

b. Galatians 4:4 – At the right time.c. 1 Peter 3:18 – The Just for the unjust

The just for the unjust to bring us to God.

The plan of salvation and reconciliation is both:1. Easy to Understand -- Biblical. Christ, the Son of

God, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, so all we have to do is simply ________

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Use Biblical words, in Biblical phrases, with Biblical Definitions in “Justification Salvation” contexts. Don’t just assume common expressions are best.

2. Hard to Understand – Does anyone need to fully understand who Jesus was and what He did?

Define the following terms dealing with salvation:1. Reconciliation – Hostility to Harmony2. Sin – Rebellion or Defection3. Spiritual death – Separation from God (not inability

like the Calvinists say. Eph 2:1 is not referring to a corpse.

REDEMPTION

Romans 3:23-24: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of

God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption

which is in Christ Jesus.

We are saved as a free gift by the Redemption in Jesus Christ. Did He pay the price for all unbelievers too?Define Redemption: To purchase by paying a price.Man is in the slave market of sin.

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List three key aspects of redemption:1. Redeemed from the Slave market Rom 3:24, 2 Pet 2:12. Purchased by the payment of the precious blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1:18,19; Rev. 5:93. Purchased us to set us free 1 Cor. 6:19,20

Three different Greek words for redeem: 1. Agorazo – To purchase from the marketplace

2 Pet 2:1 2. Exagorazo – To purchase out of the marketplace Gal. 3:133. Lutroo – Bought and set free Titus 2:14

SUMMARY

People are redeemed from the slave market of sin

People are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ

People are redeemed to be set free to serve

MEMORY VERSE

1 Peter 3:18

2 Corinthians 6:19-20

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LESSON TWELVE

ATONEMENT

INTRODUCTION:

TERMS – ATONEMENT

We continue seeing the various theological terms connected with the doctrine of salvation

Salvation is easy to understand

Salvation is hard to understandReconciliation is: 2 Cor 5:19,20

Perfect God brings sinful man back into a relationship with Himself using His son, Jesus Christ.

REDEMPTION

1. He purchased us from the slave market.

2. By the blood of the Lamb.

3. To set us free to serve.

ATONEMENT

We realize that the Biblical concept of atonement is found in the Old Testament, not in the New Testament.

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Define Atonement – Two Definitions, One Biblical, One Theological. Biblical = covering Theological = paymentFour aspects of atonement

1. The Old Testament aspect of Atonement2. The New Testament fulfillment in Christ3. Popular views of the Atonement4. Biblical problems with Reformed Theology

Old Testament aspect of atonement1. In Leviticus 16 we find that atonement (Yom Kippur)

actually covered the sin of the nation.2. The high priest’s work on the day of atonement

Sacrificed Bull for the sin of the priestTwo Goats:a. Goat Sacrificed for the sin of the peopleb. Scapegoat released into the wilderness

New Testament fulfillment in Christ 1. Hebrews 10:1 – sacrifices could not make perfect2. Hebrews 10:3-4 –3. The blood of Bulls and Goats – Can’t take away sins4. Isaiah 53:5-6, 11,12 – Coming Messiah5. John 1:29 – Take away the sin of the world.6. John called Jesus the Lamb of God

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7. Hebrews 10:12 – Priest never sat down, Christ did.Two views of the atonement:

1. Limited Atonement 2. Unlimited Atonement

Explain limited and unlimited atonement Intent, extent and application1. Limited atonement – Jesus died for the sins of

believers.2. Unlimited atonement – Jesus died for the sins of the

world.3. 1 John 2:2 – sins of the world4. John 3:16 – the world5. Hebrews 2:9 - everyone

Jesus Christ died for everyone’s sin – Heb 10:10,12

Understanding the Problem of Reformed TheologyGreat variety of Calvinists, don’t assume anything

The TULIP – 5 points of CalvinismTotal Depravity: Men are spiritually dead, like a corpse, and are unable to respond to the Saving message. They have to be born again (regenerated) before they can believe.

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Unconditional Election: God decided in eternity past who He would save, and who He would send to Hell.Limited Atonement: Because God did not want everyone saved, Christ only died for some. Irresistible Grace: Because man is spiritually dead, God must make them believe. Man has no choice in the matter. Nobody can resist God’s will in anything.Perseverance of the Saints: Because God does everything, all He regenerates will live Saintly lives until they die. No assurance of Salvation possible.

Problems with Limited Atonement:1. Limits the Work of Christ2. You cannot tell people Jesus died for them

Atonement is the final covering or payment by Jesus Christ for the sin of the world.

MEMORY VERSE

1 John 2:2

John 1:12

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LESSON THIRTEEN

EXPIATION, REGENERATION & JUSTIFICATION

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

What are the consequences of sin? (Rom. 6:23)

In the Bible, Death is a separation 1. Physical Death2. Spiritual Death3. Eternal Death4. Temporal Death

Expiation (substitution)

Definition: The payment of a penalty or the suffering of a punishment for another.

Jesus Christ became our _________________

- Romans 5:8 – Christ died FOR us

- 1 Peter 3:18

Christ died for our sin; the just for the unjust.Did Jesus die for everybody’s sin? The Bible teaches that Jesus wants everyone to be Born Again.

Why did Jesus die? He wants all men to be born again.

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- Galatians 3:13 – He became a curse for us

- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – He became “sin for us”

When? On the cross between noon and 3pm.Afterwards he declared, “It is finished”

Regeneration

Definition: An act of God which gives spiritual life to those who believe in Jesus.

Reformed Theology teaches we are like a corpse. God has to make a limited number of people (the elect) alive before they can believe.

We are born physically alive, but spiritually dead.

John 3

Verse 1 – What is a Pharisee? Separatists. They believed the Bible. Later they added to it.

Verse 2 – Why did Nicodemus come at night? What does he say about Jesus? He calls Him Rabbi, and that God is with Him. Why?

Verse 3 – What does “born again” mean? Born again from above. It means to have the Life only God can give, Everlasting Life.

