Session 1 Intro & The BIble · 2019-04-03 · Essentials 1 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

Essentials 1

Session 1 – Intro & The BIble

Relational Time/Check In –

Introduction

Why do you think it is important that we undertake this journey about doctrines?

Essential #1: The Bible

On a scale from 0-10, how would you self-evaluate your familiarity with the Bible, and why do you give yourself that

score? (0 – never opened it and ignorant about its content, 10 – I study it regularly and am well-versed in it).

What stands out to you? Why?

Four Essential Concepts on the Doctrine of the Bible

Inspiration Definition: Biblical Inspiration teaches that the Bible was written by God through people, with each penman

writing from their own perspective, historical context, language and grammar.

Meet Your Bible

• The word Bible means “Book”

• 2 Main Sections: Old Testament & New Testament

• Comprised of 66 Books (39 in OT, 27 in NT) o 1, 189 Chapters o 41,173 Verses o Approx. 775,000 words (varies with translations)

• Written over span of 1,600 years

• Penned by 40 different writers from 20 different occupations or life stations, located in a range covering more than 2,000 miles

• Originally written in 3 different languages (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic)

• Includes the genres of historical narrative, biography, autobiography, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, apocalyptic, epistles (letters), and Gospel (proclamation biographical narrative)

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16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Nobody has seen God on their own, unless God showed himself to them (John 1:18) But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

• What stands out to you in these verses?

• What do you see as the relationship between these verses?

• Which of these assertions are most impacting to you? Why?

Inerrant Definition: Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.

Qualifiers

• Minor uncertainties - there are only a few places in the original manuscripts where minor details are not in

agreement or are unclear. These minor instances do not affect any conclusions of ethics or doctrine.

• Self-disclosure. In a few instances, the Bible points to extra-biblical writings. These self-disclosures never contradict what has been included in the Scriptures.

Why Inspiration Matters

• The Bible’s inspiration means the Bible is holy…it is uniquely set apart among books and is uniquely in alignment with God’s supernatural power and glory.

• The Bible’s inspiration means the Bible is universal...its message spans all cultures and all time.

• The Bible’s inspiration means the Bible is normative…its message is for all believers, everywhere.

• The Bible’s inspiration means the Bible is authoritative…it reveals truth on theology, doctrine, and morality. It has authority over personal feelings and emotions, over intellectual conclusions, opinions, human reason, and personal experiences.

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Where is it hard for you to believe the Bible is inerrant (if anywhere)?

How does it help your faith to know that the Bible is inerrant?

Infallible

Definition: The Bible is trustworthy as a guide to salvation and faith life; it will accomplish its purpose.

Qualifiers

• human ignorance – lack of knowledge about what the Bible states or reveals about God.

• human prejudice – disbelief. Why do you think human ignorance and prejudice are limitations to the infallibility of God’s Word? What do you understand to be the Bible’s purpose(s)?

Integrity

Definition: The Bible has not been corrupted or degraded.

Qualifiers

• Scholarship - A lack of scholarship can affect the integrity (Joseph Smith, JW World Translation)

• Hermeneutics - interpretation of the Scriptures. Again, prejudices or biases can affect the integrity. (Modern

attacks on sexual ethics, other doctrines of God).

Why Inerrancy Matters The Bible’s inerrancy means the Bible is reliable to communicate God’s truth and to build your faith.

Why Infallibility Matters The Bible’s infallibility means the Bible is effective to accomplish its purpose.

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Review

Next Time/Date:

Why Integrity Matters The Bible’s integrity means the Bible has the unique ability to enlighten the reader to the truth and revelation of God.

Essentials 2

Session 2 – God, an Introduction


Introduction

When you think about God, what is the first thought or image that comes to mind?

Three Questions about God Question 1: Who is God?

What is the problem with relying on subjective resources for your understanding of God?

