Fundamentals of The Christian Faith

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15
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Table of Contents
Fundamentals of the Christian Faith ........................................................................................................................................................i Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................................ ii Gods Love Letter ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Common Divisions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Inspiration ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Christian Apologetics ..............................................................................................................................................................................10 Is Christianity True? ...........................................................................................................................................................................10 Making the Claim .................................................................................................................................................................................10 The Four that Matter Most ..............................................................................................................................................................11 Apologia ...................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Evangelists and Apologists ..............................................................................................................................................................11 Making the Case for Christianity ..................................................................................................................................................11 he Evidence that Evidence Isnt the Issue ................................................................................................................................12 The Heart of the Matter ....................................................................................................................................................................12 A Fools Folly: Denying the Undeniable .....................................................................................................................................13 Teaching .......................................................................................................................................................................................................26 History of Christianity .......................................................................................................................................................................26 What to teach to non-believer .......................................................................................................................................................42 Order of Studies ...................................................................................................................................................................................46 Fundamental Pillars ...........................................................................................................................................................................48 Doctrinal Teaching ..............................................................................................................................................................................52 Knowing........................................................................................................................................................................................................66 The Word of God/ Daniel 2 .............................................................................................................................................................66 The Nature of God (Godhead) ........................................................................................................................................................74 Purpose of God in the Creation of Man ......................................................................................................................................77 The Great Controversy ......................................................................................................................................................................83 Salvation ..................................................................................................................................................................................................91 Work of the Spirit ................................................................................................................................................................................96 The Law of God .................................................................................................................................................................................. 101 The Sabbath ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 107 The Antichrist & Mark of the Beast .......................................................................................................................................... 115 The 2nd Coming .................................................................................................................................................................................. 124 Baptism ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 131 State of the Dead ............................................................................................................................................................................... 134 70 Weeks (Daniel 9) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 138 Judgment I: Sanctuary .................................................................................................................................................................... 143 Judgment II: 1844 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 147 Witnessing ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 154 Christian Living: Adornment ....................................................................................................................................................... 156 Prayer .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 159 The Destruction of the Wicked (Hell) ...................................................................................................................................... 163 Health..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 172 Stewardship ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 179 The Remnant Church ...................................................................................................................................................................... 183 The Gift of Prophecy ........................................................................................................................................................................ 187 The Millennium ................................................................................................................................................................................. 192 Gift of Tongues ................................................................................................................................................................................... 197
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Gods Love Letter

As we begin our study of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Lets first discuss the purpose of the different books of the Bible. Book Summary Genesis Discusses from the origin of mankind to the salvation of the chosen people in Egypt from famine Exodus Presents the departure from Egypt, the mighty acts of God on behalf of His people, and the giving of His Laws along with the sanctuary service Leviticus A basic handbook for priests of who they were to carry out their work Numbers Tells more of the story of the children of Israel and their wanderings in the wilderness Deuteronomy A further explication of the Law of God and how it was to be observed to maintain the Old Covenant Joshua Focuses on the work of Joshua as a leader of the children of Israel into the promised land Judges Records the heroic deeds of the judges of Israel between Joshua and Samuel Ruth Gives the story of Ruthwhich occurred during the time of judges; I, II Samuel Show the transition from judges to monarchy in the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David I, II Kings The glory days, division, decline, and fall from David to the northern and southern kingdoms I, II Chronicles A summary of the same things presented in I, II Samuel and I, II Kings Ezra and Originally one book, describe the Jews return from exile to rebuild Nehemiah Jerusalem Esther Similar to Ruth, this book shows Gods providential care for His people in the face of extermination Job Deals with the sufferings and afflictions of Job in his vindication of God against the devils scathing accusations Psalms A collection of 150 psalms by David, Solomon, Moses, Asaph, and others covering every aspect of mankinds relationship with God Proverbs A collection of proverbs compiled and mostly authored by Solomon regarding wisdom Ecclesiastes All is vanity. Solomons realization that without God all is vanity. Song of A collection of love-poetry Solomon Isaiah A book of the judgments of God upon Israel and hope for them after exile Jeremiah Jeremiahs warnings of the coming destruction of Judah presented with hope for the coming day of the new covenant Lamentations Poetry lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem, confessing sin, and praying for divine forgiveness and restoration Ezekiel Condemnation before the fall of Jerusalem and hope for the restoration of all things, including the temple Daniel God is in control; full of classical and apocalyptic prophecy Hosea The story of the prophet who was called by God to marry a harlot to show Israel the spiritual whoredom they had fallen into Joel A call for repentance in the light of the plagues of God falling; the promise of the Holy Spirits outpouring Amos The preaching of the impending judgments of God upon a forward generation with the promise of restoration to the righteous remnant Obadiah Prophecy of the destruction of Edom Jonah The prophet who ran from God rather than save the enemies of Gods people
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Micah
Contemporary of Isaiah; Gods final judgment against sin and the promise of a delivering Messiah Nahum Prophecy of the downfall of Nineveh; comforting Gods people that their enemies would soon be wiped out Habakkuk Prophecy in the form of a dialog; questioning leading to faith and affirmation in the rejoicing of the Lord Zephaniah Judgment and salvation extending to all nations; exhortation to repent; assurance of Gods desire to dwell with a righteous remnant Haggai Messages encouraging Gods people to continue the languishing work of rebuilding the temple after the exile; it is a request for the people to wholeheartedly return to Gods work. Zechariah Highly symbolic messages about the rebuilding of the temple, looking to the Day of the Lordwhen Gods people will be restored, the nations are judged, and Gods kingdom is triumphant Malachi Sin and apostasy, coming judgment on the faithless, and blessings to those who repent; filled with messianic anticipation The Old Testament and the New Testament could both be translated Old and New Covenant. Each contains God entering into an agreement with His people. The OT agreement is forged in Exodus between God and the Jews. In the NT, the agreement is with the followers of Christ. The OT is the NT concealed; the NT is the OT revealed. The new covenant is the Law of God written in our hearts (Heb 8:10; Eze 36:26). If in the OT they were saved by some means other than the New Covenant, then the NC would not be found in the OT (Isa 51:7)Gods Law in hearts. 1 Sam 10:9we receive a new heart. Ps 51:10a clean heart; David was a prophet (according to Paul) under the Old Covenant; if a man at that time was saved by keeping the law, David would have asked God to make him keep the law, but David understood that he needed a new heart; therefore, the OC and NC both have the same method of salvationnot law- keeping, but heart-change (Ps 37:30, 31). Hebrews 11 records non-Jews who were saved, so then, Salvation, even in the OT, was not merely a Jewish thing. Deut 30:6 circumcision, even at the beginning, was to be of the heart, not just as sign of the flesh. The temporary nature of the ceremonial law is easily seen. Ps 51:16, 17God doesnt desire sacrifices and burnt offering. God commanded that sacrifices be made, but He never took pleasure in them. The meaning if it was what was truly important. It was the NC veiled. Hos 6:6God desires mercy above sacrifice. The killing of animals was to point forward to the cross. 1Sam 15:22 reiterates the same point. Isa 1:14God hated these things because people missed the entire point. If the OC was just about people obeying, why would God hate them obeying? Therefore, there must be something more to the OC than obedience to the law. OT examples of the NC (through types of Christ): Jonah 1, 2 (Jonah, type of Christ) Judges 4:1-6, 15-21 (BarakChrist, SisceraSatan, who is crushed) Exodus 25:8 Numbers 21:4-9 (Absalom, hangs between heaven and earth) NT feelings toward the old Matthew 7:12if the golden rule is a summary of the Law and the prophets, then, is the Law still with us, or did Jesus do away with the golden rule? If not, then the Law and prophets are not either. Matthew 5:17-19Jesus came to fulfill, not destroy the Law. Because He fulfilled it, does that mean that it should not be followed? Is earth still here? Then how much has passed from the Law? If nothing has passed from it, how could it be less applicable to us now?
Matthew 3:15-17Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness John 5:46, 47who did Moses write about? If we throw our Moses writings, we throw out writings about Jesus. Should Christians throw out prophetic writings about Christ? Should we not believe in Moses since we know that this was the reason for disbelief in Jesus? 2Timothy 3:15, 16
NT Allusions to the usefulness of the OT Rom 15:4 Rom 1:1, 2 2Tim 4:1-4 Ac 17:1-3 Ac 17:10, 11 Mt 24:15 2Pe 1:4-8 2Cor 1:13 Rom 1:17 Mt 4:1-11 Review: Remember subheading of each book; remember that each testament is written based on a covenant that God desired to enter into with His people.
Common Divisions
New Testament Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John History Acts Epistles Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude Prophecy Revelation Old Testament The Law History Wisdom/Poetry Prophets
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel Minor: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi
There are direct parallels between the 2 sets of 4 in the OT and NT. The Gospels and the Law draw the parallel between the Messiah and the children of Israel; both come out of Egypt, go through a wilderness, present messages on the mount (Sermon on the Mount, and the Law on Sinai). Both in the OT and NT, the history follows the Law. Prophets, who lived within the time frame of the history sections, wrote their visions. The compilers of the Bible books did not put them into chronological order but grouped them thematically. They are divided differently in the Hebrew Bible. The Christ-centered view of the Bible: Old Testament Law Foundation for Christ
History Poetry Prophecy
Preparation for Christ Aspiration for Christ Expectation of Christ
New Testament Gospels Manifestation of Christ Acts Propagation of Christ Epistles Interpretation and Application of Christ Revelation Consummation of Christ NT authors saw these themes in the OT and reiterated the messages of the OT in their writings. Dispensationalism basically teaches that the cross did not retroactively cover the sins of the past. It teaches that there were/are different methods of salvation (works/grace). The bible disproves the dispensationalists claim: Rev 13:8Lamb slain from the foundation of the earth. Adam was to die on the day he sinned, but he didnt die that day because Christ pledged His life. Rom 4:17God acts presently based upon what He is going to do in the future. He acted as if Jesus had already died and acted upon that so that man could live. Heb 11all in the OT looked forward in faith, we look backward in faith. We are all under grace. Heb 4:2the gospel was preached to them (the children of Israel) in types and signs. Why would the gospel be preached to them if they were not to receive salvation by it? Acts 17:11what scriptures did they search? There was no NT to search. They searched the OT to find Christ. Hebrew Bible Divisions The Law Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy The Former prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings Prophets Latter Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and The 12 (Hosea-Malachi as a single book) The Writings Poetical books: Psalms, Proverbs, and Job Five rolls (Megillath): Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Esther, and Ecclesiastes Historical books: Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles The three sections are based on the directness with which God is speaking. The Jews held Moses above all the other prophets he was that prophet (John 1:21). Those in The Prophets section were like the national prophets of their times. The Writings were written by prophets, but not so much as the singular voice of God to the nation as in The Prophets. This threefold categorization is seen historically as early as the 2nd c. BC. The distinction is seen in Luke 24:44. The terms Old and New Testament were not used until the 2nd c. AD. Chapters and verses came later. In 1227 AC, Stephen Langton, a professor at the Univ. of Paris and later Archbishop of Canterbury, divided the Bible into chapters. Verses were added in 1551 and 1555 by Robert Stephanus, a Parisian printer. While these divisions help with reference and remembrance, they can make study mechanical and distract from thought flow. Luke 4:16-21there were no divisions, but Jesus, was able to find in the scroll (which, historically, the scroll of Isaiah was 40 feet long) exactly what He was looking for. John 2:23-3:1this is a continuous thought.
Inspiration The process:

Divine Causality o God is the primary mover in this process. The Divine moved the human who then recorded the truth. There is no inspiration if God didnt start it. Prophetic Agency o The prophets who wrote scripture were not robots. They were more than recording secretaries. Their personalities were not violated by a supernatural intrusion. This is proved by the varied vocabularies and writing styles found throughout the scriptures. The prophets were the immediate cause of what was written, but God was the ultimate cause. Written Authority o The final product of the Divine authority working through the prophetic agency.
An adequate definition must have: Godthe prime Mover, Men of Godthe instruments, and a divinely authoritative writingthe final result.
Three Views of Inspiration

1. Orthodoxthe Bible is the Word of God. There are two views of inspiration held within orthodoxy. a. Verbal dictationWord-for-word dictation of God in the Holy Scriptures. i. If this were the case, then we would have to believe that God divinely inspired translation of the scriptures, there would only be one true version, and we would have to all learn the language of that translation. b. Inspired ConceptsGod provided the thought and men gave the verbal expression. i. The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God's mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God's penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers. It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.-- Manuscript 24, 1886 (written in Europe in 1886). {1SM 21} 2. Modernismthe Bible contains the Word of God. There are two views within the confines of modernism. a. Illumination viewvery pious men were illuminated at times, then wrote through the erroneous views of their times. b. Intuitive viewthere is nothing supernatural about the scriptures, but the men who wrote them were intensively intuitive (moral geniuses). 3. Neo-orthodoxythe bible becomes the Word of God. If you study it and it makes you happy, it becomes the Word of God to you.
Evidences of the Bibles Inspiration

Internal Evidence (primarily subjective) Self-vindicating: Mk 1:22, Jn 7:46, Jn 2:13-15 Testimony of the Spirit (it describes us to ourselves better than we understand ourselves): Rom 8:16 Transforming Ability: Heb 4:12 Unity of the Bible External Evidence Historicitybibliographic testing (number of antiquated manuscripts, harmony of the manuscripts, proximity of life to writing, and external sources) proves the Bible (6,000 manuscripts on Jesusover 5,900 more than any other historical figure, 99% harmony compared with 60% for others, less than 30 years between the last disciples death and the first dated manuscript of Jesus life). The Bible is the most historically verifiable document in history. Testimony of Christ Evidence from Prophecy Evidence from Influence Evidence from constancy Integrity of Authors
The Extent of the Canon

The book of Jude was disputed by some because of its reference to a non-inspired book (the book of EnochJude 14). Others countered that Paul quoted Greek poets. The conclusion ended up being that just because a prophet quotes someone else, that doesnt mean that the prophet is endorsing the source as a divine source but is merely the presentation of something that is true. Canonization is a process. Not all the books were canonized at one time. Early on, the canon only consisted of the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. As books were written, they were debated and accepted into the canon. The earliest date in which the canon matched our present Bible was in the 3rd century. The books rejected contained disputable doctrineswhich were contrary to the clear truth already known; for example, praying to saints, refutation of the resurrection. The Apocrypha wasnt even accepted by the Catholic Church until the time of Martin Luther. In the Council of Trent (16th c.), parts of the Apocrypha were canonized for the use of one of verses that apparently supports praying to/for the dead. Interestingly, the books in the Apocrypha that condemn such prayers were not canonized. Assembly of the Canon Canon=the rule of faith or normative writings (i.e. authoritative scriptures). Inadequate views on what determines canonicity Age o If this were true, the books of Moses, Jeremiah, and Paul could not be accepted. They were immediately made a part of the canon. There was to time of waiting. Hebrew language o Portions of Daniel and Ezra are in Aramaic. Agreement with the Torah o If the Torah is the standard of canonization, what standard canonized the Torah? In Acts, the demon possessed womans testimony was in agreement with the truth, but
Paul silenced her. Religious value o Not every book with spiritual value is automatically canonical, as much f Jewish and Christian literature like the Apocrypha evidences. The Apocryphal books do not claim authority.
Sufficient views on what determines canonicity Authority of a Book o If the book does not claim to be inspired, or if no position of authority is taken, then it is not considered for canonization. Prophetic Authorship o Inspired books come from inspired men. Do/did their writings come true? Did God inspire the writers? Authenticity of a Book o Do the theology, history, and general information agree with previously established truth? Hows the science? Dynamic Nature o If a book produces supernatural results, it may be inspired. What are its fruits? You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Acceptance of a Book o Recognition by the people of God to whom it was originally given. For the test: know the criteria for canonization and the evidence of the bibles inspiration.
Christian Apologetics
1 Pet 3:15, 16 [15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
How can we be ready to give an answer to every person? We must first know what we personally find persuasive.
Is Christianity True?
2 Peter 1:16-21 Peter was an eyewitness of the Mount of Transfiguration. Why does he tell us this? So that we know we are not following fables. He gives experiential and scriptural backing. 1Tim 1:3, 4 they were not to devote themselves to myths. 1Tim 4:7 have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. 2Tim 4:3, 4 people will wander away to myths. Titus 1:13, 14 the testimony is true; do not be given to Jewish myths. The word myth comes from the Greek muthos. It means a tale, fiction, or a fable (an untruth). Pilate asked, What is truth? (Jn 18:38) as the personification of truth stood before him. Perhaps he should have asked, Who is truth? Truth is indicative of something that corresponds with reality. Truth is correspondence with reality. It must be an accurate reflection of reality. There is subjective truth and objective truth. Subjective Truths: I like pie more than cake; I feel happy; I dont enjoy the sound of ten Chihuahuas barking. With Subjective Truth, the locus of truth resides in a person. Objective Truths: water boils at 100 C; if A=B and B=C, then C=A; our solar system is heliocentric, not geocentric. Objective truths correspond with reality even if no one believes it or states it. Is Christianity objectively true? Is it both subjectively and objectively true? Is it REALigion?
Making the Claim

Christianity does claim to be objectively true (2Pet 1:16-21) Ps 119:142 your law is truth Daniel 4:27 all whose works are truth John 17:17 sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth Eph 1:13 you head the word of truth Col 1:3-6 you heard in the word of truth; understand the grace of God in truth 2Tim 2:15 rightly handling the word of truth John 16:16 the Spirit of truth will guide you in all truth Truth is a central theme in the Bible. God is presented as a God if truth whose words and ways are truth. He sends the Spirit of Truth to testify of truth in our hearts. Jesus claims to be the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6). He is the way to God, the truth about God, and is the living life of God. He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The audacious nature of Christs claim led C.S. Lewis to famously propose his trilemma liar, lunatic, or Lord (Mere Christianity. P 40, 41). We cannot claim Him to be a good moral teacher because by the claim that He made, He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
Does it matter? For most of us, yes. In every culture, people have always sought some way to address and answer the big questions of life. We are hardwired to desire a knowledge of truth. Christianity is subjectively and objectively true. It is true through our experiences and it is true without our consent.
The Four that Matter Most

We all want to know four things: Origin where am I from? Meaning why am I here? Morality how should I live? Destiny where am I going? Dogs and mosquitoes do not ask these questions. The very fact that we can ask these questions points to the existence of a God. In answering any one of these questions, all of the questions can be answered. Naturalism and Christian theism are mutually exclusive. Are we a bag of biological soup or the special creation of a loving God? Is Biblical Christianity true or a cunningly devised myth? Is it realigion or jus religion? Mark 10:17-30 Jesus gives a twofold answer to the disciples big question. Giving up things for God not only enhances our present life, but also our hope in eternity. We know this in our personal experiences, but it isnt just there. Its not just subjective; its objectiveit works on paper too.
Apologia
Apologetics comes from the Greek apologia, which means to give a plea. The purpose of apologetics is to answer the question, What rational defense can be given for the Christian faith? We are not encouraged, but commanded to do this (1Pet 3:15). Two elements of an effective, Biblical apologetic: The message being delivered (the answer) The method of delivery (with meekness and fear) Phil 1:7, 17; Acts 22:1 defense =apologia
Evangelists and Apologists

Paul was a preacher of the Gospel. He faced not only physical but intellectual and philosophical hostility. Sometimes those objections were theological (as with the Jews) and other times were more philosophical (as with Greeks/gentiles)Acts 17; 1Cor 1:23. Peters Pentecost sermon was largely apologetic. The disciples proclaimed the gospel in hostile settings, and we are called to do the same. We must preach the gospel to every nations, kindred, tongue, and people (Rev 14:6).
Making the Case for Christianity

Apologetics with skeptics is not about changing their minds. It is just about showing them the possibility of your perspective being rational. Apologetics does not create faithit creates a way for faith. Our apologetics must be good. Five Themes of our Apologetics: 1. Time 2. Life 3. Mind
4. Ought 5. Friend A case may be persuasive, but must also be attractive. Unbelief is not an intellectual reaction but an emotional one.
The Evidence that Evidence Isnt the Issue

There is not a lack of evidence but a lack of surrender. Biblical examples: Pharaoh o Ex. 5:1-4; 7:8-13; 8:16-19, 31, 32; 9:7, 34, 35; 11:9, 10 o In the light of these passages, was a lack of evidence the real issue with Pharaoh? No. His own wise men told him that the supernatural was at work. He saw but did not believe. Pharisees o John 2:13-19; 6:30; Mt 12:38-42 o The miracles of Jesus were abundantly visible, but the Pharisees didnt believe, still asking for another sign. A worldview/paradigm/meta-narrative is not something you see; it is the way you see the world. It is the big picture. Our worldview determines what we are allowed to see and accept as evidence. When we come to Christ, we get a new worldview. It is like wearing glasses for the first time. Generally speaking, we see what we want to see and what our worldview allows us to see. The Pharisees knew that Jesus wasnt the son of God, so they always sought some other way to explain why He was able to do miracles (Mt 12:24). The issue is not the availability of evidence, but the suppression of it. The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.
The Heart of the Matter

The Bible teaches that God is ubiquitous and universally known. Why, then, is not everyone a believer? because unbelief is a function of the will more than a function of the intellect. Proof does not allow for dissent. If the existence of God were provable in a mathematical sense, disbelief would not be an option. In apologetics, we do not find a formula for God. We find arrows pointing towards God. If the evidence were provable (mathematically), then disbelief in God would not be an optionwhich would negate the possibility of free choice. If God were to make His presence undeniable, there would be no choice but to believe. The option of belief must remain intact. Gods presence is, however, inescapable. Ps 139:7, 8 God is everywhere Isa 49:6 His salvation reaches to the ends of the earth Titus 2:11 All men see Gods grace Acts 17:24-27 He is not far from each one of us (Hes reachable) John 1:9 He lights everyone who comes into the world The unbelief of man is a moral rebellion against a ubiquitous and inescapable God. Paul, in Romans 1:18-32, at least 12 times mentions in some way that God is knowable. According to the passage, the issue of unbelief is not the availability of evidence, but the personal, rebellious suppression of evidence.
If a cancer patient convinced herself that she did not have cancer and was able to convince others that she didnt have cancer, it does not change the fact. The denial is a moral consideration, not an intellectual. Just as much as atheists claim that Christians have moral motives for believing in God, they have moral motives for claiming that there is no God. We know that God is there based on experience; we show that God is there by evidence. {SC 111} Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin. The teachings and restrictions of God's word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is God's word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation. Christ has said, "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know1 of the teaching." John 7:17, R.V. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive greater light. By the grace of Christ, perform every duty that has been made plain to your understanding, and you will be enabled to understand and perform those of which you are now in doubt.
A Fools Folly: Denying the Undeniable

National Atheists Day April 1st
Ps 14:1-3 [1] The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. [2]The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. [3] They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.aThe fool says there is no God. God investigates to see if the claim is moral or intellectual and God concludes that it is a moral claim since the only ones claiming there is not God are those who live lives contradictory to the path God set before them. The motivation is moral, not intellectual. Ps 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
The wicked constantly think that there is no God. God promised that when we seek Him we will find Him if we search with all our hearts. God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. Seeing that the burden is not on us to convince non-believers, our focus in reaching non-believers should not focus on presenting more evidence but on being the tools in Gods hands to pull them back towards what they know is true. God desires to use to awaken the desire of others for Him.
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Theme 1 Before Time Began

God preexisted everything, including time itself. Titus 1:2 God promised eternal life before time began 2Tim 1:9 Gods gift given before time began Rev 13:8 the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth Time is not easily defined. It measures change and marks transitions from one state to another. However, God does not change (Mal 3:6). Jesus is the same (unchanging) yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). If time is a measure of change, what would time measure in a changeless being? Naturally, nothing. Time is finite, and the finitude of time demands that it, unlike God, had a beginning. Can You Count to Infinity? Obviously no. A true infinity cannot be traversed. Time, therefore, could not be infinite or would we have never arrived before at today, but, in fact, we have. There must have been a finite number of moments (seconds, hours, days, etc) before today, else we wouldnt have made it here today. If there were an infinite number if days before today, then we could have never gotten here since the countdown through time could have never started. Just when you thought youd gone back far enough into the past to begin infinity, youd look again and see an infinity yet beyond. There would be no starting point. If there is no starting point, if time really did extend infinitely into the past, then you couldnt even get the count started! Thus, time must be finite. It had a beginning; and if it had a beginning, then it had a cause that began it. The Cosmological Argument: 1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause 2. The universe began to exist 3. Therefore, the universe had a cause and that cause was God, the uncaused cause of all things. In the BeginningBANG! The currently accepted scientific view is that the big bang happened, and at that moment, time began. Most of science agrees that time had a beginning. This, then, agrees with the Biblical notion of a beginninga moment of creation. Science has noted that the universe is expanding. Tracing the rate at which it expands, scientists deduct that it had a starting point from which it began and continues to grow. The cause of the universe could not have been attributable to the laws of physics or other natural workings because the big bang produced the laws of physics and therefore could not be the product of them. Some have seen a confirmation of certain Biblical passages (Gen 1:1-3 and Isa 42:5) in the Big Bang model. Arno Penzias, Nobel prize winner for the discovery of background radiation, which corroborated the Big Bang theory said, The best data we have are exactly what I would have predicted had I nothing to go on but the five books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Bible as a whole.2 For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak. As he pulls himself
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over the finals rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.3 Keep is Simple, Saint You cannot count to (traverse) infinity. We are here today in tome, so the past cannot be infinite. Time is finite. The universe had a beginning; therefore, it had a cause. That (uncaused) cause is God. The Bible is philosophically and scientifically sound regarding the origin of the universe. Skeptical unbelievers are stuck if they affirm causality in every instance except when it comes to the origin of the universe. This is illogical and unscientific. It is a violation of the axiom ex nihilo nihil fitout of nothing, nothing comes. This is absurd, illogical, and takes more faith than simply believing the Bible account. Christianity is absolutely credible when it comes to its view of the origin of the universe.
Theme 2 in Him was Life