Verse 4 – Why doesn’t he understand? 1 Cor 2:14 He did not understand the Saving Message that a person needed to believe in Messiah for everlasting life. He was not born again yet.

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Verse 5 – What is Water and Spirit?

a. Water see Vs. 6 physical birth

b. Spirit Spiritual Life see Ezek 36:25,26 – Regeneration was taught in the Old Testament.

Notice the key statement found in John 3:3,5,7 - Jewish mindset was not focused on going to heaven, but on going to the Kingdom. What should our focus be?

- Verse 14-16 – When did Moses lift up a serpent? Numbers 21 – He provided it for all not just for some. Looking was a metaphor for faith. They needed physical healing. Vs 14. All need to look at coming Messiah, Christ for Spiritual life. This was common teaching by the Old Testament Prophets. Nicodemus should have known this.

Secret Believers – John 12:42 – You need not openly acknowledge your faith to be born again.

- Ephesians 2:5 – We have the ability to believe in Jesus. The moment we do, He makes us alive. He does not make us alive first. We believe first, then He makes us alive.

Justification - dikioo (Greek) To vindicate or declare righteous

Definition: Justification is the act by which God declares each person who believes as righteous.

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Why can’t God simply overlook mans’s sin? God is Holy and sin is an offense to Him.

Justification by Faith alone in Christ alone.

- Romans 3:21 – Righteousness apart from the law through faith in Messiah. The Law and the Prophets taught this. (Prophets: written and spoken).

- Romans 3:22-23 – Righteousness of God through faith in Christ.

- Romans 3:24 – Declared, Justified, Vindicated freely by His Grace. When you believe he declares you Righteous at that moment. It is not a process. Which large group believes that Justification is a process?

- Romans 3:28 – By faith apart from deeds of the law.

What do we find in Galatians 2:16? Peter and Barnabas needed correction. We (Jews) are justified by faith, just like the Gentiles. Both are part of the Church now.

SUMMARY

MEMORY VERSE

2 Corinthians 5:17

Galatians 2:16

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LESSON 14

IMPUTATION, PROPITIATION, POSITION

INTRODUCTION: Reconciliation -

Review Terms:Reconciliation, Sin, Spiritually dead, Redemption,

Atonement

Define:Expiation – Substitution: pay a penalty for someone else

Regeneration – God gives spiritual life to a believer

Justification – To be declared righteous.

IMPUTATION

Define imputation: Credit to an account (KJV - reckon)

Romans 4 Abraham

- v. 1 – 2 Justification by faith – before God - past Justification by works – before men - Issac

-v. 3 credited to his account by God through faith Sometime in the past, he believed in Messiah

The Greek word logizomai literally means to credit to an account

God imputes His righteousness to us. When? Faith.Before we believe, no righteousness in our account.

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Are believers righteous? Yes! Can we be any more righteous?

List the three great imputations in God’s Word.a. Adam’s sin imputed to mankindb. Mankind’s sin imputed to Christc. Christ’s righteousness imputed to believers

1. Adam’s sin to mankind. Romans 5:12

2. Mankind’s sins to Christ. Isaiah 53:6 1 Pet. 2:24 Does payment for sin = salvation?

3. Christ’s righteousness to the believer. Rom 4:5 Sin has been dealt with. Is it necessary to turn from sin or anything else to be saved? Why not? Now people need God’s righteousness imputed to them. When does that happen?

v. 4 – The one who works, his wage is owed

v. 5 – The one who does not work, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Righteousness comes through faith. Philippians 3:9

Justification declares us righteous.

Imputation makes us righteous.

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PROPITIATION

The subject of propitiation deals with satisfaction.

Define propitiation: Christ’s death is a satisfactory payment. Does anything we do help satisfy God? Turning from sin, good works, etc.

God must be satisfied.

Romans 3:23-24All have sinned.Justified as a free gift.

v. 25 – God sets forth Jesus as propitiation.

1 John 2:2 – The sins of the entire world.

1 John 4:9-10 – Our love was not the reason. His propitiation for our sins. (John is addressing only believers in this context, cannot mean he is denying what he said in 2:2 about dying for the whole world too.)

God is satisfied with the payment of Christ on the Cross.

POSITION

Define Position: Our identification, who we are in.

Before being born again we are identified in Adam -> death

After being born again we are identified in Christ -> life

Paul says we are “in Christ” 55 times in his 13 letters.60

2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ we are a new creation. New in position. Potentially new in experience. We cannot test whether we are born again or not by our experience.

Ephesians 1:3-13 / 2:5-6 Our blessing based on our position

1:3 in Christ

1:7 Redemption

1:10-11 Inheritance (positional – other references in the Bible of inheritance usually conditional)

1:13 Sealed

2:5-6 Raised and Seated with Christ

REVIEW OF TERMS

MEMORY VERSES

1 John 4:9,10

Romans 4:5

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LESSON 15

GRACE AND WORKS

The key question in salvation is: How is a person saved? By grace through faith, or by works of righteousness?

1. By what we do – by works2. By what we receive – as a free gift

GRACE AND WORKS

A lot of ministries use the word “Grace.” Does everyone that teaches “Grace” mean they are teaching Biblical Grace?

Can grace and works co-exist? No

John MacArthur’s ministry – Grace to YouMacArthur is a fine man, but he does not understand Grace. He, and many others teach that Justification Salvation is a gift that costs you everything.

Romans 11:6 –

Define grace – Unmerited FavorA popular Acronym

God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

Define works – Payment as a wage, or merit.Romans 4:4,5 – To him who works. . .

Bottom line: We can never earn salvation. When people are asked why they think they are going to heaven, what do most people say?

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Romans 3:23 – Fall short of the Glory of God Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death.Isaiah 64:6 – All our good deeds are like filthy rags

Why?

We can do nothing to make us good enough to enter heaven at the Great White Throne. Where does this “Good works” and “I keep the commandments” teaching come from?

The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith not by works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – The by grace through faith system is the gift, not “Faith.”

Titus 3:5 – Not by works of righteousness we have done.

Galatians 2:16 – Not justified by works, but by faithThe moment you believe in Jesus Christ for everlasting

life, what do you have? Do you have to wait until you die?