What are some of the views and opinions of God that originate purely from subjective (rather than objective)

sources?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

From this initial self-disclosure, we can understand:

• God exists. He is real. (This refutes _________________)

• God is separate from the rest of the created order. (This refutes _________________)

• God is singular (one God). (This refutes _________________)

• God created. (This refutes _________________)

• The heavens and the earth were created, they didn’t exist before God, nor were created by someone other

than God (This refutes _________________)

Additional verses in this same book reveal a couple more significant self-disclosures:

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good; and God

separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there

was evening and there was morning, one day. (Gen. 1:3-5, emphases added)

• God is a being, but He is not a human. (This refutes _________________, that humans are gods)

• God intervened in the creation. (This refutes _________________, which posits that everything that

happens in science and nature has always occurred as it currently occurs.)

Essentials 2

Which of these self-disclosures about God is the most challenging to you?

Which is the most encouraging or comforting to you? Why?

Having heard this definition of personhood, how does it impact you to think of God having personhood?

What are some of your answers to the question, “Who is God?”

Question #2: What is God like?

Some of God’s Attributes

• He is omniscient (all-knowing) Psalm 139:1-6

• He is omnipotent (all-powerful) Genesis 18:14; Psalm 91:1-2; Matthew 28:18

• He is omnipresent (ever-present, everywhere, always) Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 121:3

• He is omnibenevolent (all good, always) Psalm 106:1; 145:9

• He is immutable (unchanging) Psalm 102:25-27; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Romans 11:29

• He is incomprehensible (we cannot fully comprehend Him) Job 11:7; 26:14; Romans 11:33

• He is eternal & everlasting (has no beginning, not limited by time, space, or anything else) Deut. 32:40,

Isaiah 57:15

• He is self-existent (depends on nothing else to exist) Exodus 3:14; John 5:26

• He is self-sufficient (needs nothing, and we cannot give him anything that is not already His) Acts 17:24-25

• He is transcendent (He pervades His creation totally) Isaiah 55:8-9

• He is sovereign (He reigns over everything) Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11

• He is holy (morally excellent, defining perfection) Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3

• He is righteous (He always does right) Psalm 119:142

• He is just (He is fair in all His actions) Numbers 14:18; Psalm 89:14

• He is merciful (He is actively compassionate toward those who offend Him) Psalm 62:12; 116:5

• He is patient (He is incredibly slow to anger) 2 Peter 3:9

• He is wise (His understanding is inscrutable) Isaiah 40:28; Daniel 2:20

• He is loving (He expresses love perfectly not based on worth or merit) Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:8

• He is wrathful (He hates all evil) Exodus 34:6; Romans 1:18

• He is truthful (Everything that God reveals is true) Psalm 31:5; Titus 1:2

• He is faithful (He keeps all His promises) Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 10:23

• He is jealous (He is unwilling to share what is exclusively His) Nahum 1:2; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 6:7-8

• He is relational (He determines to relate with His creation) Genesis 2:7-25; John 3:16-17; 10:10; Revelation

3:20-21; 22:14

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How does it make you feel that God is all these things, simultaneously, always?

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on

us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

(2 Corinthians 13:14)

After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened,

and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the

heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Where do you see evidence of the Triune God in these Scriptures?

What questions do you find yourself asking about the Trinity?

Question #3: What does God do?

First, God _________________.

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. . . . (Genesis 1:31)

Why do you think it matters that God created everything, including you, and that it was good?

Second, God _________________.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You

are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Why do you think it matters that God determined to relate with His creation?

Review:

What has been significant to you or has challenged you from what we’ve discussed?

Essentials 3

Session 3 – Humans, Created for Relationship (Participant)

Relational Time/Check In -

Introduction: What aspect of your physical existence is most amazing to you, and why?

Focus 1: The Creation of Man When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God

had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, and a mist was going up from the

land and was watering the whole face of the ground—then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (Genesis 2:5-7 ESV,

emphasis added)

Detail 1

Detail 2

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)

Distinctions of God’s Creation of Man

• God created man differently than how He created the rest of creation. He spoke the rest of creation into

existence (“Let there be…[vv. 3, 6, 14], but formed man from the dirt of the ground [“Let us make…[26]).

• God made man with a unique content in being. Whereas the animals came from the land, humans were

uniquely made in the image of God, after His likeness (more about this to come).

• God gave man life differently than how he created him. He formed man from the dust of the ground, but

God Himself breathed life into man’s body.

