Discovering the Faith Once Delivered. Level 1

Discovering the Faith Once Delivered to the Saints

by Nolan McFadden

Institute of Biblical Discipleship Level One ΠΡΟΕ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΕ Α Γνωριζω δε υμιν, αδελϕοι, το ευαγγελιον ο ευηγγελισαμην υμιν, ο και παρελαβετε, εν ω και εστηκατε, δι ου και σωζεσθε τινι λογω ευηγγελισαμην υμιν, ει κατεχετε, εκτοσ ει μη εικη επιστευσατε. παρεδωκα γαρ υμιν εν πρωτοισ, ο και παρελαβον, οτι Χριστοσ απεθανεν υπερ των αμαρτιων ημων κατα τασ γραϕασ και οτι εταϕη και οτι εγηγερται τη τριτη ημερα κατα τασ γραϕασ και οτι εταϕη και οτι εγηγερται τη τριτη ημερα κατα τασ γραϕασ και οτι ωϕθη Κηϕα, ειτα τοισ δωδεκα επειτα ωϕθη επανω πεντακοσιοισ αδελϕοισ εϕαπαξ, εξ ων οι πλειουσ μενουσιν εωσ αρτι, τινεσ δε και εκοιμηθησαν επειτα ωϕθη Ιακωβω, ειτα τοισ αποστολοισ πασιν εσχατον δε παντων, ωσπερει τω εκτρωματι, ωϕθη καμοι. εγω γαρ ειμι ο ελαχιστοσ των αποστολων, οσ ουκ ειμι ικανοσ καλεισθαι αποστολοσ, διοτι

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This book is dedicated to the Word of God, the testimony of Jesus Christ and all those who have sacrificed their resources, reputations, physical health and lives that the faith once delivered to the saints might be proclaimed in every nation.

Jude 3

For additional materials or help please write or call: Nolan McFadden 5641 Outlook Drive Mission, KS 66202 tel. 913-888-7933 email: nbmdisciple@juno.com

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Table of Contents: Bible Studies: 1. Introductory Bible Study

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2. How Do We Know That God Exists and Rewards Those Who Diligently Seek Him?

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3. The Holy Bible: A Supernatural Book

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4. Who Is the Jesus Christ of the Bible?

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5. What Is Sin?

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6. Repentance: The First Command of Jesus Christ

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7. What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus Christ?

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8. What Is the True Gospel?

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9. What Is Necessary to Have Inner Peace?

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10. What Is a Christian According to the New Testament?

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11. Forty Reasons from the Bible Whereby I Am 100% Certain That Heaven Is My Future Home

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12. Baptism: The Command of Christ Jesus

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Quizzes

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Scripture Memory

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Š 1998, revised 1999 Nolan McFadden

copies permitted

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Introductory Bible Study Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints

by Nolan McFadden

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” Jude 3 Perhaps you have noticed that we are living in a time when most people do not know or live by the Scriptures. In fact, many church members and religious leaders in our time do not even believe the Bible nor take the Scriptures seriously. Yet, those with sincere hearts are beginning to ask some valid questions. Why do many who profess to be Christians not obey the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles? What is a true Christian? What is the true message of salvation? Can I be certain that when I die I will go to Heaven? What relevance does Christianity and the Bible have to my life? Why should I attend a biblical church? Why is it so important to accept and continue in the faith once delivered to the saints? Before addressing these questions and many others in our studies, we must first understand more about the faith once delivered to the saints.

Note: The Bible studies in levels one and two are designed to help you in four primary ways: 1. To bring you to a genuine, personal saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and a clear understanding of biblical salvation (John 14:21-23; 17:3, Romans 1:16, Philippians 3.10, II Thessalonians 2.13, I Timothy 2:4, II Timothy 1:12; 2:10, I Peter 1:5-10, I John 1:3; 5:11-13).

2. To establish you in the faith and a victorious Christian life (John 10:10, Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 1:23; 2:6-7, I John 5:4).

3. To help you come to the knowledge of the truth (John 16:13, II Thessalonians 2:13, I Timothy 2:4; 4:3, II Timothy 2:25; 3:7, II John 3-4).

4. To help prepare you for the Christian service that God has prepared for you (Matthew 20:26-28, 28:19-20, Luke 24.46-48, I Corinthians 15:58, Ephesians 2.10; 4:7-16, Philippians 4:3, II Timothy 2:2).

You will need a pencil or pen and a King James Bible to complete each study. When you come to a question or a verse of Scripture with missing words, open your Bible to the reference indicated. Answer the question or fill in the missing words from the Bible verses given. At the end of each study, there will be a brief quiz to complete. May our Lord Jesus abundantly bless you as you study and obey His Word.

I. What is the faith once delivered to the saints mentioned by Jude?

ουτω γαρ ηγαπησεν ο θεοs τον κοσμον, ωστε τον υιον αυτο υ τον μο

A. The word faith is translated from the Koine Greek word πιστιs.

This word is used in two primary ways in the New Testament: 1. Most often, the word “faith” refers to putting your confidence or trust in someone or something as in Romans 3:25, I Corinthians 2:5; 15:14, Galatians 3:26 and Philippians 3:9.

2. In addition, many times in the New Testament, we find the definite article the before the word faith. “The faith” refers to the body of teachings that were received by First Century believers from Jesus Christ and His apostles (Jude 3).

Thus, “the faith once delivered to the saints” refers to the body of teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles. See Acts 14:21-22; 16:4-5, Romans 1:5, I Corinthians 16:13, Colossians 1:23; 2:6-7, I Timothy 4:1-3; 6:10, II Timothy 4:1-8, Titus 1:4-14, Jude 3, and Revelation 14:12.

4 B. The faith is apostolic, New Testament Christianity (Acts 14:19-23, Colossians 1:23; 2:6-7).

C. “As ye have therefore ____________________ Christ Jesus the Lord, so ___________ ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and _______________________ in ________ ______________, as ye have been __________________, abounding therein with _________________________.” Colossians 2:6-7 D. According to Colossians 2:7, we are to be, “s________________________ in the f_____________,...”

II. When was the faith delivered?

A. Jude’s epistle was written between 70-90 C.E. Jude uses the word “delivered” in Jude 3. This implies that the delivery of the faith was before Jude wrote his epistle. Thus, we know that the faith was delivered in the First Century of the Christian Era by Jesus Christ and His apostles.

In addition, this fact demonstates that all alleged “divine revelations” which came after the First Century are not part of the faith which was only once delivered to the saints (such as Book of Mormon, papal decrees, new age revelations).

B. “If ye continue in ________ _____________ grounded and ___________________, and be not moved away from the hope of the ___________________, which ye have ___________________, and which was _____________________ to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I ______________ am made a minister;” Colossians.1:23 C. In Colossians 1:23 believers are exhorted to, “c_____________________ in the f______________...”

InInthe beginning the beginning was thwas e and theand Wordthe was Word, the Word, with God, and the Word Word was with God, was God. The same was and the Wordwitwas beginning in the h God. The same was God.

III. Where is the faith discovered?

A. In Jude verse 3, Jude mentions that the faith was only “once” delivered to the saints. Where are the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles found? They are recorded in the New Testament (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-2).

B. All the books of the New Testament were written in the First Century of the Christian Era. Therefore, when we want to learn about the faith which was once delivered to the saints, we must study the New Testament.

C. Jesus declared in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy ________________: thy ________________ is truth.”

D. The book of Luke was written to Theophilus in order that he might, “know the c_____________________ of those things, wherein thou hast been i_______________________” (Luke 1:4).

IV. Who are “the saints” to whom the faith was once delivered?

A. Many are under the mistaken understanding that “the saints” are a small, elite group of exceptionally pious people from church history. However, the Bible defines the term saint very differently. In the New Testament, the word saint (αγιοs) refers to one who is set apart, holy.

B. According to the Bible, all born-again followers of Jesus

5 are saints in Christ. All true Christians have been made holy in God’s sight through faith in Jesus and His shed blood on the cross (I Corinthians 1:12, Acts 26:18, Hebrews 1:3; 10:10-14). Thus, “the saints” of Jude 3 refer to born-again followers of Jesus Christ. See Romans 1:7, I Corinthians 1:2; 14:33, II Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 4:1113; 5:3; 6:17, Philippians 1:1; 4:21-22 and Colossians 1:12.

C. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are ________________________ in Christ Jesus, called to be _________________, with __________ that in ______________ place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our ________________, both theirs and ours:” I Corinthians 1:2 D. In I Corinthians 1:2 those who are called to be saints are identified as, “s________________________ in Christ Jesus,...”

E. According to Acts 26:18, we are, “s________________________ by f_____________” in Jesus Christ.

The Faith

The

→

Poison

→

Poison →

→

Lake of Fire

Death

V. What have many done to “the faith” once delivered to the saints?

A. The answer to this question is best illustrated with a clear glass of purified water.

When dirt, old motor oil and antifreeze are added to this purified water, the contents in the glass greatly change. The result is a discolored, distorted, unhealthy, poisonous drink that is very different from the former.

B. In a similar way, over the centuries, this is what many religious leaders have done to the faith which was once delivered to the saints. Little by little, compromise after compromise, false teachings, false philosophies, pagan practices and false traditions were added to the teachings of the Scriptures in many churches. In time, these distorted teachings, philosophies, practices and traditions clouded the thinking of many and became a substitute for the faith once delivered to the saints (Matthew 15:8-9, Colossians 2:8-10).

C. Jesus declared that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). The Bible is the Word of God given to mankind (Deuteronomy 4:1-10, John 8:47; 10:35; 12:48-50; 17:8, I Thessalonians 2:13). However, man’s philosophies, theories of psychology and vain traditions are based on man’s sin-distorted, false reasonings (I Corinthians 3:18-19).

When God’s truth is blended with man’s false opinions, falsehood is created. Truth is no longer truth after it has been mixed with falsehood. By means of these mixtures, Satan accomplished his plan as the faith once delivered to the saints was made more and more distorted generation after generation (John 8:44). Falsehood was perpetuated and millions were deceived. Over the centuries, those who reasserted the faith once delivered to the saints were vilified, persecuted, tortured and murdered by the millions by the counterfeit church and its apostate leaders (See Revelation 17).

Why? A return to the faith was perceived as a threat to the finances and political power of the counterfeit church which sent many inquisitions (Note John 8:41-44, Romans 8:5; 10:2-4).

6 D. What are you going to do with God’s Word? Read Matthew 13:10-23. It is our sincere prayer that as you work through this Bible study program you will come to understand the faith in your spirit. The faith once delivered to the saints is not found in vain religious ceremonies, emotionalism, false traditions, religious organizations, religious rock music, psychology or the philosophies of Peter Lombardo, Thomas Aquinas or other men. Rather, the faith once delivered to the saints is discovered only in the Scriptures (Luke 1:1-4, John 17:6-8). Will you choose to receive God’s Word in your heart, believe it, obey it and continue in it? Yes / No Likewise, it is our sincere prayer that you will learn to quiet your spirit and listen to the voice of God’s Spirit as He speaks to you through the Bible (Romans 8:5, I Thessalonians 2:13, Revelation 3:22). The true essence of Christianity is found in a quiet, genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ (John 14:21-24; 17:3, Philippians 3;10, II Timothy 1:12, I John 1:3). The true essence of Christianity is expressed in daily obedience to Christ’s commands so that we become living epistles, known and read of all (Matthew 7:24; 28:19-20, Luke 8:15; 11:28, John 17:6-8, II Corinthians 3:2-3, James 1:21).

The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud from your heart to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion as the Bible teaches. Worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

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How Do We Know That God Exists and Rewards Those Who Diligently Seek Him? Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible Study #2

by Nolan McFadden

Text: Hebrews 11:6 - “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Are we able to see air with the human eye? We see the results of air in the wind. We are able to breathe because there is air on our planet. In fact, we could not live without the invisible mixture of gases known as air. Air surrounds us everywhere. We perceive air.

Yet, we do not see air with the human eye. Only a fool would doubt that air exists.

It is the same with God. We see what God has done in creation. We know of the miracles of God and specific answers to specific prayers. In fact, we could not breathe or live without God as Acts 17:28 reveals. Colossians 1:17 indicates that God holds together the molecules of our bodies and all things. We perceive God. Yet, at this present time, we do not see God with the human eye. Only a fool would doubt that God exists (Psalm 14:1). There are many good reasons whereby we know that God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. Let us consider some of these reasons.

I. God is our Creator.

A. Our planet and mankind could not exist unless they were caused to exist. Our universe, including mankind, does not exist by accident. The Bible reveals that God caused our universe and mankind to exist by direct creation. See Genesis 1:1-31, Exodus 20:11; 31:16-17. Because God is our Creator, He understands the purpose of our existence (Isaiah 43:7, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Ephesians 2:10).

B. “For in ___________ days the Lord ________________ heaven and earth, the sea, and __________ that in them is, and rested the ____________________ day:..”

Exodus 20:11 C. As recorded in Genesis chapter one, who created the heavens, the earth, the animals and mankind? ___________________________________________________ D. How many days did it take ___________________ to create the heavens, the earth, the animals and mankind according to Exodus 20:11? _____________________

II. Complex designs in creation point to the Master Designer who is omniscient (allknowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) - God. A. Things with careful design could not exist by accident. Surrounding us every day, we find complex designs in all of nature. In fact, we find designs that operate beyond human understanding. For example, consider the incredible design of the human brain, our solar system, trees, birds and flowers. Complex designs in creation point to the Master Designer who is all-knowing and all-powerful - God. See Psalm

8 19:1-2, Romans 1:20 and I Corinthians 15:38-41. Thus, we conclude that our God is wise enough and powerful enough to help those who diligently seek Him. B. “The _____________________ declare the __________________ of God; and the firmament ____________________ his __________________________.” Psalm 19:1 C. According to Psalm 19:1, what declares the glory of God? ____________________

III. The fact that man has a conscience points to a moral Creator (John 8:9, Romans 2:14-15).

A. Naturalistic evolution is a popular false theory in our time. Evolutionists teach that mankind evolved from animals. Evolution was a pagan philosophy of eastern religion (evolution of the spirit) for thousands of years before it was made a popular theory of science in the late Nineteenth Century in the West. Prior to the Nineteenth Century, for over eighteen centuries in church history, the literal Genesis chapter one account of creation was universally regarded as a scientific fact in churches.

Why? Jesus and His apostles interpreted the Genesis chapter one account of creation and the Genesis flood as literal, historical facts in their teachings. Notice Matthew 19:4-5, Acts 17:24, Romans 5:14, I Corinthians 15:45, I Timothy 2:13-14 and II Peter 3:3-7. In addition, the Hebrew sabbath was originally based on a literal interpretation of the Genesis chapter one account of creation (six literal twenty-four hour days of creation - one literal twenty-four hour day sabbath). See Genesis 1:312:3 and Exodus 20:11.

