Youthworks Bible Study Series
KEEP THE FAITH As new Christians begin their spiritual journey, it’s important that their faith is built on a solid foundation—one that will help them hold firm for the rest of their lives. In eight studies designed for group use, Keep the Faith takes readers through a practical journey into fully grasping Christianity with God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Participants are encouraged to think more deeply about key ideas presented in the Bible and the Nicene Creed, their own personal beliefs, and Christian faith’s response to particular world views.
TO P I C A L
keep the faith
With each lesson, young Christians will grow in their understanding of God’s plan of salvation and dependence on him to continue to run the race and keep the faith until the very end. Ideal for youth and young adults preparing for Confirmation or Baptism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Morgan grew up in Sydney’s south and began leading youth group when he was in his late teens. Whether it’s been high school lunch time groups, teaching Scripture at schools, or leading youth groups or young adult Bible studies, he has remained in youth ministry ever since. While studying at Youthworks College, Dave developed an interest in Catechesis which has spurred him to see young Christians know and keep their faith. He is currently the youth minister at Merrylands Anglican Church in western Sydney. ISBN 978-1-922000-98-9
9 781922 000989
David Morgan
Contents Welcome to Keep the Faith.................................iv The Nicene Creed...............................................vi 1. God Almighty is our Father............................ 1 2. God our Father made it all............................. 5 3. Your Lord is Jesus Christ............................. 10 4. Jesus Christ: God with us............................ 15 5. Jesus Christ: God for us............................... 21 6. Jesus Christ: He’ll be back.......................... 26 7. Your helper is the Holy Spirit....................... 30 8. Connected: In Jesus, by the Spirit............... 34 Keep the Faith reading plan............................. 38
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jesus Christ: He’ll be back
Group chat After his resurrection, Jesus’ disciples were anticipating a great change to come to fruition. Was what unfolded what they expected? Let’s start today’s study by reading Acts 1:4–11. 1. What were the disciples hoping Jesus was going to do after his resurrection? 2. What did Jesus do instead? And what were his disciples to get on with after this? 3. Why is it so important that Jesus is coming back?
The future of Jesus The Bible tells us that Jesus is currently ruling the universe at God the Father’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20–22) and saving anyone who comes to God through trusting him (Hebrews 7:25). As Christians, we can look forward to his return (Revelation 22:20) and the great hope it brings for those who trust him. However, his second coming will also bring terrible judgement on those who don’t. Why not pray before moving on?
Work solo On your own, read Matthew 25:31–46. In this story, Jesus describes all people who will ever live as either goats or sheep. Referring to the passage we just read, answer the questions at the top of the next page about these two different kinds of people.
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Goats
sheep
What will they get from Jesus?
How have they treated Jesus?
Where are they headed?
Group chat 1. Is this passage promising heaven to people who do enough good things? Why/Why not? 2. So how will Jesus decide whether someone is a sheep or a goat? 3. In verses 40 and 45 Jesus talks about his brothers—who are they and why does how we treat them matter?
The horror of hell In pairs Read the Fervr article on hell:
www.fervr.net/questions/how-can-god-send-people-to-hell Keep the Faith
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Do you believe in hell? Why/Why not? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
Do John 5:25–29; 2 Peter 3:10–13; and Revelation 20:11—21:8 convince you of the reality of hell? Why? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
Why is it so important that Jesus will judge the living and the dead? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
The wonder of the new creation (heaven) Group chat Coming back together as a whole group, let’s read Revelation 21:1–7. 1. What excites you the most about Jesus’ coming kingdom? 2. What things in this life distract you from the amazing life to come?
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Personal reflection Today has been a bit heavy going. If you could ask God one question about all this, what would it be? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Could you join the writer of Revelation in praying ‘Come Lord Jesus, come’? Why/Why not? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
How does the reality of heaven and hell change your life today? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Prayer Ask God to help you take his word to heart and that he will save many more people for his kingdom.
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