Understanding God’s Great Plan For You
Insight into your life based on the inspired Word of God as found in e Bible
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Introduction Money problems, Friend Problems, Marital Problems, Health
understanding and wisdom, Wouldn’t you agree? But where
Problems, Family Problems, School Problems
would you find these??? Through a friend? Your boss at work? Perhaps a family member? You need to learn how
People worry SO much about their problems. Do any of
God will overcome even your largest worries, bring you to
the problems above sound familiar to you? They should—
happiness and contentment in this life, overcome even death,
all people experience them sooner or later. You might be
and lead you to an eternity of glorious worry-free existence.
experiencing some of these problems right now. Don’t
This is his plan...
worry about any of them as you have a far greater problem
Eternal Life Contentment Happiness Wisdom Understanding Knowledge The Fear of God
to worry about! Solving this problem will solve all of your other ones and remove worry from your life entirely. Spiritually Disinterested?
Spiritually Misinformed?
Spiritually Uninformed? This should be your BIGGEST problem to worry about. To end this worry, you certainly would need knowledge,
…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
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Time to Meet Your God– A Symbolic Overview Mankind’s spiritual growth begins with the flame o Holy Spirit through baptism, then the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross is revealed through the study of Holy Scripture, and finally God, the Father is fully revealed to each of us upon our death and ascension into Heaven. It sounds so simple and STILL we worry!
Why is the world in constant turmoil? What am I supposed to do during my lifetime? Why do events and circumstances happen to me? Why do I have to die? What happens after I die?
is booklet was written as a means to give you, the reader, immediate insight into the worrisome “what’s and whys” of life as seen in the five questions above. On a larger scale, be prepared to meet your God in greater depth and understand the amazing plan he has designed for you specifically and for mankind in general. It is a plan solely on the inspired word of God as primarily found in in your understanding.
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If You Would Know More About Your God…. It is the foolishness of mankind which defines the complex
Over the centuries since Jesus Christ lived, there have
design of the universe as “accidental and evolutionary”.
been numerous writings and arguments which defend the
God, the great designer, speaks to mankind; if only we
infallibility of The Bible as the word of God written by inspired
would listen. The answers to life and afterlife lie right in
writers of both the Old and New Testament. The Bible itself
front of us. The Bible is unique in its unifying theme of
attests to that fact.
mankind’s redemption through belief in Jesus Christ’s death
Everything in God’s great plan is based on the assumption
by substitution alone — for the sick patient can never cure
of divine inspiration and therefore infallibility. No other
himself.
belief or worldly writing provides as complete an answer or more positive outcome than that found in The Bible. If the reader cannot accept The Bible as inspired, then this writing
Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
will be foolishness to him and he will not listen to its message. Instead, let the reader follow the words of Samuel.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by infor reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
2 Peter 1:20 scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Speak, for your servant is listening 1 Samuel 3:10
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1. How It All Began… Before the beginning of time, all was chaos.
Genesis 1:1 The earth was formless and empty; darkness was over the surface of the deep Job 38:4 Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—
The being consisted of three persons. One person was “God, The Father”. Another person was “God, The Son.” The third person was “God, The Holy Spirit.” Yet these three persons form one God.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.’ Galatians 4:6 …God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out ‘Abba, Father’. John 3:34 For the one whom God has sent, speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. Matthew 10:32 Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Matthew 12:32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. John 1:18 Nobody has ever seen God but God the One and Only who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. 5
3. From Chaos To Creation—Praise God This triune God wished to share his love with others, so he created the universe. Everything in it was created in six days.
Genesis 2:4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens… Hebrews 3:4 Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made… Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities— his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Hebrews 11:3 It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love.
4. A Worthy God Deserves Angelic Praise In the Heavenly part of creation, God created spiritual beings known as “angels”. Of their own free will, these angels returned praise and love to God for creating them and giving them purpose. Angel means “Messenger”. Angels were to serve as God’s messengers.