B. If we are only evolved animals, as some teach, why do we think about what is right and wrong? If we are only evolved animals, as some believe, why has every known civilization of mankind established civil laws based on moral codes? It is because mankind is different than animals. How? Man was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). God created us with two additional parts: 1. A conscience (John 8:9, II Corinthians 4:2, I Peter 3:16-21).

2. An eternal soul that will live forever in Heaven or in the Lake of Fire (Ecclesiastes 12:7, Matthew 10:28; 25:41-46, John 14:1-3, I Peter 1:4, Revelation 14:11; 20:10-15; 21:8).

C. As a result of being created with a conscience and an eternal soul, two facts emerge: 1. We are accountable to our Creator for all of our actions and attitudes (Acts 17:30-31, John 12:48, Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:10-15).

2. God has created us with a spiritual dimension that only He can fill (John 4:13-14, I Thessalonians 5:23).

D. What did the apostle John see under the altar in Revelation 6:9? _______________ _____________________________________________________________________ E. What is God able to send to Hell according to Matthew 10:28? _________________ _____________________________________________________________________

9 IV. The supernatural Bible points to a supernatural author-God. A. Fulfilled prophecies in the Bible demonstrate the existence of God. The Bible has 100% fulfillment of its prophecies. For example, more than three hundred prophecies in the Scriptures were fulfilled in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Based on the law of probability, it is impossible for any human to predict the future with this kind of accuracy. However, God knows the future before it happens (Isaiah 46:9-10, Acts 15:18). God has given us prophecies about the future in the Bible (Daniel 12:9, II Peter 1:19-21, Revelation 1:1-3).

B. “Remember the former things of old: for I am ______________, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none ____________________ me, Declaring the _________________ from the ___________________________, and from ____________________ times the things that are not yet ____________________, saying, My ____________________ shall stand, and I will do ______________ my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:9-10 C. In Isaiah 46:9-10, who is able to declare things from the beginning that have not yet happened? ____________________________________________________________

V. The many miracles of the Lord Jesus demonstrate the existence of God (John 3:2).

A. A miracle is when God does something that goes beyond the laws of nature. The ministry of Jesus of Nazareth included many miracles (Matthew 9:18-35, John 20:30).

B. “The same came to _____________________ by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from ________________: for no man can do these _____________________ that _____________ doest, except _____________ be with him.” John 3:2 VI. Changed lives, as a result of biblical salvation, demonstrate the existence of God (II Corinthians 5:17, Hebrews 7:25).

A. When a person experiences salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, his or her life changes (II Corinthians 5:17). Former sins become repulsive and are forsaken. There is an new inner desire and empowerment from the Holy Spirit to obey God’s Word (Romans 8:11, Ephesians 2:5, II Peter 1:4, I John 4:4; 5:4).

B. “Therefore if any man be _________ Christ; he is a ____________ creature: ____-________ things are _____________________ away; behold ___________ things are become ____________.” II Corinthians 5:17 VII. Specific answers to specific prayers demonstrate that God exists and that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. A. Thousands of people testify that they have received specific answers to specific prayers in the name of Jesus. We have personally seen many specific answered prayers in the name of Jesus (John 15:7, James 5:14, I John 5:14-15).

B. “If ye abide in me, and my __________________ abide in you, ye shall

10 ________ what ye will, and it shall be _______________ unto you.” John 15:7 C. What is the promise of Jesus in John 15:7? _____________________ ___________________________________________________________ VIII. God became a man almost two thousand years ago.

A. If God exists, would He not reveal Himself to mankind? Yes. God came to live among us. He showed us God’s ways and purchased our salvation through His one time eternal sacrifice for our sins on the cross (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 10:10-14, I Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 5:9). He returned to Heaven. His name is Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 14:8-11, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3)

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B. “Philip saith unto him, Lord, ______________ us the ___________________, and it sufficeth us. _______________ saith unto him, Have ______ been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not ________________ me, Philip? He that hath ______________ me hath seen the __________________; and how sayest thou then, ______________ us the Father? John 14:8-9 IX. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrates that God exists and that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. A. His empty tomb and over five hundred eyewitnesses who saw Jesus Christ after His resurrection provide powerful evidence of this miraculous historical fact (Matthew 28:120, Mark 6:1-14, Luke 24:1-53, John 20-21, Acts 1:3, I Corinthians 15:1-8).

B. “To whom also he __________________ himself ______________ after his passion by many infallible ________________, being seen of them _______________ days, and _____________________ of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:” Acts 1:3 The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

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The Holy Bible: A Supernatural Book Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #3

by Nolan McFadden

Text: II Timothy 3:16-17 What is the Holy Bible? What makes the Bible very different than all other books in the world today? Why should you study the Bible?

How will studying the Bible benefit you? Let’s consider these questions and learn more about this truly supernatural book.

I. What is the Holy Bible?

A. The Holy Bible is a collection of sixty-six books. The Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

B. There are thirty-nine books in the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

C. There are twenty-seven books in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude, Revelation.

D. The early Christians and early churches received sixty-six books as the Bible. By the time of the council of Carthage in 397 C.E., the Canon (accepted books) of the Bible was already clearly established as consisting of sixty-six books.

E. We do not include the books of “the Apocrypha” in the Bible for the following reasons: 1. The books of the Apocrypha were not included in the Bible by early Christians and early churches.

2. The books of the Apocrypha were not included in the original Hebrew Canon (accepted books) of the Old Testament.

3. The books of the Apocrypha were not quoted by Jesus or any writers of the New Testament.

4. The books of the Apocrypha do not claim to be divinely inspired.

5. The books of the Apocrypha include doctrines that are contrary to the Bible.

6. Jerome, the Fourth Century scholar and Bible translator, did not include the Apocrypha in his original Latin “Vulgate Bible.”

7. The Apocrypha was pronounced to be part of the Canon of Scriptures by the Roman Catholic denomination in 1546 C.E. at the council of Trent.

F. How many books are included in the Bible? _________________________ II. The Holy Bible is God’s Word to mankind.

A. In the Old Testament over 2,000 times the prophets used expressions such as, “Thus saith the Lord...” or “The word of the Lord came unto...” See I Kings 17-19, Isaiah 45-46, Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 5-6, Amos 2-3, Zecheriah 8. Why? The prophets were very aware that the Holy Spirit was speaking through them to deliver God’s Word (II Samuel 23:2, Jeremiah 1:7-9, Ezekiel 3:27).

12 B. “The _______________ of the Lord ______________ by me, and his ______________ was in my _______________.” II Samuel 23:2 C. In the New Testament Jesus taught that His teachings were given directly from God the Father (John 12:48-50; 14:10; 17:6-8). The teachings of the apostle Paul were also received as the Word of God (I Thessalonians 2:13). In fact, each book of the New Testament was received as the Word of God by early Christians.

D. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of ___________ which ye heard of ______, ye received it not as the word of ___________, but as it is in truth, the word of ____________, which effectually worketh also in you that __________________.” I Thessalonians 2:13 III. The Holy Bible is special revelation from God Himself.

A. The Bible was written over a period of about 1,500 years by more than 40 different human writers. However, the ultimate author of the Bible was God. II Timothy 3:16 reveals that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In this verse the word “inspiration” was translated from the Koine Greek word θεοπνευστοs. It means Godbreathed. Thus, God literally breathed out His words and thoughts through the writers of the Bible.

B. How was the Bible inspired? The method of inspiration was supernatural guidance by the Holy Spirit (II Samuel 23:2, Acts 1:17, II Peter 1:20-21).

C. To what extent was the Bible inspired by God? The Bible was inspired in two ways: 1. Every word in the Bible was chosen and inspired by the Holy Spirit (John 17:6-8, I Corinthians 2:13). Therefore, every word in the Bible is important (Matthew 4:4, 24:35).

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which _____________ wisdom teacheth, but which the __________ ______________ teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” I Corinthians 2:13 2. All parts of the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16-17). “___________ scripture is given by inspiration of God,...” II Timothy 3:16 D. Therefore, we believe in the verbal (all words)-plenary (all parts) inspiration of the Scriptures. The Bible was given to us by God without errors (Psalm 119:160, John 17:17). God has preserved His Word for us over the centuries (Psalm 12:6-7, Matthew 24:35).

IV. The Holy Bible is truth.

A. Jesus Christ declared that God’s Word is truth. “Sanctify them through thy _______________: thy word is _________________.” John 17:17 The Holy Bible is God’s Word given to mankind (Deuteronomy 4:1-10, John 8:47; 10:35; 12:48-50; 17:8, I Thessalonians 2:13). Therefore, the Bible is truth.

B. The Holy Bible is the absolute standard of truth. The Bible is truth from God for all mankind. There are many false teachings and false philosophies in the world.

However, the Bible gives us the truth about all issues. Therefore, the Holy Bible is the absolute standard of truth given by God for all mankind today. When we want to know if something is true or false, right or wrong, we compare it to what the Bible teaches. If it is according to the Bible, we accept it as true. If something is contrary to the Bible, we know that it is false. Therefore, when we have questions about God, salvation, mankind, history, marriage, money, family life, the future and other subjects, the Bible has the right answers.

13 C. “Thy word is ___________ from the ______________________: and ________________ of thy righteous judgments endureth ____________________.”

Psalm 119:160 V. The Holy Bible has 100% fulfillment of its prophecies.

A. Based on the law of probability, it is impossible for any human to predict the future with 100% accuracy. However, God knows the future before it happens (Isaiah 46:9-10, Acts 15:18). God has given us prophecies about the future in the Bible (Daniel 12:9, II Peter 1:19-21, Revelation 1:1-3).

B. For example, more than three hundred prophecies in the Scriptures were fulfilled in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27-44).

C. “Remember the former things of old: for I am ___________, and there is none _____________; I am God, and there is none _____________ me, Declaring the __________ from the ______________________, and from __________________ times the things that are not yet ______________, saying, My _________________ shall stand, and I will do _________ my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:9-10 VI. God’s will is discovered in the Holy Bible (Psalm 119:105, Matthew 4:4, John 8:31-32).

A. It is God’s will that you repent and be saved (Acts 17:30-31, I Timothy 2:4, II Peter 3:9).

B. It is God’s will that you learn to live according to God’s ways (I Peter 1:15-16, I John 2:6;4:17).

C. It is God’s will that you come to the knowledge of the truth (John 8:31-32; 16:13, I Timothy 2:4).

D. “Who will have ________ men to be _________________, and to come unto the _______________________ of the _______________.” I Timothy 2:4 E. What two blessings does God desire for all people according to I Timothy 2:4? _____________________________________________________________________ VII. Memorizing the Scriptures will help you in three ways: A. To think correctly (Psalm 119:9-11,169, Matthew 4:4, Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:5).

B. To pray correctly (John 15:7, I John 4:17).

C. To witness correctly (Acts 17:1-4; 18:28, II Timothy 2:2,15; 4:2, I John 2:14).

VIII. Meditating (prayerful reflection) in the Scriptures brings success to your life (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-4, I Timothy 4:15).

A. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt _________________ therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to _________ according to ___________ that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way ________________________, and then thou shalt have good __________________.”

Joshua 1:8 B. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the _________________ of the ungodly, nor standeth in the _____________ of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the ___________________. But his __________________ is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he ____________________ day and night. And he shall be like a ___________ planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his ______________ in

14 his season; his ____________ also shall not wither; and ________________________ he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 IX. The Holy Bible gives us the promises of God. A. The promises of God give us hope for the future (Titus 1:2, II Peter 1:4).

B. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious ___________________: that by these ye might be partakers of the _______________________ nature, having escaped the ___________________________ that is in the world through lust.”

II Peter 1:4 Which is your decision? Mark the circle that is your choice.

O I choose to make the Holy Bible the absolute standard of truth for my life.

O I choose to disregard what the Holy Bible teaches and go my own way (to perdition).

The good news is that Jesus Christ loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited the Jesus of the Bible to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write in your Bible the date that you made this salvation decision. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the absolute standard of truth and practice.

15

Who Is the Jesus Christ of the Bible?

Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible Study #4

by Nolan McFadden

Text: John 20:24-31 Who is the Jesus Christ of the Bible? According to the Scriptures, which is the correct answer?

A. Jesus Christ was a great religious teacher and philosopher.

B. Jesus Christ was a religious martyr.

C. Jesus Christ was a religious prophet like Buddha or Muhammad.

D. Jesus Christ is a created angel.

E. Jesus Christ is Jehovah our righteousness, the Lord of all creation.

Your answer to this question is very important. Why? What you believe in your heart about Jesus will determine where you will spend eternity. See John 3:36; 8:24 and I Corinthians 12:3. According to the Scriptures, the correct answer is E. What does the Bible teach us about Jesus Christ?

I. Jesus of Nazareth is more than a myth or a legend.

A. There are some in our time who regard Jesus of Nazareth as a myth of history.

Others consider Jesus merely a popular legend for religious people. Some even deny that Jesus of Nazareth really existed. To deny that Jesus Christ is a real person, who lived on our planet in the First Century, is to believe a lie. Read I John 2:21-23; 4:3.

B. That Jesus of Nazareth is a real person, who lived on our planet in the First Century of the Christian Era, is a well established historical fact. There is overwhelming historical evidence for the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth. The existence, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was mentioned by the First Century historian, Flavius Josephus, in Antiquities, XVIII, III. Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus wrote about Jesus and Christians in Annals, XV, 44. Jesus was spoken of in the writings of Seutonius, Pliny the Younger, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp and Justin Martyr.

In addition, we have the eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus Christ by His First Century disciples in the New Testament documents. We know more about the life of Jesus of Nazareth than any other person in history. Those interested in further evidence should read Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable by F.F. Bruce.

II. Jesus Christ was supernaturally conceived in the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit.

A. When something occurs that is beyond the laws of nature, it is regarded as supernatural. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:20-25, Luke 1:3135). Thus, Jesus was conceived in a supernatural way.

B. The virgin birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 7:14.

C. Bethlehem was the location of the virgin birth of Jesus. According to Micah’s prophecy in Micah 5:2, the Messiah of Israel (the eternal ruler) would be born in Bethlehem. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem was the fulfillment of this prophecy.

D. “...for that which is conceived _____ her is _____ the ____________ ________________.” Matthew 1:20

16 E. The name Emmanuel refers to Jesus. What does the name Emmanuel mean according to Matthew 1:23? ______________________________________________

III. Jesus Christ lived a supernatural life.

A. Jesus left the riches and glory of Heaven to live in a fallen world. Even though Jesus was the King of glory, He chose to be raised in a humble village in Galilee as a poor carpenter’s son (Matthew 2:23; 13:55, II Corinthians 8:9). Jesus of Nazareth became a carpenter by trade (Mark 6:33).