• God gave created man a unique consequence of his being created. As God’s unique image-bearer, man was

given exclusive dominion over the other created beings, and of the earth itself.

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What are some of your thoughts, feelings, or reactions to God’s unique creation of man?

What questions arise as a result of these passages?

Focus #2: God’s Relationship with Man

…in the image of God, after His likeness. (see Ecclesiastes 7:29; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24).

Our best appreciation of what it means to be in the image of God is found in considering the person of Jesus, of whom the Scripture says:

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature… (Hebrews, 1:3 ESV)

How do you see Jesus being the image of God?

How do you think relating with God is different than reporting to God?

What would you imagine it would look like to relate perfectly with God?

Focus #3: It was Very Good

What are some things that God has created that you find yourself regularly appreciating?

What are some things in God’s creation that we need but tend to overlook?

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And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have

dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the

earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and

every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the

heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green

plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis

1:28-31, ESV)

What stands out to you in this passage?

Detail 1: God blessed them

Detail 2: God said to them…

Detail 3: God saw that it was very good The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”. (Genesis 2:15-17 ESV)

What stands out to you?


Session 4 (all Scriptures ESV unless otherwise noted)

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Session 4 – Sin: The Relationship Breaker (Participant)


From Very Good to Very Bad Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the

woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent,

“We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in

the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not

surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good

and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that

the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband

who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:1-7, ESV)

Satan 101

• He is a created being, not eternal (he had a beginning) Ezekiel 28:15

• He was created perfect as an angel of rank (cherub), not evil in any way Ezekiel 28:15

• He originally perfectly reflected the glory of God, then fell (was banished from heaven to the earth) when

he considered himself equal to his Creator Isaiah 14:12

• In the Scriptures, he is named Haylel, meaning, “Morning Star.” “Lucifer” is the Latin translation of the

Hebrew name. The titular name “Satan” means “adversary,” and communicates “to obstruct.” It is used to

speak of the leading adversarial being, and (informally) of the entire rank of fallen angels who rebelled

against God. Isaiah 14:12; Job 1:6-8; Zechariah 3:1-7

• He is not the equal-opposite of God. He is cunning, but not omniscient. He is powerful, but not

omnipotent. The demons (fallen angels) fill the earth, but Satan is not omnipresent. Jeremiah 10:6;

Ephesians 2:2

• He is completely evil. He roams the earth, looking to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10

• He is a liar and deceiver. John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9

• His end is predetermined. His pride-filled hatred fuels his relentless efforts to rebel against God, but his

final defeat is unavoidable and unalterable. Romans 16:20; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 20:7-9


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Satan’s Tactic #1: Doubt

Satan’s Tactic #2: Dispute

Satan’s Tactic #3: Distrust

Tragic Reaction #1: Distortion

Tragic Reaction #2: Disbelief

Tragic Reaction #3: Disobedience

What is significant to you about Satan’s tactics and the tragic reactions to them?

I’m Fallen and I Can’t Get Up! Repercussion #1: Awareness of Corruption Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. (Genesis 3:7a)

Repercussion #2: Attempt to Cover And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. (Genesis 3:7b)


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Repercussion #3: Accountability for Conduct He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

(Genesis 3:11)

Repercussion #4: Administering Consequences By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are

dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Repercussion #5: Afflicted and Cast Out Therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. (Genesis

3:23)

Repercussion #6: Alienated Congenitally I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[e] and her offspring; he shall bruise your

head, and you shall bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

Sin: Common & Comprehensive

• For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23

• There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12; 16:25

• Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. John 8:34

• All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on

him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

• We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your

commandments and rules. Daniel 9:5

• You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do

not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on

your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with

God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:2-4

• For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…For I

know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not

the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on

doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me… I see in my

members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that

dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Romans

7:15, 18-20, 23-24


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Session 5 – Jesus: Son of God and Son of Man (Participant)

Relational Time/Check In

What evidence do you see in the world today about the prevalence of sin?

What are some ways you see that sin is a natural, inborn problem? Where do you see sin “come naturally” to

children?

Introducing Jesus – Who Jesus is… Essential Truth #1: Jesus is fully God What are some of the different views of Jesus (who He was/is or what His purpose was), either that you personally hold, or are aware of?