Psalm 103:20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts; you his servants who do his will. Psalm 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts… Hebrews 1:14 They are all spirits who serve God and are sent by Him to help those who are to receive salvation. Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. 6
5. Trouble In Paradise
Revelation 12: 7 And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
One of these angels, Satan, became jealous of the power held by God and wanted to be like him. He gathered other angels to his side in an attempt to overthrow God. Later,
Revelation 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who led the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him.
t jealous angels were defeated and were forever thrown out of Heaven.
Luke 10:18 He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’
6. A Second Source Of Praise – Man As another part of creation, God created a place called “earth”. God placed man onto the earth and told him he was to rule over everything on the earth. Of his own free will, man, like the angels, also gave thanks to God for his existence name of the first man was Adam. God then created a mate to be a partner for man; God called the mate “woman” and Adam named her Eve. Together, the man and the woman lived in perfect existence, taking care of the world and
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeand over the livestock, over the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ Genesis 2:22. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 3:20 Adam called his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. Genesis 5:1 When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them “man”. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it…
praising God.
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7. God Sets One Rule For Mankind In this perfect world, God placed two special trees. The first tree was known as “the tree of life”. The fruit of the tree allowed a person to live forever. The second tree was “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. Adam and Eve were commanded by God never
Genesis 2:9 And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die’.
to eat from this tree. If Adam and Eve obeyed the will of God it would show grateful love to and for God.
8. Mankind Yields To Temptation One day, Satan tempted Eve and she ate the fruit from the “forbidden” tree. Since she already knew “good”,
Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
her eyes were opened to the knowledge of “evil”. “Evil” means disobedience to God’s will. Eve gave the fruit of the forbidden tree to Adam and his eyes were also opened to the knowledge of evil.
Genesis 3:7 She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked.
9. Mankind Punished Both Adam and Eve were now imperfect (sinful) since they had disobeyed God. Because of what they had done, “death” now existed, for God could not allow mankind to live forever in a sinful
Genesis 3:21 He (mankind) must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever. Romans 3:23 …all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
applied to Adam and Eve, but to any one
Romans 5:12 …sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…
born of Adam and Eve through all future
Romans 5:14 …death reigned from the time of Adam…
condition. This sinful condition not only
generations.
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10. A Dead End?
Genesis 3:23 So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed…cherubim
Mankind could no longer be at peace with God and God could no longer be happy with mankind, for like the fallen angels, mankind had lost the willingness to obey God’s
the tree of life.
will. There remained only his worldly “free will” (mankind’s
Romans 5:14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
sinful/human nature). In his grace and wisdom God had given mankind the freedom to make choices and mankind chose to obey his own desires. It was a rebellion against God. God, being perfect, could not tolerate the presence of
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.
imperfection. It looked as though mankind, like the wicked angels, would be doomed forever.
11. Death As An End And A Beginning Unlike the damned angels, however, God had a plan of salvation for mankind before the world even existed. The
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
plan was fulfilled after several thousand years of man’s existence. It would require a “belief” on the part of mankind. Death then, while the end of earthly existence, was to become the gateway to the “tree of life” in Heaven so
1 John 3:8 He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
that man could live free of sin eternally — as God originally intended. Man caused death as an end; God provided death as a beginning.
I Corinthians 15:54 Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 …we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose Spirit and through belief in the truth. Revelation 2:7 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
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12. From An End To A New Beginning: Holy Scripture In order for mankind to be able to know how to be saved, God gave us directions and empowered us in a book known as The Bible. Inspired men wrote God’s thoughts. The Bible is the only record of mankind from its beginning. Dozens of men over fifteen hundred years participated in putting this book together. It is both historically and spiritually accurate.
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. 2 Peter 1:21 …men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit Romans 10:17 …consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ. John 10:35 The Scripture cannot be broken. Matthew 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me.