B. Jesus lived a sinless life. He experienced the trials, disappointments and temptations of this life. Yet, Jesus was without sin (John 18:38; 19:4-6, Hebrews 4:15, I Peter 2:22).

C. Jesus did many miracles during His earthly ministry. He healed the diseased and fed the multitude. He made the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. He cast out demons, stilled a storm at sea and raised the dead to life (Mark 4-8). His many miracles demonstrated that Jesus was who He claimed to be (John 9:35-38).

D. Jesus Christ healed a blind man in John 9:1-11. Afterward, Jesus revealed Himself to be the Son of God in a conversation with this same man in John 9:35-37. How did the man respond as recorded in John 9:38? List his two actions. _________________ _____________________________________________________________________ E. Why were the miraculous signs of Jesus written in John’s book according to John 20:31? _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ F. “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What __________________ of ___________ is this, that even the _____________ and the _________ obey _________?” Mark 4:41 IV. Jesus Christ was the supernatural, living God in human flesh.

A. Jesus is one in substance with God the Father (John 5:17-18; 8:58-59; 10:30-33; 14:8-11, Acts 20:28, Colossians 2:9, I Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:3-8). Notice that the words, “the express image of his person (υποστασιs -substance)” in Hebrews 1:3 are referring to Jesus.

B. Jesus of Nazareth was Jehovah God in human flesh. How do we know?

1. The Lord (Jehovah) is the creator and sustainer of all things according to Isaiah 44:24 and 45:11-12. Likewise, _______________ is the creator and sustainer of all things according to John 1:3,10-11 and Colossians 1:16-18.

Note: False religions teach that Jesus Christ was created. However, Jesus cannot have been created if He is the creator of all things. One cannot be created if He Himself is the creator of all things. Moreover, Jesus is the eternal ruler of Micah 5:2. Jesus could not have had goings forth “from of old, from everlasting” if He was merely a created being. See Micah 5:2. Only God is from everlasting (Psalms 90:2; 93:2).

2. The Lord (Jehovah) is the only true Savior according to Isaiah 43:3-11; 45:15; 49:26; 60:16 and Hosea 13:4. Likewise, _______________ is the only true Savior according to Phillipians 3:20, II Timothy 1:10, Titus 1:3-4; 2:13; 3:6, II Peter 1:1-11;

17 3:2-18 and Jude 25. In fact, if Jesus was not Jehovah in human flesh, He could not be our Savior. Why? According to the Scriptures, Jehovah is the only Savior.

3. The Lord (Jehovah) is the first and the last according to Isaiah 44:6; 48:12.

Likewise, ______________ is declared to be the first and the last in Revelation 1:8-17; 2:8; 22:12-16.

4. The Lord (Jehovah) will return with all the saints to deliver Jerusalem and establish His kingdom on earth as recorded in Zechariah 14:1-5. Likewise, ______________ will return with all the saints to deliver Jerusalem and establish His kingdom on earth as declared in Matthew 24:27-31, Mark 13:24-27, I Thessalonians 3:13, Jude 14-25, and Revelation 19:13-16; 20:1-4.

5. To the Lord (Jehovah) every knee shall bow and every tongue confess according to Isaiah 45:23. Likewise, at the name of _______________ every knee shall bow and every tongue confess as proclaimed in Philippians 2:10-11.

6. The Lord (Jehovah) is the “I am” of Exodus 3:14-15. Likewise, _______________ is the “I am” of Exodus 3:14-15 as declared in John 8:58-59.

7. The voice of the prophet in the wilderness (John the Baptist) was to prepare the way of the Lord (Jehovah) according to Isaiah 40:3. John the Baptist (the voice of the prophet) in the wilderness prepared the way of _______________ according to Matthew 3:1-3.

C. Jesus is Lord. The word Lord is translated from the Koine Greek word κυριοs. The word had two primary usages: 1. The word was used as a customary or general title of respect meaning master or sir as in Matthew 6:24; 18:25-34, Mark 12:9 and Luke 14:21-23.

2. The word was used in reference to deity. The term κυριοs is often used in reference to Jehovah (the God of Israel) in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) and in the Greek New Testament. This usage of the word κυριοs, with respect to Jesus, demonstrates His deity. For example, note Matthew 3:3; 28:6, Mark 2:28; 12:29-37; 16:19, Luke 2:11; 3:4; 6:5; 20:37-44; 24:34, John 1:23; 9:38; 20:28, Acts 2:36; 10:36, Romans 10:9-13, I Corinthians 12:3; 15:47, Ephesians 4:5, Philippians 2:11, I Timothy 6:15, James 2:1; 5:4-8, I Peter 2:3-7; 3:15-16, II Peter 3:2-18, Jude 14-17, Revelation 17:14; 19:16.

D. Jesus is called the King of kings and Lord of lords in I Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14; 19:16.

E. Jesus is called God. The word God is translated from the Koine Greek word θεοs. Borrowed from the Greeks, the word is often used to refer to the only true God in the Greek Scriptures.

See Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1; 10:33; 20:28, Acts 20:28, Colossians 2:9, I Timothy 3:16, Titus 2:13 and Hebrews 1:8.

F. Jesus is called the Son of God. Note Matthew 14:33; 16:16, John 1:34-49; 5:17-25; 11:27; 20:31, Hebrews 4:14, I John 5:5-20. This title refers to Christ’s coeternal relationship with God the Father. See John 1:1-49; 5:17-25; 17:5.

This title does not imply that Jesus was created as many false religions teach. Jesus could not have been the Creator of “all things” if He himself was created (John 1:3,1011, Colossians 1:16-18). Also, Jesus was “from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Only God is from everlasting (Psalms 90:2; 93:2).

G. Jesus is called the Son of man. See Matthew 16:13,27; 24:30, Mark 2:28, and Luke 5:24; 9:22; 22:69. This is a title that Christ applies to Himself. It refers to the humanity of Jesus Christ and the fact that He was the Messiah of Israel (Daniel 7:13-14, John 1:41).

18 H. What did the disciples do when they saw Jesus after His resurrection as recorded in Matthew 28:6? _______________________________________________________ I. Who only is to receive worship according to Matthew 4:10? ___________________ J. “Yet I am the _______________ thy __________ from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but _______: for there is no _______________ beside _______.”

Hosea 13:4 V. Jesus Christ had a supernatural, bodily resurrection after His death.

A. This fact distinguishes Jesus Christ from all other religious leaders who have lived on the earth. Muhammad, Buddha, Gandhi, Joseph Smith and Karl Marx died. Only Jesus rose from the dead and lives now at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven (Matthew 28:1-20, Acts 1:3; 7:55-56, Romans 8:34, I Corinthians 15:1-58, Colossians 3;1, I Peter 3:22).

B. Jesus is not hanging on a cross. Our Savior is not a religion or a philosophy.

Jesus Christ is a living person who can be known in a personal relationship (Philippians 3:10, II Timothy 1:12). He is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

C. Jesus was seen alive after His resurrection by His apostles and over 500 eyewitnesses (I Corinthians 15:4-8). In addition, the tomb of Jesus Christ is empty today as a witness to all (Matthew 28:1-8).

D. According to I Corinthians 15:6, how many eyewitnesses saw Jesus at one time after His resurrection? ___________________________________________________ E. “To whom also he showed himself ______________ after his passion by many ____________________ ______________, being ____________ of them ____________ days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the ___________________ of God:” Acts 1:3 VI. Jesus Christ is living and continuing in a supernatural ministry as the only mediator between God and mankind (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, I Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25).

A. Jesus Christ is now living in Heaven to represent us before God the Father (Hebrews 7:25, I John 2:1).

B. Jesus Himself has the authority to answer our prayers according to His will (John 14:13-14; 15:7, Hebrews 4:14-16, I John 5:14-15).

We must pray in the name of Jesus (John 14-16).

C. According to John 10:28; 17:2, who has the authority to give you eternal life? _____________________________________________ What will you do with the Jesus of the Bible? Will you receive Him as your Lord and Savior or will you choose to believe a lie about Him? There is no neutral ground regarding Jesus Christ. It is God’s will that you should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:3-4).

What is your decision? Check one.

O After studying what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ, I choose to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord (Jehovah) and believe in my heart the message of the gospel.

In prayer, I will call on Jesus and ask Him to save my soul today (See Romans 10:9-13).

Name: _____________________________________________ date:__________________

19 O After studying what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ, I choose to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord (Jehovah) and believe in my heart the message of the gospel.

In prayer, I have already called on Jesus and asked Him to save my soul. I am 100% certain that I am saved.

Name: ______________________________________________ date:_________________.

O After studying what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ, I choose to continue to believe one of Satan’s lies or ignore the issue (John 3:36).

The good news is that Jesus Christ loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited the Jesus of the Bible to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray the following prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit. Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Record in your Bible the date of your salvation decision. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

20

What Is Sin? Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible Study #5

by Nolan McFadden

Text: Romans 3:10-23 Which source should you use to define sin and determine what is right and wrong?

Which answer is correct?

A. Human reasoning B. Your culture C. Your conscience D. The Bible E. The laws of human government F. Personal experiences The correct answer is D. Why should you use the Bible as the basis for defining sin and determining what is right and wrong? First, you must understand how the other sources fail. Today there are people who believe that sin is an outdated term and that mankind is now able to establish new values for a New Age based on human reasoning.

However, is human reasoning a reliable basis for defining sin and determining what is right and wrong? In reality, every action and every thought, no matter how evil, can be rationalized by means of human reasoning. Let’s consider four of many examples.

1. Responsible for many massacres and inquisitions, the Roman Catholic denomination rationalized the murdering of millions of Christians and Jews because they were labeled “heretics and infidels.”

2. Adolf Hitler rationalized the murdering of millions of Jews and Christians on the basis of his new age beliefs (believing Blavatsky’s teaching of seven root races).

3. Joseph Stalin and Mao Tse-tung rationalized the brutal murdering of millions of people because their beliefs were not in accordance with the teachings of communism. The victims were regarded as “disposable for the good of the communist state.”

4. Many rationalize stealing by those who are poor from those who have more because the poor have less.

Others define sin on the basis of whatever each culture decides is not acceptable.

Yet, practices such as lying, stealing, cheating, fornication, murder, torture, idolatry and breaking promises are regarded as acceptable in many cultures. Thus, the end result of this view (known as cultural relativism) is no morality (Leviticus 18:24-30, Psalm 33:10, Jeremiah 10:2-3, Colossians 2:8).

Many use the human conscience as the basis for defining sin and distinguishing between right and wrong. However, the consciences of many have allowed them to do terrible things. Why? As a result of the fall of mankind recorded in Genesis 3, the consciences of humans are flawed. Now, the human conscience can become defiled or seared by means of sin (Titus 1:15, I Timothy 4:2).

Others define sin as whatever is against the laws of a human government. Yet, laws are established on the basis of the opinions and desires of law makers. If the basis of law is merely human opinion, how do we know whose opinion is right? In addition, are there not many unjust laws found among nations today (Ecclesiastes 5:8, Micah 6:8, Acts 4:18-20, I Corinthians 3:19-21)? Moreover, personal experiences do not provide a reliable basis for defining sin for two reasons.

21 1. Personal experiences differ.

2. The Scriptures reveal that Satan can also give religious experiences to those who are deceived (II Thessalonians 2:9-10, Revelation 13:13-14).

Therefore, rationalization, culture, conscience, human government and personal experiences do not provide a reliable basis for defining sin. We must look to a higher principle to determine what is right or wrong. Thankfully, Jesus declared that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). The Bible is God’s Word to mankind (Deuteronomy 4: 1-10, John 8:47; 10:35; 12:48-50; 17:8, II Timothy 3:16-17, I Thessalonians 2:13). When we want to decide what is right or wrong, true or false, we must turn to the Bible for the correct answers. What does the Bible teach about sin?

I. Sin defined A. Sin is disobedience in thought, word or deed to the expressed will of God found in the Holy Scriptures. Sin is transgression against God’s moral laws (I John 3:4).

“Whosoever committeth ____________ transgresseth also the ____________: for sin is the __________________________ of the law.” I John 3:4 B. In the New Testament, the word sin is translated from the Koine Greek word αμαρτια. It means to miss or fall away from the right path.

C. Some sins in thoughts include unbelief, coveteousness, lust, prejudice, malice, envy, unthankfulness and hatred of others. In reality, evil thoughts begin in the heart (Matthew 15:19, Romans 1:29-32, Galatians 5:19-21).

D. Some sins in words of communication are lying, swearing, blasphemy, boasting, slander, maligning, gossip, arguing or evil communications (Matthew 12:36-37, Galatians 5:19-21).

E. Some sins in deeds are murder, fornication (sex outside of biblical marriage), idolatry (including bowing before graven images of anything in heaven or or on earth), sorcery, stealing, cheating, raping, drunkeness, extortion or disobedience to parents (Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:20, I Corinthians 6:9-11, Revelation 21:8).

F. Sins of omission are not doing the things that you should do. For example not attending church, not praying and not witnessing to others about Jesus are sins of omission (I Samuel 12:23, Mark 16:15, Galatians 6:10, I Thessalonians 5:17, Hebrews 10:25, James 5:16).

G. List the sins mentioned in Romans 1:29-32. _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ II. The origin of sin on our planet A. Our ancestors Adam and Eve were created by God to live forever in fellowship with God in a paradise earth without sin (Genesis 1:31). God wanted people who would obey Him and be His people because it was their choice. God put a testing tree in the center of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17). The test was established when God commanded not to eat of only one tree: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, it came to pass one day that Satan deceived Eve by speaking through the serpent

22 (Genesis 3:1-4). Adam and Eve chose to disobey God’s command by eating fruit from the tree (Genesis 3:6). From this day forward all was ruined. Joy and peace died, fear came (Genesis 3:8).

B. Sin, disease, pestilences and death came as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin (Romans 5:12, 6:23, 8;19-23). The earth and all who lived on it were under a curse (Genesis 3:17). All the miseries of the human race began with this one act of disobedience. Mankind fell. From this day on, humanity became sinners by nature and practice from birth (Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 5:18-19; 7:23). The bad conditions in the world today are the direct result of man’s sin (Romans 3:10-23, I Corinthians 15:21-22, I John 5:19). The origin of sin on the earth was the fallen angel known as Satan or Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:11-17, John 8:44, Revelation 20:2,10).

C. “Wherefore by one ___________ sin ____________________ into the world, and ______________ by __________; and so _____________ passed upon _________ men, for that _________ have sinned.” Romans 5:12

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Lake of Fire

III. There are consequences to sin.

A. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death;...” The word death in this verse means physical and spiritual death. This death refers to the second death of Revelation 21:8. It means separation from God for all eternity in a place called “the lake which burneth with fire and brimestone (Revelation 14:11; 21:8).” Without God’s forgiveness for our sins, this is the just payment from God for our sins ( Matthew 25:4146, Romans 1:18, 2:5-8).