Where do works fit in?

Titus 3:8 – What does God want us to do?

Ephesians 2:10 – Reformed view = God causes you to do good works. No works=No salvation. The “you” is better understood as referring to the mystery that Paul is talking about, the Church, comprised of Jew and Gentile, as one body, corporately doing good work.

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Our good works should be motivated by our gratefulness for God saving us, and also by future rewards at the Bema Seat.

THE GOSPEL – THE KEY TO GRACE

The word “Gospel” means “Good News”

Technically there is no such thing as THE Gospel. The Bible uses the noun form and the verb form in many different contexts about many different things.

1 Corinthians 15:1-19 – Probably the clearest passage on the Basis of Christ’s offer of the free gift of Salvation.

Why is understanding this particular “Good News” so important?

Is everyone who believes 1 Cor. 15:1-19 born again? Not exactly. Every good Catholic believes that, but they do not believe in “Faith alone in Christ alone, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.”

People are born again ONLY by believing in Jesus, the Christ, Messiah, who died on the cross and rose from the dead, for everlasting life, which can never be lost. We need to be clear as to what that message is. Otherwise people will be misled.

The “Gospel” Paul mentions in 1 Cor 15 has two parts.

Part I Christ died for our sins according to the ScriptureScripture – Isaiah 53 – Messiah would die Proof – He was buriedHow do we know this refers to Christ’s death?

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Acts 8:26-35 – Phillip and the Etheopian

Part 2 Christ rose on the 3rd day according to the ScriptureScripture – Psalm 16:10 – Not see corruptionProof – Many saw HimHow do we know this refers to Christ’s Resurrection?

Acts 2:22-36 (vs. 25) David said concerning Him

What is the saving message? Believe in Jesus for Everlasting life.

John 3:16, 5:24, 6:47, 11:25-27, 2:31Rom 4:5, Gal 3:26, Eph. 2:8,9, Acts 16:31, Gal 2:16

People start out with these verses, then wander off and add other things. You will probably begin to notice this.

Front Loading the saving Message – puts additional requirements before or at the time you believe. Ex. Turn from Sin, confess Christ, pray a prayer, commit to obey.

Back Loading the saving message – puts additional requirements after you believe. Ex. Work to obtain salvation at final judgment, work to stay saved, work to show your faith is real and not false.

See handouts -

MEMORY VERSES

Ephesians 2:8,9

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Romans 11:6

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LESSON 16

ASSURANCE AND ETERNAL SECURITY

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important aspects concerning our salvation is our security and assurance.

We realize that Salvation (Justification) is a gift received by grace through faith.

Once a person believes in Jesus Christ for this kind of Salvation, are they saved forever? Is “Once Saved Always Saved” true? Why?

Most evangelicals do not believe in OSAS. They think you can (1) Lose it, or (2) Prove you are not a TRUE believer

Are they eternally secure?

SECURITY; ASSURANCE

“Security” – To be safe, held and protected (Objective)Security is based on: The Character of God - power

“Assurance” – Our understanding of our security (Subjective)Assurance is based on: The Character of God - promise

GRACE AND WORKSDoes God want everyone to KNOW how to be saved? Do you think He wants saved people to KNOW they are saved when they are saved?

There are many pastors and teachers who want people to look at their lives, in order to give them reasons to doubt their salvation. Why?

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1 John 5:11-13 - That we may know we have everlasting lifeSome people say there are kinds of faith that cannot save, and that you have to test whether or not you had TRUE belief. If you can’t know whether or not you REALLY believe, then why did God make our eternal destiny based upon “belief?” Wouldn’t John 6:47 say, “He who REALLY believes, has everlasting life?”

Verse 11 – God HAS given all believers everlasting life. John distinguishes between the terms “Believe” and “Abide.”

Verse 12 – Either you have Him, or you don’t. Who has the Son?

Verse 13 – “Know.” Not hope so. All who believe in His name have everlasting life. What happens if we do not continue to believe?

Knowing for sure we are saved, is vital in our Christian life. What difference does it really make whether a person has assurance of salvation or not?

At the moment a person is born again, they must be sure that Jesus’ promise is true. Later they may lose assurance. Why?

Believers who lose assurance are affected in two areas:1. Growth – Hinders or stops Spiritual growth.2. Service – Motivated by fear and guilt rather than love and

rewards. (Read Hodges)

When we deal with assurance and security we always come back to two key truths:

1. Everlasting Life – If, at the moment you believed in Jesus for everlasting life, you thought you could lose it, did you get Everlasting Life? No! You did not believe Jesus’ promise. He never promised probationary life.

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- No matter how well you live, it does not prove you have salvation. No matter how badly you live, it does not cause you to lose your salvation nor does it show you never REALLY believed.

2. Works or Grace – How many of you have heard someone say a person can lose their salvation? If a person stops habitual sin and does good, is that grace or works? If a believer does something really bad and dies in that sin, is that grace or works?

Eph. 2:8-9Grace – Unmerited favor for Gentiles & Jews. Neither

deserves it. Saved – From eternal separation from God. (Always ask the

text, “Which kind of salvation did the author mean here?”)Faith – Being convinced in your mind. It is intellectual. You

either believed it, or you did not. That – The neuter “This” always refers to a concept in a

previous section of Scripture. It is not teaching Faith is a gift. The whole “by grace through faith not works” salvation is a gift to Jews and Gentiles.

Gift – Neither Jews nor Gentiles deserved it. It was a gift to both groups.

Not by works – Not 1% from works but 0% from works. Jews who had the law had no advantage over Gentiles who did not.

The key for our security is the character of God -- Titus 1:2List three keys for our security from Titus 1:2

1. We have the hope of Eternal Life (the Greek word for “hope” here means certainty, not a wishful thinking)

2. God cannot lie.3. He promised this salvation in ages past.

Based on God’s character, list two key truths that ensure our security.

1. God’s Promises – He cannot lie2. God’s Power – Nobody can “unsave” a person

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SCRIPTURES

John 10:27-301. Promise – vs 28 – I give you Eternal Life and they shall

never perish. 2. Power – No one will snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

Are we staying in His hand, or is He holding us there?