Jesus is fully God

• For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (John 1:1, 18)

• Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. (Psalm 102:25-27)

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. (Hebrews 1:8-12)

• And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:32)

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)


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What stands out to you in these three couplets of Scriptures?

If Jesus is God the Son (or God in the flesh) and equal with God in identity, what does this say about who Jesus is

(His nature or some of His attributes)?

Essential Truth #2: Jesus is fully Man \

†

What questions arise as you try to understand how Jesus can be both fully God and fully man?

Introducing Jesus – What Jesus Did… Jesus Came to Preach the Coming Kingdom of God What do you understand the Kingdom of God to be? And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21)

† https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/jesus-is-fully-human

Jesus is fully Human

• And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) Pastor and theologian John Piper succinctly summarizes the humanity of Jesus: He was born (Luke 2:7). He grew (Luke 2:40, 52). He grew tired (John 4:6) and got thirsty (John 19:28) and hungry (Matthew 4:2). He became physically weak (Matthew 4:11; Luke 23:26). He died (Luke 23:46). And he had a real human body after his resurrection (Luke 24:39; John 20:20, 27). He had a human heart and emotions (Matthew 8:10; 26:38; John 11:33–35; 12:27; John 13:21; Hebrews 5:7). He had a human mind (Luke 2:52) and limitation of thoughts (Mark 13:32), despite possessing the infinite knowledge of God (John 21:7). He had a human will that He submitted to the Father’s will (John 6:38; Matthew 26:39). Fully human, Jesus also faced every temptation that man faces (Hebrews 4:15). However, whereas every other person sins (James 1:14-15), Jesus denied every temptation perfectly (1 Peter 2:22)


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What stands out to you in this passage? From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”…And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. (Matthew 4:17; 23)

• And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. (Matthew 9:35)

• And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:60)

• Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

What stands out to you in these passages?

Jesus Came, Revealing His Identity

Jesus was identified as the Son of God • Jesus’ disciples faithfully identified Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 16:16; John 1:49)

• Jesus’ friends declared belief that Jesus is the Son of God (John 11:27)

• Demons fearfully identified Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 8:28-30)

• Jesus’ persecutors identified Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 27:54)

• The angels proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God (Luke 1:35)

• Satan tested Jesus as the Son of God (Luke 4:1-13)

• Jesus affirmed that He is the Son of God (Luke 22:70; John 1:51)

• God the Father unquestionably identified Jesus as His Son (Matthew 3:17; 17:5)

He identified Himself as equal to God A major theme of Jesus’ message was His complete unity and co-identity with God (John 10:22, 30; 17:11, 21). Several times, He referred to Himself in terms of the “divine ‘I am.’” Five times He did so directly (John 6:20; 8:24,28,58; 18:5), and seven times metaphorically, saying:

• I am the bread of life (John 6:35, 48, 51)

• I am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5)

• I am the door of the sheep (John 10:7, 9)

• I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14)

• I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)

• I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

• I am the true vine (John 15:1) These declarations are a clear, intentional reference to God’s self-identification to Moses (Exodus 3:14). To equate Himself with God was to declare Himself to be God. This message was blasphemy to the religious leaders and politically upheaving for the civic authorities. Yet, Jesus never backed down from this assertion, and with His resurrection three days after His death and burial, He proved Himself to be true.


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He identified Himself as the promised Messiah of the Jews Beginning with His announcement of His public ministry (Luke 4:16-21), Jesus regularly indicated to His audience that He was the fulfillment of the Messiah promised to save the Jewish people:

• “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17).

• “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled” (Matt. 26:56).

• “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).

• “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39-40).

• “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” (John 5:46-47).

He was identified as the Savior of the World Throughout His life, Jesus was identified as the one person appointed to save the world:

• The angel revealed it to the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:21)

• The angels declared it to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:11)

• The Samaritan men professed it after spending time with Him (John 4:42)

• In the twilight of his life, the Apostle John testified to it (1 John 4:14)

• His cousin, John the Baptist, introduced Jesus as Savior (John 1:29)

• Jesus repeatedly explained His purpose to save the world (e.g., John 3;16-17; Luke 19:10)

He identified Himself as the Sovereign of the Kingdom of God In Jesus’ final week, He arrived into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy of the promised King’s entry (John 12:15). When questioned before the Roman leader Pontius Pilate, Jesus affirmed His Kingship: Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37)

Of all these revelations or disclosures about Jesus’ identity, which stand out to you and why?