B. Sin brings physical, spiritual and financial consequences to you and to others.

Let’s consider five examples: 1. Fornication brings sexually transmitted diseases, anger, increase in violence, divorce, guilt and distrust.

2. Theft results in guilt, bitterness, increase in violence, distrust, rising prices to cover losses and financial loss.

3. Divorce usually creates bitterness, guilt, distrust, and financial loss.

4. Drunkeness brings an increase in violence, rape, divorce, depression, liver disease, fatal car accidents and financial loss.

5. Smoking causes respiratory problems, lung diseases, fires and financial loss.

C. The universal spiritual law of sowing and reaping is that you will receive what you have sown in your life (Galatians 6:7-8).

23 D. “Be not ______________________; God is not ____________________: for ________________________ a man ___________________, that shall he also _______________.” Galatians 6:7 IV. In reality, all sin is against God (Genesis 39:9, I Samuel 12:23, Psalms 51:4; 119:11).

A. Because all sin is ultimately against God Himself, we must ask forgiveness of our sins from God Himself (Ezra 10:11, Psalms 32:5; 51:1-10, Luke 11:4; 18:13, I John 1:9).

B. However, if our sin is also against a person, we must ask that person for forgiveness of the wrong. See Matthew 5:24-25, Luke 15:18-21; 17:3-4.

C. “Thy ______________ have I hid in mine ________________, that I might not ___________ against thee.” Psalm 119:11 V. All have sinned (Romans 3:9-23; 5:12, Galatians 3:22, I John 1:8-10).

A. You may have sinned more or less than others. However, it only takes one sin to separate you from God for all eternity. Note Ezekiel 18:4, Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 6:23 and James 2:10.

B. Let us suppose that Mr. John Doe lived very uprightly and averaged only one sin for each day in word, thought and deed. At the end of one year John would have 365 sins. At the end of 10 years John would have ___________ sins. At the end of 30 years John would have _______________ sins. Is Mr. John Doe a sinner? Yes / No C. “For __________ have _______________________, and come short of the _________________ of ____________;” Romans 3:23 D. Who has sinned according to Romans 3:23? ______________________________ E. According to Romans 3:23, have you sinned against God? Yes / No VI. You can obtain the forgiveness of your sins only by accepting as a gift the one time sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins (II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 2:24; 3:18, Hebrews 10:10-18).

A. The blood of Jesus Christ is the only offering God will accept as a satisfactory payment for your sins (Romans 5:9-11, Hebrews 9:22-26; 10:10-14; 13:20, I Peter 1:18-19, I John 1:7).

B. You must call on the Lord Jesus in prayer and ask Him to forgive your sins on the basis of His finished work on the cross in your behalf (Romans 10:9-13).

C. “For he hath made him (Jesus) to be ___________ for us, who knew no _____________; that we might be made the _____________________ of God in ____________.” II Corinthians 5:21 D. Who became sin for us according to II Corinthians 5:21? _____________________ VII. Christians must die daily to sin and self (Luke 9:23, Romans 6:1-14, I Corinthians 15:31).

A. According to the Scriptures, when you get saved your body, mind and spirit become the property of the Lord Jesus (I Corinthians 6:19-20). As a Christian, you no longer have a right to sin with your body, mind or spirit.

B. To live daily in the victory that Jesus Christ has already provided, you must do three things:

24 1. Acknowledge that you are spiritually in Christ for all eternity. This makes you identified with the completed work of Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:6-10).

2. Reckon yourself to be dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). Why? Jesus Christ forever defeated sin on the cross. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Romans 6:6).”

3. Yield your body, mind and spirit to God moment by moment, day by day (Romans 6:13-14).

C. Jesus Christ must be in control of your life in place of self and sin (Galatians 2:20; 5:24-25). How? Being born again gives you a new nature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17, II Peter 1:4). However, you still have your old nature. Which nature that you choose to feed each day will determine which nature will be strongest in your life (Colossians 3:1-10).

If you choose to feed the old nature, self and sin will control your life. If you choose to feed your new nature in prayer and obedience to God’s Word, Jesus Christ will be the master of your life (Romans 6:16).

D. “Neither _______________ ye your _____________________ as instruments of unrighteousness unto ___________: but ________________ yourselves unto ____________, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of ________________________ unto __________________.” Romans 6:13 E. In Romans 6:13, what are Christians instructed to do? _______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Are you living as a servant to Jesus Christ or as a servant to sin and self? sin / Jesus Are you a born again follower of Jesus Christ?

Yes / No / Not sure

The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit. Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

25

Repentance: The First Command of Jesus Christ Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #6

by Nolan McFadden

According to the Bible, what is repentance? Which answer is correct?

A. Repentance is a command only for Christians.

B. Repentance is a sacrament that helps you to earn pardon for your sins after baptism by doing religious works.

C. Repentance and belief are the same.

D. Repentance is a change of mind about your sins that God gives in order to help prepare your heart and mind for faith and obedience.

The correct answer is D. Our Lord Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee by delivering two very important commands. They are found in Mark 1:15. They are “________________ ye, and ___________________ the _______________.” Notice that Jesus used the word and between the words “repent and believe the gospel” in verse 15.

Using and between the verbs repent and believe implies that they are two distinct actions. Also, by linking the two verbs together with and Jesus implied that these two actions should occur at the same time. Yet, what is repentance? How does repentance relate to belief that saves? Why is repentance a very important Bible teaching? The purpose of this study is to help you locate the answers to these questions and others from the Bible. In a time of many false professions of faith, it is absolutely essential that we understand and obey God’s command to repent.

I. Repentance defined: A. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word shubh best expresses the concept of repentance. It means to turn. In Ezekiel 33:11 the Israelites were commanded by God to “..._______________ ye, ______________ ye from your _______________ ways,...”

B. In the New Testament, the word repent is translated from the Koine Greek verb μετανοεϖ. It means a change of mind or purpose. In the New Testament, repentance refers to a change of mind concerning sins. It is your frame of mind toward your sins. Genuine repentance is evidenced by a genuine sorrow about your sins (Luke 18:13, II Corinthians 7:9-10). It results in a change of your actions and the direction of your life from sin to God (Acts 26:20, Luke 19:8-9, ). Thus, biblical repentance refers to a change of mind about your sins that God gives in order to help prepare your heart and mind for faith and obedience.

C. The apostle Paul’s message to the unsaved Jews and Gentiles was,”...that they should ___________________ and _______________ to God, and do ________________ meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20 II. The message of repentance is found many times in the Bible.

A. Repentance was preached by Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, the apostle Paul, the apostle Peter and by the disciples Jesus sent forth to preach in Mark 6:12.

B. Zechariah 1:4 warns, “...Thus saith the Lord of hosts; _____________ ye now _______________ your ________________ ways,...”

C. John the Baptist preached, “____________________ ye: for the kingdom of _________________ is at hand.” Matthew 3:2

26 D. The Lord Jesus warned in Luke 13:3, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye __________________, ye shall _________ likewise ___________________.” See also Matthew 4:17; 11:20-22; 12:40-41 and Luke 15:7-10.

E. In Acts 20:21, the apostle Paul reminded the pastors at Ephesus that he had testified to the Jews and the Greeks, “...___________________________ toward God, and _________________ toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Read also Acts 17:30-32; 26:19-20.

F. The message of the apostle Peter in Acts 3:19 was, “____________________ ye therefore, and be _________________________, that your _______________ may be blotted out,...”

G. The disciples that Jesus sent forth, “...went out, and _____________________ that men should ___________________.” Mark 6:12 III. The message of repentance is included in the great commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:20, Luke 24:46).

A. Why is this important? One of Christ’s commands is to repent.

An important part of the great commission of Jesus is to teach all the commands that He gave His disciples. Our Savior instructed, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: (Matthew 28:20)” Thus, we must proclaim the message of repentance in order to obey the great commission of Jesus Christ.

B. Jesus declared in Luke 24:47, “And that ________________________ and ______________________ of sins should be ____________________ in his name among ________ nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

C. In Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe ________ _____________ whatsoever I have ______________________ you...” includes Christ’s command of repentance. See Mark 1:15 and Matthew 4:17.

IV. The message of repentance is a foundational principle of the doctrine of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 6:1). “...not laying again the _____________________ of _______________________ from dead works.” Hebrews 6:1 V. Repentance from sin is a command of God in the New Testament (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15; 6:12, Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30, II Timothy 2:19, Revelation 3:3).

A. God does not command people to do that which they are not able to do by His grace (Proverbs 1:23-31).

B. God’s command of repentance must never be regarded as optional (Luke 13:3-5).

C. In Acts 17:30, who is now commanding all men everywhere to repent? _________ VI. God’s command of repentance is directed to all mankind including the unsaved (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Acts 17:30-31; 20:21; 26:20, II Peter 3:9, Revelation 9:20).

A. The apostle Paul proclaimed to the unsaved Athenians, “And the times of his ignorance __________________ winked at; but now commandeth _____________ men _____________________ to __________________:” Acts 17:30 B. Paul shared with King Agrippa about his encounter with Jesus Christ and the message of repentance in Acts 26. Was King Agrippa a Christian? Yes / No

27 C. In addition to the Jews, to what other group of people did Paul preach the message of repentance as recorded in Acts 20:21; 26:20? ______________________ D. The apostle Peter proclaimed, “The Lord is not slack concerning his __________________, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that ___________ should perish, but that __________ should come to ______________________.” II Peter 3:9 E. Prophetically, it is recorded about the unsaved during the future tribulation period, “Neither _____________________ they of their ____________________, nor of their ____________________, nor of their ______________________, nor of their _________________.” Revelation 9:21 F. In fact, we notice in the Scriptures that all people are responsible to God for all their actions and attitudes (Mark 7:20-23, II Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:12-13).

G. According to Revelation 21:8, who will have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death? List them. _______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ H. Without repentance, which types of unrighteous people will not inherit the kingdom of God according to I Corinthians 6:9-10? List them. ___________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ VII. Genuine repentance always accompanies genuine saving faith (Matthew 7:2023, Luke 19:8-10, II Corinthians 5:17, I Thessalonians 1:5-9, I John 2:3-4; 3:7-10).

A. A person cannot truly be saved or follow Jesus Christ without a change of mind about his sins and need of salvation in Christ.

To be saved, there must be a genuine change in the heart and mind of the person (II Corinthians 5:17).

B. In Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Merrill Unger points out, “Although faith alone is the condition for salvation (Eph. 2:8-10, Acts 16:31), repentance is bound up with faith and inseparable from it, …(918)” C. An excellent example of genuine repentance accompanying genuine saving faith is found in the salvation experience of Zacchaeus the tax collector in Luke 19:1-9.

As Zacchaeus believed in Jesus Christ from the heart for salvation, there was a change in his mind toward his sins. There was sincere remorse for the effects of his sins on those around him. The result was a change in his life actions as evidenced in Luke 19:8.

D. Likewise, when the apostle Paul preached the gospel in Thessalonica, some received his message and became believers (Acts 17:1-10, I Thessalonians 1:5-10). In I Thessalonians 1:9 we read that these people, “... t___________________ to God from i______________ to s_______________ the living and true God;” E. “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord Jesus; Behold, _______________, the _____________ of my goods I _____________ to the poor; and if I have _______________ any thing from any man by ______________ accusation, I _______________ him fourfold. And _______________ said unto him, This day is _______________________ come to this house,...” Luke 19:8-9 F. Like Zaccheus, have you stopped to consider how your sins have hurt others?

Yes / No

28 VIII. Genuine repentance is an evidence of genuine salvation (Matthew 7:20-23; 10:27, I Corinthians 15:2, Titus 1:16, I John 2:3-4; 3:7-10).

A. No repentance indicates no salvation. One who continues to live like the unsaved after a profession of faith in Christ, was most likely never saved (I John 2:3-4).

B. What is it? It walks like a duck, lives like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, eats like a duck, drinks like a duck and prefers to be with other ducks. What is it? It is a duck. What is it? It walks like an unsaved person, lives like an unsaved person, speaks like an unsaved person, looks like an unsaved person, drinks like an unsaved person, lies like an unsaved person and prefers to be with other unsaved people? What is it? It is an unsaved person.

C. “In this the children of ____________ are manifest, and the children of the _______________: whosoever ______________ not __________________________ is not of God, neither he that __________________ not his brother.” I John 3:10 D. What are the two identifying characteristics of the children of the devil in I John 3:10? ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ IX. Repentance is a gift from God and requires man’s response (Acts 5:31; 11:18, Romans 2:4, II Timothy 2:25, Deuteronomy 4:30, Nehemiah 1:9, Psalm 7:12, Jeremiah 3:14).

A. The gift of repentance involves both God’s enablement and man’s response. A gift can be rejected. God gives the gift of repentance if a person is willing to repent.

B. An excellent example of the human responsibility element involved in repentance is found in Jonah 3:8-10. Notice the words,”... let them turn every one from his evil way,...” of the king’s decree in verse 8. The text then records in verse 10, “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way;...” Who turned? “They turned. ” The usage of the words “their works” and “they turned” clearly implies that man’s response is involved in repentance. Likewise, see “If thou turn” in Deuteronomy 4:30, Nehemiah 1:9, Psalm 7:12 and Jeremiah 3:14.

C. Acts 11:18 declares, “...Then hath ____________ also to the Gentiles ____________________ repentance unto _____________.” Acts 11:18 X. Christians must depart from sin in order to truly follow Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:19).

A. Every Christian struggles with sin (I John 1:7-10). However, there are differences between a true believer and a false believer. The true believer confesses and forsakes sin (I John 1:5-9). The true believer cannot continue in sin because of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (I John 3:9). The false believer practices sin as a lifestyle (I John 3:7-11). The false believer does not have an inner desire and empowerment from the Holy Spirit to change (Romans 8:11, I John 2:3-4).

B. Repentance is your decision (Luke 11:32, Revelation 2:5; 3:19; 9:21; 16:9-11).

Are you viewing your sin from your perspective or from God’s perspective? It is easy for us to rationalize our sin or the sin of others by not viewing sin from God’s perspective as recorded in His Word (Leviticus 18:4, Isaiah 64:6, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 6:23, Galatians 6:7-8). However, it only takes one sin to separate us from

29 God for all eternity (Romans 6:23, James 2:10). Without repentance and faith in Jesus Christ’s finished sacrifice for your sins, you will die in your sins.

C. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth ____________, having this seal, The Lord ___________________ them that are ____________. And, Let every one that nameth the _______________ of Christ __________________ from ______________________.” II Timothy 2:19 D. Who must depart from iniquity according to II Timothy 2:19? __________________ _____________________________________________________________________ E. Jesus said, “As many as I ______________, I rebuke and chasten: be ____________________ therefore, and __________________.” Revelation 3:19 What is your decision? Choose one.

O As a lost sinner, I choose to turn from my sins and to turn to God. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me.

In prayer, I will ask God to forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23; 10:1-13).

O As a Christian, I choose to confess and reject the sin of ________________________ in my life. By the grace of God, I choose to yield my body, mind and spirit to God (Romans 6:13, 12:1-2).

O

I choose not to repent and to go my own way to perdition (Matthew 7:13).

The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

30

What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus Christ?

Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #7

by Nolan McFadden

Text: John 1:12-13; 3:16-17 What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ? According to the New Testament, which answer is correct?

A. To believe the fact that Jesus Christ exists B. To believe the fact that Jesus Christ is the Savior C. To believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord (Jehovah) and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. In prayer, you must call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and personally receive Him as you Savior and Lord (Joel 2:2632, John 1:12, Romans 10:9-13, I Corinthians 12:3). The result is that you will be born again of the Holy Spirit and have a new life in Jesus (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7, II Corinthians 5:17).

According to the Scriptures, the correct answer is C. We live during a time when many who claim to believe in Jesus Christ are not born again of God’s Spirit. However, a person cannot truly believe in Jesus Christ unless he has been born again of the Holy Spirit (John 1:12-13; 3:3). To be born again is a choice. The only way of being born again is clearly set forth in John 1:12-13. According to John 1:12, it is necessary to personally receive Jesus Christ and “believe on his name” to become a child of God. In John 1:12 “his name” refers to who Jesus is and what He has done as recorded in the Scriptures. Those who personally receive Jesus Christ and believe on His name are described as born of God in John 1:13.

However, due to false teachings, many are believing that they have been born again by means of water baptism or a religious ceremony. Yet, John 1:13 teaches that the new birth is not by means of “the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,...” Others are believing that they are children of God because they were born in a Christian family. Yet, John 1:13 declares that the new birth is “not of blood.”

To be saved you must believe in Jesus Christ as it is defined in the Bible. The salvation of your soul depends on this (Acts 4:12; 16:30-31, Romans 1:16, I Corinthians 1:21, Hebrews 10:39). A false understanding of believing in Jesus results in a false profession of faith and eternal perdition (See Matthew 7:23, John 3:36, I Corinthians 15:2 and Titus 1:16).

Therefore, it is extremely important that you understand and experience in your heart the believing that results in the true salvation of your soul. The purpose of this study is that you may come to know Him who gave His life for you and the salvation which He has provided for you (John 17:3, Romans 5:8-9, II Timothy 1:12).

I. Believing in Jesus Christ is more than mentally agreeing with the facts about Jesus Christ and salvation.

A. Who also believes that there is one God and trembles as recorded in James 2:19? ________________________________________________ B. As found in Acts 16:16-18, what was the spiritual condition of the girl who declared that Paul and Silas were “servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation?” ________________________________________ C. What did the demons recognize about Jesus as recorded in Matthew 8:29? ______ _____________________________________________________________________

31 D. Therefore, we conclude from the Scriptures that believing in Jesus Christ involves more than acknowledging the facts that Jesus exists and that He is the Son of God. Even the demons are able to do this.

II. To believe in Jesus Christ means that you must personally place your full confidence in Him and His finished sacrifice for your salvation.

A. How the word believe is understood is very important.

In the New Testament, the word believe means more than → mental agreement. The word believe is translated from the Koine Greek verb πιστευϖ. It means to place your confidence in.

B. To believe in Jesus Christ you must be persuaded in your own heart and mind that Jesus is Lord (Jehovah) and that He died on the cross as the sinless sacrifice to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you (Romans 1:16; 10:9-13, Acts 15:7-9, Joel 2:32).

C. With what does man believe unto righteousness according to Romans 10:10? ____ _____________________________________________________________________ D. What must you believe in your heart in order to be saved as recorded in Romans 10:9? ________________________________________________________________ E. What did Philip say was necessary before the eunuch could be baptized according to the first part of Acts 8:37? ______________________________________________ III. Believing in Jesus Christ is always accompanied by genuine repentance.

A. Repentance means to have a change of mind about your Sins and need of salvation. It involves turning from your sins ( unbelief,lying, stealing, cheating, malice, false accusations, swearing, fraud, lust, covetousness, fornication, idolatry, sorcery, murder, drunkeness) to God’s gift of salvation.

B. What two commands did Jesus give in Mark 1:15? ________ ___________________________________________________ C. Why did Jesus come according to Luke 5:32? ___________________ ___________________________________________________________ D. According to Romans 3:23, who has sinned against God? ____________________ E. Who must repent according to Acts 17:30? ________________________________ IV. Believing in Jesus Christ involves personally receiving Jesus and His gift of eternal life (John 1:12, Luke 18:13, Romans 6:23; 10:13, Colossians 2:6, I John 5:11-13).

A. A gift is not yours until you accept it. In addition, to not receive a gift is to reject it. It is the same with God’s gift of salvation. It can be accepted or rejected. To receive God’s gift of eternal life and forgiveness of your sins, you must call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to save your soul (Romans 10:13, Luke 18:13).

B. What is the gift of God as recorded in Romans 6:23? _______________________ C. To become a son or daughter of God, what must you do according to John 1:12? _____________________________________________________________________ D. What was the publican’s petition to God as recorded in Luke 18:13? ____________ _____________________________________________________________________

32 E. “For _______________________ shall _______________ upon the name of the L________________ (Jesus) shall be ___________________.” Romans 10:13 F. Believing in your heart the gospel message of Romans 10:9-12, what must you do to be saved according to Romans 10:13? ____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ V. Believing in Jesus Christ results in being born again of the Holy Spirit to a new life in Jesus (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7, II Corinthians 5:17).

A. Two things happen the moment that you are born again: 1. You become a child of God (John 1:12, Romans 8:16, Galatians 3:26).

2. You are baptized by the Holy Spirit into God’s forever family (I Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 3:15). This makes you spiritually “in Christ” as the Bible describes it (Romans 8:1-2, II Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:6).

B. Those who believe on his name (Jesus Christ) and personally receive Jesus as Savior and Lord are born of ______________ according to John 1:13.

C. If you are spiritually “in Christ”, you are described as a n____________ c___________________ in the first part of II Corinthians 5:17.

D. What is the evidence that a person is truly born of God according to I John 2:29? _____________________________________________________________________ E. According to the Scriptures, all who have not been born again of the Holy Spirit are spiritually children of the devil (Satan). What are the two identifying characteristics of a child of the devil according to I John 3:10? ___________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ F. Jesus declared, “...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be _______________ _______________, he cannot see the ______________________ of God.” John 3:3 G. According to I John 2:3-4, is it possible for a person to say that he or she believes in Jesus Christ and not be born again? Yes / No H. Have you been born again of the Holy Spirit to a new life in Jesus Christ?

Yes / No / Not Sure The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

33

What Is the True Gospel?

Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #8

by Nolan McFadden

Text: I Corinthians 15:1-8 According to the New Testament, what is the true gospel? Which answer is correct?

A. The social gospel which focuses on works of social concern to benefit mankind B. The gospel of religious works: salvation by keeping the sacraments of a church (sacredotal salvation) C. The reestablishment of God’s kingdom beginning with Christ’s “invisible” second presence in 1914 (Jehovah’s Witnesses) D. The gospel of emotions: a gospel that puts emphasis on religious experiences, emotions and ecumenical fellowship E. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures, for our salvation F. The gospel of self-esteem: improving your poor self-concept by means of selfism According to the Scriptures, the correct answer is E. Which gospel you are truly believing in your heart is very important. Why? Which gospel you choose to believe will determine whether or not you have true salvation. The salvation of the Bible gives 100% certainty that we have eternal life in Heaven and the forgiveness of all our sins (John 5:24; 10:27-29, I John 1:7; 5:11-13). The others do not. The salvation of the Bible gives us true inner peace that transcends all of the injustices and disappointments of this life (John 14:27). The others do not. The salvation of the Bible makes us citizens of Heaven forever (John 14:2-3, Philippians 3:20-21, I Peter 1:3-4). The others do not. What does the Bible teach about the gospel?

I. There is only one true gospel (I Corinthians 15:1).

A. Notice in I Corinthians 15:1 that the apostle Paul declared the gospel.

Paul did not declare one of many gospels. Paul preached only one gospel.

In fact, 83 times the singular article the is found before the singular word gospel in the New Testament.

B. In fact, Paul clearly defined the gospel in I Corinthians 15:3-4.

The gospel is the death of Jesus Christ for our sins, His burial and His resurrection according to the Scriptures. The word gospel is translated from the Koine Greek word ευαγγελιον. It means good news. In the New Testament, the word gospel refers to the good news of God’s salvation by means of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

C. The phrase according to the Scriptures is found twice in I Corinthians 15:3-4.

The gospel is not according to man’s reasoning or religious works. Rather, the gospel is according to the Scriptures.

D. According to Galatians 1:12, what was the source of the gospel that Paul preached? ____________________________________________________________ E. “For I delivered unto ________ first of all that which I also _________________, how that Christ ______________ for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was __________________, and that he ______________ again the third day according to the ____________________:” I Corinthians 15:3-4 II. Proclaiming a different gospel is in reality proclaiming a false gospel (II Corinthians 11:3-4, Galatians 1:6-12).

34 A. In Galatians 1:8-9, there is an eternal condemnation (accursed) placed on anyone who preaches a different gospel. Twice in this passage the apostle Paul declares that the one who preaches a different gospel is “accursed.”

Therefore, it is very important that we believe and proclaim the same gospel that the apostle Paul preached.

B. Over the centuries, Satan has created counterfeit gospels in order to deceive millions (II Corinthians 4:2-5, 11:3-4). False gospels teach salvation based on religious works or salvation based on religious works plus faith. However, the Bible teaches us that good works are the result of saving faith not the basis of saving faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). We cannot be saved by means of the good works that we do.

C. Are you doing for your salvation or have you accepted by faith what Jesus did to purchase your salvation by His one time sacrifice on the cross? See Romans 10:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5-7.

D. “...if any man preach any other __________________ unto you than that ye have _____________________, let him be _______________________.” Galatians 1:9 III. Only the true gospel brings true salvation (Romans 1:16, I Corinthians 15:2).

A. It is the gospel, “By which also ye are __________________,...” I Corinthians 15:2 B. Only the true gospel is, “the ________________ of God unto _____________________ to every one that believeth;...” Romans 1:16 C. Notice in I Corinthians 15:2 that it is possible to believe “in vain”. This occurs when a person makes a false salvation decision. This is mental assent to the truth without repentance and saving faith. Before you can be saved, you must have a genuine change of mind about your sins and about your need of Jesus for salvation.

See also Hebrews 4:2-3.

D. What does the gospel do for us according to Romans 1:16? __________________ _____________________________________________________________________ IV. To be saved, you must believe the true gospel from your heart and place your full confidence only in Jesus Christ and His gospel for salvation (Romans 1:16-17; 10:9-13).

A. Placing your full confidence in Jesus for salvation is more than mentally acknowledging truth about Him. For example, you can believe that a chair will hold you up if you sit on it. But, until you place your confidence in the chair’s ability to hold you up, by sitting on it, it will not benefit you. It is the same with God’s gift of salvation.You may believe that Jesus is the only true Savior and that He is able to give you eternal life and the forgiveness of your sins. However, until you ask Jesus in prayer for the gift of eternal salvation,His finished work on the cross will not benefit you.

B. To be saved, you must choose to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Then, in prayer you must call on Jesus and personally receive Him in your heart as Lord and Savior. Ask Jesus for the → forgiveness of your sins and the gift of eternal life (Luke 18:13, John 1:12, Romans 6:23; 10:10-13, Ephesians 3:17).

C. “For whosoever shall ______________ upon the name of the ___________________ shall be ___________________.” Romans 10:13

35 V. Share the true gospel with all those who need the opportunity to be saved (Mark 16:15, Romans 1:14-15, 10:14-17).

A. It is our Savior’s desire that the gospel be preached in all nations for a witness to the people of the world (Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark 13:10, 16:15, Luke 24:45-48).

B. Have you considered how you can participate in sharing the true gospel with others? Ways to participate include: attending weekly visitation time at your church, distributing gospel literature, sharing home Bible studies, hosting a gospel video outreach in your home and supporting missionaries.

C. ..”______ ye into all the world, and preach the _____________ to every ___________________.” Mark 16:15 D. To whom must we share the gospel according to Mark 16:15? _________________ E. As a Christian, is it your decision to begin or continue sharing the gospel with unsaved people? Yes / No signature ______________________________________ date___________________ The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

36

What Is Necessary to Have Inner Peace?

Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #9

by Nolan McFadden Text: Philippians 4:6-8 According to the New Testament, what gives true inner peace? Which answer is correct?

A. Solitude B. Having much money C. Pleasing people (family, friends) D. Accept God’s gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of your sins through salvation in Jesus Christ. Then, learn the ways of Jesus.

E. Practicing eastern religious meditation The correct answer is D. There are six things that you must understand in your heart in order to have true inner peace.

I. God is the author of peace.

A. In Philippians 4:7 the apostle Paul spoke of , “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” This indicates that God’s peace surpasses any human definition or human understanding of peace. In addition, Paul said that God’s peace will, “keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” in Philippians 4:7. This means that the peace of God is first an inner peace. Therefore, you must look beyond human sources for this abundant inner peace.

B. True inner peace can only be found in God who is the author of peace (Romans 15:33, I Corinthians 14:33).

C. “For ____________ is not the _________________ of confusion, but of _________________, as in all _________________ of the saints.” I Corinthians 14:33 D. True inner peace can only come from God (I Corinthians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2; 4:7, Colossians 1:2, I Thessalonians 1:1; 5:23, II Thessalonians 1:2; 3:16, Titus 1:4, Hebrews 13:20).

E. “Now the Lord of __________________ himself _______________ you _________________ by all means. The __________________ be with you all.”

II Thessalonians 3:16 F. What is necessary to be kept in perfect peace as recorded in Isaiah 26:3? _______ _____________________________________________________________________ II. Sin destroys peace.

A. All human history demonstrates that mankind has rejected the way of God’s peace by means of sin ( Isaiah 59:8, Romans 3:17, 23).

B. Your sin will rob you of inner peace( Psalm 51:3, Isaiah 48:22; 57:20-21; 59:1-8).

C. Lying, stealing, cheating, fornication (sex outside of biblical marriage), idolatry (including bowing before graven images of anything in heaven or on earth), unbelief, doubts, jealousy, pride, envy, alcohol, hatred, prejudice, worry, bitterness, spiritism and unrighteous anger separate you from inner peace (Isaiah 59:1-2). You must repent of these sins ( Proverbs 28:13, II Timothy 2:19).