Life: origin of life (biogenesis) conditions necessary for life (The anthropic evidences) the evolution of life (Darwinism)
Subtheme 1 Life Begets Life The Bible posits a living beginning for all subsequent life. That living beginning is none other than God. Gen 1:24-28 God created life Gen 2:7 God gives the breath of life Ps 104:30 all is created by His Spirit John 1:1-4 Life was in Him John 4:13, 14 Gods life in us begets life Committed naturalists depend on the idea of abiogenesis (that life can come from non-life). This notion takes tremendous amounts of faith since it flies in the face of every biological experiment to ever be conducted regarding biogenesis. Darwins On the Origin of Species is misleadingly titled since the book does not explain the origin of even a single species, let alone the first ever species. Worldview: Adherents: Explanations: Theistic Non-theistic Materialists Naturalists Reductionists Energy Matter Begins with matter and produces living things; this violates the law that biological causation supports, that is, life begets life. Therefore, this worldview claims that
Spiritual realities Energy Matter
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inanimate matter comes alivethough no catalyst for such a thing has been found. They believe this, not based on evidence, but because without God, there is no alternative. In Darwins day, the common scientific belief was that everything was reducible to cells. If, at the time of Darwin, the cell were compared to a car, nowbased on current understandingwould be comparable to a galaxy.
Faith and Evidence
Christianity, with its living God as a living beginning, is more scientific by far than any naturalistic positing of abiogenesis. God is the I AM (Ex 3:14), the living God (1Tim 4:10; Mark 12:27).
God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. {SC 105.2}
God is more concerned about our willingness. 2Cor 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Subtheme 2 Man in Mind Anthropology = the study of mankind. Not only is the origin of life a true arrow in the quiver of the thinking Christian, so too is the maintenance of life. Our universe is a remarkable place. The more that scientists learn about the universe and its sophisticated fine-tuning, the more it becomes clearer and clearer that the universe appears to have had man in mind. The ease of maintaining life may be seen with taking care of fish. It is easier to keep a goldfish in a bowl than to maintain a freshwater tank, and it is far easier to keep a freshwater tank than a saltwater tank. Our universe is just like this progression, only more so. Much more so. The universe is precisely and perfectly tailored to permit the existence of life. This fine-tunedness has been referred to as the anthropic principle, or as anthropic constraints. Anthropos means mankind. www.reasons.org lists 93 measurable characteristics of the universe that must be precisely the way that they are in order for our environment to allow for the life that we have. If even one of them were changed minutely, life would not be possible. The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is its comprehensibility. Einstein. The existence of life that is conscious of its place in universe is astounding. When seeing the elegant and intricate complexity of DNA it demands more than a naturalistic explanation. Some look and attribute it to positing alien intelligences in a Fed-Ex rocket; others, having less faith, believe in God.
Not a Chance
There are three main options that are advanced as potential causes of the fine-tunedness of the universe: It happened by chance (lucky us) The multiverse theory (its bound to happen, given enough chances)
It happened by design (God did it)
The first asserts that, given enough time, virtually anything, even the seemingly miraculous, can happen. Chance doesnt stand a chance in explaining the origin and design of our universe. When flipping a coin, is chance causing the coin to come up in a certain way? No, if course not. Chance merely describes the options in terms of possibilities. If we knew all of the physical factors that went into the coin toss (force of the flip, weight, balance, atmosphere, height of the toss, aerodynamics, etc.) we could predict with perfect accuracy how the coin would land every time. There would be no additional causal factor called chance that would act upon the coin to cause it to land a certain way. Chance, then, is mere a word used to describe our ignorance about a given outcome. Things cannot happen by chance because chance cannot be a cause of anything. It is a mere word. Mere words are not connected to a meaning or object. The word Kangaroo refers to an animal. The word chance does not refer to anything. Subtheme 3 Evolution: a Brief Critique It is probably impossible to overstate the impact that the theory of evolution has had on modern man. It has done what Copernicus heliocentric view of the universe did but in an inestimably greater degree. Copernicus said benignly that man went around the sun, not really much of a demotion. Darwin said that man is little more than a naked monkey. And thingsalmost all thingshavent been the same since. www.detectingdesign.com 1. Evolution is not theologically sound a. There are no long ages or suggestions of evolutionary-type changes mentioned in Genesis or anywhere else in the Bible i. The Hebrew word yom is just like our term day; it can refer to 12 hrs, 24 hrs, or an indefinite period of time, but not when it is modified by number as in Genesis 1 and 2which refers to the 1st day, 2nd day, etc. b. It undermines the Sabbath command and its end-time significance i. If the gap theory were true, it would make no sense for God to rest from His work c. The New Testament writers (and Jesus Himself) affirmed the Genesis creation account and the Noachian flood account d. Theistic evolution is incompatible with the character of the loving, benevolent God portrayed in Scripture e. It undermines the plan of salvation by suggesting that death and suffering preceded sin and commenced independent of the rebellion of free moral agents 2. Evolution is not scientifically sound a. While low-level Darwinian-style does occur, it does not occur beyond a clearly defined limit or structural threshold requirement (i.e., beyond 1,000 specifically arranged amino acid building blocks) i. Comparable to walking on stepping stones. As long as the stones are close enough, you can walk across, but if you cant make it to the next stone to cross the water, the life form dies. ii. Word transformation illustration: if there is no valid word, life form dies: 1. Hatpatpotpod (new life form) 2. (the more letters, the harder) Partfartfortfontfond
3. Floccinaucinihilipilificationism??? b. The low-level evolution that does occur cannot be extrapolated to that which cannot be directly observed or tested. This is because of an observed exponential decline in evolutionary potential with each step up the ladder of complexity. Extrapolation of this exponential decline in evolutionary potential quickly reaches trillions and trillions of years while things are still on the lowest rungs of the ladder of functional complexityfar below what exists in every living thing. c. It cannot account for the origin of life (biogenesis) d. It cannot adequately explain the origin of human consciousness 3. Evolution is not geologically sound a. It cannot adequately account for the Cambrian explosion where all (except, perhaps, one) of the major phyla of living things appears suddenly, fully formed, at the same time b. Species, as a rule, appear suddenly and fully formed and functional in the fossil record; they tend toward stasis (no directional change) c. Global catastrophism and the young-life-in-earth model fit the data better than the concept of vast eons of time coupled with uniformitarian assumptions proposed by the evolutionary model of origins i. 2Peter 3:3 scoffers will come saying that Jesus isnt coming because all things continue as they were. Peter says that they willfully forget about the flood (catastrophism). 4. Evolution is not philosophically sound a. It is a commitment to the outcome before the test. In short, evolutionists assume non-deliberate, natural causes for all phenomena before the start of their scientific investigation. Therefore, it is a pre-commitment to an unproven ideology (materialism) more than a commitment to the evidence. b. It is tautological (true by definition). Given all the ad hoc hypotheses needed to hold up the concept of naturalism in its various forms, in all practicality, it is immune from even the potential falsification. For a theory to be truly scientific there must be at least the potential for an opposing theory to be true. The naturalistic scientist must accept a naturalistic theory of origin of life (like Darwinian-style evolution) because there simply is no other option for someone who has accepted, a priori, naturalistic ideology. i. Evolution seeks to explain everything within itself; all data is forced into fitting the theory rather than the theory being adapted to meet the data.
Keep it Simple, Saint
Life only comes from life The Bible posits a living beginning to life. This is in harmony with the scientific law of biogenesis. The soup-to-cells story of inanimate matter somehow sparking to life is a modern intellectual myth without evidentiary support. The universe, with its finely tuned parameters which allow for the existence and maintenance of life, appears to have had man in mind. This is called the anthropic principle. Chance cannot account for the existence of a life-permitting universe because change cannot
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account for anything since it is nothing and possesses no causal power. The notion that chance had causal power is a modern myth. The multiverse theory is a modern myth with no evidentiary support. It actually affirms that the universe is extraordinary and is not likely to have arisen given just one opportunity (so more opportunities were invented). Evolution cannot account for the origin of life. It is not theologically, scientifically, geologically, or philosophically sound.
Theme 3 do you mind?

The mind is a wonderful gift from God. Its existence is best accounted for as having been made in the image of the Original Mind, God. The mind, as we generally think of it, possessing volitions, identity, self-awareness, and thoughts, cannot exist in s strictly naturalistic universe. It would be purely an illusion created by physical and physiological processes in the brain organ. The existence of the mind as a non-physical (immaterial) entity is more compatible with the theistic worldview than naturalism. Bible references to the mind: Mt 22:34-37 Rom 7:22-25; 8:27; 11:34 1Cor 2:16 Phil 2:5 MindYour Own Business The mind and the brain are not the same thing. The mind: The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought o A persons mental processes contrasted with physical action A persons intellect o The state of normal mental functioning in a person o A persons memory o A person identified with their intellectual faculties A persons attention o The will or determination to achieve something We can argue within ourselves, and we can think/believe something that is not true. The mind is privatethat is, we dont have other voices that show up in our minds. Have You Ever Changed Your Brain? We have all changed our minds thousands of times, but none of us have ever changed our brains. Theists admit non-physical substances or properties into our ontology (existence). We claim the mind is an immaterial thing. It is not a serious philosophical problem for us as theists (monists). We believe in God and angelswhich we believe are non-physical substances/entities. The problem/conflict only arises for the non-theistic worldview. These naturalists claim that these non-physical entities do not exist. They must doubt the existence of their own minds. They undermine their own ability to think that they do not have minds. The very thing they use to try to prove their point disproves it.
Ps. 14:1; 19:14 the words heart and mind in English in these verses are the same word in Hebrew. Therefore, the fool says in his mind that there is no God. Can Matter Think? The subjective character of experience is hard to capture in physicalist terms. The simple fact of consciousness is a serious difficulty for physicalism [materialism].4 If consciousness is made of matter, our personality, choices (good or bad), and identity would be illusory and determined by various physical factors that we have no real control over. How then can we punish criminals? How can we laud heroism, sacrifice, magnanimity, and virtue? The Miracle of an Intelligible Universe We search for new discoveries, but why? Because we expect that there is more out there to be discovered. Yet the notion of discovery presupposes that we can perceive and grasp the meaningfulness of those discoveries (at least in some degree), or else how would we recognize them at all? Not only does the mind exist as an immaterial entity. What about numbers? Where is the number 6? We have a numeral (6), and we have examples/instances (******). We can create thousands of instances or get rid of all instances, and if everyone who thinks about the number 6 were to die, 6 would still exist. It has neither substance nor physical properties. The enormous usefulness of mathematics is something bordering on the mysteriousThere is no rational explanation for itThe miracle of the appropriateness of the language of mathematics for the formulation of the laws of physics is a wonderful gift which we neither understand nor deserve.5 Physicists dont make up the laws of physics, they discover them. Numbers are real. They are more than just mental concepts. And where are the laws of logic that appear to given the interrelationships and propositions? Even small children understand that one thing cannot be in two places at the same time or that something cannot be both absent and present simultaneously. Recap of Theme 3, Mind We are exhorted to have the mind of Christ, not the brain of Christ (Phil 2:5). The existence of immaterial things in the universe, like minds, numbers, justice, etc., does not cause the universe to make less sense, but more sense. The human mind was born of the mind of God. God made us in His own image for His own purposes of love, friendship, and joy. If in the beginning were the particles, then the strongest force in the world is electromagnetic; however, if in the beginning was the Word, then the strongest force in the world is love. If determinism is true, then we cannot trust the determinists arguments because their arguments are merely the product of the big bang and not logical reasoning. Materialism is idolatry because if they claim the mind is made of material then they esteem it above God. If minds exist, then we do not live in a materialist world. If materialism is false, then there must be a God.
4 5
Scaling the Secular City. J.P. Moreland. p.85. The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the Physical Sciences. Eugene Wigner.
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Theme 4 to ought or not

The word ought implies a moral imperative. A moral imperative needs a moral reference point, a moral law. A moral law requires a moral Law-giver. Can = ability. Ought = responsibility. Preference vs. principle is the big question. If you have an ought, then there must be a reference point. If there is a reference point, then there is a law. If there is a law, then there is a Law-giver. Aside from onomatopoeic words, language is purely arbitrary. What one language calls a bucket another may call: botte, eimer, emmer, kofa, pakas, billy, hink, seau, galeata, cubo. There are things that transcend language though. For example, in mostif not allcultures (near universality) it is not acceptable to repay kindness with evil. If morality were arbitrary, then we would have as many moral systems as we have language systems, and we would have as many moral differences as linguistic. Ought does not and cannot come from an is. It must come from a higher source. Many claim that there are moral absolutes, but where do the absolutes come from? From education? By no means! Germany was highly educated when Hitler came to power. There must be something higher than humans to create moral absolutes.
Theme 5 what a friend we have in Jesus

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Fact or Fiction? Christianity stands or falls based on that event (1Cor 15:1-8). If Christ is not risen, then our faith is in vain. Christianity, unlike many religions, can be wrong. Therefore, since it is falsifiable, it is not a tautology. Three established facts: 1. The empty tomb a. Burial supports the empty tomb i. Tomb location was known; Owner of tomb was known (Joseph) ii. The disciples could not have preached the resurrection without an empty tomb iii. Scholars agree that the burial is one of the best attested facts of Jesus life b. Paul confirms the empty tomb i. Gospel formula of 1Cor 15:1-8 not original with Paul (written in 1Corinthians around 51 or 52 AD). He is quoting an earlier statement that dates to within 510 years of the crucifixion event. It was an early doxological statement that was widely used to proclaim what one believes. This amount of time is much more trustworthy than anything we have written on Caesar or Alexander the Great. There was no time for legend or myth to creep in. ii. The resurrection was not a later of legendary development; it was rooted in early Christianity c. Mark is the earliest gospel, and it is mentioned without legendary and theological embellishment (Mark 15:42-47). d. It is doubtful that Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, and the man who supplied the tomb, would be invented by early Christian tradition. The Sanhedrin and its 70 members were well known. His invention is highly unlikely and further supports the empty tomb account. When that many details are given, falsehoods are easy to disprove.
e. The empty tomb was discovered by women i. Women could not serve as legal witnesses ii. Women were low on the social ladder iii. A later and legendary account surely would have been men, probably the disciples discovering the tomb f. The disciples preached in Jerusalem, the place that would have been the easiest to disprove by producing an entombed body g. The account of Pharisees coming up with an argument of the body being stolen was recorded by Matthew and shows the attempted covering of the truth 2. The post-resurrection appearances a. Pauls testimony i. Peter, the twelve, the 500, James, all the apostles, and Paul b. Physical bodily appearances i. Accounts of Him eating 3. The origin and rise of the Christian church a. Christianity hinges on the resurrection b. Cannot account for the church without the rise of it i. Christianity went from being an offshoot of the most hated religion (Judaism) to being the most powerful religion in the Greco-roman world within 2 centuries 1. Nero proclaimed himself a Christian 2. Cities became the catalyst for the gospel. Letters were written to cities churches. Those in the country were called pagans (paganus = farmer). c. No predisposition to believe in a resurrection; pre-last day resurrection was not a Jewish idea i. Daniel 12 resurrection, in Jewish mindhappens at the end of time ii. Marthas statement that Lazarus would rise in the last days iii. If they had wanted to explain it, they would have said that hed resuscitate himself immediately rather than waiting three days. They would have said he was translatedbased on their ideasnot resurrected. d. Conversion of the skeptics i. Jesus brothers, including James ii. Thomas iii. Many priests iv. Saul of Tarsus v. Many other former enemies Other possible explanations: 1. Conspiracy theory a. The disciples were distraught, not plotting b. How would they have overpowered the guards? 2. Apparent death theory a. Jesus famed death, but the cool tomb woke him up? b. Medical studies have shown that based on the account of what happened, Jesus was most certainly dead. The fact that Jesus died within hours is inconsistent with the
historical accounts of crucifixions taking as long as a week to kill a person. This points to the fact that there were other mitigating factors in His death. c. The soldiersprofessional killersmade sure He was dead d. Even if he didnt die and managed to get out of the tomb, he would have been emaciatedin no condition to take on the soldiers, and having no glory to inspire worship in his followers. 3. The wrong tomb theory a. Joseph knew which tomb was his own b. If there had been another tomb, the Sanhedrin would have found it 4. Mass Hallucination theory a. They didnt believe that he was resurrected, even when he was b. There still would have been a body The disciples would have gained nothing from making up the resurrection. All 11 of them died for preaching it! Knowing and Showing: the purpose of apologetics The foundation of the Christians belief in the existence and benevolence of God is not apologetic arguments and proofs. Apologetic proofs enable us to show what we already, through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, received at conversion, know. There is a tremendous difference between knowing and showing that something is true Sometimes, regardless of evidence, some people refuse to believe. One may say he likes cheesecake and another may think it isnt true. There is no evidence that will change the mind of the disbeliever, no matter how much the first tries to convince the second. According to the Bible, the Christian knows the Christianity is through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. (Gal 3:26; 4:6; Rom 8:15, 16; 1Thess 1:5; 1John 2:20, 27; 3:24; 4:13; 5:6-10; John 14:16, 17, 20). Through faith we are the sons of God God sends His Spirit to our hearts = Abba, Father It is called the Spirit of adoption = Abba, Father That Spirit bears witness with our spirit, telling us that we are the children of God Gospel came in Spirit with much assurance You have an anointing from the Spirit This anointing abides in you, teaching you all things/no one needs to teach you By this we know: The Spirit We know He abides/ we abide by His Spirit The Spirit bears witnesstrue Gods witness (the Spirit) greater than that of men, so we should accept it He who believes has the witness in himself God becomes a liar if we dont believe Gods testimony Abide in Him Him in you We as Adventists have pushed so far away from Pentecostalism that we have become as dry as the hills of Gilboa. Our faith has become far too intellectual rather than truly embracing the Spirit and the experience of the Spirit. Our apologetics do not create our faith. They are not the basis of our
faith; they merely supports to our faith. The difference is between knowing and showing. I believe in God like I believe in the sun, not because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. SC 111 There is an evidence that is open to all,--the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,--the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. He bids us "taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8. Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, "Ask, and ye shall receive." John 16:24. His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of His love, our doubt and darkness will disappear in the light of His presence. SC 112 The apostle Paul says that God "hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." Colossians 1:13. And everyone who has passed from death unto life is able to "set to his seal that God is true." John 3:33. He can testify, "I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; and now the Bible is to me the revelation of Jesus Christ. Do you ask why I believe in Jesus? Because He is to me a divine Saviour. Why do I believe the Bible? Because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul." We may have the witness in ourselves that the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of God. We know that we are not following cunningly devised fables. We have addressed some key points: Time where did it come from? Life how did we come into existence? Mind where to non-material entities come from? Ought who created moral absolutes? These are merely external corroborationswhich agree with the Bibleof what we, by experience, find to be internally confirmedwith the Bibleas true. The first part is just sustaining the probability of God. It is the internal confirmation that is the proof. Time, life, mind, etc., are simply ways of showing what we know.
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Teaching
History of Christianity
Purpose: to show us who we are (as Christians, as Protestants, and as Adventists), where we are (in the stream of church history), and why we are (is there a justification for our existence as a denomination?). Historyfrom Greek Histor: a wise or learned person. Understanding not only the theological but historical significance of what we believe will allow us to better understand the path we travel and how we can learn from our mistakes. Anticipation [The Cross] Reflection, Anticipation [Fulfillment] Creation---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------Recreation Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God. Palestine, in the time of Jesus, was under the subjugation of yet another poweras it had been so many times in its history. Up to 332 BC, they were dominated by the Persians. From 332 to 165 BC, the Greeks ruled. After the Maccabean revolt, the Jewish state was independent from 165 to 64 BC. They were vassals from 64 to 37 BC and were then dominated and ultimately crushed by the Romans. The Jews longed for the Messiah, but they expected a military deliverer since they were in a military conflict. They desired political deliverance and anticipated a Messiah to give that to them. In those days there were 4 groups: The Phariseesemphasized traditions and customs that separated them from the pagans. They were highly suspicious of Jesus because He didnt attend their schools. They erected rigorous laws and standards to increase the separation from the pagan culture with which they were inundated. They were traditionalists and separatists. The Sadduceesfavored the Roman occupation practically if not philosophically. They were the aristocracy of Israel. They were politically conservative and religiously liberal, and the Roman Empire placed them in charge to keep the religiously conservative groups in check. They were the pedigreed families. The Zealotswere the armed resistance group. They heralded the Maccabean revolt. They were as religiously charged as the Pharisees, but were actively lashing out against the government. They fought against what they could not stand. Luke 6:12-15 makes the only mention of zealots in the NT. The Essenesshowed no interest in politics. They lived in monastic communities and prepared for the coming of the Messiah. They were essentially monks, living in qumranic communities. Withdrawal was their coping mechanism. Many believe that these are the ones who kept the Dead Sea scrolls over the years. Luke 11:20Jesus worked miracle, not for the sake of being a miracle worker, but to be a sign of the Kingdom being at hand. He wanted them to know that the Kingdom was not a physical location. Jesus called for loyalty from His disciples and others without aligning Himself with one of these four groups. The Sadducees didnt like Jesus because He threatened the delicate balance of Roman/Jewish relations. They viewed Jesus as a revolutionary. The Pharisees didnt like Jesus because they saw Him as a threat to their traditions. They felt that He betrayed the ancient teachings. Therefore, the Sadducees and Pharisees, who hated each other, teamed up against Him because His teachings would have been a certain overthrowing of both of them. They tag-teamed against Jesus (Mt. 22)
John 6:15the people tried to thrust Jesus into fulfilling their dreams of what the Messiah should be He withdrew from them. Their minds were so clouded by the oppression they had lived under that they could not understand what He was teaching about the Kingdom. They were dying for a ruler, and seeing John the Baptist, they asked if he was the Messiah. John pointed them to Jesus as the One, and they followed Him. Judas thought that Jesus needed an extra push to take on the role of Deliverer, and tried to force His hand (John 18). Even after Jesus was resurrected, the disciples still thought that He was going to restore Israel to its former glory (Ac. 1:6). The position of Christ, all through His ministry, as a precarious one in order to not align Himself with anyones preconceived ideas of the Messiah. Jesus rarely declared to people who He was. Often He asked, Who do men say that I am? He wanted to see where people were in their minds. In Matthew 21, we see Jesus declared King. Jesus allowed people to acknowledge and worship Him as the Messiah. Acts 2:36-41the church grew from about 100 in the upper room to more than 3,000 in a single day. They had complete unity (v.42-47). The Lord added to the church daily. This is the starting point of the Church. Matthew 9:14-17 declares that the coming of the starting point. The day of Pentecost is the fulfillment of this prophecy. The new wineskin is the Church. What He was saying with the parable was that they could not fit Him, as the Messiah, into any of their four viewpoints. He needed something new, and thus the Church began. How did we get from there (Pentecost, circa 31AD) to here (today)? The engine of the early church was the death of Christ, the resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This is where the power came from. Paul, in one of his earliest writings, pointed to this (1Cor. 15, written c. 51 AD). Verses 3 and 4 make it clear that it wasnt a legend that arose hundreds of years later. The early church was simply called the Way. Acts 9:2; 19:8, 9, 23; 24:14, 22. After a short time they became known as Ekklesia (GreekEk/Ex: out; Kaleo: to call). This term had already been used to refer to the Jews, and it was the cause of tensions between then as the term was given to followers of Christ. Acts 4:4within two years they had grown to 5,000 men (not counting women). Acts 6:7it was not merely addition, but multiplicationor rather, great multiplication to the point where priests (Pharisees and Sadducees) joint them. Between 31 and 34 AD, the church underwent a huge explosion, and these were only Jewish conversions. This was a reasonably pure faith because it was so closely (geographically) connected with the apostles. We know Paul was converted circa 37 AD, and subsequently took the gospel to the gentiles, which started an even greater explosive exponential growth. Acts 6; after a time, the followers of the way were not allowed to attend the synagogues. They were somewhat state-controlled, so the authorities wanted to keep the followers of Christ, who were deemed troublemakers, out of the synagogues. In verse 1 we see that the Greek Jews (the Hellenists) were not being served fairly. A large portion of the followers of the Way were Hellenists. The communities of Greek Jews came to be at odds with the Hebrew Jews. Greeks were put in charge of making things fair (6:5). After the death of Stephen, a massive persecution erupted. The Jewish leaders spearheaded this persecution (36 AD). The Greek Jews, who had been living in communes in Jerusalem, were the ones who were scattered. The Hebrews stayed (Ac. 8:1the apostles stayed). This began the time when the term Ekklesia was used to refer to followers of the way. At the same time Paul comes on to the scene. He was a Hebrew, had the training of a Greek background (Tarsus), and was a Roman citizen.
Acts 11:19-26they started preaching to Jews, then to Gentiles; then Barnabas got Paul in on it, and the followers of the way begin to be known as Christians. 2Cor. 4:6Paul says that history finds its consummation in the figure of Christ. The Hebrew experience could be reduced to the term light. They were the light in the gentile world; we see these sentiments reflected throughout all the Old Testament. The Greeks were obsessed with knowledge; they were the inventors of the academy, and all of the -ology termsderived from logos. The Romans were concentrated honor and glory. Paul united the 3 worlds he was a part of in through Christ as the consummation of all. He gives the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God. Pauls first missionary journey began (47 AD; Acts 13-15:35) in Antioch as Barnabas showed him what was going on there (11:25). Paul caught the vision, though interestingly he constantly struggle with his poor vision (as we understand this to be histhorn in the flesh as evidenced by his mention of how the Galatians would have given him their eyes if they could). His second journey (4953 AD; Acts 16:1-18:22). His third journey (53 AD; 18:23-21:26). In acts 15, Paul was leading a highly questioned conversion of Gentiles and the Church called him to give account for his work. Paul died circa 64/67 AD. The idea behind the Gnostic gospels (120-200 AD) is that Jesus gave secret teachings to certain individuals after His resurrection. Interestingly, there is no focus on the historical Jesus but rather a heavenly Jesus, teaching special truths. They focus on the words of Jesus rather than the words of Jesus. They are all written in Copticthe writing form of Egypt. They were popular in Egypt and Syria. They tell us almost nothing about the historical Jesus. These gospels include those of Thomas and Philip. No one believes that Philip wrote the gospel of Philip. The idea of Jesus married Mary came from this gospel and all comes to a passage that says that Jesus kissed Mary on her mouth often. There is damage to the document, and the place where the word describes where he kissed her should be is not there. Far from declaring a wedding, it doesnt even say where he kissed her. This is clearly not conclusive since greeting with a kiss was greatly common in this time. All that in consideration, even if it did say that he kissed her on the mouth often, there is no account of a relationship between them; and, even if there were evidence of a relationship between them, these Gnostic gospels teach Gnostic ideas which are incompatible with Christian beliefsincluding that women must become men in order to go to heaven. Basically no one accepts these writings as divinely inspired. Documents from Roman historians (Celsus, Tacitus, Pliny and others; 75-175 AD), having no agenda, establish that Jesus was: A historical figure A teacher From Palestine Supposedly king/Christ Worshipped as divine Executed under Pilate Most of these writings mention Jesus in passing, as a side note. Non-Christian, Jewish texts establish even more, including names of Jesus relative, the uncertain nature of His birth, and the claims of His resurrection. New Testament documents are declared to be biased and unreliable, but the truth is that all writings are biased and tainted by the viewpoint of the one bearing witness; nevertheless, regardless of biases, facts are still recorded by the writers of the Bible just as surely as Josephus and Tacitus recorded facts in spite of their personal biases. The events recorded by NT writers were written within their living memory. There was no vast amount of time. They were eyewitness/contemporaries of the events they recorded.
Pauls letters are dated 48-64 AD. The value of his letters is that they are the earliest writings of the church. Pauls letters confirm details of Jesus life including His death, resurrection, and appearances (1Cor. 15). Paul writes about them with an attitude that those who would be reading the things he wrote already knew about the life of Christ. Paul and Mark did not know about each others writings, and are considered by historians to be independent of each other. Paul didnt have the gospels, and the gospel writers didnt have Pauls writings. The words he wrote in 1Cor 15:3-5, date to as early as 34 AD. The gospels were widely known and circulated quite shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The four gospel are the earliest sources we have anywhere of the life of Christ. They are taken seriously by historians as valid documents. Luke and Mark are first accepted as the most hectically valid by historians, followed by Matthew, then John (this is because John holds more theology than history). Matthew, Mark, and Luke hold many similarities. Mark was written first; therefore Matthew and Luke were able to look at it; however, Matthew and Luke agree on things that Mark does not record. Scholars believe that there is another document. Matthew and Luke hold almost exact same verbiage, and scholars believe that there was a document they call Q from which both writers drew, and surmise that there are also documents, L, M, and SQ. The four-foldness of the gospel account flies in the face of mechanical inspiration. If God dictated, word-for-word, the things they wrote, why write four gospels? Plenary thought fits far better into what we know of the gospels. Multiple attestation is basically meaning multiple sources agree. Within 20 years of Jesus death, we have multiple attestations of the gospel story. This is far sooner that most widely accepted writings of historical figures. But why dont we have anything written sooner? In these times, the literacy level was 10%. The society was one in which oral traditions were passed on from one generation to another; it was absolutely not a literary society. Today we believe oral communication was unreliable. In those days they believe that written communication was unreliable. Memory was highly regarded. When things are handwritten, there is a chance that every copy is different. Oral history survived because of personal significance and common structure. When you pass on something that means something to you, it is easy to learn it and share it; when you share something that has an understandable structure (like an English limerick vs. a Latin dirge), it is also easy to learn and share.
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The Coming Apostasy of the Church (100 AD-)

2Thes. 2:3-6Paul declares that there will be an eventual betrayal of Gods ways, even as it took time before Judas gradual betrayal (Son of Perdition idea) was made evident. In verse 6, Paul carefully walks his way around calling out Rome by name. Acts 20:27-30they speak misleading things, or they lead, but lead wrongly to themselves instead of to Christ. These verses point to an internal problem The initial several centuries witnessed the expansion and triumph of the church, only to be blighted in the late medieval period by theological confusion and error. Divisions of Church History Ancientto 4th c.formation of the Church o Age of the Apostlesto 100 AD o Age of the Earliest Church Fathers100-150 AD o Age of the Apologists150-300 AD o Age of the Theologians300-600 AD Medieval5th to 15th c.deformation of the Church Modern16th to 18th c.reformation of the Church Postmodern19th c. to presentrestoration of the Church Between 100 and 312 AD, we have what is referred to as the era of Catholic Christianity (not as in Roman Catholic, but the linguistic meaning of Catholicthat is, universal). Ignatius was the first to refer to the church as Catholic. Ignatius is believed to have been a student of John the Revelator. Why did the Church grow so rapidly in the 2nd and 3rd centuries? 1. The conviction of those who preached the gospel yielded it strength. They were convinced of the events of which they preached. 2. The Church met a felt need of many in the empire at that time. This was the time of stoics and others. The Christians werent out to be the self-possessed people that the stoics strove to be, but it just happened. 3. Love was the backbone of the Church. The love that was shown to others, rich and poor, Jews and gentiles alike. The end of Acts 2 makes it clear. 4. Persecution/martyrs showed that the adherents of the teaching s of the church were willing to die for it. Persecution was the catalyst and the martyrs blood planted seeds in the hearts of those who watched them die. a. Accused of being aloof from society b. Accused of holding secret meetings, sex orgies, and cannibalism c. Accused of Atheism i. Refused to worship any idols (Romans could not relate) ii. Did not recognize the state-gods iii. Would not participate in emperor worship 1. Rome had grown so large that it was losing internal unity since the people from one end of the territory to the other had nothing in common. The easiest way to create that unity was emperor worship. It was not from a religious motive but for political unity.
The Concept of Authority in the Early Church:

God>Christ>Apostles>The Successors of the Apostles (Bishops trained by the Apostles, including Ignatius of Antiochstudent of Johnmartyred 117 AD, Polycarp of Smyrnastudent of John
martyred 155 AD, Clement of Rometraditionally ordained by Petermartyred). Through this system, the oral tradition of the gospel was passed on from one generation to the next. The point was to maintain the succession of truth. As the Apostles died, the need for the Apologists began to grow. They were writers who contended for the faith, answering the accusations of critics from inside and outside the church, including Aristedes, Justin Martyr, Theophilus, Athenogoras, Lactanius, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen.
Persecution
The Decian and Diocletian persecutions spanned from 225-300 AD and beyond. During the Diocletian persecution, the scriptures were burned. In these days, persecution did not have the end goal of killing a person. The idea was to torture individuals until they recanted. There were the confessors and the lapsed. Confessorsthose who held fast to their profession of faith. Lapsed The lapsed were those who recanted their beliefs when tortured After persecution died down, there was a great debate over if the lapsed should be allowed to rejoin the church. Around 250 AD, the Novationists set up a congregation in Rome. In this church, no lapsed members were allowed. Now the question came whether the church was a place for sinners or a club for saints. The view that there was no salvation outside of the church became an issue. From this grew the concept of sainthood. The concept arose that the faithful gave their merits to the lapsed. In came the system of penancea graded system by which to return to the church after denying Christ. It was left up to the bishops whether or not he penance should be accepted. The church began attempting to crush heresy. Side note: the word heresy means choice. The point was to maintain unity, the church needing to be universal. When other choices would arise, this threatened the universal nature of the church. Heresy was actually beneficial in its formative stages because it forced the church to look at its beliefs and to make the beliefs stronger and clearer. Eph. 4:4this gives one of the apostolic confessions/creeds, just as in 1Cor. 15. There were many apostolic creeds that were carried on through the years. 1Tim. 3:16 is believed to have been an early church hymn. Orthodoxythat which is straight, or correct. The point of orthodoxy was to keep beliefs founded on what the apostles believed. Throughout church history, statements of orthodoxy have been clung to. Deviations from these orthodoxies were called heresies. The crushing of heresy was a good thing until it became a bad thing. The Age of the Apologists was highlighted by strong defenses against these heretical and pagan attacks. The entire period was one of defense. Constantine then converts, and the need to defend becomes less important, and the need to clarify rises. Thus began the Age of the Theologians. Apostolic Christianity lasted to circa 100 AD, leading to the catholic (universal, not Roman Catholic) churchwhich included the Apologists Age. In 312, the Age of Theologians began with Constantines conversion and the Christian Emperors of Rome. As time progressed further from the Apostles, there arose the need for an absolute authority; enter the scriptures. Now it was increasingly important to have documents from the Apostles. The canonized writings of the Apostles and the creeds of orthodoxy came to the forefront.
New Testament Canonization

1. The books themselves had a self-authenticating/evidencing quality within them. They had the
ring of truth. 2. They also had to have been used in worship; they had to be profitable in worship. 3. There also had to be a direct tie between the writing and the Apostle. Period Apostolic Fathers100-140 Gnostic Opposition140220 Final Solidification 220-400 Significant Sources Quotations in Apostolic Fathers Quotations in Church Fathers; Muratorian Canon (c.180); Gospel of Truth (Gnostic) Origen Books Received Four Gospels, Pauline Epistles Gospels, Acts, 13 Pauline Epistles, 1 Peter, 1 John, Jude, Revelation Gospels, Acts, 13 Pauline Epistles, 1 Peter, 1 John, Revelation Gospels, Acts, 14 Pauline Epistles, 1 Peter, 1 John, Present Canon Books Questioned None Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Shepherd, Didache, Apocalypse of Peter Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Jude, Shepherd, Didache James, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Jude, Revelation, Shepherd, Didache
Eusebius
Athanasius (Paschal letter of 367final acceptance in the East)
The heresies caused the church to be vigilant about canonization.
Church-State Relations
From 33-313 AD, Christianity was rejected and persecuted by the state. After Constantines toleration policy, the Church went from being a persecuted minority to a pampered majority. In the Roman Empire there were five major bishoprics: Rome, Constantinople (The New Rome), Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria. With the conversion of the emperor, the state now has a vested interest in the church being universal. Before, the state was attempting to solve the problem of unity with emperor worship. After the conversion, the state sought to use Christianity as a national unifier. Constantine called for a church council to seek to bring about doctrinal unity (325 AD). When the Roman state united with the Catholic (universal) church, the result laid the groundwork of the Roman Catholic Church. This is precisely what Paul warned of in 2Thessalonians. Rome was the restraining power of which he spoke. When this union took place, it was only a matter of time before the man of sin was revealed. In 325, the church and Constantine met together (Council of Nicaea), and one on the results was the Nicene Creed. It was partially a response to Aryanismwhich denied that Christ was equally one with God the Father. Constantine believed that God had called him to bring about Christian unity. Circa 330, Constantine moved the capital of from Rome to Constantinople, there was a vacuum in the West. The control of the city of Rome was handed over to the Bishop of Rome. The second ecumenical council, held in Constantinople (Council of Constantinople, 381 AD),
condemned the teachings of Apollinaris and affirmed that Christ became human. After all, how could Christ heal something (human flesh) that He did not possess? If Christ was only partially human, the part he did not share with us could not be healed. Christ could not be our Redeemer if He did not fully identify with us. Another creed was offered. In 451, the Council of Chalcedonarguably the most ecumenical council in the history of the churchaffirmed, in creed, the humanness of Christ forever. Creeds have always revolved around the nature of: God o Trinitarian Controversythe spectrum of Modalism vs. Tri-theism; one God in three offices vs. three persons of different substances and offices. o Dealt with at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). Christ o Christological Controversythe nature of Christ; Chalcedonian definitionChrist is one person in two natures, unmixed, unchanged, undivided, inseparable. o Dealt with at the Council of Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431, 449), and Chalcedon (451). The Church o Donatist ControversyOutside the church there is no salvation. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, the Church meant Christ. In the 4th and 5th centuries, it began referring to the Roman Catholic Church. Man/Sin o Pelagian ControversySemi-Augustinianism; sacramental grace enables people to overcome their innate sinfulness. The Nature of Christ We must take both a high view of victory and a high view of sin. Victory is both possible and essential (as the post-fall stance holds). Sin is a behavior (the transgression of the law) and a condition (into which we are born; Rom. 5:18), as they pre-fall stance stands. Eph. 2:1-5. If a child is not a sinner until the child sins, then if that child dies before sinning, the child is not a sinner, then the child does not need grace, and then the child does not need a Savior. This cannot be the case because then salvation would then be either by the death of Christ, or by dying before you sin; yet Jesus, asking if there was any other way to save this world, found in the garden of Gethsemane that there was no other way. We are born with a selfish nature, and selfishness is sin. Sin originated in self-seeking. Human nature is depraved, and is justly condemned by a holy God. {RH, September 17, 1895 par. 7} The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. {1SM 344} Was Jesus tempted with every single temptation that we face? Though we cannot definitively say no, the Bible suggests that this was not the case. There are no biblical records of him having specific temptations. Its not essential that he was tempted in every single temptation that we face. Was he tempted with the temptations that homosexuals face? Was he tempted with the temptations that women face? Was he tempted with the temptations of the aged or the motherless? It would seem not. Nevertheless, He was tempted in all points. What points? He was tempted by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of lifethese being manifested as a result of selfishness, which is the foundation of sin.
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Factors Contributing to the Supremacy of the Bishops of Rome

Factor Matthew 16:17-19 Result Papal claims rest on the assertion that Peter was given authority by Jesus over the entire church. This claim was officially recognized during the papacy of Leo I. Apostolic The teachings that the apostles passed on their authority to their successors led to Succession the conclusion that Peters supreme authority had been perpetuated in the bishops of Rome. Martyrdom of With the rise of veneration of martyred saints, Rom gained prestige as the site of Peter and Paul the deaths of two of the principal apostles. The persecution under Nero also gave to the Roman church a special prominence by virtue of its suffering. Population of Rome Both the size of the city and the size of the church contributed to the authority of the bishop. Imperial Capital After the Edict of Milan, the emperors often sought advice on religiousmatters from the bishops of Rome. Language The Latin-speaking West, led by the bishop of Rome, was often able to cut through the knotty theological dilemmas that incapacitated the Greek-speaking East, because of the lesser ability of the Latin language to express subtle shades of meaning. Location Of the five patriarchal cities, only Rome was in the West; thus the bishop of Rome exercised authority over much more territory than didthe other patriarchs. Missionary Outreach The bishops of Rome, such as Gregory the Great, encouraged successful missionary world among the barbarian tribes, who then looked to Rome with great respect. The Eastern patriarchs were much less successful in evangelizing the Persians and later the Muslims. Barbarian The collapse of the Western Empire under the barbarian invasions left the church Invasions as the major integrating force in societyin the empire as well as the Christian barbarians. Conquest The loss of the territories of the patriarchs of Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem Muslim to Islam and the continual pressure exerted against Constantinople also increased the authority of the bishop of Rome. Leadership Leo I (first Pope; (bishop, 440-461 AD)) played a major Rome in resolving the Christological controversy; he also pled with the Huns and Vandals, obtaining the preservation of Rome. Gregory I acted to protect Rome against the Lombards, encouraged mission to England, and contributed pastoral and theological writings. By the time of Gregory I (600 AD), the federation of Bishops had come to an end, and there was now a singular leader over all the churches. This is the transition from the Formation to the Deformation stage of the Church. Monasticism began to rise as a response to an increasingly worldly church. People separated themselves from the world, taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The monks were scholars, but for the purpose of knowledge, not sharing. There was no evangelistic focus. So it is today as well. The Conflict between East and West 1. Division of Eastern and Western Rome. 2. Justinian (Eastern Emperor, 527-565) gives eastern flavor (Persian, etc) to Church architecturally, etc. a. The grandeur of the Orthodox church impressed the northern areas, including the Russians, and we see the influence in both architecture and in the Greek and Russian
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Orthodox churches. The rise of icons in eastern religious art, including Mary and others. People lost the concept that the art was to point to the original, and so they began to focus on the object. Idolatry creeps in. Leo III (717-741) destroyed idols in the East after being convicted that this was idolatry. He was called an iconoclast. Continued debates and quibbles between Rome and Constantinople. 1054 ADCardinal Humbart (legate of Leo IX) marches in to Constantinople to deliver the bull of excommunication, saying to those pleading against the decree, Let God look and judge. This caused The Great Schism. Islamic military and cultural pressure in the East. The Western (Catholic/universal) church and Islam sandwiched the Eastern (Orthodox/straight) church.
The Church Rises to Power

476 ADmarks the fall of the Western Empire precipitated by the onslaught of the Germanic tribes. The fall helped lead up to the bishop of Rome becoming the Pope. In 538, Justinian, after destroying the last of the Ostrogoths (the last resistance) declaresVigilius Pope. Boniface was one of many missionaries sent forth for the Christianization of Europe. The objective was to reach the Germanic tribes. Christianity began to become a binding force. Charlemagne (742-814). Pope Leo III crowned him head of state in 800. Charlemagne thought that his function was to protect the church and the church was to pray for him. By now, the union of church and state is in earnest. Pope Boniface VIII (1301) declares with Unam Sanctam that both spiritual and temporal power were subject to the church. The churchs power continued to increase, and kings became more and more subjected to the power of the Pope.
A Brief History of Islam

Date 538 570 622 630 632 636 690 713 732 1099 1453 Event Holy Roman Empire established Birth of Muhammad The Hijrah The capture of Mecca The death of Muhammad The conquest of Jerusalem and Damascus The construction of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem The conquest of Cordova, Spain, and the expansion into the Indus Valley The Battle of Tours, France The capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders The fall of Constantinople
Side note: God used Islam to protect one of the greatest libraries in Alexandria. The Catholics were destroying libraries wherever they went. If Alexandrias library had been destroyed, we could not have the Bible we have today. God raised Islam to keep the RCC in check. The crusades were a series of huge military incursions from Western European nations (1095-1291) whose purpose was to open the biblical lands to Western pilgrims. Eventually they were defeated by Saladin.
The Emergence of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC)

Slowly, ever so slowly, the pieces came together to create the mosaic of Roman Catholicism. Date 600 600 709 786 927 995 1000 1079 1090 1190 1215 Event Latin used in prayer and worship, imposed by Gregory I, taking away the access of common people to understand the services Prayers directed to Mary, dead saints, and angels (stemming from the confessors and the lapsed of the Diocletian persecution4th Century) Kissing the popes feet began with Pope Constantine Veneration of cross, images [idols; as opposed to iconswhich were paintings(long faces, shining halos, etc.)], and relics authorized College of Cardinal established Canonization of dead people as saints initiated Attendance at Mass made mandatory Celibacy of priesthood, decreed by Pope Gregory VII Rosary, repetitious praying with beads, invented by Peter the Hermit The sale of indulgences established to reduce Transubstantiation (the wafer and wine literally become the flesh and blood of Jesus) proclaimed by Pope Innocent III
Development of Roman Catholic Theology Four Sentences, Seven Sacraments (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, the holy ordersordination, and matrimony), and Mechanical Grace o Peter Lombard1095-1160 The sacraments imparted the grace of God apart from the piety of the recipient. No matter your attitude, it was still efficacious. Transubstantiation o Fourth Lateran Council1215 Summatheologica, sacraments as means of grace o Thomas Aquinas1224-1274 Seven Sacraments, Mechanical Grace o Council of Florence1438-1445 Merited Grace Dogmatized o Council of Trent1545-1563
The Eve of the Reformation

Outside Causes Socio-economic change Turks Nationalism Humanism Inside Causes Babylonish Captivity Moral Reformers Conciliarism Mystics The Three Essentials of How It Came About 1. Milieu a. Trouble inside and outside the Church. The discontent within the church continued to grow.
2. Message a. Sola scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide (Only scriptures, only grace, only faith). The discontentment inside the church led to the preaching of the message. 3. Means a. The printing press brought about ease of access to all. Books, before the advent of the press, were immensely expensive. After the press, information and education became readily accessible. Without the press, no one would have known who Martin Luther was. The locus of his reformation would have been contained to Wittenberg. The message could now be spread. The major reformers were Sons of Rome. The purpose of the reformers was not to divide the church but to reform it. They gained popularity because lower classes, disillusioned with the papacy, joined in the criticism of the Church. Some supported the reformers for economic reasons since the Church was always demanding money from them. 1382Wycliffe translates the Bible into English; he was considered the morning starof the reformation 1415John Hus 1439the printing press 1517Luther, influenced by Hus and Wycliffe, publishes the 95 theses 1520Papal bull excommunicates Luther The 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation 1. Sola Scriptura a. Authority and sufficiency of the Bible; the content of Salvation
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2. Sola Christus a. Exclusivity of the Provider; the basis of Salvation 3. Sola Gratia a. Totality of provision; the objective (external) cause of Salvation 4. Sola Fide a. Means of appropriation; the subjective (personal) agency of Salvation 5. Soli Deo Gloria a. The purpose of it all; the reason for living a Godly life. Catholicism vs. Protestantism Justification by faith and sacraments Grace administered through church Authority of Scripture and tradition Traditions within the Protestant Reformation Date 1517 1519 1532 1536 (Congregational) Reformers Lutheran (Luther, Melanchthon) German-Swiss (Zwingli, Bullinger) French Swiss (Calvin, Beza) English (Cranmer, Hocker) Present Division Lutheran Presbyterian Anglican, Episcopalian Justification by faith alone Priesthood of all believers Bible alone as final authority
The Groundwork for Adventism

1620The Mayflower lands in the new world, bearing passengers who sought freedom from religious persecution. Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams who, unlike the leaders of most other colonies, gave true freedom of religion in RI. 1831Miller starts preaching of the eminent return of Christ, the Second Advent. 1844the great disappointment leads many to fall away while some (Hymes, Fitch, Hiram Edson, Ellen Harmon, James White, J.N. Andrews, and others) promoted the truth of the Second Advent. 1863the Seventh-day Adventist Church is founded, emphasizing the sanctuary, Sabbath, and other unique truths of Adventism. They were determined not to make any creedal statements but rather took the stance, The Bible is our creed. Alexandria Egypt (The second Athens) Was apostate Today Muslim Greek education dominated. Rome could not break it. This city was dominated by the Pagan practices of the Greeks. There is little evidence that early Christians where keeping Sunday right at the end of 1st Century. Maybe to reduce the threat of persecution. The Jews where hated by the Romans, so the Christians wanted to be treated Antioch Syria Was more Faithful Today - Muslim Was the leading nation of Christianity When Jerusalem was attacked The fled. Most of them went to the Sea of Gallie, but then many of them when to Syria, esp to Antioch.
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as a different institution. The Pagans used the day of the week to distinguish which side of the fence they sat on. Rome excelled their prisoners (common prisoners and Christians) to Dacia (Approx. Romania). This is where the first really Christian community begin. In Alexandria it quickly influenced Rome. 160 Justin Martyr Began the integration of Greek and Christian 250 312 Lucian Was born in Antioch into a Christian family. He was going to train people so to rebut the efforts of the schools of Alexandria. He found that in Alexandria the started to change the Manuscripts. Which became the Western Alexandrian Greek Manuscripts. He made an effort to restore the Greek manuscripts. Which became Eastern Syria Greek Manuscripts.
170 180 Tatien The followed the idea of bringing the Greek ideas into the church. 197 Glement of Alexandria Would not view Christianity except through the eyes of the Greek gods 235 Oregon The oldest manuscripts we have today come from the Western Alexandrian Greek Manuscripts. (3rd Century). (Codex Vaticanus Abervated New Testimate, Codex Simacticus) In the Eastern Syrian Greek Manuscripts age to back around 4th Century. Percreta Bible. Wyclift was the first English bible but it was from the Western. Greek No spaces in the words, no punctuations.
Dealing with the early errors

10 yrs of Diocletian of persecution (303 AD 313 AD) 1. Emperor Diocletian 2. Emperor Salerius 3. Emperor Maximinian Council of Licia Started 10yrs after the persecution (Dec 312 337 AD) New emperor Constantine, early the next year 313 He joined Pagan and Church 313 AD Constantine Stoped the persecution of the Christians Mar 7 321 Sunday Law (by Constantine) (8yrs after the stop of persecution) By the 600s many parts of Christendom where keeping the Sabbath 664 AD (Key Date of the change of Saturday to Sunday Council of Wickbe)
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You have to worship on Sunday or dont work on Sunday Wales and Scotland didnt accept it till the 12 Century325 AD- 1st Council of Nicia o o o 4 yrs after the Sunday law (State Church Union) (The state was controlling the church) Constantine Called and Chaired it was run by the state Main issue was the trinity - Arianism Called by the Bishops Main issue was the Sabbath Christians have to work on Saturday Born in North Africa Divided home (Mother was a Christian, a supporter of Manichaeism) He brought Zoroastrian (a around the same time of Daniel) He went to a Manichaeism school By his 20s he wanted to try something else so he tried Christianity 380 AD He went to visit the (Bishop Amborose) Malian (Bishop Amborose) When in Rome do as Rome does he was a compromising Christian)
364 AD Council of Laodicea (43yrs from when the Sunday Law was introduced) o o o
(354 431 AD) Augustine, Bishop of Hippo o o o o o o
476 AD The Fall of western Rome 538 AD (Church State Union) The Church was controlling the State)
The Life of Augustine

The cross is the oldest symbol.The cross was never used by the Christian world, they used the fish. Augustine believed in the balancing of the forces in the universe. Pagans try to balance things which are never where to be balanced. Good = Bad, Truth = Error, Male = Female, Priest = Female Priest Ultimate control o Acts 24:25 Ultimate control Freewill o 1 King 18:21 Choice o Ezk 19:24 Righteousness person can still be lost o 1 John 1:9 Conditions Victory over sin o Jude 24 Able to keep you o 1 Jon 3:6-9 Sin not o 1 Pet 1:2 Foreknowledge Salvation is for all Men o Jon 12:31-32 Eternal burning o 2 Thess 1:9 Eternal destruction
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Baptism o Nature of Christ o Rom 1:3 o Rom 8:3 o Gal 4:4-5 o Heb 2:14-18 Original Sin o Act 17:30-31 o Jon 9:41 o Jon 15:22 Augustine believes o Absolute control / ultimate control o Predestination / Free will o Original sin / Sin by choice o Once saved always saved / Salvation conditional o Victory of sin is impossible / Victory over sin in Christ Power o The chosen (elect) are saved / Righteous saved o Eternal burning torment / Eternal destruction o Limbo Infant baptisms / Adult, believers, decision, immersion baptism o Immaculate conception (Dec 8 1854) / Christ took mans fallen nature o (Dec 8 1864) o (Dec 8 1870) Ineffability of the church
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What to teach to non-believer

The principles of health and temperance will appeal to their judgment, and we can from these subjects lead them on to understand the binding claims of the fourth commandment. {CH 545.2} Preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. {Ev 169.1} Present the gospel in its simplicity.--Counsels to Teachers, pp. 253-255. (1913) {Ev 175.2} Ministers should not preach sermon after sermon on doctrinal subjects alone. Practical godliness should find a place in every discourse.--Review and Herald, April 23, 1908. {Ev 178.4} The Lord desires His servants today to preach the old gospel doctrine, sorrow for sin, repentance, and confession. {Ev 179.5} Let the mind dwell upon the great work of redemption, the soon coming of Christ, and the commandments of God; and it will be found that there is enough food for thought in these subjects to take up the entire attention. --Review and Herald, Sept. 11, 1888. {Ev 183.2} The third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and this truth must be brought before the world; but the great Center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angel's message.... {Ev 184.3} Laborers in the cause of truth should present the righteousness of Christ.-- Review and Herald, March 20, 1894. {Ev 185.1} Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. {Ev 185.3} Some ministers think that it is not necessary to preach repentance and faith But many people are sadly ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation; they need more instruction upon this all-important subject than upon any other. {Ev 185.4} These are our themes--Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ our intercessor before God; and closely connected with these is the office work of the Holy Spirit, the representative of Christ, sent forth with divine power and gifts for men.--Letter 86, 1895. {Ev 187.1} His pre-existence, [SEE ALSO PP. 613-617, "MISREPRESENTATIONS OF THE GODHEAD."] His coming the second time in glory and power, His personal dignity, His holy law uplifted, are the themes that have been dwelt upon with simplicity and power.--Letter 83, 1895. {Ev 187.2} There are many who want to know what they must do to be saved. They want a plain and clear explanation of the steps requisite in conversion, and there should not a sermon be given unless a portion of that discourse is to especially make plain the way that sinners may come to Christ and be saved. {Ev 188.1} Teach the simple lessons given by Christ. Tell the story of His life of self-denial and sacrifice, His humiliation and death, His resurrection and ascension, His intercession for sinners in the courts above. {Ev 188.2}
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Present the truth as it is in Jesus, making plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Present Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, and tell of His power to save all who come to Him. {Ev 189.1} The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption--the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.--Gospel Workers, p. 315. (1915) {Ev 190.1} All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. {Ev 190.4} Daniels prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels messages to be given to the world. {CTr 344.3} The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. {COL 415.5} the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work. {GC 390.2} The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them. {GC 449.} The great message, combining the first, second, and third angel's messages, is to be given to the world. This is to be the burden of our work. Those who truly believe in Christ will openly conform to the law of Jehovah. The Sabbath is the sign between God and His people, and we are to make visible our conformity to the law of God by observing the Sabbath. It is to be the mark of distinction between God's chosen people and the world. It means much to be true to God. This embraces health reform. It means that our diet must be simple, that we must be temperate in all things. The many varieties of food so often seen on tables is not necessary, but highly injurious. Mind and body are to be preserved in the best condition of health. Only those who have been trained in the knowledge and fear of God should be chosen to take responsibilities. Those who have been long in the truth, yet who cannot distinguish between the pure principles of righteousness and the principles of evil, whose understanding in regard to justice, mercy, and the love of God is beclouded, should be relieved of responsibility. {KC 105.3}
28 Fundamentals and the Main Pillars of Our Faith