Romans 8:33-39 – (Context, Spirit-filled believers suffering for Christ).

1 . Promise – vs 33 – Who will bring a charge against God’s elect (suffering or non-suffering believers)? Nobody will be able to do so.

2. Power – vs. 31, 39 – God is on our side. Nothing will separate believers, whether they are suffering or not, from His love.

John 5:24 – HAS life (PRESENT), WILL NOT be condemned (FUTURE), HAS passed (PAST)

SUMMARY – If you look to anything other than God’s promise --such as looking at your behavior -- you will not have assurance of Salvation. (Read Sproul)

MEMORY VERSES

John 10:27-30John 5:24

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LESSON 17

CHRISTIAN LIFE – THE WALK

INTRODUCTION

We now move from our study of salvation to our study of the Christian life. God’s plan is that we become conformed to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:29)

Define the Christian life – The period of time from our justification salvation, until our departure either by death or the return of Jesus Christ.

THE WALK

The Bible describes the Christian life in a number of ways:

1. Running the Race (Hebrews 12:1,2) – The Christian life is not like a 50 yard dash, more like a pentathalon.

2. Having the crown in sight, Not beating the air (1 Cor. 9:26)

3. Wrestle – (Ephesians 6:12)

4. Walk – (The most common)

Our goal in the Christian life is to grow and mature – 2 Peter 3:18 – Grow in Grace and Knowledge

Paul gives us details – Ephesians 4:14-15

Verse 14: No longer children, tossed about by every wind of doctrine. Immature believers have no discernment.

Verse 15: But in love we grow up.70

Colossians 2:6 – A walk of faith. Convinced of truth as we learn it in the Word of God.

Ephesians 4:1 – A worthy walk

Ephesians 5 – Walk in love (Eph 5:2), in light (5:8)And in wisdom (5:15).

Books – Balancing the Christian Life - Ryrie

Three key factors that affect spiritual maturity1. Must be a Believer2. Control3. Time

1. Believer – Two aspects – both happen at the moment of salvation.1. Pass from spiritually dead to spiritually alive.

Unbelievers do not have this resource. We can now understand and fellowship with God.

2. Holy Spirit dwells in us.

Regeneration (definition) – The act by which God gives spiritual life to the believer.

Ephesians 2:5 – You (unbelieving Gentiles) were dead. He made us (believing Jews and Gentiles) alive. “Made alive” is the main verb in that very long sentence.

1 John 5:1 – We become born of God by believing in Christ.

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit – We are the Temple of God

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1 Corinthians 3:16 – You are the temple of God, and the Spirit dwells with us.

1 Corinthians 6:19 – Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

What do we realize from Romans 8:9? All church age believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There are people who go to church their entire lives, who are not born again.

2. ControlWhat does it mean to be controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Live in the power of the Holy Spirit, controlled by the Holy Spirit.

How does the Bible describe being controlled?Galatians 5:16 / Romans 8:1,4 – Being controlled by the

Holy Spirit, not by the flesh.

Ephesians 5:18 – Not drunk with wine (controlled by our flesh), but controlled by the Holy Spirit.

3. TimeIt takes time to mature as a believer. Rate x Time = Distance

There are stages of growth.We begin as babies, and then grow to maturity. How

long does it take for a new believer to mature?

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:4 – Most agree that this was about 5 years. Believers were still carnal, immature.

Ephesians 4:12-15

Verse 12 – Gifted men given to equip the saints72

For the most part, churches are doing a terrible job at equipping the saints by teaching the Bible. The Christian Ed pastor used to be the 2nd full time person. Now there is no such thing as CE pastor in most churches.

Verse 13 – Unity and maturityVerse 14 No longer children, tossed to and froVerse 15 – Grown up, mature

Quote from Ryrie – A grown up and growing up relationship with the Lord.

Hebrews 5:12-14Verse 12 – Should be teachers. I have to give milk, the

basics, ABC’s all over again. Milk= What is the Gospel, How to give the Gospel, Assurance of Salvation, Difference between Salvation and Discipleship, How to feed yourself from the Bible, Prayer & Devotions, Church Attendance, Giving.

Verse 13 – Solid food belongs to the matureVerse 14 Mature – able to discern good from evil --

Wisdom

SUMMARY

1. Goal of every believer is to become spiritually mature.

2. The process can begin the moment we are born again, when we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.

3. We mature as we live in God’s power, knowing and applying the Word of God over time.

MEMORY VERSES

Galatians 5:16 Ephesians 5:18

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LESSON 18

CHRISTIAN LIFE – THE WARFARE

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is not a playground but a battleground.

As we seek to walk worthy of our position in Jesus Christ, we realize there is a conflict.

THE WALK

Ephesians 2:1-3

1. The World – This present world system

2. The Flesh – Indwelling sin, Natural bent for evil

3. The Devil – God of this world. He is ruling.

THE CONFLICT

A. We are different – Before we were born again, we had no new nature. Now, does this mean we don’t have a struggle anymore? No, we still have the pull.

Three Areas to Recognize- In union with Christ- We are born again- The Holy Spirit inside us

1. We are in union with Christ. Are we just, “a sinner saved by Grace?”

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We are placed in the Body of Christ – 1 Cor. 12:13. We are baptized into Christ spiritually. We are identified with Him and we become part of the church at that moment.

What do we see in Romans 6:3-5? Placed in union with Christ, Identified with His death, burial and resurrection.

Does the Bible tell us that Alter calls are how we publically identify with Christ? No. Baptism is the means. At Baptism, Testimony should focus on Christ, not on change life.

2. We are a new person – Ephesians 2:5

Unbelievers Believers1. body All 4 plus2. soul Spiritually alive3. flesh4. conscience

3. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 6:19-20

Unbelievers BelieversNot indwelt Indwelt

B. The Battle

Galatians 5:17 – The Conflict:

There are two pulls:1. To obey God and to know and please Him.