Session 6 (All Scriptures ESV unless otherwise noted)

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Session 6 – Jesus, Savior & Lord (Participant)


One of Jesus’ priorities was to reveal that He is the Savior of the world. What does that mean to you?

Three Essentials of the Cross Essential #1: Intentionality – Jesus was born to die on the cross to save the lost Does anyone in your group have an “occupational surname?” Have you ever thought of it that way?

Which of these prophecies did Jesus satisfy? What does this indicate about Jesus, to you?

Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening

to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So

when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your

father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must

be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2 :46-29, NKJV)

Old Testament Details of the Messiah It is estimated that there are more than 570 verses in the Old Testament, offering dozens of prophecies that

provide some aspect of insight to the person of the Messiah. This allowed the Jewish people to prepare for His

coming, and to recognize Him when He arrived. These prophetic revelations included:

• He would be a human male. (Genesis 3:15)

• He would be Semitic (Genesis 9:27); specifically, Abrahamic (Genesis 12:3); more specifically, Jewish (a

descendant of Jacob’s son Judah – Genesis 49:8-12); even more specifically, from the house of King

David (2 Sam 7; Psalm 132)

• He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)

• He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

• He would be preceded by John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1)

These are just a few of the earliest details of the Messiah (many more exist about his life, his reception, and the

details of his betrayal, death by crucifixion, and resurrection). These prophetic details revealed essential details

of the identity of the person who was uniquely God’s Messiah.


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How does it impact you to know that Jesus fully understood who He is, what He was doing, and when it would

happen?

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to

take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18)

Why is it important that Jesus fully, willingly participated in the unfolding of His progress to the cross?

Essential #2: Innocence – Jesus was sinless before God and man What is something you have sacrificed or given for the benefit of someone else (or that someone has given for your

benefit)?

What do you think of when you think of something that is truly innocent?

Is it difficult to think of a grown adult who is completely innocent? Why?

What are your thoughts and reaction to the implication that Jesus was completely innocent, yet bore the full

consequence for the guilt of your offenses before God?

Essential #3: Incidents – Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later The four gospels record the sordid details of the cruel crucifixion of Jesus:

• On the evening of Passover, Jesus hosted a Passover meal with His followers and later dismissed Judas to

accomplish his conspiracy to betray Jesus to the Pharisees and Scribes (Mark 14:1, 12-26)

• He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas arrived and completed his betrayal. (Luke 22:47-

53)

• He was unfairly prosecuted in front of multiple courts for crimes He didn’t commit. (Matthew 26:1; Mark 14:53;

Luke 22:54; John 18:13)

• He was declared innocent by Pontius Pilate (John 18:38) but gave in to the demands of the same people who

had earlier in the week celebrated His arrival as Messiah but now demanded His death. (John 18:39-40; Luke

23:23-25)

• He was mocked, beaten, whipped, and tortured as part of His punishment. (Matthew 27:26-31Luke 23:38-39;

Mark 15:16-20; John 19:1-3)


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• He was nailed to the crude wooden cross (see John 20:25), crucified around 9 AM. (Mark 15:25)

• About six hours later that same day, He died. (Matthew 27:46-50)

• He was taken down from the cross and buried in a borrowed tomb. (Luke 23:50-56)

• A large stone was rolled in front of His tomb so His body couldn’t be removed, and it was guarded by Roman

Centurions. (Matthew 27:57-66)

• Three days after His burial, women who went to care for His body found the stone rolled aside, the tomb

empty, and His body not there. (Luke 24:1-3)

• He appeared visibly and physically…first to His followers that day, and over the next 40 days, in the presence of

more than 500 people before ascending to the Heavens, as He had promised. (1 Cor. 15:1-8; Acts 1:6-11)

Why do you think it is important that these incidents of the cross are historically recorded and have been faithfully

communicated throughout the generations?

The Implications of the Cross

Reconciliation Accomplished What does it mean to you to reconcile?