1. State of the Dead Creation Nature of Man
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Death and Resurrection Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ 2. Sanctuary Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Remnant and Its Mission Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary 3. Second Coming Remnant and Its Mission Lord's Supper Second Coming of Christ Millennium and the End of Sin 4. Sabbath Creation Remnant and Its Mission Growing in Christ Law of God Sabbath 5. Salvation Holy Scriptures Trinity Father Son Holy Spirit Great Controversy Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Experience of Salvation Growing in Christ Church Baptism New Earth 6. Spirit of Prophecy Holy Spirit Spiritual Gifts and Ministries The Gift of Prophecy Experience of Salvation Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Growing in Christ Unity in the Body of Christ Christian Behavior Remnant and Its Mission Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary 7. Sanctification Holy Spirit Experience of Salvation
Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Growing in Christ Unity in the Body of Christ Baptism Stewardship Christian Behavior Marriage and the Family Law of God Sabbath Lord's Supper
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Order of Studies
Section I 1. Overview of Humanitys Problem, Conclusion, and Solution / Scripture a. Death, Eternal Life, Saviour (Big Picture) 2. Godhead / Father, Son, Holy Spirit = Who is God? a. Conclusion = Love and unity b. How c. Objections: 3 in 1; 3 gods 3. Creation = The Creation of God a. Purpose / Conclusion = reflect Gods character i. Thought and Feeling (Truth and Spirit) (Mental and Emotion) (Convinced and Convicted) ii. Teach and Preach (New things and Application) b. How to get to the point c. Objections: Why people will not accept this? d. Supplement study 4. Great Controversy = The Origin of Evil a. Conclusion = Sin originated from Satan in the form of pride 5. Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ (Temptation & Fall of Men) = The Desire of Ages (Salvation) a. Conclusion = The solution to the sin problem is found in Jesus Christ 6. Experience of Salvation = Living by Faith (Growing in Christ = Victory over Sin) a. Conclusion = We keep our assurance of salvation alive by living by every word of God b. Conclusion = Jesus is at the right hand of God so that we can come boldly to His throne of grace 7. Law of God = Gods Law Unchangeable a. Conclusion = The law, exemplified in the life of Jesus, mirrors Gods character and points out what true love is 8. Sabbath = Repairing the Breach a. Conclusion = The Sabbath teaches how to rest in Jesus for true conversion 9. Antichrist & Mark of Beast a. Conclusion = Devil seeks to rob Gods people of true rest and keep them from preparation of the 2nd coming. 10. Second Coming = The Blessed Hope a. Conclusion = The timing of the 1st resurrection 11. Baptism / Church = How to Bury the Past a. Conclusion = The sign of our rebirth in Christ and entrance into a church family 12. Death and Resurrection (State of the Dead) = Can Our Dead Speak to Us? a. Conclusion = Death to self frees us from the power of the grave in the resurrection Section II 13. Sanctuary = What Jesus did a long time ago a. Conclusion = Connecting Salvation with prophecy 14. Sanctuary = Earthly meets Heavenly a. Conclusion = Christ the fulfillment of the earthly Sanctuary 15. Sanctuary = What is Jesus Doing Now?
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16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
a. Conclusion = Jesus is still with us today as our intercessor, helping us overcome temptation and reproducing Himself in His children Unity in the Body / Lords Supper = How to Love One Another (Witnessing) a. Conclusion = The memory of Christs death and humility unites us closer to Him and each other Christian Behavior = Hidden Jewels a. Conclusion = How we can show to the world Christs meekness and humility in our lives today Prayer & Family = The Secret to a Happy Family (Marriage) a. Conclusion = Exemplifying the example of Christ in our family Health = Secret to peace on earth and heaven a. Conclusion = Mind is avenue in which heaven reaches us Stewardship = Christs Poverty Makes Us Rich a. Conclusion = Overcoming selfishness by acknowledging God as the Owner and we as the managers helps the spreading of the gospel ministry
Section III 21. Remnant & Mission = What Church Would Jesus Attend? a. Conclusion = God raised the Seventh-day Adventist movement to proclaim the Three Angels Message in the last days 22. Spiritual Gifts = What Makes the Church Go a. Conclusion = Self-less use of our talents for training, serving, and building up Gods church 23. Gift of Prophecy = Gods End Time Prophet a. Conclusion = Jesus prepares His people for the 2nd coming through the writings of EGW 24. Millennium = The Devils One Thousand Year Vacation a. Conclusion = Jesus the righteous Judge. 25. Hell = End of Sin a. Conclusion = God will not allow any to perish with the idea that He was not fair 26. New Earth = Eden Restored a. Conclusion = We can be a part of this new home if we allow His word to recreate our hearts 27. Nature of Man = The Temptation and Fall of Man a. Conclusion =God, through Jesus, has given us the power to choose love and humility over pride
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Fundamental Pillars
1. Purpose of God in creation of man a. purpose: To show God's Word has creation / recreation power. God created man to show God's character. b. intro: Why do you exist? What was God's purpose for creating you? What is God's purpose for creating anything in this world? 2. Godhead a. purpose: To explain 3 in 1 concept. Different roles of the Godhead b. intro: All over the world people have different concepts of who God is. Let us see what the Bible has to say about the Godhead. The word Godhead is found in Acts. 17:29, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:9. 3. Origin of Evil (Lucifer) a. purpose: To show who sin originated from and that there is an end. b. intro: Who created sin? Did God create sin? 4. Fall of Man a. purpose: To show why humans have no control over their lives. What happened when Eve sinned and Adam sinned? b. intro: After Lucifer lost the war in heaven, he was throne out of heaven. But what happened next? What was his plan? 5. Gospel Sanctuary 1 c. purpose: To show the sanctuary objects a. intro: With each successive generation, man forgot Christ's promise that He would come to sacrifice for humanity and pay the price. When Moses brought the children of Israel, it was many generations from Adam, but God decided to give His people a visible reminder to teach them daily and yearly Christ's soon coming to sacrifice. 6. Gospel Sanctuary 2 b. purpose: To show the sanctuary services c. intro: It was not only the objects of the sanctuary that had special significance, but also the services. 7. Salvation in the Cross d. purpose: To show what Christ suffered at the cross. e. intro: Finally, Christ came to die for man. But what really happened at the cross? Was it really that bad for Jesus? Was it really as big a sacrifice as scripture has made it out to be? 8. The Only Begotten f. purpose: To show that Christ not only sacrificed at the cross, but for all eternity so that man can forever be sons and daughters of God. g. intro: John 3:16 calls Jesus the only begotten. What does that mean? Does it mean He was created?
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9. Law & Grace h. purpose: To show the purpose of the law. i. intro: Was the law abolished after Christ's death? Is it no longer relevant to the Christian experience? 10. Confession and Repentance j. purpose: To show the first step towards accepting Christ k. intro: As the law reflects the sinfulness of our characters, we should feel a sense of helplessness. What steps can we take to allow Christ to come into our lives to change us? How do we open the door of our hearts to the Saviour? 11. Sabbath a. purpose: To establish the importance of the Sabbath. b. intro: Other than the institution of marriage, God also allowed Adam and Eve to take one another institution with them. This was the Sabbath. 12. Prophecy's superpowers - Dan 2 a. purpose: To show the kingdoms that God predicted from Daniel's time till the end of the world b. intro: 13. Antichrist 1 - Dan 7 a. purpose: To identify the four beasts that come out of the sea. b. intro: Revelation 14:9-11 contains one of the most fearful warnings in all the Bible. You will either be saved or lost. Theres no sitting on the line. But who is this beast that causes those to receive a mark in their foreheads or hands? It is none other than the great antichrist of Bible prophecy. Lets have a look at this beast. 14. Antichrist 2 - Dan 7 / Rev 13 c. purpose: To reveal the antichrist d. intro: Last time we were together we looked at the four beasts. But today we will be studying into the little horn of Daniel 7 which will ultimately lead us back to the beast we saw in Revelation 13. 15. Importance of Marriage e. purpose: To show how marriage reflects Godhead (3person). To teach us how to love as God. 2 become 1. f. intro: God created marriage before He finished His work. Why? What was so important about marriage? What are the different roles that God reserved for each party in the marriage? A large part of society's problems today is the break down in the marriage relationship. 16. 2300 days 1, Dan 8 g. purpose: To show identify the beasts in Dan 8. h. intro: 17. 2300 days 2, Dan 9 i. purpose: To calculate the timing of the 2300 days prophecy. j. intro:
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18. Cleansing the sanctuary a. purpose: To explain what the cleansing of the sanctuary means. And show that we are in a time of judgment b. intro: 19. USA in prophecy (Rev 13) a. purpose: To show USA and its role at the end, just before Jesus comes b. intro: From the previous study, we learned who the AntiChrist is. In this study we will learn more about how the AntiChrist is going to use another beast to achieve its agendas at the end of time. 20. Mark of the Beast & Seal of God (Rev 13) a. purpose: To show that the issue dividing God's people from Satan's will be on the issue of worship, specifically the Sabbath b. intro: From our previous studies we have learnt who is the first beast and second beast of Revelation 13. We have also learnt that the second beast will cause the whole world to receive a mark of the beast. In this study, we will learn what is the mark of the beast and the contrasting seal of God 21. State of the Dead (Deception of the last days) c. purpose: To show the true state of the dead and that Satan is using this again to deceive the world d. intro: The first lie that was ever told to humanity is found in Genesis 3:4 when the devil told Eve ye shall not surely die. Thousands of years later, the world is still deceived by this great deception. Even the Bible in Job 14:10 relates mans continuing quest to answer the question But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?. In this lesson we will discover the truth about the state of the dead 22. Second coming e. purpose: To show the events that will transpire at Christ's second coming. f. intro: Jesus is coming back soon as He promised in John 14:1-3. But many are confused today about His coming. Let us have a look at this glorious truth today that we may be ready to meet Him when He comes again for a second time. 23. Millennium g. purpose: To show what will happen during the 1000 years following Christ's second coming h. intro: The Bible does not actually have the word millennium in it. It simply means 1,000 years. In this study we will answer two questions about the millennium. When is the millennium and what is the purpose, or significance, of the millennium to us today? 24. Hell Fire i. purpose: To show what is hell fire and when it will happen. j. intro: After the millennium there will be a resurrection of the unjust and we are told in Revelation 20:9 that fire will come down from heaven and devour them. This is what many people picture hell as. The word hell is only mentioned 54 times in the King James Version Bible, yet it is probably one of the most widely misunderstood and misrepresented topics in all the Bible. Today we will answer three simple
questions. When is hell? Where is hell? And how long does hell last? 25. True Church k. purpose: To show l. intro: The Bible says in Revelation 12:17 that the dragon (Satan) goes to make war with the woman and her Remnant. Who is this group of people that is the object of Satans wrath? 26. Spirit of prophecy m. purpose: n. intro: 27. Baptism o. purpose: To show the importance of baptism and what it means. p. intro: 28. Importance of Prayer q. purpose: To teach the Bible student how to pray r. intro: Growing in Christ is developed through spending time in Bible Study, prayer, and witnessing. When we study the Bible, God speaks to us. When we pray, we speak to Him. And when we witness, we speak to others about Him. In this study we will discover the secrets of prayer and how we can enjoy this privilege 29. Gospel of Health s. purpose: t. intro: 30. God's Money - Tithe and Offerings u. purpose: v. intro: 31. Christian Lifestyle a. purpose: b. intro: 32. Unpardonable Sin a. purpose: b. intro: 33. Heaven and New Earth a. purpose: b. intro: 34. Faith of Jesus c. purpose: To show what it means to have the faith of Jesus that will help us to keep the commandments and have no guile in us (victory over sin) d. intro: When we look at the characteristic of God's people before Jesus comes, it is that they have the faith of Jesus, not just faith in Jesus. And that this faith is connected with the fact they keep all of God's commandments and have no guile, which means no sin. However, when we look at ourselves, somehow, this is not the
case. What is wrong? How can we have the faith of Jesus?
Doctrinal Teaching
Word of God
Doctrine A. = Teaching a. Teaching knowledge, understanding, and wisdom i. Knowledge = information (What or Observe) - convince ii. Understanding = reason (Why or Interpret) - convict iii. Wisdom = how to use it (How or Apply) convert B. End result = Eternal Life Problem, Solution, and Conclusion A. Death, Saviour, and Eternal Life a. Bible study takes them through process of what they know (death) to what they do not know Problem A. Why death? Sin B. What is sin? Law C. Why break law? Human nature D. Origin of sin a. Satan Great Controversy b. Adam Creation Solution A. Offers solution to all the problems a. Satan pride b. Adam flesh B. (Death) Evidence we dont have to die? Resurrection C. (Sin) Cross + The Sanctuary in heaven a. Lamb of God + High Priest D. (Law and Human Nature) Fallen human nature of Christ E. (Origin of Sin) His humility and human nature Death --------------- Eternal Life A. When eternal life? 1st Resurrection a. State of the Dead B. 1st Resurrection = Eternal Life C. 2nd Resurrection = Death Time of 1st Resurrection A. Second Coming Determination of Resurrections A. Good and Evil (John 5:29) When this decision is made
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A. Judgment (Ecc 12:14) B. Investigation of good and evil (Mt. 13:47, 48) 1 Cor 15:21, 22 A. Everyone will be made alive = resurrected B. Why wicked resurrected for eternal death? a. Wicked give God permission to destroy them by being convinced of Gods decision is fair b. Php 2:10, 11 (9 =resurrection; 8 = death; 6, 7 = human nature of Christ) Who is Good? A. Mt 19:16, 17 B. Rom 3:12 C. Rom 3:10 (good = righteous) Righteous? A. Greek = dikaios just = innocent a. Mt 27:19Lk 23:4, 14 = no fault b. To declare someone good, righteous, just or no fault, there has to be an examination or judgment c. examine = scrutinize or investigate d. To declare someone just there has to be an investigative judgment B. Justify = no sin or no fault a. Record of sin needs to be erased, otherwise God will be called a liar b. God justifies TODAY based upon future event C. No fault = blotting out of sin a. Must teach about heavenly Sanctuary which is connected to Salvation How was Jesus in MHP as High Priest confirmed? A. Spirit of Prophecy a. Prepares us for the judgment How to receive this kind of justification? A. Faith which is evidenced by good works of faith a. Righteousness of Christ received by faith How to understand faith? A. Sabbath and faith is connected to the Creator What does living by faith produce? A. Sanctification Major Doctrines A. State of the Dead B. Second Coming C. Sanctuary D. Salvation E. Spirit of Prophecy F. Sabbath G. Sanctification
Godhead
A. Four Characteristics a. Omnipotent b. Omniscient c. Omnipresent d. Eternal / Creator B. God is love a. More than 1, at least 2 Why 3? A. God is truth a. Father validates Himself by 2 other witnesses (Son and Holy Spirit) b. Other 2 has to be Eternal to witness Father, therefore theyre part of Godhead How to show God is love? A. Nature, the creation of God a. Illus: Art shows the character of the artist How to teach in CARE Group? A. Start by defining who God is (w/out Bible yet) a. Omnipotent b. Omniscient c. Omnipresent d. Eternal / Creator B. What is He like inside? Love a. Based upon what we see outside C. Has to be more than 1 a. Let US b. Marriage 2 shall be 1 TEACHING TIP: A. Bridge a. Get them to agree to something they cant deny before teaching new idea or point b. Example: Omnipotent Whoever God is He has to be more powerful than you, right? Therefore He has to be Creator Can we tell something about artist by their artwork? What about who God is through His creation? A. Romans 1:20 a. This introduces Godhead to show it exists in the Bible b. Compare with other translations c. TEACHING TIP: i. Use the definite point in the text and know how to use other details in the text d. SIMPLE but SHARP SUMMARY: i. Visible things reveal the invisible things
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B. Acts 17:29 a. Give historical background when you use texts from historical books b. TEACHING TIP: i. You have to know your Bible study student in order to know which verses to use and how to use it Communicate with them to know how to teach them, what they need c. SUMMARY: i. God cant be like gold, etc because WE are His children d. Verses 30, etc i. Paul is making an appeal ii. Could use this at the end or in the middle (class will be about Appeals later on) C. Colossians 2:9 a. SUMMARY: i. Jesus expresses divine nature of God fully in human form Key Verses to use when teaching Godhead A. Deut 6:4 the Lord our God is one Lord a. ONE = united, from a word which means to unify b. SUMMARY: i. Theres more than one in order to be united c. GOD = plural form of God in Hebrew d. LORD = Jehovah which means Self-Existent or Eternal B. Matt 28:19 a. NAME distinguishes 3 different persons C. Matt 3:16, 17 a. The Son has a form is clearly seen in Scripture b. Father John 1:1; 3:16; Dan 7:9, 10; Rev 4 c. Holy Spirit Dove, Wind, Air, Breath, Fire; no clear Bible text on form of Spirit D. Trinity a. Bad connotation: One God acting in 3 different roles
Creation
Teaching Points A. Major points more time a. They should be convinced and convicted by these points B. Minor points little time a. Supporting points to the major ones b. Like fishing, just dropping the bait Creation What are the points trying to bring out? A. Non-SDA / Sunday Keepers a. Sabbath (but as a minor point if its your earlier study) b. Glory character law i. If they understand law, then connect to whatever God said, it cannot be changed
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B. Non-Christians a. Creation Creator b. Word c. (Theyre objections are also being met) NOTE: (How to be a master? Not by doing many things a few times but by doing a few things many times) We will be attempting to perfect making a Bible study CARE Group: Artist - -- - - - - - - - Creation \ / CARE & LOVE = main point Form and breath touching and coming close face to face
Teaching technique: Definition o Use this to make your point, to emphasize your major point Macro and Micro (Big picture and Little Detail) Chance and ID (no thought and thought) Shape, Symmetrical, and Purpose
Great Controversy
What are we trying to teach? A. Beginner a. Origin of sin B. Advanced a. Think of what people are asking
The Nature of Man

What are we trying to teach? A. Mortal subject to death B. Sinful Nature subject to sin In order to teach this you have to teach about sin of Adam before and after sin Conclusion: Man is subject to death and sin Feeling helplessness and then bring in the hope Giving the Study: A. Adam and Eve a. Before and After Sin B. Sin and Death C. Conclude with Hope
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Before and After Sin How would you bring out the contrast? A. Gen 1:27, 31 VERY GOOD What made it very good? A. Made in the image of God a. It was mans natural desire to do Gods will b. Supported by freedom of choice c. Gods will for them to live forever B. Both their desire to do Gods will and live forever is contingent on their choice they make thats why theres the tree of the knowledge of good and evil a. Tree was there to strengthen their power to choose TEACHING TIP: A. To show your conclusion you need to show the opposite of it and then how they became like your conclusion (sin and death, helpless) Bible Texts: A. Gen 2:25 nakedness and shame a. So you bring this out because you show right after this text what happened is sin and shame (Gen 3:10) b. This helps you build confidence and trust in you from your student B. Gen3:7 eyes opened = knowing theyre naked a. So why didnt they have this understanding before? i. Made in Gods image and in Ps 104:2 God wears light as garment, so we were also covered with this ii. Because garment of light is gone they can see their nakedness and theyre ashamed C. Gen 3:7 shame causes you to cover that what youre ashamed of D. Gen 3:8-10 fear connected to voice of God a. Shame causes to cover visible shame and hide because of fear E. Gen 3:10 they werent naked, they had figs; but they felt naked not physically but invisibly too a. So shame was because of misuse of freedom of choice which brought sin and death F. John 8:34 captive, bondage to sin and because of sin, death (wages after your work = Rom 6:23) G. Rom 8:2 what way did Jesus help us? This is how you can end Bottom line: We cannot save ourselves from sin Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Ending of last study: A. Subject of sin and death with the feeling of helplessness but hopeful How can we teach this study in connection with the previous? A. Jesus death answers our sin problem and His resurrection helps with our death Humility A. Grace and Power a. I Pe 5:5
b. II Cor 12:9 c. In order to receive grace you have to be humble and when this grace is received it gives us power d. Tit 2:11-14 power to choose Bible Texts: A. Rom 6:9 resurrection helps us with death problem B. Rom 6:14 grace helps us with our sin problem (how to get grace? Humility) Flow of the Study: A. Rom 3:23 use short to review the past studies B. I John 3:4 this is the conflict C. Matt 1:21 Jesus saves us FROM sin (helps us with this SHORT problem) D. Matt 1:23 Immanuel, wants to dwell with us, be with us, to save us E. Joh 1:14 how did He dwell with us? Became flesh F. Heb 2:9 little lower than the angels to taste death (past sin, our guilt) G. Heb 2:14, 15 death problem (future resurrection) H. Heb 2:17, 18 temptation (present need) I. Rom 8:3, 4 weak through the flesh TEACHING TIP: A. Have a flow, be systematic, and natural sequence B. First point and last point are connected
State of the Dead

What is the point? A. When you die, you have no conscience; spiritualism is wrong Bible Texts: A. Job 14:10 to begin the study with this question B. Job 14:12 till heavens be no more II Pe 3:10 Objections: A. II Cor 5:8 Absent from the body and present with the Lord B. Lk 23:43 Thief on Cross C. Lk 16:19-31 Rich Man and Lazarus D. I Pe 3:19 preaching to the spirits in prison E. Rev 6:9 souls under altar F. I Sam 28:7-14 Witch of Endor Fundamentals of the Christian Faith Day 6, Class 1 01 October 2009 Objections see Spiritualism Objections Handout
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Class 2 (See above) II CORINTHIANS 5:8 A. Go to verse 1 and onwards to explain
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Class Objections Handout
Law of God
A. Moral law and ceremonial law differences a. Why? Sabbath is next study B. Objections a. Col 2:14-16 b. Rom 6:14, 15; 7:4 c. Ep 2:8
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Fundamentals of the Christian Faith Day 7 Class 1 05 October 2009 Law of God How to show Gods law is unchangeable? A. Matt 5:17, 18 is the best one a. Verse 21 and 27 establishes which law the Ten Commandments b. Justification and Sanctification must be included in a balanced way in every study; choose justification rather than sanctification if you have to choose only one A. Trust B. Obey Level of Truth A. Jesus said He had many things to say but they couldnt bear them all B. Level 1 = positive and attractive emphasized, no choice but to accept it because of how beautiful it is C. Level 5 = so strong that they just have to say yes or no
Sabbath
Objections to the Sabbath A. Worship God everyday a. Should we never work then? b. We can worship God as were working in our minds, but God has set apart one whole day for worshiping Him c. Do you have quality time with someone while their working all the time? TEACHING TIP FOR OBJECTIONS: A. Show their question is illogical, if applies B. Give logical answer from the Bible C. Give obvious-answered example B. Any day to worship God or At least one day of the week, Hes not so particular a. Are you saying that God is not so particular and detailed about what He wants? (help them to think) b. Tree of knowledge of good and evil; Blessed and sanctified 7th day, not any other c. Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, National Holiday i. You cannot change these, so how can we change Gods day? C. Calendar changed how to know Sat is still Sabbath? a. Show calendar on which day of the week Sat is; Luke 23:54-24:3; show Saturday in other languages = Sabbath D. Didnt Jesus change Sabbath? a. Go through all verses on first day of the week in NT i. Mt 28:1; Mk 16:2; 16:9; Lk 24:1; Joh 20:1; Joh 20:19; Ac 20:7; I Cor 16:2
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1. Ac 20:7 2. I Cor 16:2 collecting or setting aside? 3. Give historical background a. Ac 20:7: Paul going to Jerusalem and they gathered to hear his speech b. I Cor 16:2: See Acts 11:27-30 E. Rev 1:10 says Sunday is the Lords Day a. Sabbath is the Lords Day (see Isa 58:13 and Mk 2:27) Sabbath Objections A. Colossians 2:14, 16 a. Begin with defining the word ORDINANCES (law, civil, ceremonial, or ecclesiastical) b. Then say which one? And describe the ordinances and define them: i. HANDWRITING ii. AGAINST iii. CONTRARY c. Then ask them to look at the Bible as to which law was against us: i. Deut 31:24-26 1. Book of the law 2. Written by Moses 3. Outside of the ark the best argument 4. Against us d. Then show how Gods law was inside the ark i. Deu 10:1-4 ii. Heb 9:4, 5 e. Then ask was everything done away what Moses wrote? What was done away? i. Go back to Colossians 2:16 1. Meat, Drink, Holyday, New Moon, Sabbaths f. Then ask where in the Bible it talks about all these things? i. Leviticus 23 g. CONCLUSION SO FAR: It has to be ceremonial law h. Then show there are other types of Sabbaths, ceremonial Sabbaths i. Leviticus 23:1-3 i. Sounds like seventh-day Sabbath is part of ceremonial law ii. KEY WORD: Holy Convocation iii. Sabbath is a holy convocation too (verse 4 These are the feasts) j. Col 2:17 best argument showing ceremonial are the things which are shadows i. Shadow has an image ii. Talking about feast days iii. Heb 8:5 shadow of heavenly things, the earthly sanctuary iv. Heb 10:1 shadow of good things to come, the sacrificial law v. which are a shadow of things TO COME all fulfilled except DOA and FOT!!! k. Sun is greater than the moon B. How to show Sabbath still intact after death of Christ a. Luke 23:56 Jesus already dead; He died on Friday because they had to keep the
Sabbath to be first witnesses of His resurrection b. Mt 24:20 Your flight = disciples flight; Mt 28:19, 20 disciples to teach all things of the commandments of Jesus; destruction took place AD 70 c. Acts 13:42 Gentiles asking Paul to preach on Sabbath to them C. Hebrews 4 objection = everyday is the Sabbath a. Heb 3:16-19 A. Saved a. From sin i. Guilt and power of b. Death i. Eternal life c. Guilt = past and justification d. Power = present and sanctification e. Death = future and glorification Conversion A. Transform B. Born again C. Change most common definitionincludes justification and sanctification D. Regeneration E. Renewal 1. Justification = the decision, Gethsemane 2. Sanctification = the action, Cross 3. Glorification = the conclusion, Resurrection Change of heart thoughts and feelings What kind of thoughts and feelings need to be changed? A. Motives B. Desires C. Intentions D. Taste E. Inclination F. Habit Acts 3:19 GODS PART = SAVING US FROM SIN, DEATH, AND THE POWER OF SIN HUMANITYS PART = DECISION = REPENTANCE (ACTS 3:19) *In order to understand your decision, you need to understand repentance and confession = SURRENDER **What is repentance? Sorrow and turn away from sin **Confession? What is sin, and who committed it Confession and Repentance = THOUGHTS and FEELINGS Majority just confess only when they make their decision A. GODS PART = Rom 2:4 a. Goodness of God b. Holy Spirit
c. Mercy & Grace d. Jesus
Baptism
A. B. C. D. Present it in a different order towards the end OR use 70 weeks OR Birth, Baptism, Ministry, Death of Jesus OR John 3 a. Water cleansing baptism is an acknowledgment of you being cleansed by Jesus
A way to present baptism: (Rev 6:17) who shall be able to stand? Rev 6:15, 16 people hiding Gen 3:7-10 first time people hid because theyre naked Rev 16:15 garment / naked Rev 3:14-18 naked / white raiment Rev 19:8 righteousness Jer 23:6 Jesus put on Gal 3:27 baptism (we have to put off something) Eph 4:24, 22, 23 renewing of mind is putting off old man Rom 6:3-6 baptism; old man Gal 2:20 crucified with Christ John 3: Water and spirit (guilt and power fire) Objections to Baptism A. Why go into water? a. Present the meaning of baptism = immersion b. Rom 6 bury = into the ground, fully covered; plant = into the ground, fully covered c. Noahs flood d. Acts 8:38, 39 e. Matt 3:16 f. History g. I Cor 10 B. Eze 36:25, 26 a. Eph 5:24, 25 with Eze 36:23, 25, 26 C. I was already sprinkled a. Immersion is the right way D. I was already baptized by immersion as a Baptist, etc a. Acts 19 rebaptism b. Major doctrines: i. Three Angels Messages ii. Pillars of our faith E. Why do I have to get baptized at all? a. Wedding important to show you forsake all but one F. Infant baptism a. Matt 28:19, 20
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G. Name of Jesus or Father, Son, and Holy Ghost a. Would you go against being baptized in the name of Father and Holy Ghost too? H. I Cor 15:29 baptized for the dead a. SHOW I COR 15 IS ABOUT RESURRECTION (v 4) b. Verse 12 Pauls point = THERE IS A RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD c. Verse 14 still on his point: why should we preach if no resurrection? d. Verse 17 yet in your sins e. Verse 18 talking about them who are dead ARE PERISHED if no resurrection; those who die in Jesus die in hope f. Verse 21, 22 resurrection of the dead by Christ g. Verse 23 make conclusion about 2 types of death: IN CHRIST or IN SIN i. 1st in Christ of life ii. 2nd in sin of condemnation h. Then ask what ceremony teaches when you die in Christ?
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Knowing
The Word of God/ Daniel 2
Purpose of the Study: To show that the Bible is trustworthy. The study will address the Bibles claims, content, and consistency. Bible studies = 40-50min. Center it: God is a communicator who longs to communicate His message of salvation through His word. Know it/Mark it: 3 Lines of Evidence (3 Cs of the Bibles believability) Claims: 2Timothy 3:15-17, esp. 16 2Peter 1:19-21 Content: John 14:29 Isaiah 46:9, 10 Daniel 2 Consistency {CITE} Cultural Internal Translational Experiential Share it: Claims: What claims does the Bible make about itself? 2Timothy 3:15-17. According to verse 15, what is the purpose of scripture? To make us wise to salvation [to bring about the experience of salvation]. (If they ask: What does that mean? A: Great question. Well cover that later. At this point we want to establish what the Bible say about Scripture.) According to verse 16, what claim is made about scripture? It is inspired by God [God-breathed]. According to this verse, how much scripture is God-breathed? All. Notice the remarkable claim the Bible makes about itself. The purpose of Scripture is to bring about the experience of salvation. That scripture, all of it, is God breathed. 2Peter 1:19-21. What is the interesting word we find in verse 19? Prophecy. This is a very important word, and well come back to it in a moment. Q: According to verse 20, what is the first thing we must know about scripture? It is not to be privately interpreted. (If they ask: How come there are so many different denominations? It seems like everyone is interpreting the Bible privately. A: Great question. Well cover that later.) According to verse 21, why is that the case? Because the origin of scripture is God, not man (There is our claim again). Summary: the Bible is the product of God. Our claim is that it is God breathed. Its the origin in Gods will.
Illustrations: Art gallery. You see an abstract painting with unique colors, textures, and shapes. Everyone surmises what it means. Then, the painter comes out to tell what it means. Whose interpretation would be more reliable? The painters. Since God is the originator of scripture, Gods interpretation is most reliable. Library of Congress. There are millions of books in the library of congress. How many of those books claim to be breathed by God? Does making the claim make it true? No, however, we must look at it differently because it makes this claim. Modest claims require modest evidence. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. The claim to be a 21-year-old man. Its a simple, modest claim. It doesnt require much evidence. E.g. If I claim to be married, you likely wouldnt ask for proof. The reason: being married is a modest claim. Lots of people are married. The more modest claim, the more modest evidence that is needed. The claim to own a $500,000 dollar car. A more extraordinary claim requires more proof. If the Bibles claim is true, then the Bible is the most important book in the world. Modest claims require modest evidence. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Because thats an extraordinary claim, and it would require an extraordinary evidence. Transition: The Bible here is making an extraordinary claim about itself. Making the claim does not make it true. But the Bibles claim necessarily puts it in a unique category that demands extra special attention and scrutiny. Because its such an extraordinary claim. Is it the Word of God because it says its the word of God? No. But its an extraordinary claim! If God gave us mathematical proof, then belief in God would not be a matter of faith, but a matter of fact and knowledge. Let me give you two lines of evidence that I believe the support the Bibles claim to be the word of God.
Content: John 14:29. According to this text, why does Jesus tell us things in advance? So that when they happen, we will believe. This is called prophecya forecast of future events [dont use the word predictionit has the element of guesswork]. What was that word I asked you to put on a shelf? Prophecy) Isaiah 46:9, 10. Q: According to verse 9, what does God say about Himself? I am God and there is none else. He alone is God. Q: According to verse 10, what evidence does God give to back up His claim? By declaring future events. Historians tell us of the past, journalists tell us of the present, but only God could tell us perfectly what the future holds. Transition: let me share with you one of the Bibles amazing and accurate prophecies. Daniel 2. (The heart of this study 15-25 min of your study) Tell the story from verse 1 to verse 31, and then read from that point forward. The dreams interpretation begins in v.31. It should last 3-5min. Daniel was written around 600 BC. God foretold the next 2,600 years. Theres a few key elements:
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This prophecy is found in the book of Daniel. Written 600 years before the time of Jesus. Nebuchadnezzar had a strange dream and he asked the magicians, astrologers, etc to remember the dream he had and interpret it. The king was furious because he couldnt remember it and they couldnt tell him anything. So he sent them to be killed. Daniel was numbered among the executioners, and he asked to show what the dream was and its interpretation. Daniel didnt know the dream, but he knew the One who knew the dream. He asked God to show him what the dream was and its interpretation. God is a God that hears and answers prayers. God showed Daniel what the dream was and its interpretation. (A drawing of King Nebuchadnezzars statue.) It contains 8 major elements. 1. Babylon (Gold Most powerful empire) 2. Medo-Persia (Silver two arms = Medes & Persia) 3. Greece (Under Alexander the Great) (Bronze He used bronze for their military metal and was so powerful. From a small tribe, overtook the enormous kingdom of Medes & Persia) 4. Rome (Roman Empire would not be conquered but divided) (Rome over took Greece using Iron military. Was the country to develop Iron first.) 5. Division of Rome (divided, not conquered476 ADover 100 years after it was forecasted). (Two legs Rome was divided into two parts: East and West Rome) 6. Continued division of Rome 7. Method of attempted unification (Iron & clay cannot mix together, but it looks like one because of feet. but iron and clay cannot blend together and they tried to through intermarriages were one of the many ways they attempted to unify Europe. Military attempts of unification have failed alsoNapoleon, Hitler, Henry 14th, Charles 5th, Charlemagne, and others. Now they are trying for economic unity with the EU. 8. Gods kingdom/Second Coming (Setting up of Gods Kingdom at the 2nd Coming of Jesus) (Christ = Rock. Rock in OT Gen 49:24 Sheppard is the Rock Ps 23:1 = Christ = Rock. NT 1 Cor 10:4) Only date you should remember: 476AD Most historians agree, the date that finalized the division of Rome. Why its important? The prophecy foretells the sweep of nations from the time of Daniel (600 years before Jesus) until our present time, some 2600 years of human history, in a simple and sublime dream. 3 ways man tried to bring unity, when the Bible predicted they would not: 1. Marriage/Marital 2. Military (Great men of history that tried to bring a political unity, but have never succeeded.) 3. Money/Monetary If the person is accepting all of this, skip this next part: This is just one of the Bibles
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amazing prophecies. I cant wait to show you more. John 14:29 this is so that we can believe. Isaiah 46:9, 10 He is God. He knows the future. We have three options for explaining how Daniel 2 could happen. 1. Lucky guess! o Ruled out by the accuracy of the prophecy. 2. Daniel was written after the events it describes. o There is no evidence to suggest that it was written after the traditional date of 600 BC. 3. The prophecy is true, and therefore Gods word is trustworthy. o The only option left, therefore, it must be true. Why raise these 3 points? If they are skeptical and if you raise these points before they ask, they know that you know and are prepared to answer their questions. Modern critics: their critiques are saying that Daniels prophecy is too accurate.??? Jesus Himself (Matthew 24:15) quoted the book of Daniel Transition: Now let me share with you a second line of evidence why I believe the Bibles claim to be the Word of God is true. Consistency {CITE} Cultural The Bible is trans-culturally popular in a way that no book has ever been before. The best explanation for it is that it is inspired by God. People of all nationalities read the Bible and love it. People of every culture are spoken to by this book. How can that be explained? Most cultures have their classics, Hemmingway, Chaucer, and others. These change from culture to culture. Books are popular within their culture and time, yet the Bible transcends that. African Bushmen and fortune 500 company owners read it and gain something from it. Its trans-cultural nature suggests Divine inspiration. Internal The Bible: 3 (continents), 35 (authors), 66 (books), 1600 (years). Its picture of God, mankind, and the world is remarkably consistent throughout all the writings contained in it. All of the authors come from a variety of backgroundsfrom doctors, fishermen, statesmen, and shepherds, yet their message is consistent. The Bible touches on 3 primary areas: 1. Nature of God 2. Nature of mankind 3. Nature of the world The picture that emerges is one of absolute consistency. I.e.: The picture that was presented by Moses, is consistent/harmonious with the picture that was presented by Matthew. Food Bible illustration. If we assembled 35 authors from 3 continents, over a period of 1600 years, to write a book about food for a food Bible, would we have a consistent book? Which is more controversial, food or God? This unity is so pervasive that the Bible contains no theological contradictions.
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Translational OT: 1947 (discovery of the Dead Sea scrollsan ancient library including every single book of the OT except Esther), 250-100BC (earliest to latest dated scrolls), 99% (when laid beside those ancient copies and the modern texts that we now have, our texts are 99% accurate. We are 99% sure that the OT we have is identical to the one Jesus had). NT: 5,000+ (ancient Greek manuscripts of the portions of the NT today some complete, some fragments), 97-98% (the percentage of agreement between the ancient texts and our modern NTand the differences are never theological <Glory to the Lord vs. Glory to the Lord Jesus vs. Glory to the Lord Jesus Christ>). We know that the OT and the NT that we have today, are exactly the OT and NT that God intended us to have. It has been miraculously preserved for us today. Experiential I have found the Bible to be the voice of God to my soul. Give a 1-3 minute testimony of what God has done in your life, emphasizing the role that the Bible played.
Appeal: 1Thessalonians 2:13 Q: According to this verse, for who does the Word of God work effectually? For those who believe. Are you willing to accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God as a unique revelation of God? Are you willing to believe? Appeal Q: Question I have for you today, (in the light of what we learned today) as we looks at the claims, content, and consistency of the Bible is: are you willing to believe that this is the word of God? Are you willing to believe that this book is what it claims to be = the word of God? Defend it: The Bible contradicts itself. o Where? 90% of people have no clue for themselvesthey have just heard from others. o For the 10% who have an answer they will probably say: 1. In the OT, God is angry. In the NT God is nice. In the OT and NT, we have mercy and justice. Different parts emphasize different aspects, but both elements are there. In terms of substance: theres no contradictions. John 14:6-8 Jesus saw no theological contractions to the pictures of God in the OT and the NT. John 10:30 The picture of God in the NT and the OT has no contradictions in terms of substance. Jesus Christ IS the God of the Old Testament. Theres justice in the OT and theres mercy/grace in the OT. Theres justice in the NT and theres mercy/grace in the NT. Its as simple as that. And stick to this.
If someone says: The Bible contradicts itself, you want to say: WHERE? (If 10 people said the Bible contradicts itself, about 9 of those people wont know where.) 2. The Gospel accounts are contradictory. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Use the car crash illustration. Take 4 witnesses. 1. In the car that crashed 2. On a bridge looking down on the crash 3. On a corner near the crash 4. In an oncoming car Are there going to be differences of perspective on this crash? Of course but as they begin to put the picture together, they each have different limited perspectives. But there will be some contradictions because they have limited perspectives. But with everyones stories, you can harmonize all the accounts. Differences of emphasis, yes But genuine contradictions, no. We dont know the audience they were writing to. If the gospel writers wrote the same exact account of Jesus and every detail, story, point, etc. are exactly the same, we would suspect of collusion. But the gospels differ of points of views, emphasis, etc. but not genuine contradictions. The vast majority results in a harmony but no genuine contradictions. Ex. The sign over the head of Jesus at His crucifixion: 1. This is Jesus of Nazareth 2. King of the Jews 3. Jesus, King of the Jews No one says that this is all the sign said. What the sign probably said: This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. There is not disharmony because they do not claim that their account is all that the sign said. These signs are not mutually exclusive. Were there two demoniacs or one? Wherever you have two, you have one, so there is no contradiction. The account that mentions the one demoniac didnt say that there was only one demoniac. The differences prove that the story is true. If stories are 100% the same, it suggests that there was a prearranged agreement. Why would they record points of potential embarrassment like the denial of Peter, or the women testifying of Christs resurrection first? The differences rule out collusion. The gospel writers wrote from different perspectives making different points. This does not change the events, just what is emphasized. 3. How do we know the right books are in there? OT: There is no question about OT canonicity. Ask the Jews. (Are there books left out that should be there? Are there any books that should be in there?). The OT (Canon/grouping of books) are well
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established. When it comes to the OT, there is no dispute. When it comes to the Hebrew Bible, there are almost no disputes. NT: The NT is not an authoritative collection of books. It is a collection of authoritative books. In the former clause, the authority resides in the collection. In the latter clause, the authority resided in the books themselves. The books were not collected to form something authoritative. The NT books had already carried authority before they were complied in the NT. The gospels of Philip and others were written 200-300 years after Christ and are widely accepted as not being authoritative. All of what we hold as the NT was clearly written before 70 AD because no one records the destruction of Jerusalem. Some believe: the church just randomly selected these books and put a stamp upon these books. But that is a far cry from what actually happened. The authority of the NT is not found in the collection of books, but in the books itself. These books were already authoritative. The NT books were already in circulation, already regarded as authoritative, and the church made a set of criteria (You had to be an eyewitness of Jesus, with exception of Luke an amazingly accurate historian, writing wit considerable precision.) and made it into a canon. When we think about the books about the NT, there was not a collection of books that was stamped authoritative. These were the books that were already in common circulation, and when the brought together these books they were canonized. The Bible in its original copy/manuscripts/articles that the authors of the Bible wrote, are copied and made multiple copies. Because of the transmission - Because we dont have anything close to the original copy. There could have been a discrepancy of detail in the two copies of the copies made to the 4,5,6th copies. But the main original copies have no discrepancy of detail. The life, the theme, the picture of Jesus Christ is harmonious of all the gospels. These minute discrepancies, these terms of appellation is the 1% of error. The two primary disputed argument: 1. Mark 16:8 Lots of other older manuscripts do not have Mark 16:9-20. Some have conjectured that Mark ended it there and some other Bible scholars finished it. Point: No need to get hung up on it. Theres no new theological idea thats presented here. Everything thats found here is found in the rest of Scripture. 2. John 7:53 Some of the older manuscripts do not include: 7:53 8:11. All it says: Jesus forgives an adulteress woman. But this is no novel idea. Book recommendation (Handbooks of Bible difficulties, that go over the contradictory arguments): When Critics Ask Norman Geisner. Read: The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? by F. F.
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Bruce (Note to self: Find out more about: the Dead Sea Scrolls)
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The Nature of God (Godhead)