2. To obey the flesh, be ignorant of the Word, and rebel against God.

The Flesh – Romans 7:18-21 – We do wrong while yielding to the flesh. However, is an unsaved person capable

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of not lying, not stealing, etc.? Can believers abstain from sinful behavior by their own strength too? Yes. But that is not pleasing to God.

The Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 6:19 – Believers have a choice. Walk by the power of the flesh, or by the power of the Spirit.

C. The VictoryWho controls how we live? We do!Colossians 3:16 – Let the Word of Christ dwell in us

richly. Knowledge of the Word is crucial in this battle.Ephesians 5:18 – Be controlled by the SpiritPhilippians 2:12-13 – Work out our salvation.

Verse 12 – What is he telling us to do? Is this justification salvation? No. It is sanctification salvation.

Verse 13 – We do this with God’s strength.

Three things to remember.

1. The power – Gal. 5:16 – Who is our power? The Holy Spirit. It does not say, “If you do not fulfill the lust of the flesh, then you are walking in the Spirit.” Many churches have lists of do’s and don’ts. That is not what this verse is talking about. We need to depend upon Him to have victory over the flesh.

2. Our position – Rom. 6:6-7 – In union with Christ. We died and rose with Him. We no longer have to be a slave to our flesh. We can choose who we will obey.

3. The pulls – Rom 6:16,19 – Whoever you yield yourself to is who you will obey.

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Romans 6:12-13 – Paul is saying believers can let sin reign in our mortal bodies. Don’t do it. In this life, we never get to a point where we no longer sin.

Who are you going to serve? This is constant, moment by moment battle.

1. Our Old boss – The Flesh, Indwelling Sin.

2. Our New boss – The Holy Spirit

Quote by John Piper where he was answering a question from a person who asked if a person can believe in Jesus and live in sexual sin. John answered the man, “How you deal with lust affects where you will spend eternity.” This is not correct. How we live has nothing to do with where we will spend eternity.

Why is it so important that we live in the power of the Holy Spirit and not in the flesh? It affects 3 things.

- It affects our testimony to those around us.- It affects our fellowship with God, and fellow believers.- It affects our rewards at the Bema Seat of Christ.

SUMMARY

Understand and realize the battle inside each of us. What we should do is know the Bible, and present ourselves to God who lives inside of us so we can live righteously.

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 6:12-13

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LESSON 19

CHRISTIAN LIFE – THE PURPOSE

INTRODUCTION

What should we be doing as those who belong to Jesus Christ?

We have seen:

Our walk – worthy of Christ

Our warfare – the world, the flesh, the devil

CHRISTIAN LIFE – THE PURPOSE

Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior have the gift of everlasting life that comes by faith.

Two ways we can live:

1. We can live for self

2. We can live for Christ

Three key foundational things to do to be effective:

1. Present ourselves to God

2. Keep our focus on Christ

3. Realize that we represent Christ

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1. Romans 12:1-2 – Present your bodies. Costs us our lives.

2. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Keep our focus on Christ. Take our focus off of everything else.

3. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – We are ambassadors for Christ. God always has His representatives in this world. This is how God is glorified.

What is our commission? (Matthew 28:18-20)Basic overview of the Great Commission.

Three parts to Matthews 28:18-20 – Evangelism/Training

1. Authority – Christ2. Commission – Make disciples3. Comfort – Christ with us

1. The authority of Christ

How is He the authority?

1. He is God – John 1:1, 5:18, 10:30-33, 14:9

2. He is the creator of all things – Colossians 1:16,17

3. Based on His position – Ephesians 1:20-33

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2. The Commission

What is the only imperative verb/commanded in Matthew 28:18-20?

Make Disciples

Three fold aspect:

1. As you are going2. As you are baptizing3. As you are teaching

Our purpose is not just to make believers, but to make disciples.

What is the distinction being born again, and being a disciple? Being born again is a free gift, whereas being a disciple is costly.

If the church is to equip the believers to do the work of the ministry, then where should evangelism occur, in the church, or outside of the church?

3. Aspects

1. As you are going (Make Disciples)2 Corinthians 5:18-19

2. As you are baptizing (Make Disciples)What does Baptism mean?

3. As you are teaching (Make Disciples)2 Timothy 2:2

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To make disciples we must:

1. Know the Gospel clearly, the Saving Message. Why?

2. Know the Bible. Why?

3. The comfort

I am with you, even to the end of the age.We are not the authority or power, Christ is.He gave us the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 13

SUMMARY

Our authority is Christ, our commission is to make disciples, the church’s job is to equip and train, and He is with us.

MEMORY VERSES

Matthew 28:18-20

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LESSON 20

THE CHURCH – THE BEGINNING

INTRODUCTION

We move from the Christian life to a vital and important area, the Church.

Church means different things to people

For some it is the buildingFor others an eventFor some it’s the people

THE BEGINNING

What is the church? It is all those who have believed in Jesus for everlasting life.

The Greek word for Church means – ekklesia – called out ones.

The Bible uses the word “Church” in three ways.

1. Acts 7:38 – congregation in the wilderness

2. Acts 19:32 – assembly of people

3. Ephesians 1:22-23 – The body of Christ

The Church – The Body of Christ is described in three ways.

1. The Universal Church – All believers from Pentecost to today.

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2. The Church in the world – All believers living now

3. The Local Body – The gathering together

The distinction between Israel and the Church:Many errors come from not seeing this distinction.Israel was a choice people. Were they all born again?

ISRAEL THE CHURCH

Nation of people BodyJewish People Jews + GentilesPromised Land The WorldUnder Law of Moses Not under LawCovenants Blessings of the New C.

When did the Church begin? At PentecostThe church age is a parenthetical age. Israel has been

set aside until the Rapture occurs. Then the 70th week of Daniel begins, which culminates in the second coming of Christ.

Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus said: I WILL build my church See John 14:17 – He WILL be in you.

Neither one of these things were true in the Old Testament.

Acts 1:4-5 Here is where the parenthesis appears

Acts 2:1-4 The Promise of the Holy Spirit after Jesus leaves.