The Sacred Writings… are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus… All scripture is God breathed. 2 Timothy 3:15
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13. Now Hear the Word of the Lord In the New Testament, the term “the word” is a reference specifically to Jesus Christ as well as to the words Bible so that when one rea
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Bible, one is literally
immersed into and empowered by Jesus Christ. “Jesus”
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
refers to the earthly/physical being; “Christ” refers to the Heavenly/spiritual being. When the “Word” was with God in the beginning of time, he was God, and when he spoke to men and prophets in the Old Testament as “the angel of the Lord” or
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
angel of God”, he was still God,
but when he took on human form, he himself preached the word because he was the continuing, living word of
because we will be in the living presence of Jesus Christ and
God. Upon his death, that word was spoken through his
be able to speak with him directly.
apostles and those words were written down and became the New Testament our viewpoint,
In translation, the term The “Word” is used 362 times in
Bible as we know it today. From
Bible, of which 227 refer specifically to
Word of the Lord” then never dies; it
continues on in book form. Jesus Christ does more than
the Lord
figuratively live on throu
in three d erent gospel
Bible
Bible. Jesus Christ i
Bible is Jesus Christ
change a single word
in capital
ese references deal with the
beginning of time, John’s own lifetime, and the end of time.
is is why no one can
ible—one would be attempting
To show us the timelessness o
to change God-- therefore the warning not to even try. When one rea
apostle John refers t
himself speaks in Revelation 22:12 to tell us “I am the Alpha
Bible, Jesus Christ is speaking his
and Omeg
“word” directly to the reader. And that “Word of the Lord”
End
shall live on until eternity when it will no longer be needed
First and the Last, the Beginning and the Word of God never dies!
14. Baptism – A Second Step In God’s Plan All beings are born sinful and therefore separated from God. It is therefore impossible for man, on his own, to come to God. In order to accomplish the impossible, God the Holy Spirit needs to enter a person to bring him to this belief. is a spiritual “rebirth”. In the ceremony known as “baptism” God the Holy Spirit restores a person’s will to love and serve God and allows him to come to the realization that he has already been saved by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned. 1 Peter 1:23 You were born again, not by a seed that perishes, but one that cannot perish, God’s ever-living Word. Galatians 3:27 …for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:12…and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 11
God gave mankind a set of laws to live by known as the Ten Commandments which were however, found it impossible to keep all of these
Galatians 3:10 Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.
laws perfectly. Yet, a Holy God still expects
Romans 2:15 What the Law requires is written on their hearts.
eventually recorded i
Bible. Mankind,
mankind to see his sinfulness and use these laws as a guide toward perfection.
James 2:10 Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:25 I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
In order to accomplish a plan to save mankind, God, the Son, came down to earth and lived a human life. His name was Jesus. He was both God and man. In his earthly form, Jesus NEVER sinned against God the Father nor was he born with the original sin of Adam; he became the perfect sacrifice and substitute for all of mankind’s sins. While on earth, he also established the beginnings of his church (the “body of Christ”) before willingly being crucified.
Galatians 4:4 When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. John 1:14 have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only...full of grace and truth. 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Romans 7:4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. John 19:30 gave up his spirit.
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When Jesus died as our substitute in his perfect, sinless condition, he paid for the sins of all mankind. This included past sins, present sins, and all the sins of all future generations. Mankind could now rejoin God in Heaven since Jesus had died an earthly death for mankind’s sins. The tree of life was again available; eternal life was again available to all. What a wonderful gift to everyone!
2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once regarded Christ from a human point of view, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. 1 John 2:2 the whole world. 2 Corinthians 5:19 God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him who did not know sin to be sin for us to make us God’s righteousness in him. John 11:25 I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. 1 Timothy 2:3 God our Savior…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Revelation 22:1-3 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.
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The proof that the perfect sacrifice was acceptable to God the Father can be found in the resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus
Matthew 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was
Christ, true God and true man, overcame death, this meant that death would be forever conquered for all people. Without the resurrection, Jesus would have been just another man who died — as all men would. Because he rose, it meant that all men would rise from the dead and live forever as was originally intended — either to Heaven or Hell. It is the proof that belief in Jesus as my personal savior is absolutely true.
1 Corinthians 15:54 Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” I Corinthians 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
There remained a problem, however. The world was still filled with stubbornly sinful people. In order to take advantage of God’s great gift, each person would have to believe the impossible— that God willingly allowed his Son, Jesus, to s u ffe r the s in of a ll tim e in plac e of e ac h p e rs on . With stubborn people, Satan was still at work
Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is…corrupted by its deceitful desires. Mark 16:16. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
and would be for all time.
Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…
Even today, those who intentionally remain in
Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked…You always resist the Holy Spirit.
their unbelief and reject God’s gift are without the will to serve God and continue to follow in the sinful ways of the world. Unfortunately, these people are forever dammed upon death because they have chosen not to believe.
Romans 8:7 …the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Mark 8:17 Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? 1 Corinthians 2:14 The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
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At the time of Christ, there were literally millions in the world who were unfamiliar with God’s gift to mankind-Christ crucified and Christ risen. They must be told, but who would tell them the good news? Old Testament prophets Isaiah and David, as well as many others, had already spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s birth and resurrection from death to the Jewish nation. Jesus continued to spread the good news throughout his brief life. The angel Gabriel told of the good news at the empty tomb. Then his disciples, who were given the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, spread the good news to the furthest corners of the known world after Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Later, the disciples
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Psalm 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, or will you let your faithful one see decay. Luke 8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him… Mark 1:14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. Acts 2:3 began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them Luke 4:43 I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.
means “one who is sent out” but can also
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
mean “messenger”. While angels are the
Acts 17:18 Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
became known as apostles. An “apostle”
spiritual messengers of Heaven, apostles are the physical messengers of earth.
Romans 10:15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
His eyes are on the ways of mortals. He sees their every step. Job 34:21 15
For those today who believe the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a gift from God and know that Jesus Christ has conquered death for us, there is much work to be done. It now becomes the purpose of each believer to tell what God has done for mankind. Since we KNOW that individually we are going to Heaven, we can do this JOYFULLY! It becomes the primary goal in life to share this saving knowledge. It is indeed a privilege to realize that YOU have become an important part of God’s great plan. We may now spend our whole lives serving and giving glory to God for what he has done for us. We were sinners, yet we were saved—not on our own efforts, but by the Grace (Undeserved Love) of God. As today’s “apostles”, tell the message. Spread the good news!
Psalm 91:14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” John 1:16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Romans 1:5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all… Romans I:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved… Acts 15:11
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Even for the person who believes he has already Romans 7:18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
been saved through the suffering of Jesus, sin and temptation will be around him daily and by himself, he will lose the battle. Satan always hopes that we will weaken in our belief and give in to our own sinful nature. Sometimes we will, but we need to repent of our wrongdoing, seek forgiveness, and ask God to keep us strong in our belief of the good news. If we refuse to
Romans 7:21 good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord.
repent or seek forgiveness, we mock God. This battle against Satan and our own sinful nature is an on-going struggle in every person’s existence from birth to death.
John 14:15 If you love me, you will (want to) obey what I command. Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Acts 8:22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. I John 2:4 The man who says, “I know him”, but does not do what he commands is a liar… Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
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God does not leave us alone with our daily internal battles and the battles against Satan. Beyond our baptism, and his Holy Scripture, God provides us with yet another way we can stay strong in our belief of the good news (Jesus Christ crucified and risen). The sacrament known as “The Lord’s Supper” provides the believer with an amazing source of strength—the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. We do not understand how bread and wine are also the actual body and blood of Christ; we can only accept Christ’s own words of institution as recorded by an actual witness – the disciple Matthew.
Matthew 26:26 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.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This IS my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Almost the exact same words are recorded again by a second witness – the disciple Luke. Luke 22: 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This IS my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup IS the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 1 Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Luke 22:19 Do this in memory of me. (Literally, “keep on doing this.”)
John 6:54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.
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Worship and Prayer Christian Fellowship encourages you to surround Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
yourself with and show love to those of the same
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
communicate with your Heavenly Father to glorify
belief and principles. Secondly, you are invited to
Psalm 55:14 I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.
him, thank him, repent of your sins to him, and seek direction from him. God wants to hear from you personally.