D. Why do believers argue and fight according to James 4:1? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________________ E. In Galatians 5:19-20 strife is listed among, “the works of the f_________________.

37 F. What causes contention according to Proverbs 13:10? ______________________ G. What can we learn about contention (arguing and fighting) from Proverbs 13:10?

Explain. ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ H. What is the opposite of pride as revealed in James 4:6? _____________________ I. Would pride be a source of conflict in your relationships? Yes / No J. “And the way of ___________________ have they not ____________________:” Romans 3:17 III. True inner peace only comes when the author of peace dwells in your heart.

A. You must first make peace with God to have true inner peace.

B. How do we have peace with God according to Romans 5:1? _______________________________________________________ JESUS _______________________________________________________ CHRIST C. According to Galatians 5:22, peace is the fruit of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in a person. What was necessary for the Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit according to Acts 15:7? _______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ D. Many are searching for peace by means of money, pleasing people, alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, eastern religious meditation, religious works, religious ceremonies, rock music or recreation. Yet, none of these things can fill the void in your heart.

Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (the Prince of peace) can give you true inner peace (Isaiah 9:6, John 16:33, Ephesians 2:13-14, Philippians 4:7).

E. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in _______ ye might have ______________. In the ________________ ye shall have _____________________: but be of good cheer; I have ______________________ the _________________.”

John 16:33 F. What is the promise of Jesus to those who are “in me” (Christ Jesus) as found in John 16:33? ___________________________________________________________ IV. Satan wants to rob Christians of inner peace (John 10:10).

A. Satan is able to use ungodly friends, unsaved relatives, deceived teachers or worldly music to plant seeds of doubt, deception and disobedience to God in your thoughts (II Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8). By means of ungodly peer pressure and your sin nature you can be tempted to sin. However, sin will rob you of your inner peace and joy (Psalms 1:1; 51:3-12, Proverbs 12:5).

B. In prayer to God, a Christian must confess and forsake sin on a daily basis in order to maintain a right fellowship with God (I John 1:9).

C. What are Christians commanded to do in II Corinthians 10:5?__________________ _____________________________________________________________________ D. What source did Jesus use to refute Satan’s lies in Matthew 4:4-10? ___________ E. Considering Matthew 4:4-10, what would be the right resource for you to use in order to refute Satan’s falsehoods? _________________________________________ F. What are Christians to do regarding the devil (Satan) according to James 4:7? ____ _____________________________________________________________________ G. In James 4:7 what is first necessary in order to resist the devil? ________________ _____________________________________________________________________

38 V. Pursue relationships of peace with others.

A. God’s peace is an inner peace that is demonsrated in actions of peace toward others.

B. What is God’s command in Hebrew 12:14? ____________________________________________ C. Think of ways that you can engage in actions of peace toward those who have wronged you. List some. _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ D. How are believers to live according to Romans 12:18? _______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ E. Jesus said, “Blessed are the _______________________________; for they shall be called the ________________________ of _____________.” Matthew 5:9.

VI. Choose to trust God and His perfect, eternal plan.

A. Are you viewing your circumstances from your own perspective or from God’s perspective as revealed in His Word-the Bible? In Proverbs 3:5 we are warned, “l__________ not unto thine own u________________________.” Why? Your understanding is limited and distorted by your sin nature (Colossians 3:8-10, James 4:1-5). Whereas, God’s perspective is true, righteous and just (Psalm 119:142, Revelation 19:1). It is according to His perfect and eternal plan (Isaiah 46:10, Acts 17:26, Ephesians 1:11).

B. Because God is in control of our universe, there is no need to fear the future (Matthew 6:30-33, John 14:27). Rather, we must learn to quiet our hearts and listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to our hearts through the Scriptures ( Psalm 46:10, Romans 8:5, I Thessalonians 2:13, Revelation 3:22).

C. “And we know that _________ _________________ work together for good to them that ________________ God,...” Romans 8:28 D. What are Christians instructed to do in Colossians 3:15? __________ _____________________________________________________________________ E. In place of worrying, Christians are commanded to “let your requests be made known unto God” in Philippians 4:6. Which three things should be included in the requests as found in Philippians 4:6? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ F. If we obey Philippians 4:6, what is God’s promise in Philippians 4:7? ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ G. “________________ I leave with you, ________ peace I ________________ unto you: not as the _________________ giveth, give I unto ___________. Let not your heart be ______________________, neither let it be _________________.” John 14:27 H. According to the Bible, peace on earth will be fully realized only when Jesus Christ returns to establish His millenial kingdom of peace, righteousness and justice (Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:1-12, Zechariah 14:1-9, Revelation 20:6). Yet, the salvation of the Bible gives us the peace that transcends all of the injustices and discouragements of this life ( John 14:27; 16:33).

39 You can have the true inner peace that Jesus promised if you will respond to this Bible study in the way that God desires (Matthew 11:28-30).

The good news is that Jesus Christ loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit. Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

40

What Is a Christian According to the New Testament?

Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #10

by Nolan McFadden

Text: Acts 11:25-26 What is a Christian according to the New Testament? Which is the correct answer?

A. A person who professes to be a Christian B. A person who is a good neighbor C. A person who is a member of a church D. A person who is baptized E. A person who was born in a Christian family F. A born-again follower of Jesus Christ; one who continues in the faith The correct answer is F. Are you surprised? While it is very important to be identified as a Christian, be a good neighbor, be baptized according to the Scriptures and attend a biblical church, it is possible to do all of these things and not be a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. In fact, many who profess to be Christians are not saved (Matthew 7:2123, Romans 8:9, I Corinthians 15:2, II Corinthians 11:26, 13:5, Titus 1:16, I John 2:3-4). It is possible to be baptized, attend a church, believe the Bible is God’s Word and even practice some teachings from the Bible, and yet not have a genuine personal relationship with Jesus Christ (John 14:23, II Timothy 1:12, Titus 1:16, I John 2:3-4).

The salvation of the Bible is a decision from your heart that becomes evident in your spirit and your actions (II Corinthians 5:17). Tragically, many in our time profess to be Christians without knowing the Christ of Christianity (Matthew 7:21-23, Ephesians 3:17).

Many people get saved after attending a church for twenty or more years. We have met people who were pastors, deacons and teachers in churches for years before they were truly born-again of the Holy Spirit. How can this happen? It is easy to make a decision to please someone, and it is easy to deceive one’s own heart (Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 7:21-23, I Corinthians 15:2, II Corinthians 13:5).

Friend, God loves you and wants you to have personal assurance about your salvation. May God establish you in this blessing as you study His Word. Since the Lord Jesus declared that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), the best source to use to define the word Christian is God’s Word-the Bible. What is a Christian according to the New Testament?

I. A Christian has been born-again of the Spirit of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3-8, I John 5:1).

A. The Christians in the church at Antioch mentioned in Acts 11:26 and 13:1-4 were led of the Holy Spirit. Only those who have been born again of the Holy Spirit are able to be led of the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9-16). In addition, it is apparent that the Christians at Antioch truly believed in their hearts the message of the true gospel. The missionaries sent from their church, Paul and Barnabas, preached the true gospel (See Acts 13:26-29; 14:7-21; 15:35). Therefore, we conclude that those called Christians in the church at Antioch believed the gospel in their hearts and were born again of the Spirit of God. B. How to be born-again is clearly set forth in John 1:12-13. To be born-again means that you have chosen to believe the gospel message in your heart and personally receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. This spiritual new birth makes you saved and a child of God for all eternity (Luke 8:12, John 1:12; 3:16-36; 5:24-34; 6:47; 10:9, Acts 2:47; 4:12, .Romans 10:13, I Corinthians 1:18, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 3:5).

41 C. Being born-again of the Holy Spirit is the entryway into God’s Kingdom. It is the first step in following Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15, John 3:3). Thus, before you can truly follow Jesus, you must be born-again. Have you been born-again of the Holy Spirit?

Yes / No D. “But as many as __________________ him, to them gave he ________________ to become the sons of God, even to them that ____________________ on his name: Which were ________________, not of ________________, nor of the will of the _____________, nor of the will of _____________, but of __________.” John 1:12-13 E. What is necessary to be born-again according to John 1:12? __________________ _____________________________________________________________________ II. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings (Matthew 4:19-20; 16:24, Mark 8:34, John 10:27-29; 14:21-24, Acts 14:21-23).

A. The term Christian is found only three times in the New Testament. See Acts 11:26; 26:28 and I Peter 4:16. According to Acts 11:26, Christians were disciples. The word disciple is translated from the Koine Greek word μαθητηs. It means a learner who follows and imitates his or her master. Thus, a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings (John 10:27-29; 14:21-24, Luke 6:46).

B. To be a follower of Jesus Christ is more than church attendance. It includes following the teachings of Jesus on a daily basis in your life (Luke 9:23, I John 2:6).

C. “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him ______________ himself, and take up his ______________ daily, and ______________ me.” Luke 9:23 D. What must you do in order to follow Jesus Christ according to Luke 9:23? _______ _____________________________________________________________________ E. According to I John 2:6, what is the result of abiding in Jesus Christ? ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ III. A Christian truly loves the Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 16:22, I John 4:19).

A. We love the Lord Jesus because He first loved us (John 15:13, Romans 5:8, I John 4:19, Revelation 1:5).

B. Those who do not truly love the Lord Jesus Christ are not saved (I Corinthians 16:22).

C. “We ____________ him, because he _____________ loved _______.” I John 4:19 D. According to I Corinthians 16:22, those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ are “A________________________.”

JESUS

S

U.

DO YOU

JESUS?

IV. Because a Christian truly loves the Lord Jesus, a Christian takes seriously the New Testament commands of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:15-23).

A. Love for Jesus Christ is demonstrated on the basis of obedience to His commands (John 14:15-23). We obey Jesus because we love Him. B. Moreover, there is a consequence to disobedience. For example, how serious are you about obeying traffic laws? By obeying traffic laws, you will remain free from the penalty of fines. You know that if you disobey the laws of human government, you will receive a penalty (Romans 13:1-4). Yet, it is even more important to obey the commands of Jesus Christ. You must take them seriously. There is a much greater

42 penalty if we choose to live in disobedience to the commands of Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:1-9; 24:51, I John 2:3-4, Revelation 21:8).

C. There are many religious leaders who will help you to rationalize disobedience to the New Testament commands of Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:6; 24:11, II Timothy 4:3-4, II Peter 2:1-3). Yet, you are still accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ.

D. There is often a cost to obeying the commands of Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23-25, John 15:20-22, II Timothy 3:12). It is not always easy. Yet, the blessings that God showers on us as we serve Him and obey His Word, far outweigh any hardships that we experience in this life.

E. “If you ______________ me, _______________ my commandments.” John 14:15 F. What is the evidence that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in John 14:15?__________ _____________________________________________________________________ V. A Christian demonstrates that his or her profession of faith is genuine by continuing in God’s Word (John 8:31-32; 17:6-8, Acts 2:42; 14:21-22, II Timothy 4:1-7).

A. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye _______________________ in my ______________, then are ye my __________________________ indeed; And ye shall know the ___________________, and the ___________________ shall make you ______________.” John 8:31-32 B. According to Jesus, what demonstrates that we are truly His followers (disciples) in John 8:31-32? _________________________________________________________ C. How are Christ’s sheep (His people) recognized in John 10:27? _______________ _____________________________________________________________________ D. In Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas exhorted the believers “to continue in the f_____________.” This refers to the body of teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles.

E. In which four things did the early Christians continue steadfastly according to Acts 2:42? ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Are you a Christian as the Bible defines the term Christian? Yes / No / Not sure The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited the Lord Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Savior and Lord? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

43

Forty Reasons from the Bible Whereby I Am 100% Certain That Heaven Is My Future Home Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible Study #11

by Nolan McFadden

If you are a born again follower of Jesus Christ, please write your name in each of the spaces marked (your name) _________________________. There will be a brief quiz at the end of this study.

1. I (your name) _______________________ repented of my sins and chose to believe the gospel message in my heart. In prayer, I (your name) ________________________ called on the name of the Lord Jesus and asked Him to forgive my sins and save me by His grace on (date) _________________________. As a result, God’s promise is that I (your name) _______________________ “shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13). The words “shall be saved” in Romans 10:13 means that my salvation is certain.

2. God’s promise is that eternal life is a gift (Romans 5:15-18; 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

On the basis of God’s Word, I (your name) __________________________ have received God’s gift of eternal life.

3. I (your name) ________________________ am saved by grace through faith in Jesus.

It is the gift of God, and it is not by my works (Romans 5:15-18; 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

God does not give me salvation as a gift and then later take it away.

4. The penalty for the sins of (your name) ________________________ has been forever paid in full by means of the eternal, finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross in my behalf (Romans 3-5, Hebrews 10:10-14, I Peter 3:18).

5. I (your name) _______________________ have been justified (declared righteous by God) by faith in Jesus and His blood shed for my sins (Romans 3:24-28).

6. God Himself has imputed His own righteousness to (your name) _______________________ on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for my sins (Romans 5:8-21, II Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, I (your name) ___________________________ have been made the righteousness of God in Jesus. Jesus Christ is my righteousness for all eternity (Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16, II Corinthians 5:21, II Peter 1:1) 7. By one sacrifice on the cross for the sins of (your name) _______________________, Jesus has forever made (your name)______________________ righteous in God’s sight (II Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 10:10-14).

8. Therefore, being justified by faith, I (your name) ________________________ have peace with God through my Lord Jesus (Romans 5:1).

9. Because I (your name) _______________________ have been justified by faith in Jesus and His shed blood on the cross, I (your name) _______________________ am also glorified in eternity (Daniel 12:3, Romans 8:28-30).

44 10. Through faith in Jesus and His shed blood for my sins, I (your name) __________________ have been “accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).

11. I (your name) ______________________ am spiritually “in Christ” (John 14:20, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 1:3; 2:6, Colossians 1:2). This makes me a member of God’s forever family (Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 3:15).

12. According to God’s Word, there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Because I am believing in Jesus, His promise is that I (your name) ___________________ will not come into condemnation (John 3:18; 5:24).

13. Because my Savior is ever living to make intercession for me before God the Father, I (your name) ____________________ am saved to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

14. As a born again follower of Jesus, I (your name) ____________________ am regarded as one of His sheep. As one of His, Jesus declared that I (your name) ___________________ have been given eternal life and that I (your name) _____________________ will never perish (John 10:27-29).

15. Since I (your name) ________________________ have been born again by the Holy Spirit, I (your name) ______________________________ cannot be unborn (John 3:3-8).