Christ rose from the dead on the day of First Fruits. He walked on the earth ministering for 40 days. He then went to

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the mount of Olives and ascended into heaven. He told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem 10 days, until Pentecost. At that time the Holy Spirit came and started the Church age.

The church is unique – Made up of Jews and Gentiles

1. Ephesians 2:13-14,16 – Not two churches, Jew and Gentile, but one church

2. Ephesians 3:3-6 – Paul reveals this “mystery.” In Ephesians “you” refers to Gentiles, and “we” or “us” refers to either Jews, or Jewish and Gentile believers together in Christ. All who believe in Christ are “in Him.”

3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13,26-27 – The church is the Body of Christ

Jesus Christ and the Church

1. 1 Corinthians 3:11 – Foundation of the Church

2. Ephesians 2:20 – The cornerstone

3. Ephesians 1:20-23 – The head of the Church

4. Acts 20:28 – Owner, purchased with His blood

The form leadership of the church – two aspects:

1. Structure 2. Offices

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The structures seen in the Bible –

1. Episcopalian – greek “episkopos” - Overseer Acts 19:1-10 – Paul told the Ephesian church what to do.

2. Representative – greek “presbuteros” – Elders and Representatives, they make the decisions. Acts 15

3. Congregational – The local body makes the decisions. Revelation 2 and 3, Acts 15

Most churches which are not #1, have a mixture of 2 and 3. It is usually that the leaders make the small decisions, and the congregations decide on the bigger decisions.

The disputes are usually what constitutes small things, and what constitutes big things.The offices seen in the Bible

1. Elders – 1 Tim 3:1-7 Titus 1 - They have the spiritual oversight of the church. There is no office of “Pastor” in the Bible. The Pastor is accountable to the elders.

2. Deacons – 1 Tim 3:8-13 Acts 6:1-7 - They deal with the more physical aspects of the church.

SUMMARY

Our authority is Christ, our commission is to make disciples, the church’s job is to equip and train, and He is with us.

MEMORY VERSES

Ephesians 1:22,23

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LESSON 21

THE CHURCH – THE FOUNDATION

INTRODUCTION

The church is vital in every believer’s life. If the church is to make a difference, it must have the proper foundation.

List two key areas that build the foundation

1. Role of the Church – What should characterize the church?

2. Function – What should the church be doing? Birth and Growth, Scatter to evangelize and Gather for Spiritual Growth.

THE CHURCH – THE ROLE What is the church? All Jews and Gentiles who are in the Body of Christ – believers. These believers gather in local congregations.

How is the church to be characterized?

List four characteristics seen in Acts 2:42:

1. The Apostle’s teaching

2. Fellowship (koinonia)

3. Breaking of Bread

4. Prayer

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The local body __________ _____________ themselves to these four aspects.

1. Apostle’s doctrine – What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

Who was the foundation of the church? Ephesians 2:20 – The Apostles and Prophets

Teaching God’s Word is Central. 1. Apostles taught Old Testament Scripture2. Apostles received direct revelation from God (New

Testament)3. Apostles taught the things that Jesus taught

Do people come here to become Biblically literate?

a. How? 2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the Word – This is the motto of Dallas Theological Seminary

Is this church know as a place to be trained in the Word?

This is talking about focusing upon Expository preaching, which is teaching verse by verse through the Bible. Do people bring their Bibles? Why not?

b. Why? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Studying the Bible, not just reading verses from it, is profitable. Greek artios – means complete, capable and proficient. Greek ophelimos – means useful. There were no Bible colleges in the early church. The churches did all the training for ministry.

2. Fellowship –

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What is Biblical fellowship? Acts 4:32-34 Gr. Koinonia - We think of eating. It means unity of fellowship and sharing. See 1 John 1:7 fellowship with God and one another. Not communism which is forced, but voluntary. One of the signs of Spiritual maturity is freedom from possessiveness.

3. Breaking of Bread – Acts 2:42Two aspects:

a. Breaking Bread – eating together. From house to house. Acts 2:46 - In that culture, inviting someone to eat with you was a sign of acceptance.

b. The Lord’s Supper – 1 Cor 11, Acts 20:7. 2 parts, Time of examination which should happen all the time, not just in communion, and ordinance done in remembrance of Jesus.

4. Prayer – Acts 2:42

THE CHURCH – THE FUNCTIONOur function is accomplished in two ways:

a. Gathering for Growth, using Biblical truth in relationships with God and others.

b. Scattering for Birth, using Biblical truth in relationships with God and others.

1. Gathered

a. Worship – Does music=worship? No. Worship is a response to the revelation of God in His Word. There must be Revelation BEFORE worship, not the other way around. It is not an emotional thing. Worship means to show worth to someone or something. Revelation and Response.

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What are valid acts of response to the Word?

b. Training (1 Timothy 4:13) – Reading the word, and expository preaching which the Holy Spirit can apply. The pastor’s role is not to preach clever sermons. His role is to teach the word of God expositorily.

2. Scattered – Most of the time we are scattered.

a. Evangelism (Colossians 3:17) – Is it the job of the church and ministers to evangelize? Are Sunday morning services supposed to be an evangelistic event? What is wrong with gearing them just toward the unsaved? What is more effective at getting people saved, bringing the lost to church, or having believers scatter all week?

1. Know the saving message2. Be ready to meet needs -- Gal 6:10 3. Pray for the lost around us – Rom 10:1

b. Service (1 Peter 4:10) – Take the gifts, talents and abilities we have to serve others outside the church. This is where service should be occurring.

SUMMARY

As a local body, we should be characterized by people who devote themselves to teaching of the Word, Unity of purpose and sharing, Eating together and having the Lord’s Supper, and Praying for each other and the lost.

We fulfill the great commission by Gathering primarily for Growth, and scattering primarily for Birth

MEMORY VERSES

Acts 2:42

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LESSON 22

THE CHURCH – LEADERSHIP – THE PERSON

INTRODUCTION

One of the key elements in the local body is the leadership. Who are the leaders? What do they do?

The central passages for leadership in the New Testament are found in: 1 Tim 3:1-13 and Titus 1-2

One key word stands out concerning Biblical leadership.