Purpose of the Study: to show that the God of the Bible is a unity of three coeternal personsThe Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. {Trinity=Tri+divinity; triune=tri+une(one)}. God is not a rigid singularity but a suggestive plurality. Center it: Each member of the Godhead plays a specific role in your salvation. Know it/Mark it: Note: many early Adventists rejected the Trinity as a false doctrine of the Catholic Church. They held to the idea that if its catholic, its probably wrong. OT Foundation: Gen 1:1, 2, 26-28 Gen 11:1-9, esp. 7 (6:3) Gen 18:1-4, 16-33; 19:1-5, 12-25, esp. 24 Num 6:22-27 *this is a hint, not a proof Isa 6:1-5 (9:6) *this is a hint, not a proof Deut 6:4 Jesus Christ John 10:30-33; 8:56-59 o 5:17, 18; 10:15; 17:5, 11, 20-22 John 1:1-3, 14 Mt 1:21-23 (Mt 22:41-46) Hebrews 1:1-9 Holy Spirit Mt 3:13-17 Mt 28:18-20 John 14:16-18 John 16:8 Rom 8:16, 26, 27 Eph. 4:30 1Jn 4:8, 16 <*a-mode> o 1Cor 13:5 Share it: OT Foundation: Gen 1:1, 2, 26-28 (3:22) o We are introduced to God as a plurality. The spirit of God moves o God refers to Himself plurally (let us, in our). Elohim from the Hebrew in verse 26 is in the plural form. It follows with let them. It takes a plurality to represent a plurality. Mankind, not just man, is formed in the image of God. o 3:22 Man has become like one of us Gen 11:1-9, esp. 7 (6:3) o In v.6 the people (many) are one (because of unified thought and purpose). In
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verse, more than one is one. o v.7 God says let Us. In this verse one is more than one. o In 3 and 4, the people are always saying, let US do this. In v.7, God responds o 6:3 God has a spirit that does something that humans do. It is personified; it strives. Gen 18:1-4, 16-33; 19:1-5, 12-25, esp. 24 o 1-4 Abraham hospitably invites the strangers to rest with him. Lord here is sir. o v.17 LORD here is YHWH (the tetragrammaton) o v.22 The men leave, the LORD stays to talk with Abraham o v.25 the Judge of all the earth is God. From the Hebrew we know this is the JWs Jehovah (who they claim no one has seen). o v.33 the LORD goes His way. o 19:1 the other two are clarified to be angels. o v.24 after the angels have taken Lot and his family out of S and G, the LORD rained down from the LORD out of the heavens. There are two Jehovahs/Yawehs/LORDs in this textone who was at Abrahams tent, the Judge of all the earth, who then left for S and G, and one who is in heaven. Num 6:22-27 o This is a threefold blessing. This suggests that God is plural Isa 6:1-5 (9:6) o The angels say holy three times o The Son is called mighty God and many other terms we attach to God. Deut 6:4 o This is considered the most sacred text by Jews. The LORD is one. o The same Moses who wrote this wrote all the Let Us that we read in Genesis. It is the same Moses who transcribed many people being one. This text is better translated that the Lord is God alone. The number in Hebrew is not a counting number but an ordinal numberthat is, the LORD is first. Jesus Christ John 10:30-33; 8:56-59 o Jesus claims to be one with the Father (can reference Gen 2:24-where two become one flesh) o Before Abraham was, I AM (he claims to be the I AM of Exodus). The Jews wanted to kill Him for that. o 5:17, 18; 10:15; 17:5, 11, 20-22 10:15 as the Father knows Him, He knows the Father. Our parents have known us for our entire lives, but we have not known our parents for their entire lives. The only way that Jesus can know and be known by the Father in the exact same way is that they are coeternal. John 1:1-3, 14 o The Word was with God and was God from the beginning. He was both God and with God. They are distinguishable but not divisible. Mt 1:21-23 (Mt 22:41-46)
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Side note on Matthew 22: The three big questions that Jesus faced just days before the greatest ordeal in His life (the trial and the cross) are the same questions that we will face before the second coming of Christour relationship with the government (v.15-22), the state of the dead (v.23-33), and our relationship with the law (34 onwards). o 41-46 Why was Jesus question so tricky? Because they didnt understand that the Messiah would be God Himself Incarnate. Hebrews 1:1-9 o Shows the preeminence of Jesus over the angels. o v.6 the angels are commanded to worship Him. o v.8 the he in all the verses is God (the Father), and in this verse he says to Jesus, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: Holy Spirit Mt 3:13-17 o v.16 the Spirit comes down while the Father is in heaven and the Son is on earth. Mt 28:18-20 o Baptism in the Trinity John 14:16-18 o v.16 the Father is sending ANOTHER Comforter/helper (para-kletos: para=beside, kletos=to walk). This means that there must have been a first one. Who was the first one? Jesus. Only a person can fill a void left by a person. Building contractor illustration. 6 mo. contract, sending new contractor. The replacement contractor must be able to do the things the first one did. In the same way, the Spirit must be able to do the things that Jesus did. o v.17 him, him, him, and he. John 16:8 Rom 8:16, 26, 27 o The Spirit is doing something. Compare w/ Rom. 7:25 I myself meaning personality. This is the same term used in 8:16 Spirit itself. It is (autos).The Spirit intercedes. o The Spirit has a mind and a self, just a Paul did (Rom 7:25) Eph. 4:30 o It can be grieved. A force (like gravity) cannot be grieved. 1Jn 4:8, 16 <*a-mode> o God is lovepersonified. In order to love, there must be others to love; therefore, God, being love must be plural in order to be able to love. God is, in His nature, a family. o 1Cor 13:5 o
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Purpose of God in the Creation of Man

Purpose of the Study: To show the purpose that God had in creating man Center it: Jesus desired that He would be seen in you when he created you Know it/Mark it: Ps 33:6 Matthew 12:34 Ps 8:4, 5 Heb 2:7 Isa 43:7 Ex 33:18 Ex 33:19 Ex 34:6, 7 1 Pet 5:10 Before we can talk about righteousness by faith we need to talk about the reason why man exist. Why did God create man, what is the purpose of creation. First of all, how did God crate all things? He spoke
Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
So from this text what is clear about creation? All things were made by His Word. Thats pretty incredible. If we say let there be light, or birds, or anything else, what happens? Nothing, our word is nothing. We have to prove our words when we speak, but God doesnt have to, He speaks and the Words prove themselves, so here you need to understand, that is the big difference. So God creates all thing, mountain stars, trees and flowers. Everything was created by the Word of God. As we study this topic we will learn that Righteousness by Faith has a lot to do with creation and recreation. Whenever you give a Bible study try to always, mention the principle of things, the very beginning, when you tell a story some people say well I dont know where to start people normally tell you to start from the beginning. From the beginning of the story go step by step, step 1, step 2, step 3. So the very beginning is the creation of man.
Matt 12:34 out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh
In other words whatever you have in your heart, what happens? The mouth speaketh. This is a very important principle and you cant forget this. Your words are the expression of your heart, and your heart is your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, never forget this. So when you speak you express your thoughts and feelings. Your character is made up of your thoughts and your feelings says Ellen G White. Your words express character or your thoughts and feelings. So words express character. So God created all things by His word, now do you think Gods words express His character? Yes, Gods words also express His character. Because all things were created by God's Word, then all of creation should express God's Character, isnt that right? Now when you look at a flower how do you feel? You feel peaceful, something beautiful, that tells you that God is peaceful and that God is beautiful, when you look at a flower do you feel angry? No Gods creation reveals His character. What about when you look at a mountain, or a blue ocean, stars, green trees, animals. We must
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remember that the creation today is imperfect because of sin. However what you see is still beautiful and it reveals Gods character. Do you think that even non-Christians can understand this? When Non-Christians look at flowers, what do they think, and how do you think they feel? So we see thoughts and feelings also. Do these creations have a message from God? Yes, they reveal God's power, glory, majesty, character, Name, love. When is the last time you have looked at a butterfly, how unique and beautiful, they are, you can even see incredible things in cockroaches. We may not know why they exist, but there has to be a purpose, there is another aspect seen in the cockroaches. God's character is an infinite character, you have to spend eternity to know everything about Gods character, so every creation shows something unique about Gods character. Flowers may emphasis Gods peace and beauty, mountains show Gods strength and power, and oceans show the vastness the greatness of God, and stars may show the wisdom of God. Everything testifies of God. Some people say that we are seeking for God, as though He is hiding from us, but did you know that reality God is seeking after us. God is always trying to reveal Himself to you. How far can you escape from nature, nature is always speaking to us, unless you live in the center of a city. So God is always trying to tell you about Himself, even in a tiny blade of grass, like how they come out of the cracks of cement, and then a flower is formed. Another example is when you want to plant something, like tomatoes but you dont have any. A compose pile, where remnants of spoiled food are kept, can even produce plants, so even out of death there is life. God is always trying to tell us that He can create beautiful things out of garbage. Pagan religions teach that you have to seek after God because He is running away from you, for example in a Buddhist temple. Those who come to temple when giving offerings, have to throw the money into the collection plate to wake Buddhi up. We dont serve God like this, and the reason I am explaining it like this, is because we have to know how to explain this concept of God to non-Adventists, non-Christians. They need to understand that God is trying to reveal Himself, and that His main message is His character. Now lets ask a question. Gods character is infinite right? If God were to reveal Himself through creation, how much more or how long does he have to create? If God were to reveal Himself only through creation, how long would He take? For eternity, God would have to continually create to reveal His infinite character. However, instead, God created man. Instead of God just choosing to reveal Himself through nature, in a better way God created man. Why did He do this? Because God can reveal Himself through man, now lets study this topic of man. This is the kind of text to use when talking to non-Adventist, because it asks the question for you.
Ps 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
what is man Thats many peoples question. The answer is given in the very next text.
Ps 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
God made man a little lower than the angels, but notice the marginal reference. In Hebrew 2 it gives the same text that we just read.
Heb 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
That word "lower" means "while inferior to." What does that mean. If I say I will be here for awhile. Am I going to be there forever? No. So when the Bible says God made man a little lower than angels, it means that we will be lower than the angels only for awhile. God made man lower
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than the angels for a while. So after a short time is over, man will go up higher than the angels. You think Lucifer knew about this. Do you think that Lucifer was perhaps jealous of man? Now concepts like these are pretty deep for non-Adventist, you may share these to Adventist people, who are familiar with Ellen White who supports this idea. However with non-Adventist, be careful to explain this concept Biblically. You may go into this depth, but Adventist people especially need to understand this. We were made for a special reason. We can go up higher than the angels. So Satan things that through sin and temptation that He could destroy the purpose of God in the creation of man, but through redemption, through the death of Jesus, Jesus new plan is even greater then His original purpose and we still study about that later. So Satan is thinking that through sin he can bring down man a little lower, but yet through Christ we can become even higher than before, even better then Adam and Eve before they sinned, its an incredible idea. This is the foundation, so you must understand this concept.
Is 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
So tell me from the Bible. Many times I ask this question. BSM: Always try to have the audience answer back to you from their Bible. So say tell me from your Bible, why did God create man? God created man for His Glory. Now what is the meaning of Gods glory? His character, we know this from the following verse. Can you see that all these verses are kind of linked together it tells a story as we go, this is one of styles you can use when you give a Bible study, every text explains the previous text before, they are all linked. Sometimes when we give Bible study the texts may seems scattered, but one of the ways to give Bible studies is to link the text together, so that the study flows, and the person can follow you.
Ex 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
Many people think that glory just refers to light. Moses ask for Gods glory to be shown, but the deeper meaning is His character.
Ex 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
So the very first thing that is mentioned is Gods goodness, then the name, grace and mercy. So what is God's glory? Goodness, Name, grace, mercy or in two wordsGod's character, and more explanation is given about the character of God in the following verses.
Ex 34:6, 7 [6] And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, [7] Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
"visiting the iniquity" - judgment of God. This is Gods character. Now dont get confused by the phrase visiting the iniquity. That means, God created you to reflect His character goodness, mercy, grace, longsuffering patience, judgment, justice, all put together this is Gods character. The Bible says that God created us for His glory, and what is His glory, its His character. That means that these are the things that we should possess as
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men and women, Gods goodness, mercy, grace, longsuffering patience, judgment. This was Gods original plan, God made man to reflect His character. Now you may ask, whats the difference, then between man, and plants, since they both can reflect Gods character. A flower can reflect God's character, but it is limited. Stars cannot show what flower can show. Mountain cannot show what a little butterfly can show. There all different, God is fun in terms of variety and diversity, but what about man? All these other things reflect Gods character but are limited. But man can reflect God's character, and man can reflect God's character MORE. Man has this capability of development. We can grow, we can receive and reflect more. We are the CONTINUAL creation of God, and we continue to grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ Eph 4:13. It was Gods plan that man should not die. Do you think that we would some day become equal to God? Perhaps after 300 million years, but its not possible, because in order to reflect Gods character fully, you have infinity, to be equal with Him. So all other ` can see Gods character unfolding in the life of man. This is how we become the continual creation of God so to speak, the continual reflection of Gods character, this was the reason God created man. This development, this ability to develop, is God making us in the image of Himself.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
"eternal glory" What kind of glory? Eternal glory. That is the reason why God made us. Do you sometimes feel like your potential is so little? You try to keep up with the world but you cant make it? Have you felt that way before? When God sees you He you with an infinite potential that you can become so much better. This is our great hope, how powerful, this is why we are very special in the eyes of God. All that I am sharing with you, you can read it in the book of Education chapter 1. Now lets go a little deeper. God made man physically, mentally and spiritually in the image of God. For six days God created all things by His what? By His word. God said let there be light, birds, fruit trees, animals, and they were all so. Did God say let there be man and there was man? No, God spoke and all was created. Why didnt God just speak Adam and Eve into existence, this is a point that you need to explain. It doesnt matter if they are atheist, deist, it doesnt matter who they are. But when you share this aspect, this special aspect of the creation of man, they are all interested. Its interesting to them, God created all things by His Word, and then when it comes to man, God formed man, but why? Do I make you wonder why as I explain? A couple of things are being done right now, convincing you, convicting you, and teaching you and teaching you how to teach others. You have to present in such a way that makes them think. Why did God create man like that, so how did create man? He formed man out of dust; now let them say Gen. 2:7, let them read it, then ask a simple and logical question. Is it easy to form something out of the dust? No, so what do you have to do? You have to have a lot of form, thats the word the Bible used, so you have the idea that God made man by touching a lot, you have to touch dust to make it form. Then ask the person what does it mean in this world, when we touch someone? Of course there are many wrong ways, but in the pure sense, it means we care about them and we love them. So God made man with love, now like in distance with a command from God like when he created day 1 through 5, but personally, even evolutionist will understand this. God came down on earth and touched man, we are not like other creations, you must get the people to think, so hands are involved. Next God breathed into man, where? In the nostrils, why did God breath into man? We know that animals have the breath of God, but we have no picture or text that tells us this. However the Bible says that God breathed into Adams nostrils, now imagine this. God standing far away from Adam and blowing air, and somehow it ends up in Adams nostrils? What do you see, intimacy, you see God putting His lips right next to Adams mouth and breathing into Him. So you see that God is very close God made man to be very close to Him. Do you know why
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many people are sad and depressed? Because they lost the character of God, there not close to God, and they are not being touched by God. Thats why many people are unhappy, and they dont know this, that why they think they need more money, more clothes, entertainment, have a boyfriend or girlfriend to be more happy. Whenever to you think that you need something else to be happy, that happiness is counterfeit. When you have to have things to be happy or another person, that happiness isnt true its not real happiness. True happiness is what God put in you. God's presence within you, but the concept is even deeper than this. God breathed into man the breath of life or the breath of God. We can also says God breathed into man the life of God. That He actually gave part of Himself to us. Not that we are God, but we are connected to Him by His breath. But why His breath? Because we cant live without His breath. God wants you to feel that as much as you cannot live without air, you can't live without God. Try to hold your breath for five minutes, how do you feel. How do you feel when your out of breath, for example when your swimming. That's how much God wants you to depend on Him, if we are without breath we have no life. But today many people walk, live, work, then dead. They are so used to not breathing and they think they are surviving but actually they are dead. Im sure you heard the creation story before but what about breathing, what am I bringing out. God made man in the image of God, in the character of God, but much more than that, God made man with intimacy, relationship and love people need to understand that. In this world, there are so many topics that people like to talk about. But there is one topic that always out wins all others, and that is LOVE! You can see it in entertainment in movies, in stories, everywhere because everyone is looking for love, even if you are new ageagan, Christian, wiccan. Even if you say you aren't looking for love, you really are, because you are made that way. So do you have something to offer anyone? Yes, you can love them. So does it all make sense? So what is righteousness by faith? Breaking it down in a practical way, righteousness means love. Righteousness means love. Love by faith. Now lets go a little deeper. How did God create woman? Think about this, this is very interesting. You know what God did to Adam? God asked Adam to name all the animals. When Adam opened his eyes he saw the flowers, fruit trees, all the different mammals roaming the earth, no mosquitoes to catch, and then God tells Adam to name the names. Then Adam proceeds, giraffe, elephant, etc....,but he noticed that they all were in pairs, the lions female and male, or the cows, Adam noticed the pairs, two. Do you think that God purposely made Adam to feel a need for companionship for what? The reason that God made Eve is to make the love experience complete in man, because love is two ways, not one way. Some people say they can live without the opposite sex, so do you understand? The Baptist, Methodist, or anyone else can understand this. To make the love to be complete. It is a two way love. But what causes the world to be like it is? Its in the home, when families dont have God in their homes. So this is the purpose of God in the creation of man, but more than that. God created Eve out of Adam's rib. Whats interesting is that when God created from day 1 through 5 everything was declared as good, but on day 6 God says that its not good for man to be alone. To make that good God created woman, why? Whats very good? Love and character, and after the creation in six does God says that it is very good. So its good the first through the sixth, but it wasnt very good until God created man, so you can tell someone, it wasnt very good until God created you, you are very good because God created you. The first man Adam was very taller perhaps 15 feet high, you can imagine his stature, and his face perfect, mind perhaps like a computer, reading a book and then re writing it. There pure mind and
joy to do Gods will and happiness to do His bidding. But what happened, how come we are so short, so week, are faces arent symmetrical, why are we unhappy when we have to do Gods will, why do we feel no joy in the presence of God why? We are going to answer this in the next chapter, but do you understand the very first step? This is the principle of things. Do try to reorganize this. This is why I am sharing this with you so you can digest it and share with others. This is something that you can share with others at anytime.
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The Great Controversy