And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body

through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him (Colossians 1:21-22)

For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having

been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)

What stands out to you in these passages?

Restoration Available For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may

have eternal life. (John 3:16, emphasis added)

Why do you think God requires every person to choose whether or not to believe, rather than imposing this upon

them?

Restored by Adoption For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we

cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)


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As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you

belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise….So you are no longer a slave but

a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. (Galatians 3:26-29; 4:7)

What is significant to you that you are no longer a slave to sin, but have been adopted as a child of God?

You are described as an heir of God through faith in Christ. What do you think you can anticipate inheriting?

Relationship Assured For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor

powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in

Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

How does it make you feel to know that you can never lose your position as a child of God through faith in Jesus?


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Session 7 – The Holy Spirit (Participant)


The Personhood of the Holy Spirit

Say The personhood of the Holy Spirit is clearly and consistently presented in the Scriptures: (read together)

Why do you think the Holy Spirit can be perceived as a force or an impersonal deity?

Why do you think it is important to understand the personhood of the Holy Spirit?

The Deity of the Holy Spirit After promising the impending arrival of the Holy Spirit, and at the time of His ascension, Jesus affirmed the

equality and unity of the Holy Spirit, commanding:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to

observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt.

28:18-20)

Why do you think it is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son?

Exploring the Personhood of the Holy Spirit Jesus announced the Holy Spirit’s impending arrival (after His own ascension back to the Father), as the coming

of “another helper” (John 14:16). The Greek words for these two terms (allos and paracletes, respectively) are

important in understanding the personhood of the Holy Spirit:

• Allos means “another of the same kind,” in contrast to heteros, which means “another of a different

kind.” In this, Jesus is communicating that the Holy Spirit is the same in substance, equal in every way.

• Paraclete means “helper.” Other translations render the word “advocate, counselor, comforter.” In this,

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would be another helper in the way that He is a helper. Just as Jesus has

personhood, so, too, does the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit acts with rationale, rather than impersonally (see 1 Cor. 12:11). He teaches, guides,

reveals, and convicts (John 14:26; 16:13; 14; 8, respectively). People relate with Him personally, rather than

impersonally, able to resist Him (Acts 7:51), grieve Him (Eph. 4:30), lie to Him (Acts 5:3-4), quench Him (1 Thess.

5:19), and other behaviors that are only possible if the Spirit is a personal Being.


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The Work of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit in Creation

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and

darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

(Genesis 1:1-2)

What stands out to you as significant about the Holy Spirit’s work of creation?

The Holy Spirit in Redemption

How have you experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in your own redemption/salvation?

The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Scriptures All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training

in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along

by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul

and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews

4:12)

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Redemption

• Jesus instructed the Jewish teacher Nicodemus, saying “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you,

unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Jesus taught

that spiritual rebirth was necessary to enter the Kingdom of God, and this was only possible by the

regenerative work of the Spirit.

• In announcing the arrival of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “And when he comes, he will convict the world

concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).

• The Apostle Paul understood that salvation is the work of the Spirit, apart from our own efforts, writing,

“he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the

washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5)

Just as the Godhead is completely unified and present in the work of creation, He is completely unified and

present in the work of redemption. Just as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are collaboratively

and cooperatively active in creation, they are likewise collaboratively and cooperatively active in redemption!


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What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit has spoken to you through your reading of the Bible?

The Holy Spirit in the Believer

What stands out to you from this list as personally impacting? Why?

What is a responsibility of the Holy Spirit that you see on this list that you’d like to understand better?

The Activity of the Holy Spirit in the Christ-Follower

• Presence – The Holy Spirit automatically indwells the being of the Christ-follower at the moment of

salvation, never leaving or forsaking the Believer even for a moment. (John 14:16-17; 1 Cor. 3:16-17;

6:19-20)

• Security – At salvation, the Holy Spirit automatically seals the Christ-follower, providing impenetrable

spiritual protection until the Believer arrives safely in heaven. (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30)

• Guarantee – The Holy Spirit’s sealing presence is God’s unwavering promise to complete everything that

He has started in the Believer’s life, eventually fulfilling every eternal expectation pledged by God in His

Holy Word (Ephesians 1:14; Philippians 1:6)

• Guidance – The Holy Spirit leads Believers through life, bestowing wisdom (Is. 11:2; Eph. 1:17), giving

discernment (1 John 4:1; 1 Cor. 2:14), convicting of sin (Rom. 2:15; John 16:33), correcting errant

thoughts (Ps. 94:12), offering encouragement (2 Tim. 1:7), and delivering from temptation (1 Cor.