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts… 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. Romans 1:11 You and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Psalm 50:15 Call upon me in the day of trouble; and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. James 5:13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Ephesians 6:18 …pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (You) Give us today our daily bread. And (You) forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And (You) lead us not into temptation, but (rather,You) deliver us from the evil one.” 19
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another… Hebre ws 10:25
When we are near death, there is nothing to fear, for we know Heaven lies beyond for us. While troubles, suffering and pain seem undeserved, they only strengthen us by bringing us back to God and his plan for us. Everything that happens in life is for God’s glory and our salvation — even though we may not think so nor understand why.
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me… 2 Corinthians 4:18 what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I Corinthians 13:12 see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
26. God Shows Goodness; God the Father designed the plan of salvation; God the Son fulfilled the plan; God the Holy Spirit brought us to a belief
Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
of and faith in the plan. It is wise, then, to understand that the unbeliever can do nothing good for neither himself nor God. All goodness flows from God to man—specifically to believers who carry out the good will of God in humble and
Psalm 16:2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
thankful obedience.
Hebrews 6:5 …who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1 Peter 5:5 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom 20
27. God Gave Unconditionally;
James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?
If we believe that we are saved, our joy should be directly demonstrated through our thoughts, words and actions—not because we have to, but because we WANT to. It is the Holy
Matthew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven…
Spirit inside us which leads us to this end. In our life of faith, we should want to give willingly and generously of our time, talents, and treasures. We need to let God use us as he sees fit. Our everyday life now becomes a service to God. Even on our deathbed we serve as an example to others. We
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and
may yet touch someone so that he comes to a saving faith.
pleased. 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
28. An Overview – Before the beginning of time, a loving God wished to share eternity with beings who would give thanks and praise to him. Mankind needs to be amazed at what God has done for all people — God has done the impossible! God loved the world so much that he saved mankind from damnation by substituting his own Son as an acceptable sacrifice for mankind. God turned death (Adam) into life (Jesus Christ). What God has done can best be summed up in this seemingly impossible statement: If you can believe (Present) that you have ALREADY been saved, (Past) you will be! (Future) Only through the work of the Holy Spirit can our belief in the seemingly impossible become possible.
Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:13 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Romans 8:21 …the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. Titus 1:2 …in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Romans 8:10 & 15 and it with your mouth that you confess and are saved...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. 21
29. A New Creation/A New Self Remember all of those earlier worries about life and strife Ephesians 4:24 Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
and purpose and death? Realize now that there are no earthly worries since God has made you a “New Creation�. Here is what God has to say about you now:
Colossians 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! In unknown ways, God will now use you to fulfill the will of Christ while you are yet here on earth. We are therefore to always think and act in a Godly and spiritual manner for Christ lives within us.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1
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30. Still Worried? In God’s great plan for man, every last detail of human existence has been laid out before time bega of your life are out of your control shown you “the BIG picture”
Matt. 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
details God has
it is silly of you
to look at the small picture and worry about that which is
Matt. 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
beyond you. With the help of the Holy Spirit, God asks you to think as big as you can, not as small as you want to. In actuality, “to worry” is not only displeasing to God, it is a sin. You are not in control; you need to acknowledge God
Why do events and circumstances happen to me?
for who he is—the master of the universe and the master of
Trust in Him!! For those who have been brought to faith by the Holy Spirit, God has already determined how he will best use you. God has shaped your life so that one day you will be able to rejoice with him in Heaven. You do not need to understand “why”. Accept life as it comes—whatever
Bible.
happens will be for your good.
Why is the world in constant turmoil? never be at peace because you, as a descendent of Adam, are
Why do I have to die? Death entered the world as the
sinful and therefore at odds with God as well as your fellow
result of sin. Jesus’ death changed death as an end, to death
man. Because of your own human nature (free will) you by
as a new and better beginning. While on earth, Jesus had to
yourself have always been and will always be imperfect.
su er and die. You, as Christ’s representative on earth, must
Your own inclinations will always resist God and cause you
do the same.
What happens after I die?
It depends on if you follow
What am I supposed to do during my lifetime? You
God’s great plan as he explains it to you i
are given the privilege to spread the good news of Christ
follow your own desires, there will be uncertainty which
If you
will lead to Hell. If you go God’s way, you know for certain you will go to Heaven.
God’s many ambassadors to the world.