Purpose of the Study: To show that there is a cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan and that planet earth is the theatre of that conflict. Center it: Know it/Mark it: Origin of Evil o Genesis 1 (all 7 verses that say good) o Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39 (parable of wheat and tares) o Luke 13:10-16 o Luke 10:18 o Ezekiel 28:11-18 o Isaiah 14:12-14 Outworking of Evil o 2Thessalonians 2:1-4 (esp. 4) o Revelation 13:1-4 (w/ Rev 12:9) o Revelation 13, 14 (all 8 verses that say worship) o Matthew 4:8, 9 Obsolescence of Evil o Eden to Eden o Genesis 1,2-Revelation 21, 22 o (1Peter 5:8) o (Romans 16:20) o 1Corinthains 4:9 Share it: Origin of Evil o Genesis 1 (Highlight all 7 verses that say good) (Good world-mark it!) Conclusion: Everything that God made was good. But we look at the world today and we see evil. Then it raises the question: What happened. o Matthew 13:24-30 (parable), 37-39 (interpretation). Make connection of good seed > Good 4x (mark the 4x). Man sowed good seeds, but then something appears weeds/tares. What question is asked in verse 27? The servants of the owners asked: Sir, did you not sow good seeds in your field, how then does it have tares? What is the question behind the question that the servants are asking? Who is responsible for the appearance of the tares? It all boils down to 5 words: An enemy has done this. Q: So how much responsibility did the owner take for the weeds? None. According to verse 39, who is the enemy? The devil. The owner responds that the enemy = the devil. Devil D = Evil. The enemy/devil/evil one has done this. Lets look at an example of this: o Luke 13:10-16 (v.16). Whom Satan has bound (v.16). Q: Who bound her? Satan
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= enemy/accuser/adversary/one who stands against you/foe. Q: How much responsibility did Jesus take for the womans infirmed condition? None. How much did the sower of seeds take? None. Who is this Satan? Q: How much responsibility did Jesus take for her regenerative condition? All. Something there is taking place behind the scenes. Q: Who is this Satan? Luke 10:18. According to this verse, where did Satan come from? Heaven. How did he get here? He fell. The bible describes a personal, angelic rebellion against the government of God. There are two primary passages in the OT that describe this rebellion, and we will look at both of them. Ezekiel 28:11-18. What took place behind the scenes Note several things: 1. God transitions from the king of Tyre to the power behind evilthe originator of evil (v.13). 2. The word perfect occurs 3 times (NKJV) 2x (KJV) two in v.12, one in v.15 3. This being was an angel (v.14,16). This being/dwelt dwelt in the immediate presence of God whose wings covered the glory of God. (We see the symbol of that in the sanctuary.) 4. v.16,18 - by the iniquity of your trading. Trading = Root word in Hebrew for gossip/slander. (Word 7404 in Strongs) He was selling an idea. 5. v.15 Iniquity was found in Him. v.17 Your heart was lifted up. Described: The mysterious immergence of evil in the heart of a being that dwelt in the immediate presence of God. A perfect being/angel who dwelt in the presence of God, gossiped and tried to sell an idea and mysterious appearance of evil dwelt in his heart. (If evil could be explained, it would be excused.) His heart was lifted up and Isaiah shows us in what way, behind the scenes of whats taking place in the heart of this angel: Howd that happen? How did this rebellion come about? Isaiah 14:12-14. Make connection w/ Luke 10:18 [fallen from heaven]. Lucifer = day star He was a bright, shining star. Notice all the references to upward motion (10-12 mentions of highness clouds, heaven, ascend, etc.). Also, notice chiasmthe 5 I will phrases. v.13,14 (How it happened:) Note 3 things: 1. The recurrent word is = I. The center of the word sin = I; the center of the word pride = I Evil originated in self-seeking. 2. All of the references to upward motion (to that which is high). E.g. exalt, above, mountain, north, ascend, above, heights, cloud, most high, etc. 1012 easily, identifiable reference to up, up, up, up, up. 3. Isaiah is a poem: (v.13-14) I will ascend into heaven = I will be like the Most High I will exalt my throne above the stars of God = I will ascend above the heights of the clouds I will also sit on the mount of the congregation. (Center). Jesus returns with clouds = with angels. v.13 stars of God = angels. v.14 clouds = angels. Center statement = mountain peak. (stylistically and literally). The literally structure of this passage is a mountain. Isaiah composes the passage to illustrate that this being wants to sit on the throne of God/at the top of the mountain. Conclusion: This being wanted to be God, then share 2 illustrations.
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Gun love illustration. Love is voluntary, and it cannot be commanded. If a man with a gun asked you to do something, you would do it. We would do it, for fear he would hurt us. But if he pointed the gun to our heart and commanded You love me with all of your heart or I will kill you, could we do it? No! Because love and loyalty can not be commanded. Wedding day. I do is beautiful because I dont is a possibility. The choice makes it beautiful. If they dont have that option, its mandatory and its not beautiful. God entrusted this being with free will. And this angelic being abused that free will and evil resulted. If they ask now - Q: Why did He create Him if they knew He was going to sin? Thats a good question. Were going to finish up this study and then look into that. Remember, we concluded with: This being wanted to be God. Q: So how does this work itself out? Lets look at the outworking of evil. Love and loyalty cannot be forced or commanded. Outworking of Evil: How does this affect me? In answering this question, we are going to be introduced to a figure that the Bible calls Anti-Christ. o 2Thessalonians 2:1-4 (v4). Why does this figure go into the temple of God? To pretend to be God. Why does he want to show himself to be God? Because he desires worship. Here we encounter the figure the Bible calls the Antichrist. (If they ask Who is the Antichrist? Great question. Well answer that in a future study in great detail. Lets just look at the text/big picture.) This man of sin = Antichrist. v.4 opposes and exalts sounds like Isaiah. This man of sin wanted to sit in the very throne of God, wanted to above, who goes into the very temple of God (congregation of God) to show that he IS God. His purpose = To show that he IS God. Q: According to v.4, whats he after? Why does he go into the temple of God? Hes after worship. Here we see whats taking place behind the scenes. This is involving this mysterious figure called the Antichrist. The book of Revelation tells us a lot about this Antichrist figure and his confederacy with Satan. Let me share with you this confederacy! o Revelation 13:1-4. The anti-Christ chapter. Tell them to not worry about the imagery. Notice, both the beast and the dragon are worshiped. In fact, worship is the central issue in the book of revelation. Rev 12:9. Who is the dragon? The devil. Satan. v.2 The devil gives this Antichrist his power, throne, etc. Here you see the cooperation between the devil and the Antichrist. Satan = dragon. Antichrist = beast. Dragon gives power and authority to the beast. They worshiped the devil/the beast. This confederacy is about worship! The way you worship the dragon is the way you worship the beast. o Revelation 13, 14 Worship 8xs. (v. 4, 8, 12, 15, Chap 14:7, 8, 11) What this devil/Satan figure that has a confederacy with the Antichrist is all about is worship. He wants to be worshiped as God. o Matthew 4:8, 9. v.9 Satan speaking to the Son of God - Worship me. This is exactly what hes after. He so wants to be God, that if the Son of God worships him, he would be in a position above God. Thats whats going on behind the scenes. All of the evil that we see in the world today is the symptom of a larger spiritual conflict. Thats the outworking of evil.
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This shows Satans heart. He wants worship from the one who created him. As mentioned before, if evil could be explained, it could be excused. It is purely irrational. Its like a goldfish demanding worship from its owner. This is the mystery of iniquity. Thats why we do things we dont want to do. The pain, suffering, sickness, and death in the world are the symptoms of a larger spiritual conflict over the issue of worship. Transition to the third part of the study: the End of Evil. Lets look at how it all ends: Obsolescence of Evil o Eden to Eden: Genesis 1, 2--Revelation 21, 22. The first two and last two chapters of the Bible depict the exact same thing. First and last Edena face-to-face relationship with Him. Everything in between is God getting us back to a place of face to face communion with Him. Front door: After Eden One more chapter in Chapter 3: Fall of man: The first battle between Christ and Satan on earth. Man falls, first battle between God and Satan on earthbruised head and heel. Back door: After Eden restored One more chapter in this way Revelation 20. End of the Millennium: The last battle between Christ and Satan on earth. Everything in between is God fighting to get us back and to save us. The Bible is a parenthetical statement of an interruption in the f2f relationship of the universe with God. o Eden (In the beginning) to Eden (Restored) perspective: Front door of the Bible = Genesis 1,2. Back door of the Bible = Revelation 21,22. Front door God in a faceto-face relationship with His holy people. Back door God in a face-to-face relationship with His holy people. (Dont share with ALL bible study contacts. If they have a little biblical literacy. Optional:) o The whole Bible can be understood in the light of these two basic themes: Eden-toEden. Everything in between is the outworking and the dramatization and the recording of this battle in which Christ longs to restore a face-to-face relationship with His people. o o o (1Peter 5:8) The Devil is playing for keeps, and he is playing personally, working individually. (Romans 16:20) God will crush Satan under our feet shortly. The saints get the victory over Satan through Jesus in their lives. You have here: the end of evil, not only in the cosmic/universal, but in a personal sense in the lives of His believers. Evil will be ended/obsolete both universally and personally. It is defeated in the cosmos and in the character of those people who put their faith in Jesus. 1Corinthains 4:9. We are made a theatre to the universe. The things contained in this study are not just the things that are going on but the things going on behind the scene.
Appeal: Joshua 24:15. Choose who you will serve. Will you choose today to align yourself to Gods side? Who do you want to choose? Who do you want to worship?
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Acts 26:12-18 (esp.18). Do you want to have your eyes open, to turn from darkness to light, to have an inheritance in heaven with God?
Defend it (Objections): Why did God create Satan? o He didnt. God created Lucifer. Lucifer by his own free choice decided to become Satan. What mother would give birth to Adolf Hitler? Hitler wasnt who he was when he was born. Why did God create Lucifer if He knew Lucifer would become Satan? o God desires real relationships with risk rather than reigning supreme over robots. Any relationship, in order to be worthwhile, must involve a risk. If love is not voluntary, it ceases to be love its a slavery to necessity. Why does there have to be so much evil in the world? Why did God allow Lucifer go so far? o The problem of evil. It arises when you affirm three propositions: 1. God is all-loving (He would destroy evil). What is implied to most people when we say: God is all loving He would destroy evil. To most people, it is self evident that there is no God because there is so much evil. A bad world demonstrates that there couldnt possibly be a God. 2. God is all-powerful (He could destroy evil). 3. Evil exists (He does not destroy evil). o There are 4 possible resolutions: 1. We could deny the first of the three propositions. We could say that God isnt all-loving. 2. We could deny the second of the three propositions. God would like to destroy evil, but he cant do anything about it. 3. We could deny the existence of evil. 4. We could affirm all three propositions. Problem of evil arises when you affirm these 3 propositions: God is all love, God is all powerful, Evil exists. That just tells people that God does not exist. So then how do we resolve this dilemma? So: The first stabilizing force (of the iceberg illustration) = We must understand the problem of evil. We can look at the four options that were available to God, His hands being tied by His character and nature. What options are available to God? He could have created nothing at all. He could have created beings who were not free. He could have created beings who were free but who could not rebel/sin. o It is mutually exclusive. It would be telling a lie if He created these beings. God couldnt do that because God cant lie. Part of freedom is the capacity to rebel. Its like saying: why didnt God create beings who were free, but who werent free? (internally inconsistent). It would be the same as option #2.
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To create beings who were free and who could rebel. Think of a squareit has 4 equal sides and 4 right angles or a circle. It has a center point with equidistant points around it. Could God make a square circle? No, because that is not a rational concept. It is not a possibility. The same idea applies to this option. o Not even God can predetermine the free acts of man. If God predetermined something, it would not be a free act. What God foreknows is not necessarily what He fore-chose. He could have created beings who were free and who could rebel/sin. o The moment you create beings who were free and who could rebel, its possible to have rebellion. If rebellion isnt possible, then freedom isnt actual. So obviously, God choose option #4. o {GC 525there is a line that God refuses to cross between influence and manipulation. Through our prayers, we give Him permission to do more. If we crossed that line, it would make the sacrifice of Christ pointless} o Cow. If we say that a cow is a good cow, what would that mean? If we say the cow is a good cow, what could that mean? Its a cow. Theres not much we can say about how good they are. Dog. If we say a dog is good, what does that mean? It has more meaning than a good cow. Cow Dog: Daniella the Dog: Good dog = obeys commands, guards, active, playful, heels, etc. Bad dog = bites, disobeys, messy, dirty. A bad dog can be worse than a bad cow, and a good cow can be worse than a good man. Cow Dog Man: Good man = do more good, impact the world, etc. More than a dog, etc. Bad man = do more evil, destroy the world, etc. More than a dog, etc. If we say that a man is good or bad, what does that mean? What about a genius? Cow Dog Man Genius: Genius could do more good/more evil than a dog, cow, and ordinary man. So moral capacity increases, more liability increases. The potential bad is the flip side for the potential good. It could do more good of bad than a man, dog, or cow. What about superman? What about an angel? Cow Dog Man Genius Superman Angel: Lots of evil in the world because a high ranking angel and his capacity for good is not the flip side for his capacity of evil for the world. The initial evil must have been a big enough force to bring about the terrible evil we see in the world today.
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The increasing moral capacity of an individual to do good, the potential to do evil also increases. Looking at the option of God, He chose the 4th option. The more moral capacity/moral power/strength/intellect/vigor that He gives those beings, surely the capacity for good, but also the capacity for bad/evil. How can the world be so bad? Someone powerful must have rebelled. If it was just a rebellious cow in Eden, we wouldnt be in as bad shape as we are. There is so much evil in the world because there was a super-high being who rebelled. The world that we live in today is not the perfect world possible. We can all imagine a more perfect/moral world. But the Christian/biblical thesis, is while this world is not the most perfect possible, is that this world is the way to the most perfect world possible. It is the best way to the most perfect world. God is creating the most perfect world. What would be the most perfect world? Beings are free to be evil but arent. What would the most perfect world possible look like? It would have 4 essential requirements: The four essential characteristics of a perfect world. i.e., how do we know that evil will not rise again? God could have made a perfect would of less morally capable creatures, but then it would be a perfect world of dogs. The most perfect way to a perfect world is to allow evil. Dogs wouldnt have fallen, but wouldnt be capable of the love that humans are capable of. 1. The process leading to the achievement of a world where humans are free, but never will do anything evil The most perfect world possible would be a world where humans are free but they are choosing not to rebel. Evil is a prerequisite to the most perfect world possible. If evil never arose, you would have a perfect world, but you wouldnt have the most perfect world possible. We learn about grace, forgiveness, the cross in the heart of God, that we couldnt learn if evil hadnt risen. Who keeps sin out of heaven? We do. If God does, then why didnt God do that in the beginning? In heaven, is sin possible? Yes. But it will never rise again, because we know where sin leads. 2. A world wherein is permitted the full and final un-coerced exercise of moral freedom. Sin is possible, but does not become actual. 3. A world in which there is permitted the presence of enough evil to provide both the condition for the achievement of higher moral virtues and a comprehensive lesson of the wrongness of evil. The lesson never needs to be repeated. world in which there is enough evil, to teach the lesson that will never again need to be taught. Could the world be more evil? yes. But that doesnt diminish the fact that this world is evil. 4. A world where free creatures learn for themselves why evil is wrong. We will, in eternity, see God face-to-face. Revelation 22:4, 1Corinthians 13:12, but in between Edens, we learn the lessons from sin. God will not be the one who keeps sin
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out of heaven. Were the ones who keep sin out of heaven. Matthew 13:28, 29. God must let evil run its course until the harvestuntil maturation. He says to wait until everything is clearly seen. The moment God made free creatures, He tied His hands. He could, at any moment, coerce the free creatures, but they would no longer be free. Holiness is an acquired taste. It is not our first thought. Once we are converted, our taste begins to change. We begin to love what God loves and loathe what God loathes. Earth is where we learn this. There are two groups of people on the earth at the end of time, those who look to God and say, Thy will be done, and those who God looks to and says, Thy will be done. o When you put this all together: you come up with a very appealing argument of evil. How is God going to get here? Allow sin to raise up enough so we dont want to live in an evil world? Q: Who keeps sin out of Heaven when the Great Controversy is finished? We do. Thats the only way to have a truly perfect moral world. We know that sin will not rise a second time, because Gods people will not allow it. This world is the WAY to the most perfect world. We have to learn to hate sin here in this world. The only beings allowed to enter into Heaven is those who would rather die than to sin. This is the time in which we develop the taste for Heaven. The larger issue is: would Heaven be happy for you? Would Heaven be your home? If the answer is NO: God and His mercy wouldnt bring you there. For two reasons: 1. You wouldnt be happy. 2. Heaven wouldnt be safe.World that were living in right now is the way to the New Heaven and new Earth. How do we know sin will never rise again a second time? Because God wont let it? No because Gods people wont let it. They have seen that God is completely trustworthy via the Cross and that sin is completely wrong/contrary to the best interest of God and ourselves. God is securing the Universe future by this process called the Great Controversy. Our sin pushes us away from God, not the other way around. Isaiah 59:2. In Eden, who sinned? Who hid? Predestination Argument: Theres a difference between: God knowing and God choosing. God knows our eternal destiny, but He didnt choose it. (E.g. I chose what I wore today. Now, God knew it, but He didnt choose it for me.
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Salvation
Purpose of the Study: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, to the glory of God. Know it/Mark it: Problem o Genesis 1:26-28, 31 o Genesis 3:1-8 (esp. 8) o Romans 5:18a, 19a o Romans 3:23 o John 1:1-4a (esp.4a) o Isaiah 59:1, 2 Solution o John 3:16, 17 o Matthew 20:28 o Romans 5:10 o Romans 10:9-13 o Acts 2:36-38 o 1John 5:11-13 Share it: Problem o Genesis 1:26-28, 31. God made everything good. Man began in a right relationship with God. o Genesis 3:1-8 (esp. 8) why did they flee? They were ashamed of their guilt. Was this an isolated incident, or is there something larger at stake here? They believed in the serpent and they disbelieved God. Hiding from God. Fleeing from His presence. Q: Was this merely an isolated incident that took place in a garden thousands of years ago? o Romans 5:18a, 19a. Because of what man did, it had radical implications for all of humanity. All were affected. Adam was the father and the representative of all of us. He passed on rebellion as a part of his characteristics. God created Adam and Eve in His likeness. Seth was born in the likeness of his parents. One mans offence = condemnation to all. What Adam did, affected all of Adams descendents. Q: Why is it that when one man fell, all fell? (1) Adam was the father of the human race. (2) Representative of the human race. Principle of representation = Representative wins, you win. Representative lose, you lose. o Romans 3:23. All have followed in the footsteps of their father, Adam Not only are we sinners by Adams transgression, but all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have sinned and continue to come short. Q: What exactly is the wages/result of sin? o Romans 6:23a. The wages of sin is death. If it were 50 push-ups, we would all be strong. If it were $50, we would all be poor. The truth is that the wages of sin is death. Why is this so? Why is the wages of sin death? Why is God so severe?
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John 1:1-4a (esp.4a). In Him was life. God is the very source/fountain of life. Isaiah 59:1, 2. The Lords hand is not short so that it cannot save. Sin causes separation. The separation of ones self from the source of life causes death. If God is the fountain/source of life and sin causes separation from life, what happens? You die. We just answered the question Why is the wages of sin = death? Because sin separates you from your source of life, thats why you die. E.g: If I push away from the wall, who moves? You do. The wall is immoveable and when you push away, youre pushing yourself away. Your sin does not push God away from you; It pushes you away from God. Sin does not push God away from you; it pushes you away from God. Remember Genesis 3. God goes looking for Adam. In the case of Adam, does the Adam look for God or does God look for Adam? God looked for Adam. God goes after Adam. The problem portion is very linear, simple. Man basically has two problems: (1) Death and that which causes death (2) sin. People will not appreciate salvation, if they dont understand the thing that separates them from salvation. The good news of salvation is only as good as the bad news is bad. Weve looked at the two part problems, now lets look at the two part solution. Solution o John 3:16, 17. (v16) Should not perish which means die. This rescues us from the first of the two problemsdeath. Not to condemn but to save. Believe in Him and you will not die. This rescues us from that which causes deathsin. God does not change the past in which we sinned. We must believe. v.17 key word: Condemned. The world is steeped in sin. God does not say youre not a sinner. But He takes away the condemnation of that sin He wipes away the condemnation of sin by giving it to someone else. How does God do this? How does that work? o Matthew 20:28. Keyword: ransom. It is a payment or a price. How does that work? When youre purchasing back what formally belonged to you. Q: How does that work? How does Jesus death work? o Romans 5:10. According to that text, how is someone reconciled [to bring back] to God? By His death. According to this text, how is a person saved? By His life. Much more. Reconciled = To be brought back. To be friends again. To be Re Conciliate. Q: Why do we need to be re-conciled? Enemies. Heres the idea of former ownership (ransomed by purchasing back what belonged to you). = reconciled (to be brought back friends.) Q: According to that verse, how are we saved? By His life. Solution #1: Jesus died the death you deserved. God has a solution to your first problem of death. He died the death that you deserved, thus delivering you from the penalty for that death. Solution #2: Jesus lived the sinless life you have not lived. Billionaires club illustration: how much money would you have to have (minimum) to be in the club? $1 billion. Youre a billion in debt. A kindly billionaire gives you a billion, are you now part of the club? No. Youre part of the looking-for-a-job club. To join the billionaires o o
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club, you would need another billion. The first billion gets you out of debt. The second billion gets you into the club. The death of Jesus did more than just give the first billion to get us out of death, and then He provided the second billion living the life we never could. How did you get into Adams world? You were born. How do we get out? We must be born again. Read Romans 5:18b, 19b. How do we get access to this amazing offer? Romans 10:9-13. We must #1, believe and #2, confess. It is ours by faith. Tie this through purpose: that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, to the glory of God. What happens once (after/as a result) of believing and confessing? Q: According to that verse, how do you get access to that amazing transaction? You believe with your heart and confess with your mouth. Sounds like John 3:16. You cant earn/purchase/deserve it, but you can accept it. You believe Jesus that died the death that you deserved, and you believe that Jesus lived the life that you have not lived. Acts 2:36-38 (esp.38). Peter says to repentthat is, to turn. Where do we turn? The point isnt to turn from our sin; the power is in turning to Jesus! Turn from your sins? No! TURN TO GOD! Theres no power in where youre turning from, but in where youre turning to. Repenting = turning to God. You believe, confess, and turn to God. Every time we turn to God, we turn from sin, but the emphasis must be on turning to God. 1John 5:11-13. Who has eternal life? Those who believe. Why? To know that you have eternal life. Q: According to that verse, where is eternal life found? In Jesus. John writes so that you may know that you have eternal life and by turning you may continue to believe in His name. Believe what? Believe that Jesus died the death you deserved, for the personal sins that you are guilty of. Believe that Jesus lived the life that you have not lived and you are delivered from death and delivered from the problem of sin because He lived a perfectly sinless life. You are redeemed from death and that which causes death, sin. Q: How did you get into this world of Adam? We were born into the world of Adam. How do you get into the world of Second Adam? Born again. Born into the world of Adam without choice. Born again in the world of the Second Adam by faith; by choice.
Appeal: Do you accept this eternal life that comes to you by grace through faith? Q: Do you want this life that comes only in His son? Do you want this salvation that God gives to you? Do you want it? If they say Yes: Great, you can accept Jesus as your personal Savior in a snap! o Do it in a snap: Sinner (confess that you are a sinner) Need (you have need of salvation) Accept (I accept the salvation that comes from Christ) Power (ask for it (the power) to live a new life for Christ)
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Seal the decision with prayer. Ask them if they would like to pray. If they feel they cannot, lead them through it. If they dont, walk them through and ask them to follow you, in praying the SNAP prayer. Then: stay on your knees and share with them John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. Say: Friend, did you receive Him? Welcome to the family of God. Leave them with something to read. With a study. Or better yet: Steps to Christ! Then leave! They will want to know how to live. Thats the next study.
Defend it: Most people will either say yes, or they are not ready. o Ask, What would keep you from making this decision right now? If theyre quiet, and visually distressed: Make sure they understand the study. Ask them if its clear. Then dont say anything. Dont let them off the hook. Be comfortable with silence then. Its between God and them. Just be quiet. As they give an objection, you ask if there is anything else. Find out what all their objections are before addressing them. Find out what is in the obstacle box. You then have two decisions. Is it something that can be overcome then and there? Is it something that you cannot solve then and there? Ex. Girlfriend living in home, engaged, not sure if he can give her up, and other complicated situations. In such cases, dont push. After finding out: now youve got a choice to make: Do I push? Or Not push? You have to figure out, if this is something you can reasonably surmount right now? Or if its too big for right now. But you have to make sure you know everything thats keeping him/her from making that decision. Only when you figure out whats in the box, you can then make an intelligent to push or not to push. If you decide not to push. Its too big/complicated/broad/youre out of your league. You say: basically I understand. But I dont believe thats the best decision. But the decision is between you and God. If, when youve asked what would prevent them, their objections are surmountable, surmount them. Push. Push: share your struggles in making such a decision. Identify with them. Exhort them, encourage them, and plead with them. If you see that it is leading nowhere, stop pushing. Dont push: tell them that it is a decision between them and God. Dont make them think it is now-or-never, but that the offer is continually there for themat any time. Speak confidence that they will make the decision. Remind them of your prayers for them and look forward to their next study. Make sure they see that it is bigger than you; this is a vertical interaction. If their objection is based on an addiction, such as smoking, dont let them off the hook. John 3:16 doesnt make an exclusion for smokers. Jesus gives the power to after we see we are sinners, see our need, and accept the forgiveness of God. Affirm that the person wants to be a believer. I appreciate you want to be a consistent believer. This is not a decision they have to make while I am there. This is a decision between them and God. I would urge them to make
the decision and not to delay. Ill be praying for you and you pray for me. See you for our next appointment. Lets pray together. If they cant give you a reasonable reason (e.g. I dont know Im not really sure Im a religious person, Im not really sure I know how, etc.) If you decide not to push: (If its possibly to push to get there, push.) I understand, but let me tell you what Gods been doing in my life. How you thought this and that, but how God has abundantly provided in your life. Open your heart out to them. Appeal to them: sincerely, empathetically. If you feel like you can bring this person to God, DO IT! -If you sense theyre getting edgy, feeling a little uneasy, then subtly back off. Basic thesis of Persuasion: The way the brain works: (1) Information brings about conviction. (2) Conviction brings about desire. (3) Desire brings about action. Information You. Conviction Holy Spirit. Desire Holy Spirit. Action Hearer. Its between you, God, and the hearer. You cant bring conviction, desire, only the Holy Spirit can. But when you sense conviction, desire, you need to bring them to that decision.
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Work of the Spirit Reading

The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection - A.T. Jones Purpose of the Study: The work of the Spirit is to convict, confirm, and conform Gods wayfaring children. Center The work of the Holy Spirit. Know it/Mark it: John 16:6-11 Ephesians 1:13, 14 o Personal reference: Gal 3:1-6, Jn 3:1-16 Romans 8:14-16 o Gal 3:26; 4:6 Romans 8:3-8 Hebrews 10:15-17 o Jer 31:31-34; Gal 5:19-24 John 14:15, 16 Additional Text: Acts 2 (v36-38) Galatians 3:2-6 Romans 5:1-5 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans 13:8-10 Revelation 14:12 The Sanctuary message is to prepare them for the message of the Sabbath. Normally: 30min. for this study. Share: (What Pastor Renner would do with a Bible Study) Last week we studied: Gift of the salvation. This week well study: The work of the Holy Spirit. Share it: Start with John 16:6-11. (Before you read, set the stage: Jesus has been hanging out with his disciples for 3 years and tells them that He will die, but they dont believe them. They believe that Hes the Christ. They were saddened by this (John 16:6), but Jesus says this is a good thing (v7), because if He leaves the Holy Spirit will come.)Jesus is seeking to comfort His disciples. He tells them that because He is going away, the Spirit will come. What will it convict of? Sin, righteousness, and judgment. Who does it convict? The world. The Holy Spirit, when He comes, will convict the world. Why does it come? Because they do not
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believe. Christianity is something that is to be global, not just for one group of people. Jesus is saying: The Holy Spirit is going to be a global ministry to speak to the mind of the whole world: about sin, righteousness, and judgment. 1. Q: According to the text, why is the Holy Spirit going to convict of sin? A: Because the world does not believe. (v9) The purpose of convicting sin: is to lead you to believe in Jesus. The reason: Because Jesus is the only one who can relieve the problem of guilt and sin. (v9). Why of righteousness? 2. According to the text, why will the Holy Spirit convict of righteousness. A: Jesus is the living, breathing example of what right living looks like. Not only does the Holy Spirit convict you of the wrong thing, but convict you of the right thing. Because the living example of righteousness would no longer be with man after Jesus ascended. 3. The third thing is the Holy Spirit will convict you of is: judgment is coming. According to the text, Because the Ruler of the world is judged. Because Satan is judged (if Satan will be judged for his misdeeds, its highly likely that all who are aligned with him will be likewise judged). If Satan and we are judged, then God will be judged. If Satan was judged at the cross (John 12:32), then the Holy Spirit will convict you of the same judgment that was judged for Satan. Sometimes people need to know that not only have theyve done the wrong thing, not only have theyve done the right thing, but that a judgment is coming. The Spirit is convicting the world does the whole world have access to the Word of God? No. Q: Does the Spirit convict you of right living? Yes. So the Holy Spirit convicts you independent ofWhat is the work of the Holy Spirit in a person once they believe in Jesus? Transition: (The most important thing in a bible study) It helps us to have a logical package that we can hold onto. So we have seen the Holy Spirit convicts, confirms, and conforms the person so that they ultimately will become a believer. Once a person becomes a believer, what does the Holy Spirit do in their own life? What happens next? Ephesians 1:13, 14. v13 The Word of Truth = the gospel message. True belief is a result a response of who God is. Authentic belief is a cognitive experience. You hear the Word, you hear the good news, and you believe it. And what is the result of hearing and believing in these verses? Youre sealed. And what seals you? The Holy Spirit. - In response in becoming a believer, the Bible says: The Holy Spirit seals you. You hear the word, you believe the word, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit, He is the earnest/the guarantee/down payment of your salvation and this is to our future, eternal redemption. Then what function does the Spirit serve you from your life then on? The earnest of your inheritance. The Spirit of God will come in you as Gods guarantee that you will acquire what God has promised you will acquire. Additional: 2 Corinth 1:21,22 says the same thing that the Holy Spirit will be a down payment to Gods promise. [This sealing is not once saved always saved. The gift of the Spirit is given, but it can be taken away when we sin. That doesnt mean that it is. It isnt if we repent, but it can be (Ps. 51:11). David prays that the Lord would not take His Spirit from him because he realizes the danger of losing the Spirit.] The guarantee is based on your belief. It is conditional. It is on the basis of who you trust is. The terms of the agreement are to hear the word and believe. The first work of the Spirit is the guarantee of salvation. The second is found in Romans 8 o Personal reference: Gal 3:1-6, Jn 3:1-16 Acts 2, Gal 3, Rom 5, John 3 Teach: the moment you become a believer, the Holy Spirit will
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come into your life. o Gal 3:2 You hear the message and believe it, and it results in the gift of the Holy Spirit coming into your life. Fundamental point: The Spirit is working ON you to become a believer, but once you become a believer the Spirit comes IN you. John 3 - Nicodemus visits Jesus, and He says that Nicodemus will be lost if he is not born again. Jesus replies that born again = born of the Spirit. v9 How can you be born again in the Spirit? v14 According to Jesus, by believing Him. (The way to be born again = Jesus dies and we believe and we will be born again.) Gal 3:26; 4:6; 5:22, 23. Someone, believing, exercises faith (3:26). As a result of becoming a son, the Father sends the Spirit (4:6), which gives the fruit (5:22, 23). To get more fruit, we need more root [Faithby hearingby the word of God (Romans 10:17, 2Corinthians 3:18)]. Flight to France illustration. The plane ticket is the guarantee; the intervening time is spent in preparation because you have the ticket in hand and you know where you are going. o How do you become a child of God? Through faith. What does God give you because you are a child? The Spirit. Gal 5:22-24 > you hear the Word (the gospel of your Because you are a child, you get the Holy Spirit >Because you receive the Holy Spirit you get the fruit of the Holy Spirit. > Because you get the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will receive the key to a better life. (fruit of the Spirit > key to a better life = work of a lifetime.) Hear the Word (eph 1:13) Believe the Word Child of God The Holy Spirit comes in you and guarantee salvation. Receiving of the fruit of the Spirit o When a person becomes an authentic believer, theres a difference in attitude toward sin. A heart that is filled with the Spirit has a heart of repentance and strives for holiness. Many people think: If I can just be a little bit better. If I can just be a better Christian, then I will accept Jesus into my heart. Then I will be ready. But,,, o Quick synopsis: The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteous, and judgment. So that they will become a believer. Once they become a believer, the Spirit is a guarantee of Gods promise You are my son, You are my daughter. Romans 8:14-16. The Spirit comes and speaks to your spirit saying, you are a child of God and God is your Father. The Spirit teaches us how to live as Gods sons and daughters. If you have the Spirit you are a child of God. (ABBA = an affectionate way of saying Father. Similar Daddy) The Spirit says You are my son/daughter and comes in us Guarantees the gift of salvation Then the Holy Spirit wants to teach us how to live as His children. In Gods family, there are things that are valuable to God He teaches us through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:3-8. How many ways are there to walk? Theres two ways/direction of the mind:
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Two: the flesh and the Spirit. When you walk after the flesh, what happens? Your mind is on the flesh. When you walk after the Spirit, what happens? The requirement of the Law is fulfilled; their mind is on the Spirit (Romans 7:14 explains what one of the things of the Spirit isthe Law). They are in the way of life and peace [as opposed to being at war with God]. What is living after the flesh? When people do whatever comes into their bodies or their minds (Eph 2)this leads to death (R8:6). When we are filled with the Spirit, we subjugate the desires of the flesh to the Law of God. The fleshly mind is at war with God. How can you wage war on God and not die? Is it possible to please God while in the flesh? No. It cannot submit to Gods law, if you are not filled with the Spirit and filled with the flesh. Walking in Flesh Mind on flesh Death War with God Cannot submit to Gods Law Walking in Spirit Requirements of law fulfilled Mind is on Spirit Life and Peace
Hebrews 10:15-17. The Spirit writes the Law on our hearts, teaching us to live like children of God. (Now, go to Gal. so you dont go any deeper in the law. Some people get scared off by talking too much about the law.) o *Additional: Jeremiah verses. Jer 31:31-34; The Law He writes is the same law of the OT. (Oh, btw, this law of God, this is the same old law of God that Jeremiah talks about. Hebrews is quoting Jeremiah.) Gal 5:19-24. (not 16-24: so you dont have to explain what under the law mean.) Two lives Jesus is offering us with the Spirit: There are two ways to livefilled with the flesh or with the Spirit, and it gives details of what each life entails. Which life sounds more desirable to you? Appeal: Ask this question: If I offered you two lives: #1 and #2. #1- (v19-21) or #2 (v22,23), which of those two lives would you want? (You can end the bible study at this point. 30min.) If you didnt want to end here: o John 14:15, 16. We will keep His commandments if we love Him. Jesus promises to send the Spirit (the comforter/helper) to help us keep His commandments. o Revelation 14:12 (If you want to bring in a little end time prophecy.) Gods last day people will be those who have chosen to let them be filled with the Spirit. Do you want to be one of those last day people?
Summary: Before conversion, the Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment. After that, the Spirit says to us, Youre going to heaven, youre a son of God, so let me teach you how to live like one. Appeal: The Spirit is in the world toand once we accept Jesus, the Spiritand it helps us to keep Gods commandments. What would keep you from putting your trust in Jesus and walking in the Spirit with the Law of God written on your heart? What would keep you from having the assurance that you are a child of God and that heaven is your home? [Amelia Earhart storyposition doubtful, fuel almost gone]. Lay the foundation for the next studyon the Law of Godand the next, on the Sabbath, and the
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next on the anti-Christ. Defend It: Q: Some people may read that when youre sealed, youre always sealed. Can you lose that seal? Yes by choosing to become an unbeliever when they hear the Word. This leads us to this question: Every time you sin, do you lose it? Illustration every time you sin against your wife (fight with your wife), you dont get divorce or you dont have to get remarried. You get a divorce because of an act of choice to separate. So when you choose to enter into a covenant relationship with God, and we continually permit to enter into our lives that comes between us and God, we will eventually come to a place where we lose the seal. Youre in, until you choose to be out. Colossians 3:1 the fact that Im alive with Christ, causes me to seek the things above. v2-3: Why do I set my mind on things above? Because I have died through Jesus Christ, and I am risen anew (the person I am now) and AM Him. I am hidden. God sees Christ, not me. v4-8: Now all these earthly things will need to go out. These earthly things will bring Gods wrath. If you keep all these earthly things, you will be apart of Gods wrath. v9-10: How is the new man renewed? Its renewed in knowledge. Knowing and learning about who God is, is fundamental to a victorious life. Romans 5:1,9-10 Peace = cease to be in Gods wrath and Gods enemy. v2 Standing in grace = starts at a point and continues into the future. By faith = grace is accessed by faith. Grace stats and continues by faith. v3 More than I am glad that Im going to heaven, I am glad that Im suffering? Why is that? v3,4 - Suffering produces perseverance. Perseverance produces experience/character or better yet, proven character. v5 - This tested character produces hope. The change in my character fills me with hope (not be put to shame), because the change in my character proves that the Spirit is working in my life. This picture gives us present assurance, not present assumption.. Big Picture: Work of the Holy Spirit convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. To become believers. Then the spirit will come inside of us And says you are a child of God Let me teach you how to live as a child of God and teach you the law.
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The Law of God