It is SERVANTHOOD

Mark 10:37-45Vs. 42 In the world, leaders are bosses

The contrast in the church:v. 43-44 Leaders are to be servants. – Servant

Leadership or Undershepherds.

What is the greatest example of servanthood found in Mark 10:45? Jesus. His 1st Coming was to die and serve, His 2nd Coming will be to Rule.

There are four Greek words that describe servant leaders.Are we able to be used by God to server others?

1. Philippians 1:1 – Bondservants or SlavesEmphasis: We belong to God 1 Cor 6:20

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2. 1 Corinthians 4:2 – Servants of Christ – Stewards of the mystery of God.

Emphasis: Faithful or Trustworthy

3. Philippians 1:1 (end) – Deacons Acts 6Emphasis: Service

4. Romans 12:1 – Spiritual Service Emphasis: Serving God in all we do, in or out of the

church building.

Summary: One who belongs to God, who faithfully serves others in acts of spiritual service to God

Leadership is SERVANTHOOD

Three kinds of people –1. People who watch things happen

2. People who make things happen

3. People who don’t know what is happening.

Psalms 78:72 The key aspects of a leader are integrity and skill.

What is integrity? Luke 16:13 – A man who does not serve 2 masters. Adherance to a code of moral value or a quality or state of being undivided.

What is skill? An ability to perform a job well. It can be learned, and developed.

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Five areas of character and integrity

1. Keep your word. If you say it you do it. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

2. Be dependable

F.A.T. People

F - Faithful – Luke 16:10 – faithful in little things

A - Available – Willing to sacrifice our time

T - Teachable – Teachable – never stop learning and growing.

3. Honesty – Eph 4:25,29 -- speak the truth, say what is right to say.

4. Perseverance – Hebrews 12:1 – Finish what you start. We have become a nation of quitters. We take the easy way.

5. Concern for Others – Phil 3:2,4 – For a servant, meeting other’s needs is more important than meeting our needs.

SUMMARY

The reason for leaders in the church is for serving God and serving people with integrity, character, and skill.

MEMORY VERSES

Psalm 78:72

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LESSON 23

THE CHURCH – LEADERSHIP – THE ROLE

INTRODUCTIONIn this lesson, we look at the role of leaders in the church. What are they to do?

GENERAL ROLES – Elders are menFour key areas:

1. 1 Peter 5:1-5 – To set the example. The other men of the church should strive to be just like the pastors/elders.

2. Matt 28:19,20, 2 Tim 2:2 – Set the Direction

3. Ephesians 4:12 – Lead by doing the ministry

4. Galatians 6:1 – Accountability to others and themselves.

THE TWO OFFICES 1. Elder – Pastor – Bishop

2. Deacon - Service

The key Greek words for the elder are:1. presbuteros – (elder) older mature men.

2. episcopos – (bishop) An overseer, one who directs

3. poimein – Shepherd the flock

The key word for deacon is Servant

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THE CHARACTERISTICS

Three big divisions1. Relationship to themselves – Character/Faith

2. Relationship to family – Wife, Children

3. Relationship to others – Inside & Outside the body

The first prerequisite for everyone in a leadership position is to Desire the work. 1 Timothy 3:1 – The church should not be just seeking to fill vacant slots.

What is the overarching characteristic for leaders? 1 Timothy 3:2 – above reproach, blameless. No glaring weaknesses.

Relationship to Self – (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1)

A. Moral Character1. Husband of one wife – As a general rule, a “one

woman man” – monogamous relationship, not divorced and remarried. The principle – Mark 10:9 – Married for life in God’s eyes. There is room for some exceptions for men otherwise qualified. For example, Wife commits adultery and /or abandons the Husband; the first marriage was before salvation; the husband gets saved and wife leaves because of that.

2. Temperate – Mental sobriety

3. Prudent – Good judgment, Discretion,

4. Respectable – Proper behavior, Respected

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5. Not addicted to wine – No drug or drinking issues

6. Free from love of money – Not in it for personal gain

7. Not self-willed – Wanting his own way

8. Devout – Firmly committed to God

B. Faith1. Not a new believer. Why is that important?2. Able to teach. Not = the gift of teaching- The

ability to interpret and communicate truth from the Word3. Holding fast to God’s word. Why?

Relationship to Family1. Manage his own household well2. Having children under control

Relationship to Others1. Not pugnacious – not quarrelsome

2. Gentle – Kind concern for others

3. Hospitable – Open Home, love strangers

4. Good Reputation in the community

5. Not Quick Tempered – Keeps calm

6. Just and Fair – Principled, fair, just

Deacon – key 1 Timothy 3:9-10 – Tested in ministry

Expectation / Skills / Tips

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What to expect:A. From Without (others)

1. Ridicule – An easy target2. Criticism – They tell you when you are wrong3. Attack – By those inside and outside the body4. Pressure to Compromise what is right

B. From Within (self)1. You will get discouraged2. You will get tired, and want to quit.

Skills to Develop1. Reading skills. Read the Bible and other

literature2. Writing skills. Lacking today due to technology3. Listening skills. Good listener, ask questions4. Speaking skills. Tell them what you will say, then

tell them, then tell them what you said.

Tips:1. Know your strengths and weaknesses but focus

on strengths and gifts.2. Spend time with people that build you up.3. Give them the 3 A’s – Attention, Affirmation and

Appreciation.4. Cultivate your personal walk with the Lord.

SUMMARY

Those in leadership must be mature men, set apart to direct the ministry of the local body.

MEMORY VERSES

1 Peter 5:2-3

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LESSON 24

END TIMES – MILLENIUM – TRIBULATION

INTRODUCTION:We turn to one of the most exciting aspects of study as well as one of the most misunderstood – End Time Events

Why do we need to understand end time events?1. To Comfort one another2. So you can teach them to other people.

End Time

Define Eschatology – Study of End TimesGreek “Eschaton” – Last

Goals for our study.1. That you would know the different terms used in the

study of End Times.