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It yet remains to live out your days on earth. Death will come to us all; it is your inheritance from Adam. Yet,
2 Corinthians 5:4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling…
knowing that Heaven will be your eternal home, death becomes your “perfect ending—and new beginning”. My Lord came to get me. My Lord came to bring me home.
Philippians 3:20 …our citizenship is in heaven.
Angels descended on golden wings
Luke 10:20…rejoice, because your names are written in heaven
And lifted me up to my God. P. Bollhagen
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
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32. Covered In Heavenly Glory You have already met God, the Holy Spirit who has brought
stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire,
you to spiritual understanding through baptism. You have
the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth
met God, the Son who paid for your wrongdoings through
ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth
the ultimate sacrifice and as a result ensured your entrance
topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the
into Heaven. God, the Father will wrap you in his radiant
twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each
love and you will be declared an heir of heaven and shall
gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was
enjoy Heaven in the presence of your triune God endlessly.
of gold, as pure as transparent glass. The city does not need
Here is what Heaven is described as:
the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Nothing impure will
Nothing negative ever happens or is remembered — good things only – Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe
ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the
away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
Lamb’s (Christ Jesus) book of life.”
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any
Countless endless wonders beyond imagining –
more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
1 Corinthians 2:5 “the eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor
A splendid new body – 1 Corinthians 15:40 “There are
have entered into the heart of man the things which God
also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but
has prepared for those who love Him”
the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.” 1 Corinthians
Eternal life in paradise – Revelation 2:7 “To the one who
15:42 The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised
is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life,
imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory;
which is in the paradise of God.”
it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a Upon your entry into Heaven, God, your Heavenly father
natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
will open his arms, embrace you, and say to you — “Well
An eternal home designed specifically for you – John
done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with
14:2-4 “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not
a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come
so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place
and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21
for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where
May the following quotation serve to summarize the grace
I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
(unconditional love) of God in securing that ultimate seat in Heaven.
A Place of extreme beauty, purity, and perfection – Revelation 21:18-27 inclusive: “The wall was made of jasper,
2 Corinthians 13:14 ...The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and
and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations
the love of God, (the Father) and the fellowship of the Holy
of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious
Spirit be with you...
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Author’s Afterword This is the simple sketch of God’s great plan for you and every being. There is much more detail to be studied in The Bible and much Godly wisdom to be gained. May God guide you on your continuing journey until we shall meet in Heaven. And that, then, is what life and death and life eternal is all about. Amen (So be it) Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” 2 Timothy 3:15 “…you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Written by Phil Bollhagen with special appreciation extended to Lee Westphal, Pastor Daniel Koelpin, Pastor William Bernhardt, and Pastor John Chworowsky. Thank you for helping make this booklet possible.
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“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:13
Thank You, Thank You – My Most Amazing God: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:3
Warning: Remember God’s Very First Commandment – “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me”. Worship of statues/idols, ancestors, reincarnation, human intellect/science,
evolution, cults, mediums,
spirits, Satan, or angels can never give you the answers to life, death, and eternity. Realize now that all of the questions of life and death, purpose and role can only be answered through the truth of a loving God’s great plan for you and all humanity as found in The Bible.
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Understanding God’s Great Plan For You is designed with simplicity yet clarity for the reader who wishes to know what Christianity is all about. Ideal for an individual reading or a one-on-one
DISCLAIMER: Phil Bollhagen, author of Understanding God's Great Plan for You, does NOT endorse nor support the suggested publications to the right hand side of the booklet. ese publications are automatically required for inclusion along with the website.
Understanding God’s Great Plan For You is the “seed planted” so that the Holy Spirit can grow another Christian and add to the “Body of Christ”. Help plant that seed and share this booklet with someone who needs to know the amazing love of God.
For a hard copy, contact Phil Bolhagen at bollhagp@gmail.com Hard copies of this booklet are available at the cost of production/shipping of $3 each anywhere in the USA.
strictly and consistently professes the truths of questions on anything in this booklet, please contact your nearest WELS pastor. Learn more about the WELS at http://www.wels.net
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