10:13), among many more of His shepherding activities.

• Gifting – The Holy Spirit generously and graciously gifts Christ-followers with supernatural abilities for

the purpose of serving others, advancing the Kingdom of God, extending the Gospel, meeting needs,

and bringing glory to the name of Jesus. (Galatians 5:22-23)

• Productivity – Not only does God’s Holy Spirit give these spiritual gifts, but He works in and through

Believers, bringing about supernatural results that accomplish God’s purposes. In this, this is God’s

unhindered work accomplished through Spirit-filled Christ-followers. (John 15:5; Col. 1:9-11)


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Relating to the Holy Spirit • Seek the Spirit’s leading – (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:6)

• Listen for the Spirit – (Matthew 11:15; Rom. 10:17; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22)

• Receive whatever the Spirit offers you – (John 6:33; Romans 8:26-27; 1 John 4:14)

• Be filled with the Spirit – (Ephesians 3:19; Philippians 1:11)

• Be renewed by the Spirit – (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

• Be changed by the Spirit – (Romans 12:1-2)

• Obey the Holy Spirit promptly – (Luke 11:28; John 8:31-32; Ephesians 6:17)

• Express His Spirit – (Ephesians 3:36)

• Live in the Spirit continually – (Galatians 5:16)

What in this list is encouraging or challenging to you?

What is something the Holy Spirit is leading you to do in response to this list, or this entire conversation about the

Holy Spirit?


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Session 8 – The Church – An Overview (Participant)


How would you define religion?

Briefly around the group, share your church experiences (how long have you been coming to church, were you

raised in a particular denomination, etc.)

The Church – Divinely Instituted

Say The personhood of the Holy Spirit is clearly and consistently presented in the Scriptures: (read together)

What stands out to you in this passage?

Why do you think Jesus asked what the disciples thought about who He is?

The Church – Divinely Commissioned “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to

observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt.

28:18-20)

How do you explain or define the term “disciple?”

Why do you think it is important for us to understand that Jesus gives this command having been given all authority

in heaven and earth?

The Institution of the Church When Jesus assembled those who followed Him, His actions were familiar of the religious practices of His day.

However, Jesus makes it clear that He’s not interested in continuing religious traditions; rather, He has come to

build His church:

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say

that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others

Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter

replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you,

Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail

against it. (Matthew 16:13-18)


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Why do you think God wants disciples of all nations?

The Church – Divinely Empowered

What does it mean to you to receive (be filled with) the Holy Spirit’s power? What does it mean to you to be His witnesses in the might of His power? How does this assignment of being His witnesses shape or influence your understanding of the church?

Biblical Descriptions of the Church In the Bible, the Church is explained with additional metaphors:

• The Church is a Body. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

• The Church is a family, and Christians are the sons and daughters of God.(2 Corinthians 6:18)

• The Church is branches of the Vine (Jesus), under the care of the Vinedresser (The Father). (John 15:1-5)

• The Church is a building (1 Corinthians 3:9) comprised of living stones, with Jesus as the Cornerstone.

The Repeated Promise of the Spirit And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8, emphasis added)

The Arrival of the Holy Spirit & The Birth of the Church

Ten days later, when Israel had gathered to celebrate the Holy Day Shavuot, commemorating when God gave the Law, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Christ-followers assembled together in an upper room in Jerusalem:

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?” (Acts 2:1-8)


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• The Church is the Holy Temple of the Living God (1 Corinthians 3:16) that grows. (Ephesians 2:20-21)

• The Church is a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)

• The Church is the salt & the Light of the world (Matthew 5:13-15)

Which of these metaphors is most encouraging or impacting to you? Why? (discuss)