2. That you would know the different terms concerning the Millennial Kingdom.

3. That you would understand the different teachings about the Tribulation.

4. To be able to quickly put together the different events on a time line. Why?

Two key factors which determine end time views

1. The method we use to interpret Scripture2. View of the relationship between Israel and the

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1. InterpretationA. Allegorical – 3rd century – The reader finds the hidden

allegorical meaning of the text.

B. Spiritual – The reader finds a deeper Spiritual meaning of the text.

C. Literal – The Literal, Grammatical, Historical meaning. Author’s single intended meaning. Plain Literal or Figurative Literal. They are both literal.

2. Relationship of Israel to the churchA. Catholics and Reformed theologians say the Church

is Spiritual Israel, one “people of God” through history. B. The whole theme of the Bible revolves around God’s

plan for Israel being carried out. There are promises only to Israel which have not yet been fulfilled.

General overview of end time events:See handout on Premillennial, Pretribulation scheme of

History.

When we think of God’s plan to send the Messiah, we realize the Bible tells of his two comings.

1. First coming to Serve and to Die for sin2. Second Coming to rule as King

The Millennium

Three Views: (See handout Post Mil., Amil, Pre Mil.)

1. Post Millennialism – We are in the Kingdom now. The Church ushers in the Kingdom slowly.

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2. Amillennialism - The Kingdom is fulfilled now Spiritually. Key phrase – “Already, not yet Matt 12:28 and Luke 17:21. Present and Future Kingdom both Spiritual. Believes Satan is bound, and that God reigns or is Sovereign now.

3. PreMillennialism – Based upon Literal, Grammatical, Historical interpretation of the text, and upon seeing the distinction between God’s plan in history for Israel and the Church being literal, still in effect in the present and in the future.

The Rapture / TribulationFour views: (see handout on Tribulation views)

1. Pre Tribulation – Based upon God’s future plan for Israel’s salvation. Church Raptured out before the Tribulation.

2. Post Tribulation – Rapture and 2nd coming are the same event.

3. Mid Tribulation – Faithful believers Rapture out, the rest miss the rapture.

4. Partial Rapture – Several Partial Raptures

B. The Rapture 1 Thes. 4:13-18

1. Return of Christ who appears in the clouds

2. Resurrected Believers preceed those who are alive.

3. Caught up in the 2nd heaven with the Lord. We live there for 7 years above the earth.

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4. We are reunited with our believing loved ones.5. We can take comfort in missing the Tribulation

C. Post-Tribulation / Pre-Tribulation Rapture

Reason for Pre-Tribulation Rapture1. There is a distinction between the Rapture and the 2nd

Coming of Christ.

2. Plain Literal interpretation of Scriptures indicates that we in the Church will miss the Great Tribulation. 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 3:13-18; 5:1-11, Revelation 3:10

3. The Rapture can happen at any time. However we are not in the time of the signs, the Tribulation.

4. There needs to be a people to populate the earthly kingdom.

5. The great tribulation will be the time of Jacob’s Trouble as described in Jeremiah 30:7. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Jacob’s trouble = Israel’s trouble.

SUMMARY

The primary reason we believe in PreMil and PreTrib is because of a Literal, Grammatical, Historical Hermeneutic; the distinction between Israel and the Church; and the necessity of God exhibiting His victory over Satan by reversing the curse, and setting up an Earthly Kingdom where Christ rules on the throne of David.

MEMORY VERSES

Revelation 20:6

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LESSON 25

END TIMES – TRIBULATION, KINGDOM

INTRODUCTION:In this lesson we focus on the pre-tribulation rapture, the second coming of Christ, the kingdom and the eternal state.

Why do we believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture

1. Distinction between Rapture and the 2nd Coming.

2. The Church will miss the Great Tribulation.

3. The Rapture can happen at any time.

4. People will populate the earthly kingdom.

5. Great tribulation will be the time of Jacob’s Trouble.

Distinction – Israel and the church

A. The Tribulation is mentioned in the Old Testament, the church is not mentioned at all.

B. The Church and Israel are distinct. What is the view that is popular today?

Church IsraelA Body A NationJews & Gentiles Jews & ProseletytesUnder Grace Under LawWorldwide focus Focus on the land

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C. Jeremiah 30:7 – Time of Jacob’s Trouble

D. Revelation – Shows Church/Israel distinction1-3 4-19 20-22

Letters Tribulation New Heaven & Earthword church 22x church 0x church 6x

E. Daniel 9:26-27 -- Overview of the 70 weeks (see handouts)

The word week means 7. Just like “dozen” means 12.

Details – See handout on Daniel’s 70th week

9:25 – 490 years are appointed.

7 + 62 week = 69 weeks – 483

9:26 – Messiah will be “cut off” after 483 years

9:27 – Antichrist, covenant of peace. Breaks his covenant in middle of 70th week

Second Coming – Jesus comes to reign.See Walvoord handout, “The Second Coming

of Christ and the Millennial Kingdom.

Parusia “Coming”

Apokalupsis “Appearing”

Revelation 19:11-13, 16, 19-21 – Christ comes on a White Horse as King. Mount of Olives will split. Antichrist and False Prophet thrown into the Lake of Fire.

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Matthew 25:31-33 – Comes in Glory, to do what?

Matthew 25:34 – Judgment of Sheep

Matthew 25:41 – Judgement of Goats

Revelation 20:1-3 – Satan cast into the Bottomless Pit:5 – Ruled and reigned with Christ

Revelation 20:11 – Great White Throne Judgment:12 – “Dead” – Are they believers or unbelievers?:15 – Does anyone go to the Lake of Fire because their

sin is not paid for? No. They go their because they do not have life. How do we get our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once.

Revelation 21:1-5 – The New Heavens and EarthMetachoi – “partners” In Hebrews. All believers will not

be the same in the Kingdom. See NSB note on Rev 3:21. Overcomers.

Revelation 22:3-4 – No more curse. Apparently the curse is partially removed during the 1000 years, but not completely.

SUMMARY

Give an overview of End Time events we have covered.

MEMORY VERSES

Revelation 19:16

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