Purpose of the Study: The law of God is the foundation of His throne in both the OT and the NT and is the standard for the Christian life. Center it: Same as the purpose - Foundation of His throne. Know it/Mark it: Exodus 24:9-11 o (If they are unfamiliar with the Ten Commandments Exodus 20:1-17. You may also switch with Ex. 24.) Exodus 20:1-17 Ezekiel 1:22-28 Exodus 24:12 Numbers 15:37-41 Exodus 25:8-16 Exodus 31:18 Exodus 25:17-22 Psalm 80:1 Revelation 11:19 o Deuteronomy 4:13 1Corinthains 3:16 Revelation 15:5 Hebrews 10:15-17 Matthew 6:9-13 Matthew 5:17-30 1 John 2:3-6 Revelation 12:17 Revelation 14:12 Additional Text: Romans 7:25 Last week: Work of the Holy Spirit (Review) This week: We want to study the content of what God is going to write in our hearts. Share it: Connect it to one of the works of the Holy Spiritwriting Gods law in our hearts. Exodus 24:9-11. Focus on this law is foundation of Gods government; of how God is going to run this universe. God has given the Ten Commandments, and they have gone up the stone that God is standing on? o Exodus 20:1-17 - Read or study on your own. First, take a look at the law of God. God spoke the 10 commandments, but also, he wrote them down:
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Ezekiel 1:22-28. Ezekiel sees God on His throne, and He sees that Gods throne is made out of sapphire. God is seen standing on sapphire in Ex.24, and His throne is sapphire in Ez.1. Therefore, God made His law of the very material of His throne. After giving the commandments, God asked the Israelites to build a tabernacle. Ezekiel has this vision of God and he describes the sapphire stone = throne of God. Exodus 24:12. Original Hebrew used def. article the stone in v.12. Therefore, it is the sapphire stone in verse 10. This is the stone that God was seen to be standing on. We can also see a reiteration of the idea of blue commandments in: I will give you tablets of stone Hebrew word the is left out. Its actually: I will give you the tablets of stone The - It serves the function of making it particular. It points us back to a previous reference. So it is referring to the stone that was previously reference. Sapphire stone that came with God and from His throne, and He is entering into a relationship with humanity. He gives the Ten Commandments carved out from His very throne. Numbers 15:37-41. God tells them to put tassels of blue on their garments to remind them to keep the law of God. This was to remind them of the blue sapphire stone on which the commandments were written. What is the significance of this blue sapphire stone on which God wrote His law? Why blue to remind them to do the law? Because the law was made out of blue sapphire stone! Exodus 25:8-16. It describes the throne of God. God says to build this box and put in this testimony in it. The earthly sanctuary is patterned after another sanctuary (v.8, 9). He tells them to put the testimony in the box. What is the testimony? Exodus 31:18. The stone tablets on which the finger of God wrote. This testimony that was to go in the box = Ten Commandments. o Exodus 25:17-22. God describes the lid for the box. He declares that He will meet with them there; therefore, He is saying that He will sit on the box as a throne. God will teach about His Commandments on His earthly throne. Psalm 80:1. God is the one enthroned/dwelling between the cherubim. The earthy Ark of the Covenant was the earthy throne of God in the earthly sanctuary. Is there also a heavenly sanctuary? Exodus 34:28 & Deuteronomy 4:13. Ten Commandments are the same as the covenant. This verse proves that the commandments are the covenant. 1 Corinthains 3:16. We are the temple of God. So, there was an earthly temple, there is a heavenly temple, and we are each human temples. Revelation 11:19. Yes. And what is in it? The Ark of the Covenant. At the end of time, it is still in His heavenly temple. The law comes from the throne of God, is put in the Ark, which we see, at the end of time, in the Heavenly sanctuary. Gods heavenly temple holds the Ark of the Covenant (which in Ex.34 and Deut.4 we see as the Ten Commandments.) We learned that the box that they put the testimony (Ten Commandments) in the earthly temple. Revelation 15:5 The Tabernacle (sanctuary in heaven) of the testimony (Ten Commandments). The name of the heavenly testimony is the dwelling place of the law. Thats what heaven is called. It shows this earth heaven connection. It shows that Gods law on earth is the same law in heaven. Hebrews 10:15-17. What is God trying to put on the heartthe throneof the human temple? His law. This must be reason why Jesus said what He said: Matthew 6:9-13. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. God wants His law to be on
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earth, in our hearts. He wants us to pray that His law be done in our actions. That must be why He said this: Lords prayer. Gods Ten Commandment law is the same law in heaven. Matthew 5:17-30. Jesus said that He did not come to get rid of the law or prophets. He came to fulfill them. He goes on to explain the spirit of the law. Definition of fulfill. Jesus comes to say that He didnt come to do away with Gods law. But He came to fulfill Gods law. 1 John 2:3-6 (Romans 7:25) How Paul felt about the law of God He is committed to serve the law of God with his mind. Revelation 12:17 & Revelation 14:12. What are Gods people like in the end of times? Prescription of Gods people = keep the Commandments and put their faith in Jesus/have the testimony of Jesus. The testimony of Jesus in the book of Revelation = what prophets say about Jesus. What is the characteristic given of those who get to heaven?
Appeal: The Holy Spirit wants to write Gods Law on your heart. What would keep you from letting God write His Law in your heart? (Next study = Sabbath. Or you can do the Beast study the bible says that the beast will change Gods law.) Defend it: The covenants. Explanation to clear the Old and New Covenant for our own understanding: Adam and Eve Sin The Cross Second Coming Historical Old Covenant Historical New Covenant (Hebrews 8:13) (Matthew 26:26-29) --this is the sacrificial system, pointing to the cross; done away with at the cross. They missed the point of the lawChristand started believing it was some act that saved them. Experiential Old Covenant (Exodus 19:8) the experience of those who offer their sacrifices with no faith. This is deeds-based. This is what we hear acts are not enough to cover. Experiential New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) the experience of true forgiveness of sins, looking forward to Christ (before the cross) and trusting in Christs sacrifice (after the cross); those who were counted faithfullike Hebrews 11. The new covenant has 2 elements the law on the heart, and forgiveness. Historical System of worship given by God through Moses. Grace, peace, forgiveness, transformation all were available by Jesus Christ in the historical Old Covenant. (Jesus is the
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lamb/mediator offered up). To be in effect until Jesus comes. When He comes, He fulfills the shadows of the Old Covenant. Grace based; spirit inspired; mission driven. The historical covenant ends when Jesus came and died. There is the new covenant: Experiential Defines an old covenant as salvation by the works of the law. Experience of the works of the law (Legalistic covenant) It was the experience of Israel in failing to restore the law. Is still available for all who refuses to believe in Jesus, and doesnt bring salvation. People continue to live in the experiential covenant; the historical covenant comes to an end. This covenant was always available to all by faith.
Review: Historical old Existed since the first days of sin of Adam and Eve and ends when Jesus died on the cross (historical old = sanctuary sacrifice, feasts, etc). When He died, He began the historical new covenant. No old covenant system anymore. While the historical old covenant was going, one could experience the new covenant (saying I know that sacrificing this lamb wont save me, but this is an act of the new covenant.) Experiential old covenant take what God says (like offer the animal), but you dont take it by living faith. (Legalistic covenant) Its a legalistic approach to what the historical old covenant said. Why is this important? Because it will help you understand more of the New Testament. 1. Hebrews 7:18,19 These are the commandments of the historical old covenant. But its a separate issue with Gods law in regards to morality. 2. Ephesians 2:14,15 Jesus comes and abolishes the law contained in ordinances (the historical old covenant). 3. Galatians 3:19-24 We were kept in prison under the law until Jesus came and died but we individually, personally exercise faith in Jesus. This is not only a historical transition, but a personal transition we go through. (Experiential old covenant) John 1:17 - What do you think about that? Its not saying that grace and truth were not available OT and that the law is not there in the NT, but its saying that Jesus is the vehicle to grace and truth. Romans 6:14. not under law but under grace. What does this mean? Are we not under the law? What does under grace mean? It means that grace is the way of salvation; therefore, under the law means that the law is the way of salvation. Paul is saying that we are not saved by the keeping the law. So if were not saved by keeping the law, should we break it? Certainly not (v.15). Just because we are not saved by it doesnt mean that we should not keep it. It does not answer the question whether or not the law is the standard of valid conduct? v15 Paul is not answering the question, should we keep the standard of conduct? Paul is answering what is the means of salvation. Galatians 4:4,5 Jesus was born under the law and He came under the law to redeem us from being under the law. When God created Adam and Eve, He created them under the law (under a covenant of works). Adam & Eve produced children, and the children were born under the law. We are all under that law. We have all disobeyed, so that means we shall all die. Jesus comes, under the same law, and rather than failing to obey, He obeys. He takes us out of the covenant of works and puts us into a covenant of grace. We are not under the law (we were), because we are not saved by the law. We are saved by grace.
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1 Corinthians 9:20,21 In one sense we are under the law of Christ (we have chosen to keep the law of Christ), but in another sense we are not under the law (we are not obligated to be save under the law). Romans 10:4. Christ is the end of the law? For what purpose is Christ the end of the law? For righteousness. For whom is Christ the end of the law? Everyone that believes. Christ is the end of using the law for the obtaining righteousness for true believers. True believers gain righteousness through Christ, not through the law. Believers have ceased to use the law as the means of gaining righteousness. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for believers. (Whenever people say Im delivered from the la too! (EGW says to agree with people as much as possible.) But spend some time to find out what that means.) Romans 7:4, 6. Paul says that he die to the law/deliver from the law. We are dead to the law, released from it. Look at verse 25. He says he serves the law. How can he be dead to it, delivered from it, and serving it with his mind? We must do all three. We are dead to the law as the way of salvation; we are delivered from the law as the way of salvation. Paul says he has committed to the law with his mind. It cannot mean that the law of God ceases to regulate in the mind or heart. It means that he died to the law, as a way to salvation, so that he can be connected to Jesus as the only way of salvation. But it is the means to regulate the way of thinking with the mind. Verses 7, 8. The law is good because it shows him what hes sinned. The law of life proved to be death. v9 The law says that if you obey Him, you will live Leviticus 18:5 if you obey Gods law, it is life to you; sin is death to you. the law promises life. This law promises life, but it also says that you will die if you disobey. So then Paul says that he has to die to law, because the law brings only death, so he must be joined with Jesus to be saved. But he still serves the law with his mind. Then the law says to Paul that they law isnt just about actions, its about thoughts (thou shalt not covet). He then sees that he has to die to the law to find righteousness through Christ. Paul thought the law would give him life, but he discovers that he hasnt really been keeping the law fully, and sees that he needs to die (metaphoricallywith symbolism of marriage, til death do us part idea) in his marriage with the law. He needs to die to end his relationship with the law, having thought that the law would take him to heaven. Christ took on that death, and he died with Christ, rising with Christ and now able to have a relationship with Jesus that will carry him to heaven. o Paul was dead to the law and delivered from the law as the path to salvation. This didnt mean that he stopped keeping the law; he stopped looking to it as his path to salvation.
The pentatude is referred to as the law. It is broken up into the Moral law (defined morality), the Ceremonial law (for maintaining spiritual purity), and the Civil law (to keep society in order). If you break the moral law, then you have to do the ceremonial lawsacrificing, etc. The civil law maintained the order of the day. The ceremonial law has been done away with. The civil law is now enforced by the government. The Ten Commandments is like a constitution, and there are further explanations of the commandments in Leviticus, for example, homosexuality, incest, and bestiality are cases which are
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further explained from Thou shalt not commit adultery. The 2 commandments are explained by the 10 commandments, which are then explained by the case laws of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Law cont. difficult texts The moral law defined sin. The ceremonial law defined the solution. If you find forgiveness from in the ceremonial law, then there must be something else that defines sin. You slice cheese with a knife; therefore, the knife is not cheese. You find forgiveness in the ceremonial law; therefore, the ceremonial law does not define sin. Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law, and He took the punishment of the civil law. Those who did not get the point of the HOC (Christ) were under the EOC. Those who did understand were under the HOC were under the ENC. With the HNC, we see the power of the Spirit to help meet the moral commands of the HOC. The power of the Spirit was available to them, but they missed the point of the HOC, and didnt receive the help of the Spirit. Since, when we look at the HOC, we see Jesus, we readily receive the Spirits help. 2 Corinthians 3 objection that the law is done away with. o (Ministry of death) The Corinthian church would be sending out preachers and they would require a letter of recommendation. But Paul was saying that he doesnt need a letter of recommendation. Written in our hearts in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. Paul says that he is a minister of the new covenant, not of the letter (Experiential Old Covenant) because that brings death (v.6). o v7 ministerial of death. This glory of the old covenant (Ten Commandments) will be brought to death. The ministry of the spirit will be even more glorious o The giving of the 10 commandments was a true glory, but the glory is coming to an end. The new ministry of righteousness has greater glory. During the day, the exceeding glory of the sun outshines the stars. It doesnt mean they are no longer there, but that they are outshined by something else (7-11). v10,11 The old covenant will be out shone by the new covenant. This is elements of both experiential and historical old/new covenant. o The HNC outshines the HOC o v12,13 the goal of all of the laws given by Moses: to lead people to Christ. The Israelites didnt get that goal. So the historical old covenant became a ministry of condemnation. And because of that, the ministry of the spirit out shines the old covenant. o Verse 13, the Jews refused to see the end or the outcome of the OCwhich was Jesus. Moses face was lit up by the glory of God, and he was there to show the people Jesus. But they didnt see Jesus, they saw a set of rules, and they covered Moses face with a veil, symbolizing them not looking to Christ. Verse 14, still when they read the OT, they dont see Jesus. o How is the glory of the 10 Commandments being brought to an end? v.10 because of the surpassing glory of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. o v15,16 Turn to Jesus, see the old testament and you see it for what it is: Jesus. o v17,18.
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The Sabbath
Purpose of the Study: To show that the seventh day Sabbath is a perpetual sign of Gods creative and redemptive work. Christ created the Sabbath in Eden, commanded the Sabbath on Mount Sinai, kept the Sabbath in His life, continued the Sabbath in His church, and will celebrate it with the redeemed throughout eternity. Center Christ created the Sabbath in Eden; commanded the Sabbath on Mount Sinai; kept the Sabbath during His life; continued the Sabbath in His church; and will celebrate it with His disciples throughout eternity. Know it/Mark it: Isaiah 14:12, 13 Daniel 7:25 Revelation 14:12 Exodus 20:8-11 John 1:1-3, 14 Genesis 1:31-2:3 Mark 2:27, 28 Luke 4:16 Luke 23:52-24:3 Matthew 24:20 Acts 13: 14-16,37-39,42-44 Isaiah 66:22, 23 Additional Text: Daniel 7:25 (Depends on the way you start it. Recommended: Review the past two studies Daniel 7, we learn something remarkable about the AntiCommandments.) Someone is trying to attack Gods law. An attack on G group of people who will be faithful and keep the commandments of God. (This study can come either before or after the Anti-Christ study) Q: What of Gods law did the Anti-Christ try to change? Share it: In an earlier study we saw that God wants to use the Holy Spirit to make His law a part of Isaiah 14:12, 13 o Lucifer wants to put his throne above Gods throne. What did we find was the foundation of Gods throne in study #5? The Law that God wants to write upon our hearts. What then does the devil want to do in relation to Gods law? Daniel 7:25 o What does the antichrist (who well study about next time) power seek to do? To change times and laws. Revelation 14:12
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How do Gods people respond to the attacks on Gods law? They hold on, keeping His commandments in spite of those who attempt to change them. Has there been any change to Gods law? Exodus 20:8-11 o What day, according to scripture, is the seventh day of the week? What day did God ask people to worship on? Who made all the things listed in this commandment? The Sabbath Commandment. As were going to study today, were going to find out that the Sabbath day is the seventh-day. Later well study how they changed it. But today were going to study how Just lay your cards out on the table. Q: What part of the law tried to be changed? The Sabbath. From Saturday to Sunday. Q: So who is this Lord who made the Sabbath and worked six days? John 1:1-3, 14 o The Word (God) is the creator. This same Word became human. So, Jesus is the Word that created everything in the beginning. Therefore, based on Exodus 20, Jesus created the Sabbath in the beginning, and commanded it on Mt. Sinai. So lets go back to the beginning: A: Jesus Christ the Lord who made the heavens and the earth and made the Sabbath day. The God who created the earth, created the Sabbath, brought you out of Egypt, all one God = Jesus. o Additional: 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Israel was led out of Egypt, ate/drank from same spiritual food and rock = Jesus. v8,9 - It was Christ that was there leading them out of Egypt and let them out of temptation. Colossians 1:15 Jesus is the creator. He is the active agent in creation. Genesis 1:31-2:3 o On the seventh-day, Jesus rested, having finished His work, but not only that, He blessed the seventh day. Note definite article. What does Jesus have to say about the Sabbath in the NT? Creation story. Seventh day = God rested, blessed, made it holy. Jesus was the creat was Jesus. This makes it clear: God blessed THE seventh day; He made THE seventh day; He made THE seventh day holy. Mark 2:27, 28 o He defended the Sabbath from being a burden. The Sabbath was created for us to rest. He, being the Lord of the Sabbath, has the right to tell us how it should properly be kept. What is one of the things that Jesus did on the Sabbath day? Jesus continued the Sabbath in His ministry. Man was not made for the Sabbath. Jesus says: Hes the Lord of that day. Hes the one who created, blessed, and Hes the one who defines the Sabbath day and how its to be properly kept. o Extra Sabbath was made for man (humanity). It does not say it was made for the Jews. John 5:1; 6:4; 7:2 feast of the Jews; feast of the Jews; Jews feast. Who was the feasts for? Jews. Who was the Sabbath for? All mankind. Sabbath day was MADE/CREATED. It didnt exist before. God made people, than made the Sabbath day for people. Luke 4:16 o
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He went into the synagogue and readparticipating in the worship service. Luke explains what day the Sabbath was: Q: How did Jesus relate to the Sabbath day during His lifetime? A: He went to church/synagogue on the Sabbath. Luke 23:52-24:3 o There was the preparation day, the Sabbath, and the first daywhich we call Easter Sunday. How did Jesus expect His disciples to relate to the Sabbath after His death? The day that Jesus and was buried = Preparation day; Next day = Sabbath; Day after that = Resurrection day = Sunday. The Sabbath is Saturday. The day in between Sunday and Friday. (Book: The Timing of the Crucifixion Samuel Bachiocci) Matthew 24:20 o In 31 AD, Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem. It was destroyed in 70 AD. Describing the destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus says to pray not to flee in the winter and on the Sabbath. They prayed for 39 years. Why did Jesus say to pray for that long if the Sabbath day became meaningless? Over those 39 years, He told His disciples to pray that they didnt have to pray that they were not forced to flee in the winter or on the Sabbath. Clearly, Jesus intended for the Sabbath to still have meaning to His disciples after his death. Lets look at how the apostles related to the Sabbath: Q: How did Jesus expect the church to relate to the Sabbath after His death? A: That the Sabbath would be more meaningful to them. Acts 13: 13:14-16,37-39, 42-44 o Who asked to hear the message on the next Sabbath? The gentiles. How did they receive the message? With joy. Why didnt Paul tell them that they as gentiles didnt have to keep the Sabbath? Why didnt he just tell them to come back tomorrow and hed preach to them on Sunday? Because Sunday wasnt observed by the early church. Paul preaches to church on the Sabbath. They begged him to preach the next Sabbath. Paul could have easily invited them the next day. But he didnt; he waited until next week. They wait a whole week and come back the next Sabbath and he preaches the same sermon again. Isaiah 66:22, 23 o What does God say that His people are going to do in the new heaven and the new earth? They are going to keep the Sabbath. In our next bible study we will look at who changed the Sabbath and why. In the new heavens/earth, the people of God will come before Him every Sabbath day and worship Him. Christ created the Sabbath, continued the Sabbath, and now will be kept in the new earth. o
Appeal: This is an Eden to Eden picture/timeline of the Sabbath. So if Gods people have been keeping the Sabbath since the beginning, whats keeping you from keep Gods commandment in keeping the day? It wont be easy, because we know that the Anti-Christ will try hard to persuade you otherwise. We learned that God wants to write His law in our hearts and that His law is the foundation of His throne. We can see that the devil is constantly trying to attack the law of God on every level. How do you feel about the Sabbath? Allow them to ask questions.
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Question to ask: How do you feel about the Sabbath? (If you ask about how they feel, they cant say yes or no. It gives them a chance to tell you everything thats been going through their mind during the study.) Generally, you wont press hard sell too quickly on the Sabbath; they might be ready to receive this new information. You will have many opportunities to have them accept the Sabbath. The real power comes with the Sabbath message is when you tie it with the Three Angels Message. Defend it: 1. Revelation 1:10 o He was in the Spirit on the Lords Day. Even if the Lords Day was Sunday, what difference does it make? Does it change Gods Law? We should be in the Spirit every day. The Lords day = But historical evidence for that is sometimes weak. Even if it was true, language changes so rapidly. Nowhere in scripture is Sunday declared the Lords Day. The only day the Lord claims is the Sabbath. Its a study on linguistics. Language changes most with an emerging culture. Because this emerging culture looks for way to define itself; so it has to bend language. So what does it say that so many years (50-100) before and compare with the terms/language to when Revelation was written? Nothing. When it was written (c. 100AD), the Lords Day was Sabbath. In later years (c. 200AD), people started calling Sunday the
Im just happy. In 50 short years, a word can go from happy to homosexual.) 2. Principle of Sola Scriptura the Bible and the Bible only. (Mark 2:27,28; Isaiah 58: 13; Exodus 20:8-11) 3. Romans 14:5, 6 o Esteeming of days. We should all be convinced in our own minds. Where is the word Sabbath in this chapter? Where is it in this book? It is not there. What were days being esteemed better for? Feasting and fasting (verse 6). The chapter is on food, asserting that no day is better for fasting than another day. o If theyre not convinced, they claim this verses. In the context talking about quarrels in opinion. People that are strong in faith dont feel guilty for things that are not sinful. People that are weak in faith do feel guilty for things that are not sinful.The issue here is not whether its a right or wrong diet. Its an issue of extreme diet vs. healthy diet. Some people if they didnt have an extreme diet, they were sinning. And this can be anything else, not just diet. o As long as its not clearly defined in the Bible. Were not asking the question whether pork is clean meat. But its an issue between extreme vs. healthy diet. But Sabbath is sundown to sundown on Saturday its pretty clearly defined. According to these verses, the days these verses are used for: the glory of God. Activities used on this day to bring glory to God: eating or not eating. (What do you call a day you dont eat
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on = fasting; what do you call a day you do eat on = feasting.) This is not talking about the Sabbath. Its talking about feasting and fasting. 4. Galatians 4:8-11 People who observe days, months, or years, can be lost because theyre turning back to weak and beggarly elements. There are no monthly or seasonal observances in the Old Testament. Observances of paganism, time they did not know God. 5. Colossians 2:14-17 o lar (in every other translation) So which one is correct? v14 ceremonial law vs. whole law. So which one is correct? ant clear our sins. But only by the death of Jesus Christ. Jesus got rid of these blotted out this handwriting of debt and we are totally forgiven. istorical old covenant) is canceled by the death of Jesus. singular or plural?
o o o
sabbaths come to an end?) Ordinances nailed to the cross; therefore there is no need to judge on feasts, new moons or Sabbaths. Is this the 10 commandment law of God, or something else? One answer: Deuteronomy reference to the book of the law If you sinned, you had to offer a sacrifice. Every day, priests offered sacrifices. If those sacrifices actually took away sin, you wouldnt have to do them over and over again (Hebrews 10). Col 2:13 says that Jesus forgives all of your sins. Jesus took away the ceremonial lawwhich was only a constant reminder that you werent really forgiven (if you had been, only one sacrifice would have been offered). Verse 15He beat the devil. Verse 16some translations say The Sabbath and others say a sabbath. In OT, 85% of Sabbath references = 7th day. 15% of Sabbath references = ceremonial Sabbath. This is the same in the NT as well. On the basis of linguistics, we have an 85% chance of being wrong. How do we know which is which in OT and the NT? Linguistic markers idea: frog in context of jump, it is different from the context of throat. Also, bananaeating vs. going. Whenever it is used in the OT with one of the words: keep, the, day, holy (hallow), my, or cyclical ideathe concept of a cycle, it is referring to the 7th day. Whenever Sabbath in the OT is used with one of the words: afflict, weeks, of the land, her, its, your, or a context idea, it is referring to a nonseventh-day Sabbath. NT: the, day, lawful, synagogue, keep, or cyclical or context concepts refer to the 7th day Sabbath. With: one, first, twice, or context, in the Greek, it refers
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to an entire week. Luke 24:1-3 in the Greek reads something like early on the first day of the Sabbath. In Colossians 2:16, none of the regular linguistic markers that would indicate Sabbath means 7th day are present; neither are any that would indicate it means week are present. This, therefore, is a unique usage of the word Sabbath. So, we need to check the use of the feast, new moon, Sabbath structure. This is not like the usual 4-part structure feast, new moon, Sabbath, day. We need to find a three-part-structure. There is only one in the Bible: Hosea 2:11 I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days (ref. 3 pilgrimage feasts), her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. This, then, is a reference to the ceremonial Sabbaths. This is a prophecy that God is going to put an end to the Jews feasts, new moons, and Sabbaths. We know it is the Jews because it is talking about HER things. Hosea 2 and Colossians 2 are the only two occurrences of the 3-part structures. Leviticus 23:23, 24, 31, and 32: feast of trumpetscalled a Sabbath, occurred on 1st day of 7th month. Feasts like these were done away with at the cross.
Sabat (Sabbath in Hebrew) = 110 times in the Old Testament. In 94 cases, the immediate and broader cases context indicate the Sabbath day is in mind. In 17 cases, Sabbath needs to be translated using some other words as indicated by the context. There are certain key words indicating the use of Sabbath, and when one or more are used you will know that it is referring to the seventh day Sabbath: - keep preceding the word Sabbath, it is referring so the seventh day Sabbath. - the: day distinctly. - day - holy - my - cyclical (concept) Theres no case where the word Sabbath is used and these key words are used where it doesnt refer to the seventh day Sabbath. Its always referring to the seventh day Sabbath. Syntactical words that are used with the Sabbath, you know its talking about something other than the seventh day Sabbath: - afflict - weeks - of the land - her/its - your (context) Examples:
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Leviticus 16:31 afflict your souls = ceremonial Sabbath. Jeremiah 17:22 the Sabbath day = seventh day Sabbath. The word Sabbath does not always mean the seventh day Sabbath. The same is true in the New Testament: times. Dont worry about the singular and plural. 10 = week, 58 times = seventh day Sabbath (approximately). Examples: They went to the tomb on the first of the week = it means the first day after the Sabbath (Sunday). There are syntactical/linguistics when these words are used and its referring to the seventh day Sabbath with the word Sabbath: the day lawful synagogue keep cyclical occasionally the context is clear. There are syntactical/linguistic words when its referring to something other than the seventh day: - one - twice - first - context 85% = seventh day Sabbath. 15% = something other than the seventh day Sabbath. None of the normal linguistic markers that indicate it means the seventh day Sabbath or of the word Sabbath. 2 Chronicles 31:3 This verse is not connected with Colossians 2. You have 4 parts structure (sabbaths, burnt offerings, new moons, feasts). But in Colossians you have a 3 part structure. (There are other 4 part structure verses like this one.) Only other 3 part grouping of feasts, new moon, and sabbaths (other than Colossians 2): Hosea 2:11 God is saying: I am going to put an end to the Jewish feast days. This is the ceremonial in Colossians 2.
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Q: Are the ceremonial Sabbath included in the feast days? A: No. They are distinct. Hebrew: feasts (hag) = refer to the 3 annual Israelite festival/feasts (booths, passover, weeks) that require a pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem. Q: What about the specific sabbaths that are coming to an end in Hosea? Leviticus 23:23Leviticus 23:26There are no other festival days that are called Sabbaths in Leviticus 23. Wrestling the Sabbath)
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The Antichrist & Mark of the Beast