The Location of the Church The Bible speaks of the Church in the following ways1: (read)

• A gathering in a home - Greet also the church in their house. (Romans 16:5)

• Christians of a City - To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints (Romans 1:1)

• Assemblies of Christians within a particular city - To the church of God that is in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2),

• Representation of Christians in a region - So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had

peace and was being built up. (Acts 9:31)

• Christians united by faith in Jesus, despite being located across a larger expanse of multiple regions - The

churches of Asia send you greetings. (1 Cor. 16:19)

Seeing the Church presented biblically helps us understand that there is not a multitude of churches, distinguished

by their differences; rather, there is one Church, characterized by its unity:

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one

Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

(Ephesians 4:4-6)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together,

as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

(Hebrews 10:24-25)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will

of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your

name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I

declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

How do you feel knowing that, through faith in Christ alone, you are part of the universal Church? (discuss)

Why do you come to church? What do you get out of it? What do you contribute to it (discuss)

1 https://bible.org/seriespage/8-ecclesiology-church


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Session 9 – The Church – The Operation & Ordinances (Participant)


What is your favorite part of church, or which aspect of church is most meaningful to you?

Why do you come to church?

What is something about church that you don’t understand or would like to understand better?

The Worship of the Church You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)

We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined

and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the

body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

What in these verses do you see as important aspects of church life?

In what practical ways does the church (the Body) to “grow so that it builds itself up in love?”

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16) These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)


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And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

What do these passages have in common? What is unique about each?

In what ways do you experience these emphases of the church or purposes for the church, by your participation in

the church?

How is your life different and better by being involved in a church community? (discuss)

The Ordinances of the Church Definition - An ordinance is simply a prescribed practice.

Baptism And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go

therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of

the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you

always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

What are some of the reasons you can think of that explain why Jesus prioritizes baptism?

The Lord’s Supper/Communion While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his

disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he

gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out

for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until

that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29)


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For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took

bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in

remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new

covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this

bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

What stands out to you from these passages?

What is special or significant to you about taking part in the Lord’s Supper? (discuss)

Membership in the Christian Church • And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)

• You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)

• Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to

give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

(Hebrews 13:17)

• If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living

God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)

• For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one

body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)

• To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:12)

What are some themes communicated about membership that you see in these verses?

Why would you consider becoming a member of a local congregation? What might keep you from it (discuss) What do you see as personal benefits or increased opportunities by being a member of your church?


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Session 10 – The End, and Life after Death (Participant)

Relational Time/Check In

Briefly, what do you think happens to a person’s spirit when at death?

From what do you draw your conclusions? What are some other views about life after death?

Death – The Universal Experience And to Adam he said…”By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you

were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”. (Genesis 3:17, 19)

What scares, concerns or intimidates you most about death?

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-5) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Considering these verses together, what does it mean to you to be “born again?”

After Death: Judgment And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27)

The Judgment of Faith One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)


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if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you

will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11

For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction

between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For

“everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

What are some other things that people put their faith into, in an attempt to have right standing with God?

What questions do you have regarding the judgment of your faith?

The Judgment of Works Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. (Revelation 20:11-13)

Believers’ Works are Rewarded For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

What are some works that you’ve done that you anticipate will be rewarded? What are some works that you anticipate will not be rewarded?

Unbelievers’ Works are Condemned We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6)

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what


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they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. What stands out to you about the judgment of works of the unbeliever, as explained in this passage?

The Onset of Eternity Jesus will Accomplish Final Victory over Satan, Sin, & Evil and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever… 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire…. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. (Revelation 20:10, 14-15; 21:8, emphasis added)

What is your reaction to read that Satan and the demons will be tormented in hell, and will not be authorities or agents inflicting torment there?

God will Establish a New, Eternal Heaven & Earth Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them….Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 20:11; 21:1-5, emphasis added)

What aspect of these passages stands out to you?

Believers will be Eternally United with God in His New Creation Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1-5)


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What feelings do you have, anticipating an everlasting experience of being in the physical presence of God, completely free of sin? What do you sense God’s Spirit revealing to you about your life now and until your final judgment?

Documents

Session 1 Intro & The BIble · 2019-04-03 · Essentials 1 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;