16. I (your name) ______________________ am sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30).

17. God’s seed (the Holy Spirit) remains in me (your name) __________________________ (I John 3:7).

18. At the time I (your name) _________________________ was saved, I (your name) ________________________ was baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13). Nowhere in the Bible do we find this work of grace being removed.

19. The Holy Spirit bears witness with my spirit that I (your name) ___________________ am a child of God (Romans 8:16).

20. The Spirit of truth dwells in me (your name) ________________________ and He will continue to be with me forever (John 14:16-17; 16:13, II John 2:2).

21. I (your name) ________________________ cannot earn my salvation or keep myself saved by my own efforts (Galatians 3:1-3, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-7).

I (your name) ________________________ am kept by the power of God (I Peter 1:5).

22. I (your name) _______________________ came to Jesus Christ for the gift of salvation.

His promise is that “him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

23. No man can pluck me (your name) __________________________ out of my Heavenly Father’s hand (John 10:28-29).

24. God has promised me (your name) __________________________ eternal life (I John 2:25; 5:11-13). God does not break His promises.

25. In I John 5:13 God’s promise is that I (your name) __________________________ can “know” (for certain) that I (your name) _______________________ have eternal life. God cannot lie (See Titus 1:2).

26. Jesus promised that if I (your name) _________________________ believe in Him I (your name) _______________________ will not perish, but have (now and continuing into the future) everlasting life (John 3:16, 6:47, 11:25-26) 27. I (your name) _________________________ am delivered from the wrath to come (Romans 5:8-10, I Thessalonians 1:9-10; 5:9).

45 28. I (your name) _________________________ have been made a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20-21).

29. The promise of God is that my earthly body will be changed “that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” at Christ’s coming (Philippians 3:20-21). Therefore, I (your name) _____________________ will receive in the future a glorified body that will be prepared for Heaven (I Corinthians 15:51-54).

30. Jesus promised that He has gone to prepare a place for me (your name) ________________________ in His Father’s house (in Heaven).

Jesus explained, “...I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am (in Heaven), there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

31. I (your name) _________________________ am promised by God, “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (I Peter 1:4).

32. My life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is my life, shall appear, then shall I (your name) _______________________ also appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4) 33. Nothing can separate me (your name) _______________________ from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39).

34. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses (now and continuing into the future) me (your name) _________________________ from all sin for all eternity (Hebrews 10:12-14, I John 1:7). However, after I am saved, if I sin I must confess it directly to God and forsake it in order to maintain a right fellowship with my Lord (II Timothy 2:19, I John 1:9, Revelation 3:19).

35. According to God’s Word, I (your name) ________________________ have passed from (eternal) death to (eternal) life (John 5:24, I John 3:14).

36. God has delivered me (your name) _________________________ from the power of darkness (Satan) and translated me (your name) __________________________ into the kingdom of his dear Son - Jesus (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13). Jesus Christ’s kingdom is for eternity (Daniel 7:13-14, II Peter 1:11).

37. He (God) which has begun a good work in me (your name) _______________________ will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

38. I (your name) ________________________ receive chastisement from my Heavenly Father when I (your name) _________________________ sin (Hebrews 12:5-11).

39. I (your name) ____________________________ love my brothers and sisters in Christ (I John 3:10-15; 5:1-4).

40. I (your name) ___________________________ choose to believe and love the truth (II Thessalonians 2:10-13). Jesus declared that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). The Bible is God’s Word given to mankind (Deuteronomy 4:1-10, John 8:47; 10:35; 12:48-50; 17:8, I Thessalonians 2:13). On the basis of God’s Word, I (your name) _______________________ am 100% certain that Heaven is my future home (Matthew 6:20-21, John 14:2-3, Ephesians 3:15, Philippians 3:20-21, Colossians 1:5, Hebrews 10:34, I Peter 1:4, I John 5:13, Revelation 6:9-10).

Please check one of the following circles that best describes your current spiritual condition: O After completing this study, I am 100% certain that Heaven is my future home.

O

After completing this study, I am still not sure about my salvation.

46 The good news is that Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this message in your heart?

Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

47

Baptism: The Command of Christ Jesus Discovering the faith once delivered to the saints: Bible study #12

by Nolan McFadden

Text: Matthew 28:19-20 According to the Bible, which answer is correct about baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrament that imparts divine merit to help save us.

B. Baptism is an option for Christians.

C. Baptism is only for those who have been saved by grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.

According to the Scriptures, the correct answer is C. I. What is baptism?

A. The words baptize and baptism are transliterations in the New Testament from the Koine Greek words βαπτιζϖ and βαπτισμα. To baptize means to immerse or submerge. The word baptism means to immerse. Note: Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W.E. Vine says about the Greek word βαπτισμα, “baptism, consisting of the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence” (98).

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by W.F. Arndt and F.W. Gingrich defines the word βαπτιζϖ as “dip,immerse” (131).

B. Baptism is not a sacrament that imparts divine merit to help save us. Baptism is an ordinance, a command given to believers by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is a public testimony of the inward experience of salvation.

C. How many commands of Jesus Christ are we to keep according to Matthew 28:20? _____________________________________________________________________ II. What does baptism symbolize?

A. Baptism symbolizes a Christian’s identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12-13). Being immersed in water pictures the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Coming up out of the water pictures the resurrection of Jesus. Thus, baptism by immersion is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation.

It is a picture of the gospel message.

B. Baptism also symbolizes the Christian’s death to sin and a new life in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:4-14, Colossians 2:12-13). Being immersed in water pictures the Christian’s death to sin. Coming up out of the water pictures the Christian’s new life in Jesus.

C. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were ________________________ into Jesus Christ were baptized into his _________________? Therefore we are _________________ with him by baptism into _________________: that like as Christ was _________________ up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in _______________________ of life.” Romans 6:3-4 D. What does baptism picture in Romans 6:3-4? _____________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ III. Is baptism necessary for salvation?

48 A. Baptism cannot save us nor is it part of salvation. However, it is an important command of Jesus to obey (Matthew 28:19). If baptism were a part of salvation, the thief on the cross would have had no hope and our Savior would be a liar. But we know that Jesus Christ was without sin. He cannot lie. The thief on the cross was not able to be baptized, but he did repent and believe. On the basis of faith in Jesus alone for salvation, Christ promised the thief dying on the cross next to him, “___________________ I say unto thee, _________________ shalt ___________ be with me in _________________________.” Luke 23:43 B. Jesus Christ paid the full penalty for our sins on the cross (I Peter 2:24; 3:18, Hebrews 10:10-14). We cannot help pay for our sins through any of our own deeds including baptism (Acts 16:30-31, Romans 3:22-28, Ephesians 2.8-9, Titus 3:5).

C. Over one hundred times in the New Testament, belief is presented as the condition for salvation. See John 1:12-13; 3:16-36; 5:24; 6:29-40; 7:37-38; 9.35; 11:25-27; 17:20; 20:29-31, Romans 10:9-13 and Acts 16:31. In the New Testament, belief in Jesus Christ means to believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord (Jehovah), and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again for you. Then, you must personally receive Jesus Christ and His gospel by calling on the name of Jesus in prayer and asking Him for the gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of your sins (John 1:12, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-13).

D. When the apostle Paul defined the gospel in I Corinthians 15:1-4, he makes no mention of baptism. Why? Because baptism is not a part of the message of salvation.

In fact, Paul clearly distinguishes between the gospel message and baptism in I Corinthians 1:17.

E. “For Christ sent me not to ____________________, but to ________________ the _______________: not with wisdom of words, lest the _______________ of Christ should be made of _____________ effect.” I Corinthians 1:17 F. What is necessary to be saved according to Romans 10:9-13? ________________ _____________________________________________________________________ IV. Who should be baptized?

A. Baptism is a command of Jesus Christ for all of His born-again followers (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38-41) B. Baptism is only for those who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. Only believers in Jesus Christ were baptized after His command was given in Matthew 28:19. See Acts 2:41; 8:12-13,3539; 16:14-15,30-34.

C. “Then they that gladly received his ______________ were ___________________: and the same day there were __________________ unto them about three thousand _______________.” Acts 2:41 V. When should a person be baptized?

A. Baptism should occur only after you are saved. To be a believer in Christ Jesus, you must be old enough to understand your salvation decision (Acts 2:41-47; 4:4; 8:34-38; 16:30-34).

B. Even though it is a common practice, nowhere in the Bible is infant baptism taught or practiced. Baptism is your decision and a public declaration that you intend to live a new life in Jesus. Just as you must personally choose to receive Jesus Christ for

49 salvation (John 1:12), you must also personally choose to be baptized (Acts 2:41).

Infants are not able to make this decision.

C. Those who practice infant baptism attempt to rationalize Acts 16:15,33 and I Corinthians 1:16 as permitting infant baptism because entire families were baptized.

However, there is no mention of infants in these families. In addition, those who were baptized in these families were old enough to understand and believe the message of salvation. Notice the word “all” in Acts 16:32 and 16:34.

D. “And when he had brought them into his ________________, he set ____________ before them, and rejoiced, ____________________ in God with __________ his house.” Acts 16:34 E. Along with the keeper of the prison, who was “believing” in Acts 16:34? __________ _____________________________________________________________________ VI. What is the correct mode of baptism?

A. If the method of baptism is not found in the Bible, we should not practice it. Nowhere in the Bible do we find sprinkling or pouring water for baptism. Why? Baptism by immersion was the normal practice for believers in New Testament times.

B. How do we know?

1. The word baptism means immersion. See part one.

2. There is a different word in the Greek language for pouring or sprinkling. This word is never used in reference to New Testament baptism .

3. The contexts of Scriptures which record baptisms demonstrate that New Testament baptisms were by immersion. Notice the words “went up straightway out of the water” at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16). In fact, there would be no need to be in the Jordan river if baptism was by sprinkling or pouring. Likewise, note the words “they went down both into the water” and “they were come up out of the water” at the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38-39).

4. Only baptism by immersion correctly symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12).

C. If you were baptized by sprinkling or pouring or if you were baptized before you were saved, you were not Scripturally baptized. Thus, you need to be baptized by immersion after you are saved according to the teaching of the New testament.

D. “And when they were come up _________ ______ the ________________,...”

Acts 8:39 VII. Why should a believer be baptized?

A. Baptism is a command of Jesus Christ for all believers (Matthew 28:19-20). It is not an option for Christians. This is an issue of obedience to our Lord Jesus.

B. The Lord Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). How important was baptism to our Savior? Jesus traveled about fifty miles from Jerusalem to be baptized (Matthew 3:13).

C. Baptism is a public testimony to others of your salvation decision. It is a good example for others to follow (Matthew 10:32-33; 28:19-20).

D. When Jesus was baptized, God the Father was very pleased. See the words “wellpleased” in Matthew 3:17. Thus, we notice that biblical baptism pleases God the Father.

50 E. “And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so ____________: for thus it becometh ______ to fulfill all __________________________. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus, when he was ________________________, went _______ straightway out _______ the ________________:” Matthew 3:15-16 F. Why was Jesus baptized according to Matthew 3:15? ________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Which is your decision? Mark the circle that is your choice.

O After studying the Scriptures about the subject of baptism, I choose to obey Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19). I have decided to present myself to be baptized by immersion, according to the New Testament, as a public testimony of my salvation decision.

Name ________________________________________________ Date _______________ O After studying the Scriptures about the subject of baptism, I choose not to obey Christ’s command. I have decided to believe the false traditions of men about baptism or ignore the subject.

Name ________________________________________________ Date _______________ O I have been Scripturally baptized by immersion. I choose to reaffirm my commitment to daily live a new life in Jesus Christ.

Name ________________________________________________ Date _______________ The good news is that Jesus Christ loves you. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Yes / No By faith, you can make the eternal decision to be saved now. If it is your desire to be saved, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit.

Thank you my Lord for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Write the date that you made this salvation decision in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority.

51 Please remember to record your name, address and telephone number in the space below.

Name: ___________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________ Quiz for: Introductory Bible Study Please circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. The faith once delivered to the saints refers to the body of teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles. TRUE / FALSE 2. The faith was delivered to the saints in the First Century by Jesus Christ and His apostles.

TRUE / FALSE 3. The faith once delivered to the saints is discovered in the New Testament.

TRUE / FALSE 4. The saints to whom the faith was once delivered refers to a small, elite group of exceptionally pious people from church history. TRUE / FALSE 5. According to the Bible, all born-again followers of Jesus Christ are saints.

TRUE / FALSE 6. Over the centuries, the faith once delivered to the saints was distorted as false teachings, false philosophies, pagan practices and false traditions were added to the teachings of the Scriptures in many churches. TRUE / FALSE 7. All alleged “divine revelations” which came after the First Century are not part of the faith which was only once delivered to the saints. TRUE / FALSE 8. When God’s truth is blended with man’s false opinions, pure doctrine is created.

TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #1 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Quiz for: How Do We Know That God Exists And Rewards Those Who Diligently Seek Him? Bible Study #2 Please fill in the blank and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. God caused our universe to exist by direct creation. TRUE / FALSE 2. _______________ created the heavens, the earth, animal life and mankind in ________________ days.

3. Because God is our Creator, He understands the purpose of our existence. TRUE / FALSE 4. Complex designs in nature are by accident. TRUE / FALSE 5. Complex designs in nature point to the Master Designer who is all-knowing and all-powerful.

TRUE / FALSE 6. The fact that man has a conscience points to a moral Creator. TRUE / FALSE 7. Mankind is different from animals because man was created in God’s image. TRUE / FALSE 8. Jesus Christ and His apostles taught the theory of evolution. TRUE / FALSE 9. The Bible has 100% fulfillment of its prophecies. TRUE / FALSE 10. God has created us with a spiritual dimension that only He can fill. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #2 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

52 Quiz for: The Holy Bible-A Supernatural Book

Bible Study #3

Please fill in the blank and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. The early Christians and early churches received _____________ books as the Bible.

2. The books of the Apocrypha were not included in the Bible by early Christians. TRUE / FALSE 3. The books of the Apocrypha were not included in the original Hebrew Canon (accepted books) of the Old Testament. TRUE / FALSE 4. The Apocrypha was pronounced to be part of the Canon of Scriptures by the Roman Catholic denomination in 1546 C.E. at the council of Trent. TRUE / FALSE 5. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ taught that His teachings were given directly from God the Father. TRUE / FALSE 6. The teachings of the apostle Paul were not received as the Word of God by early Christians.

TRUE / FALSE 7. God literally breathed out His words and thoughts through the writers of the Bible.

TRUE / FALSE 8. Every word in the Bible was chosen and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, every word in the Bible is important. TRUE / FALSE 9. Many parts of the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit. However, we cannot be sure about some parts. TRUE / FALSE 10. The Bible is truth for Christians but it is not for members of other religions. TRUE / FALSE 11. The Bible is the absolute standard of truth. The Bible is truth from God for all mankind.

TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #3 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Quiz for: Who Is the Jesus Christ of the Bible?

Bible Study #4

Please fill in the blanks and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. According to Micah’s prophecy in Micah 5:2, the Messiah of Israel (the eternal ruler) would be born in Bethlehem. The virgin birth of ______________________________ in Bethlehem was the fulfillment of this prophecy.

2. Jesus Christ experienced the trials, disappointments and temptations of this life. Yet, He was without sin. TRUE / FALSE 3. Jesus Christ is one in substance with God the Father. TRUE / FALSE 4. Jesus Christ was Jehovah God in human flesh. TRUE / FALSE 5. Jesus Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of some things but not all things. TRUE / FALSE 6. There are false teachers and false religions that teach Jesus Christ is a created angel.

However, Jesus could not have been created since He is the Creator of all things. One could not be created if He Himself is the Creator of all things. TRUE / FALSE 7. In fact, if Jesus Christ was not Jehovah in human flesh, He could not be our Savior. Why? According to the Scriptures, Jehovah is the only Savior. TRUE / FALSE 8. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ declared, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” TRUE / FALSE 9. Jesus Christ is never called God in the Bible. TRUE / FALSE 10. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is called the Son of God. This title refers to Christ’s coeternal relationship with God the Father. TRUE / FALSE 11. The Messiah of Israel, Jesus Christ, was “from everlasting”(Micah 5:2). According to the Scriptures, only God is from everlasting. TRUE / FALSE 12. The supernatural, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrates that Jesus is equal to other religious leaders of the past such as Muhammad, Buddha, Gandhi or Joseph Smith.

TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #4 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

53 Quiz for: What Is Sin?

Bible Study #5

Please fill in the missing words and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. Sin is ______________________________ in thought, word or deed to the expressed will of God found in the Holy Bible. Sin is ______________________________ nst the moral laws of God. 2. In reality, rationalization, culture, conscience, human government and personal experiences do not provide a reliable basis for defining sin. We must look to a higher principle to determine what is right or wrong. TRUE / FALSE 3. The Bible is God’s Word for mankind. God’s Word is truth. When we want to decide what is right or wrong, true or false, we must turn to the Bible for the correct answers. TRUE / FALSE 4. According to Jesus Christ, evil thoughts begin in the heart. TRUE / FALSE 5. Sins of omission are not doing the things that you should do. TRUE / FALSE 6. Sin, disease, pestilences and death came as the result of Adam and Eve’s sin. TRUE / FALSE 7. From the day that God created mankind, humans became sinners by nature and practice from birth. TRUE / FALSE 8. Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Therefore, we know that sin is a choice.

TRUE / FALSE 9. The good conditions in the world today are the direct result of man’s sin. TRUE / FALSE 10. The origin of sin on the earth was the fallen angel known as Satan (or Lucifer).

TRUE / FALSE 11. Your sin brings physical, spiritual and financial consequences to you and to others.

TRUE / FALSE 12. Because all sin is ultimately against God Himself, we must ask forgiveness of our sins from God Himself. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #5 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Quiz for: Repentance-The First Command of Jesus Christ

Bible Study #6

Please fill in the missing words and circle true or false for the following statements.

1. ______________________________ is a change of mind about your sins that God gives in order to help prepare your heart and mind for faith and obedience.

2. Genuine repentance is evidenced by a genuine sorrow concerning your sins. TRUE / FALSE 3. The message of repentance was preached by Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, the apostle Paul, the apostle Peter and by the disciples Jesus sent forth in Mark 6:12.

TRUE / FALSE 4. The message of repentance is not included in the great commission of Jesus Christ.

TRUE / FALSE 5. Repentance from sin is a command only for Christians. TRUE / FALSE 6. Repentance from sin is a command of God directed to all mankind including the unsaved.

TRUE / FALSE 7. God does not command people to do that which they are not able to do by His grace.

TRUE / FALSE 8. A person cannot truly be saved or follow Jesus without a change of mind about his or her sins and need of salvation. TRUE / FALSE 9. Genuine repentance always accompanies genuine saving faith. TRUE / FALSE 10. One who continues to live like the unsaved after a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, is probably saved. TRUE / FALSE 11. Every Christian struggles with sin. However, the true believer confesses and forsakes sin.

The true believer has a change of mind about his or her sins. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #6 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

54 Quiz for: What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus Christ?

Bible Study #7

Please fill in the blanks and circle true or false for the following statements.

1. To b________________________ in Jesus Christ means to b_________________________ in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord (Jehovah) and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. In prayer, you must call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and personally receive Him as your Savior and Lord (John 1:12, Romans 10:9-13).

2. A person cannot truly believe in Jesus Christ unless he or she has been born-again of the Holy Spirit. TRUE / FALSE 3. To be born-again is a choice. The only means of being born-again is found in John 1:12-13.

TRUE / FALSE 4. To be saved you must believe in Jesus Christ as it is defined in the Bible. TRUE / FALSE 5. In the New Testament, to believe in Jesus Christ means only to acknowledge the fact that He exists. TRUE / FALSE 6. In the New Testament, the word believe means to place your confidence in. TRUE / FALSE 7. True belief in Jesus Christ is always accompanied by genuine repentance. TRUE / FALSE 8. To believe in Jesus Christ, it is not necessary to personally receive Jesus and His gift of eternal life. TRUE / FALSE 9. A gift is not yours until you receive it. In addition, to not receive a gift is to reject it.

TRUE / FALSE 10. Those who personally receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and believe on His name are born of _______________ according to John 1:13.

11. All who have not been born-again are spiritually children of God. TRUE / FALSE 12. According to the Bible, it is possible for a person to say that he or she believes in Jesus Christ and not be born-again of the Holy Spirit. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #7 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Quiz for: What is the true gospel?

Bible Study #8

Please fill in the blanks and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. The _________________________ is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures, for our salvation.

2. In the New Testament, the word gospel refers to the good news of God’s salvation by means of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. TRUE / FALSE 3. The gospel is not according to man’s reasoning or religious works. Rather, the gospel is according to the Scriptures. TRUE / FALSE 4. In Galatians 1:8-9, there is an eternal condemnation placed on anyone who proclaims a different gospel. TRUE / FALSE 5. The Bible teaches that our good works are the basis of saving faith not the result of saving faith. TRUE / FALSE 6. Proclaiming a different gospel is acceptable if the person is ignorant or sincere.

TRUE / FALSE 7. According to I Corinthians 15:2, it is not possible to believe “in vain.” TRUE / FALSE 8. A false salvation decision occurs when there is mental assent to the truth without repentance and saving faith. TRUE / FALSE 9. In order to be saved, it is not necessary to have a genuine change of mind about your sins and about your need of Jesus Christ for salvation. TRUE / FALSE 10. It is our Savior’s desire that the true gospel be preached in all nations for a witness to the people of the world. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #8 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

55 Quiz for: What Is Necessary to Have Inner Peace?

Bible Study #9

Please fill in the blanks and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. God’s _____________________ surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7).

2. True inner peace can only be found in God who is the author of peace. TRUE / FALSE 3. All human history demonstrates that mankind has accepted the way of God’s peace.

TRUE / FALSE 4. Your sin will rob you of your inner peace. TRUE / FALSE 5. In Matthew 4:4-10, Jesus used Greek philosophy to refute Satan’s lies. TRUE / FALSE 6. You must first make peace with God in order to have true inner peace. TRUE / FALSE 7. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (the Prince of peace) can give you true inner peace. TRUE / FALSE 8. In prayer to God, a Christian must confess and forsake sin once every year in order to maintain a right fellowship with God. TRUE / FALSE 9. God’s peace is an inner peace that is demonstrated in actions of peace toward others.

TRUE / FALSE 10. In place of worrying, Christians must learn to trust God and His perfect, eternal plan.

TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #9 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Quiz for: What Is a Christian According to the New Testament?

Bible Study #10

Please fill in the blank and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. A ______________________________ is a born-again follower of Jesus Christ; one who continues in the faith.

2. Many who profess to be Christians are not saved. TRUE / FALSE 3. The salvation of the Bible is a decision from your heart that becomes evident in your spirit and your actions. TRUE / FALSE 4. To be born-again means that you have been saved by baptism. TRUE / FALSE 5. To be born-again means that you have chosen to believe the gospel message in your heart and personally receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. TRUE / FALSE 6. Before you can truly follow Jesus Christ, you must be born-again. TRUE / FALSE 7. The word Christian is found only four times in the New Testament. TRUE / FALSE 8. A Christian is a disciple. Thus, a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings.

TRUE / FALSE 9. Following Jesus Christ includes following His teachings on a daily basis in your life.

TRUE / FALSE 10. A Christian demonstrates that his or her profession of faith is genuine by continuing in God’s Word. TRUE / FALSE 11. Not many religious leaders will help you to rationalize disobedience to the New Testament commands of Jesus Christ. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #10 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

56 Quiz for: Forty Reasons from the Bible Whereby I Am 100% Certain That Heaven Is My Future Home Bible Study #11 Please circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. In I John 5:13 God’s promise is that I can know (for certain) that I have eternal life.

TRUE / FALSE 2. God can lie. TRUE / FALSE 3. The penalty for my sins has not yet been paid in full by Jesus Christ. TRUE / FALSE 4. Since I have been born-again by the Holy Spirit, I cannot be unborn. TRUE / FALSE 5. I am sealed by the Holy Spirit until I sin. TRUE / FALSE 6. God Himself has imputed His own righteousness to me on the basis of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for my sins. TRUE / FALSE 7. I can earn my salvation and keep myself saved by my own efforts. TRUE / FALSE 8. I cannot earn my salvation or keep myself saved by my own efforts. I must receive salvation as a gift from God. After I am saved, I am kept by the power of God. TRUE / FALSE 9. According to the New Testament, Christians are citizens of Heaven. TRUE / FALSE 10. God promises believers, “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” TRUE / FALSE 11. Jesus promised His followers that He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house (Heaven). Jesus explained, “...I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am (Heaven), there ye may be also.” TRUE / FALSE 12. Some things can separate me from the love of Christ. TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #11 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Quiz for: Baptism-The Command of Christ Jesus

Bible Study #12

Please fill in the blanks and circle true or false for each of the following statements.

1. In the New Testament, the word _______________________________ means to immerse.

2. Baptism symbolizes a Christian’s identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. TRUE / FALSE 3. Baptism also symbolizes the Christian’s death to sin and a new life in Jesus Christ.

TRUE / FALSE 4. Baptism imparts divine merit in order to help save us. TRUE / FALSE 5. Baptism is necessary to be saved. TRUE / FALSE 6. Baptism should occur only after a person has been saved. TRUE / FALSE 7. Baptism is a command for all born-again followers of Jesus. TRUE / FALSE 8. Baptism is an important command of Jesus to obey. TRUE / FALSE 9. Baptism by immersion was the normal practice for believers during New Testament times.

TRUE / FALSE 10. There is no verse in the Bible that teaches sprinkling with water for baptism or infant baptism.

TRUE / FALSE Scripture memory for Bible study #12 completed: Signature of instructor or pastor: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

57 Scripture Memory for Level One of the Institute of Biblical Discipleship: The faith Study #1 “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians 1:23

The faith Study #1 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

Colossians 2:6-7

The saints Study #1 “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” I Corinthians 1:2

God is our Creator. Study #2 “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

Exodus 20:11

Evidence of God’s existence Study #2 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”

Psalm 19:1

God became a man.

Study #2 “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? John 14:9

Faith is necessary. Study #2 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6

Evidence of God’s existence Study #2 “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:20 Living according to the Scriptures Study #3 “But he answered and said, It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

God’s Word Study #3 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

I Thessalonians 2:13 The Bible is truth. Study #3 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

John 17:17

Inspiration of the Bible Study #3 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

II Timothy 3:16-17 Preservation of the Bible Study #3 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

Matthew 24:35

Inspiration of the Bible Study #3 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” II Peter 1:20-21 Jesus Christ our Creator Study #4 “All things were made by him (Jesus); and without him was not anything made that was made.”

John 1:3

58 Deity of Jesus Christ Study #4 “I and my Father are one.”

John 10:30

Deity of Jesus Christ Study #4 “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” John 20:28

Jehovah-the only Savior Study #4 “Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no Savior beside me.”

Hosea 13:4

Jesus Christ-the only Savior Study #4 “And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” John 4:42 Sin and death passed to all mankind. Study #5 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12

God’s penalty for sin Study #5 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

Deity and sufficiency of Jesus Christ Study #4 “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:9-10 All are sinners Study #5 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Condition of the human heart Study #5 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:9

Sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for sins Study #5 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” I John 1:7

Sufficiency of God’s forgiveness of sins Study #5 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

Repentance-a command of Jesus Christ Study #6 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15

Repentance-God’s command to all mankind Study #6 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:” Acts 17:30

Repentance is God’s will.

Study #6 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

II Peter 3:9 The new birth is necessary.

Study #7 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Christ’s command that repentance be preached in all nations Study #6 “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Luke 24:47

The new birth defined Study #7 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

To be saved you must believe in Jesus Christ.

Study #7 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

59 Salvation Study #7 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10 The gospel defined Study #8 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” I Corinthians 15:3-4

Calling on the Lord Jesus is necessary for salvation.

Study #7 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:13

Jesus Christ-the only way to Heaven Study #7 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

It is necessary to believe the gospel for salvation. Study #8 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16

The penalty of preaching a different gospel Study #8 “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

Galatians 1:9

The source of the gospel Study #8 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 1:11-12

Proclaim the gospel to all.

Study #8 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15

Peace with God Study #9 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1

Peace Study #9 “And the way of peace have they not known:” Romans 3:17

Pursuing peace with others Study #9 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:14-15 Perfect peace Study #9 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3

Christ’s promise of inner peace Study #9 “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Permit God’s peace to rule in your heart. Study #9 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

Love equals obedience Study #10 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:15

Continuing in God’s Word Study #10 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:31-32

The word Christian defined Study #10 “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselved with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26 Yielding your thoughts to God Study #10 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” II Corinthians 10:5

60 You can be certain that you have eternal life. Study #11 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:13

The gift of eternal life Study # 11 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28

A place in Heaven prepared for you Study #11 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

John 14:2-3

Christians are citizens of Heaven. Study #11 “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 3:20-21 Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Study #12 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43 (The thief on the cross was not baptized.)

No condemnation to those in Christ Study #11 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Salvation by grace through faith in Christ Study #12 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Baptism is an important command of Jesus Christ to obey. Study #12 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

New Testament believers were baptized after they received Jesus Christ and His gospel message. Study #12 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41

Public confession of your faith in Jesus Christ is necessary.

Study #12 “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33