Purpose of the Study: To identify the antichrist. Know it/Mark it: Daniel 7:1-8, 25 Share it: Daniel 7:1-8, 25 o I wonder what these beasts might be Daniel 7:17, 23 o The beasts are kingdoms. Lets read about them first(verses4-8) o Remind them of connections between symbolic animal and the kingdom represented, images of ribs, 4 heads, etc. Also, draw parallels between Daniel 2 and 7. What are the horns? Verse 24. Which kingdoms were put down? In the divided kingdom, a little horn rises. This little horn is the same as the beast of Revelation 13, which is the same thing as the antichrist. o v6 heads. o v7 168BC-476AD Rome o Verse 8 identifiers: 1. A little kingdom, after the word up and before among = (first 2. Rising in divided roman empire, after another before little 3. Takes out 3 kingdoms in rising, before the word three Three horns = Heruli (wacked in 493AD), vandals (534AD), Ostrogoths (overthrown in 538AD) 4. Has a mouth speaking great things before the word a mouth [what does that mean?Revelation 13:5, 6. It speaks blasphemous things. What is blasphemy? John 10:33. It is a man declares himself equal with God. Mark 2:1-7. Someone who claims to be able to forgive sin. Therefore, a speaker of blasphemous things declares itself equal with God and to have the power to forgive sins. end of
Verse 25 identifiers: 5. Persecutes the people of God, before wear out the saints 6. Change the law of God before think to change times 7. Rule for 3.5 times before given into his hand--time and times and the dividing of time Revelation 12:6 -- 1260 days; Verse 14 -- 3.5 times (years); Revelation 13:5 -- 42 months. All these are referring to the same amount of time. 1260 days = 1260 years in prophecy: Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6 Luke 13:31-33 o The people are telling Jesus to run for His life. Jesus said, No worries, I have to work o
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for 3 days, then I will be perfected (32)/perish (33) in Jerusalem. Jesus was prophesying about Himself. A prophetic day is a literal year. We have 7 indentifying points: o 1A small kingdom that rises in 2Europe and takes out 3three kingdoms in rising to power, that 4blasphemes, 5persecuting the people of God, 6changing the law of God, 7ruling for 1260 years. o The Roman Catholic religious system meets all these. It is a small nation in Europe. It destroyed the Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. It claims to be able to forgive sin. It persecuted Gods people. Claims to be above the law of God. It ruled for 1260 years, from 538, when it came to power, to 1798 when Napoleons general took the pope captive.
Notes: Daniel 7:2 (read)- Daniel has this vision and he sees the four winds stirring up the great seas. Q: What/Where are the Great seas? Numbers 34:6,7 (read this reference)- Describing the boundaries of Israel. Whats the western border of Israel = Great Sea. (today = Mediterranean Sea) So we know the place in the world that these beasts arrive. Q: What are these beasts? Daniel 7:17,23 Four beasts = four kingdoms. We know that the fourth beast = the fourth kingdom. Around the Mediterranean Sea (Great Sea). Daniel 7:4 - (at this point you would have already done a bible study on Daniel 2 first beast = Babylon and the 2,3 and last = Rome) So the first beast is the first kingdom = Babylon. Babylon ruled from 605 539BC. There some sort of radical change from this ferocious/wild beast and than changing to a more civilized and rising like a man. Daniel 7:5 Babylon was overthrown by Medo-Persia. Medo-Persia had to overthrow 3 Kingdoms in order to overthrow Babylon = Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt. This beast was raised up by one side of it you have an alliance between Medianites and Persians. Persians were the stronger of the two thats why one side was lifted higher than the other. Because Persia was more powerful than the Medes. (How you can remember, today youre more familiar with Persian: people, cats, rugs, etc. But how many remember of the Medes?) Daniel 7:6 Medo-Persia was over thrown by the Grecian army. By a young Alexander the Great and when he died, his kingdom was divided in fours by his top four generals: Cassanders, Lys, Sel, Ptolemy Grecian army was divided into four. Daniel 7:7 Fourth beast = Rome. Roman army overtook Grecian army. This beast = 10 horns = 10 other kings. (we know this by: vs.24) Daniel 7:24 ten horns = ten kings. It is divided into ten kingdoms of the Roman Empire. Listing of the ten kingdoms can be confusing, because many Adventists have different lists of the 10. So just say: the Roman Empire was divided into exactly 10 kingdoms. But the 3 kingdoms of the 10 were plucked out and in history have fallen out of the Roman empire. Daniel 7:8 - The 3 = Heruli, Vandals, Ostrogoths. They were overthrown by the Papacy. Daniel 7:9 - Were looking for a country that rises up among the divided Roman Empire. (This big horn) (Daniel 7:25) This small country smallest country in Europe is Rome Vatacan City. It finally locked its power in 538AD, thus securing its supremacy. It speaks great things and blasphemies (rev.13, john 10, mark 2). Q: Does the papacy claim to be God/forgive God? Yes. So far, this country matches. This country persecuted Gods people.
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Q: What about changes time and law? A: Last studies weve studied on how they changed from Saturday to Sunday. From 538 Papacy came into power. The year date principle you will learn in class. (Numbers and Ezekiel are examples of the use of the year date principles.) Appeal: Will you commit to not follow the Anti-Christ and the real Christ? Will you wish to strive to follow the authentic Christ wherever He leads? *Recommended: Listen to an evangelistic message before giving this bible study. It will be fresh in your mind that way. Anti Christ (Ricky Wade) Dan 7 we have Daniel has a dream. Were going to look at the parallels to the dream in Dan 2 of Nebuchadnezzars statue. Remember that study: his statue. Were going to come back to that. Daniels having this dream. V3-4 connecting with v17 4 kings which arise out of the earth. First kingdom = Babylon (gold) most valuable metal. Whats the first beast here? Lion is he not top of all of the animal kingdom? (v4) Gold = Lion. Top of both animal & metal. Two wings = in bible prophecy, dealing with speed in conquering in war. 40-45 year period, Babylon has conquered the then known world speedily. V5 bear: raised up on one side=one side is stronger than the other = medo/Persia. The culture who had the strongest influence will remain/last. = Persia 3 ribs: represent the 3 countries it destroyed coming to power = Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt. V6- third kingdom = Greece with Alex the Great. Conquered the then known world quicker than any other country prior. The 4 heads = represent the 4 generals. 33yrs died of alcoholism. 4 generals took over. V7-4th beast=Rome (Iron legs 2 legs: papal and pagan rome): Iron teeth=definitely talking about rome. Ten toes in statue vs. ten horns. Ten horns discover what those 10 horns are: v.24-ten horns=ten kings. Ten kings=ten kingdoms. (ten toes: direct parallel to statue).Ten kingdoms of Rome that was divided = Its Rome divided. V8 Three of the 10 horns that were plucked. Happening somewhere in western Europe. Among those 10 kingdoms you have a little horn rising up=538AD. After the last of the 3 plucked up happened Little horn rises among the 10. The last one plucked up in 538AD. So the little horn has to rise after 538AD. It comes into full power until after 538AD. In the little horn: eyes like the eyes of a man = tells you itll be a person. It tells you specifically this is a human male. Some may believe this Antichrist is the devil/demonic, but the Bible indicates that it has the eyes like the eyes of a man. v.25 - 4th characteristic: mouth speaking pompous words (Rev 13:5 shows what pompous words = blasphemies) what are blasphemies? Jn 10:33 (Mark 2:5-7) blasphemies = claiming to be God. This leads us to another characteristic: #5: this man claims to be God, forgiving mans sins. Review: 1. little horn (its a little kingdom among 10 other kingdoms talking about the geographic size.
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2. comes up among 10 kingdoms 3. comes up around 538AD (plucked up by the roots. Itll pluck up 3 of the 10) 4. at the head, the one in control is going to be a male human 5. speaking blasphemies = claiming to be a god here on earth, forgiving mans sins. Do you have any idea of who this person could be? This is the pope. Youll see the last 5 characteristics that shows that the pope is the antichrist. (Rev 7:24 were going to come back and see why hes different. = difference: all the other kingdoms were political. Now you have one that is political and religious. Its the first of its kind.) v.25- no man can be God. =blasphemy =>like Lucifer wanting to be God. #6: its going to be different. #7: persecutes the saints. V.25 during the inquisition (persecution of the early Christian church), at least 50million (conservative number) were destroyed by this power (Papal Rome) #8: shall intend to change time and law: OT, the law referred only to one thing = 10commandments. Do you know how Gods 10 Comm. is different in the catholic bible (catechism). They took the 2nd commandment, its completely gone. How else can they worship mary, etc? they took the 10 Commandments and split it into 2. (Mark of the beast you come back to this verse. We identified the characteristics. How the antichrist would think to change the time and law he changed the 4th commandment. (you can put this study with the mark of the beast study) time, times, and time: time = 1 year = 360 + 360 + 360 + 180 = 1260. (42x30=1260.) it was in power from 538AD to 1798AD = 1260yrs. 1798AD, the pope was captured. Mortal wound = he was captured and died imprisoned. is it clear. Did you see that nothing else can fit the characteristics in Daniel that describe the antichrist? Even if its hard for you to accept, we all know that if we want our sins forgiven, the way to the Father is through Jesus, we dont need a priest. If nothing else fits. This is going to be an important foundational block for what we want to study in the future. That are salvational issues.
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Mark of the Beast

Purpose of the Study: To show that at the end of time, Sunday observance will be the Mark of the Beast. Center it: Jesus is Lord, and we show our love through obedience. Know it/Mark it: Romans 6:16 Matthew 4:9, 10 Revelation 13:15, 14:7 2Thessalonians 2:1-4 John 17:12 Deuteronomy 6:5-8 Revelation 14:9-12 Revelation 13:2 Revelation 13:8, 5, 7, 5, 18 Exodus 31:13 Revelation 13:15-17 Share it: The first 3 verses are the underlying principle of the M.o.B. The 4th and 5th are our first clue what it is. Number 6 is our second clue. The 7th is the third clue. The 8th and 9th are the fourth clue. Number 11 is a transition to the appeal. 1. Romans 6:16. According to the Bible, what makes you someones servant? Yielding to someone or obeying them. Illustration: two people tell you to do two different thingswear blue shirt or white shirt. Whichever one you obey is your master. What marks or identifies you as their servant is your act of obedience. 2. Matthew 4:9, 10. What does the devil ask Jesus to do in verse 9? To worship him. Why does Jesus correlate worship and service in verse 10? They must be linked together in some way. If the devil tells you to worship him in a certain way at a certain time and you do it, you are serving him. If Jesus would have obeyed him, He could have been serving him. But Satan never said to serve him. 3. 2 Contrary commands to worship: 4. Revelation 13:15, 14:7. Satans call for worship and Gods call for worship. The beast is like the dragons front man. The second beast works as a prophet/evangelist for the first beast, setting up an image of the first beast for all people to worship. Rev: 14:7. God has His own message that He sends out to call His true followers back to true worship. How can we be Gods faithful servants at the end of time? Obey Gods call to worship. Q: How can we ensure that we will be Gods servant at the end of time? > By heeding to Gods call. Q: What would 5. 2Thessalonians 2:1-4. Son of perdition or lawlessness. Other places describe this man as the anti-Christ. This term only occurs in one other place. (Q: What does the prophet Paul call him?) he calls him as son of perdition. Only other time the Bible uses this phrase son of
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6. John 17:12. Jesus is, here, referring to Judas as the son of perdition. Was Judas violently opposed Christianity? No. Was he an apparent supporter? Yes. He was even a legitimate supporter at times. The world looked at him and thought he was a true follower of Christa true Christian. Is it possible that Paul is trying to hint something about the anti-Christ by using the same name for the anti-Christ that Jesus used to describe Judas? What, then, does this tell us about the anti-Christ? The anti-Christ is to be an apparent supporter of Christ. One cannot fall away from where one never was. Jesus is speaking of Judas, He calls him son of perdition. Paul calls the AntiChrist the son of perdition. Q: Was Judas someone who was apparently supportive of Christ or violently opposed Christianity? Apparently, he was a supporter of Christianity/a faithful follower of Christ. a. Mark 3:13b. Luke 10:17their names are written in heaven. c. If Judas is call -Christ is apparently the end has come. You cannot fall away from a state you were previously in. If the Antichrist is apparently Christian, then his mark must be as well. d. (Clue #1 Mark is apparently Christian.). Clue #1 The mark is apparently Christian. If the anti-Christ is apparently Christian, then his mark would have to also be apparently Christian. 7. Second clue: Deuteronomy 6:5-8. The words of God are said to be worn on their hands and on their foreheads. This, naturally, isnt a literal command. God is calling them to make Gods words a part of who they are, what they think, and what they do. Would the prophet John have been familiar with the Old Testament teachings? Certainly. Put something on your to put the words of the books of Moses to our hands and eyes because they wont fi hand and forehead is not a tattoo/barcode. If it were literal, would that be deceiving (Revelation 12:9)? No, because you cant be deceived if you know the mark of the beast. It represents what you believe/think and do. a. Isaiah 29:6, 7; Luke 9:62 our foreheads and hands are symbolic of our thoughts and actions. b. Matthew 18:8,9 The devil is a master of deception. He is the father of lies who deceives the whole world. A literal markwhether a barcode or a tattoowould not be deceptive. That wouldnt deceive the whole world. Q: Was God telling His people to literally attach His words to their hands & heads? Q: What did He mean an external sign. Its through actions & beliefs.) c. Clue #2 The mark is not a physical tattoo or barcode. 8. Revelation 14:9-12. Q: Does it seem that God would like us to avoid receiving the mark of the beast? Yes. This is the strongest warning in the Bible. And its a warning to avoid receiving the mark of the beast. You cant avoid something you dont know. Q: Can you learn what something is, if you learn what something is not? (E.g. You can learn how it is to be happy, by observing someone who is unhappy.) God wants us to avoid us the mark of the beast. God doesnt tell us what the mark of the beast is directly, but indirectly. Q: How many
Unrighteous/Wicked; One group receives the mark vs. One group who do not receive the mark. People who do not receive the mark obey His commands. We can conclude: The mark of the beast is those who do not keep the commandments of God. Summary: Q: Would God when He doesnt directly tell us what it is? a. Clue #3 The mark is contrary to the commandments. (If we can find out who the beast is, and find a command of the beast that conflicts with the commandments of God, then we can determine what the mark of the beast is).First we will identify the beast, then we can see what command of the beast conflicts with the commandments of God. From the catholic perspective, we see a commandment (Sabbath commandment) that is contrary of the Ten Commandments. The beast says worship on Sunday. The Commandments say to worship/rest on Sabbath. Mark of the beast = Sunday observance. (Mark of the Beast quotes: There are many quotes you can refer to the Catholic church commanding people to worship on Sunday, the first day of the week. Google search for Sabbath truth Sabbathtruth.org.) b. Revelation 14:11 they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his calls us to REST on Sabbath. c. Clue #4 It is the mark of the beast which is Sunday 9. Revelation 13:2. Where does the beast get his seat, power, and authority? From the dragon. Who is the dragon? The devil (12:9). The dragon was Satan working through the pagan Roman Empire to try to kill Christat birth with Herod, Pilates condemnation of Christ to death, roman seal on the tomb, and Roman soldiers guarding tomb (Matthew 2, 27; Revelation 12). The beast, then, must be given his power from the dragon. The dragon is the devil working through Pagan Rome. Therefore, the beast receives its power from the devil working through pagan Rome. a. Side note: The popes filled the place of the vacant emperors at Rome, inheriting their power, prestige, and titles from paganism. Arthur P. Stanley (secular historian) b. The papacy was the ghost of the deceased Roman Empire sitting crowned upon its grave. Thomas Hoves (secular historian) 10. Revelation 13:8, 5, 7, 5, 18. a. The world worships the beast power (v.8). Therefore, this is a religious power with unlimited access to the world since the reference is that it affects the entire world. b. The beast power is blasphemous (v.5). Blasphemy is when a created being takes upon itself the prerogatives of God (John 10:30-33; Luke 5:20, 21). See quotes 1-4. c. The beast power makes war with the saints/persecutes the saints (v.7). See quotes 5 and 6. d. Continues 42 months (3.5 yrs/1260 days --> literal years) (v.5) e. Has the number of a man 666 (v.18). In times past, every letter hand numeric value. The title used at the coronation of every pope is Vicarius Filii Dei. Latin alpha-numeral value of 666. f. All of this is consistent with the papacy. A non-religious organization would not
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force worship either. Having found out who the beast is, now we need to find out what command of the papacy goes against the commandments of God. (See last 2 quotes) g. Q: What is the consequence of keeping the commandments of God and not receiving No. But one day will come when you will be persecuted and/or even killed for your faith to keep Gods commandments and not receive the mark of the beastQ: If you cant be faithful today, what makes you faithful tomorrow? Dont you want to keep the commandments and practice faithful today when its easy, to prepare you to be faithful when it gets harder tomorrow. How do you know youll be faithful tomorrow if youre not faithful now? In overcoming the troubles of today, you will be more prepared to overcome the troubles of tomorrow. (Illustration of the man of the two sided flag you need to make a decision/choice now before it is too late.) Now we see the Papacy has declared that by its power, the Sabbath day has been abolished and the first day is to be kept holy. Sunday observance is the mark of the beast. Obeying the beasts commandment over Gods commandment makes the worshiper a servant of the beast. The mark of the beast is the action of obedience to the beast. 11. Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath is the mark of allegiance to God. It is His signHis seal. Sunday is a commandment of the Catholic Church that is contrary to the Ten Commandments. Understand at this point: Sunday is the mark of the beast. Unlike Sunday being the mark, that the seventh day Sabbath is a mark of an allegiance to God. This verse is to emphasize more what the mark of the beast is NOT/a mark of God. a. Is Sunday apparently Christian? Yes. b. Is Sunday not a tattoo? Yes. c. Is Sunday contrary to the commandments of God? Yes. d. Is Sunday the mark of the beast? Yes. 12. Revelation 13:15-17. Why does God not just say everything outright? Why use so many symbols for everything? God isnt concerned with just giving you a bunch of good information or knowledge. He wants to make your mind capable of handling the knowledge. (Tractor or racecar or gun, 8-year-old kid). Revelation was not written without tears, and neither will it be understood without tears. God gives the secrets to those who desire them. When we are fit to know, God reveals things. To know truly amazing facts, you must have the amazing experience to go along with it. We need to find things out for ourselves. God will punish people in proportion to what they know. Those who do not follow after the beast will face difficult times. a. The decisions you make today turn you into the person you will be tomorrow. If you do not choose to follow God now, when its easy, how will you be able to do it when Sunday is enforced? b. James 4:17 c. Acts 17:30,31
Beasts Identity 1 Receives power from Rome
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2 3 4 5 6
Worldwide religious organization Blasphemous Persecutes saints 1260 year supremacy 666
Appeal: 2-sided flag story. One side will win. Defend it: 1. Revelation 14:12 Its not the Ten Commandments. Its just Gods commands. 2. Q: Who wrote to book of Revelation? If you transgress the law = sinning. Paul says the same thing as John. Paul says that you are breaking the Ten Commandments is the law of God. John is inferring to the Ten Commandments. This study does not talk about the seal of God. But an objection to the way we understand the seal of God: 3. Is the seal of God the Sabbath? a. 1Corinthians 1:21, 22; Ephesians 4:29, 30 say that the Holy Spirit is the seal of God, given upon salvation. Some argue that this is the seal of God in Revelation. b. When sealing something, there are two elements. The object that makes the mark is called the seal and then mark left behind is also called a seal.The Holy Spirit is the seal that makes the Sabbath Observance seal upon Gods people. Isaiah 8:16; Hebrews 10:15, 16. The Holy Spirit seals Gods law in the hearts of His followers. 4. Does every Sunday-keeper have the mark of the beast? a. No. The issue has not yet happened. It hasnt been enforced yet. Revelation 13:15, 16.Revelation 18:1-4. There is a message that the 4th angel brings which lights the whole earth. Only if you know what you should do are you held accountable (James 4:17).
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The 2nd Coming

Purpose of the Study: The 2nd coming of Jesus is imminent, literal, visible, audible, and glorious. Center it: The 2nd coming brings to an end the great controversy. The Second Coming is the culmination of salvation history. Main Text: WHAT is the Second Coming: John 14:1-3 Acts 1:9-11 Hebrews 9:28 WHEN is the Second Coming: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Matthew 24:6,7 Matthew 24:7,8 Matthew 24:4,5,11,23-26 HOW is the Second Coming going to be: Matthew 24:26,27 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 1 Corinthians 15:51,52 Matthew 16:27 Matthew 24:36-44 Revelation 6:14-17 Isaiah 25:8,9 Additional Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 Revelation 1:7 1 Corinthians 15:51,52 Matthew 25:31 Know it/Mark it: John 14:1-3 Acts 1:9-11 Hebrews 9:28 Matthew 24:36 2Timothy 3:1-5 Matthew 24:6, 7a Matthew 24:7b, 8 Matthew 24: 4, 5, 11, 23-26. Matthew 24:26, 27 1Thessalonians 4:16, 17 Matthew 16:27 2Peter 3:10 2Peter 3:9 Revelation 6:14-17
Isaiah 25:8, 9
Share it: What 1. John 14:1-3 What does Jesus tell his disciples? Going away, making a place, and coming back again. Jesus announced His own 2nd coming, so this was not invented by someone lately. Jesus declares that He is coming again. He matches that promises by going to prepare a place for us. Second coming implies that Hes been here be cross? If you look at His first coming, He confirms of His Second Coming and points to the future. 2. Acts 1:9-11 They looked, watched, he disappeared from their sight, gazing into heaven, saw all dealing with vision. The angels announced that they way they saw Him go into heaven, He would return. It would be visible. They see Christ ascending up to heaven. In the midst of this: v9 - watched; sight. v10 looked; v11 gazing; saw. Whats in common? These are key words to refer to the fact that the Second Coming is visible. v10 coming again. 3. Hebrews 9:28 What does this say about Christ? He would return a second time. The apostles announced this all through the NT. We have 3 witnesses of a fact (Heb 10:28), Jesus, angels, and apostles foretelling the second coming. because He died and rose again and His priestly ministry is finished. Main point = Even the early church/Apostles announced Jesus Second Coming. Three types of witnesses declares Jesus is coming again! Transition: Sympathize with them, letting them know about disappointments about time setting. (e.g. Y2K, etc.) When 1. Matthew 24:36 No one knows the day or the hour. Not even the angels know. Nevertheless, the scripture gives us clues about when it will be approaching: 2. 2Timothy 3:1-5. In the last days, perilous times are coming. People love money, homes are divided, and people seek pleasure. Portrays the world today. These are certain things that you should look out for, and if you see these things emerging, watch out for these things shall occur during the last days. These are moral signs of the last days. People appear to be Godly (having a form of Godliness). Sounds like today. They will have the form of godliness, but will keep people away from Christ. This is predicted. Even in the religious world, theres a big lack of morality and these
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are the signs of His Coming. 3. Matthew 24:6, 7a. key words: rumors of war; nations rising against nations. Wars will take place. These are political signs. Sounds like today. 4. Matthew 24:7b, 8. Natural disasters and diseases. key words: famines, earthquakes, pestilences. What do you see in the world today? These are environmental signs. Sounds like today. All of this is the beginning of sorrows (birth pangs). It becomes more intense and more frequent. Q: How can you really declare that these signs are coming into this age? Many of these signs have occurred in history, why then the sense of urgency? pangs. What can we learn? The closer you get to the birth (date), right before that theres some serious and more intense and rapid pain. The difference is towards the ends, these signs are going to be more and more intense and coming about rapidly. (Just like the birth pangs of a woman.) 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 Sounds like the last days/Second Coming. (The previous verses refer to the Second Coming.) Sudden destruction The more abuse the character of Jesus, the sooner His Coming is. His character must be vindicated. There are certain signs that you dont see, until you come close. The closer and closer you are, the more and more youre going to see the signs. (analogy: driving to DC from here. The closer you are to the city, the more youll see the signs for DC.) Q: Is He really going to come during my lifetime? A: Even if He doesnt come during your lifetime, you dont know how long youre going to live. When you die, the time that you lived is the only time you have. 5. Matthew 24: 4, 5, 11, 23-26. These are religious signs. Deception is rampant. Jesus warns us to look out for deception. Because its going to rise up false christs; teachers; religious leaders; great signs and wonders; etc. How 1. Matthew 24:26, 27, 30. How does Jesus say that His returning will be? Like lightning. It will not be a hidden matter. Universally visible. The Second Coming is going to be universally glorious. Not a private event. Everyone will be able to see it. v27 - Gives an example that everyone will witness the Second Coming. Revelation 1:7. Indirectly deal with the false ideas of the Second Coming. 2. 1Thessalonians 4:16-18. Key terms: shout, voice of archangel, and a trumpet (not a flute or oboe). It will be clearly audible. - Certain clues/key words: v16 shout; voice; trumpet (loud, piercing instrument). It will be a loud and clearly audible event. Everyone will be able to hear. 1 Corinthians 15:51,52 It mentions the word trumpet and we shall all be
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changed. Trumpet is used again. Another reference to the loud event of the Second Coming. 3. Matthew 16:27. He will come in the glory of His Father, and He will come with all His angels. The heavenly family is coming. Jesus will come down with His Angels. So its a lot more difficult when Youre coming with a very bright entourage. If Hes not going to be alone, how can this event be secret? Matthew 25:31 Jesus is not alone at His Second Coming. (Early Writings take a journey and Jesus is going to be our tourdown to earth to see Jesus coming to get His people. 2Peter 3:10. The day comes as a thief, not the Lord. It will be unexpectedly sudden. There will also be a great noise and a lot of heat. 2Peter 3:9. Why has Jesus not returned yet? Waiting for humanity to experience repentance. He hasnt come because he wants more people to be ready. Matthew 24:36-44 Old Testament story Jesus refers to: Noah. Immediately the flood came. And an analogy of a thief coming unexpectedly; he doesnt announce his coming. Jesus Second Coming will be unexpectedly sudden. When you make an appeal: you want to leave that home with a commitment made that deals with something practical in their life. So you want to switch gears: When Jesus comes again, theres going to be two kinds of people on the earth: Revelation 6:14-17. Appeal transition [make the 2nd coming relevant to peoples lives]. What is this large group of people doing? They are fearfully running to the rocks, desiring destruction. Why are they running? They are unprepared. (1) First class of people: terrified, scared people. It includes kings, rulers, great men and theyre panicking. They want to hide from the Lamb. (Lambs are not the scariest things in the world. But this class of people are running, because they have a wrong/distorted picture of who God is/the character of God.) This class of people is an unprepared group. Isaiah 25:8, 9. There will be two different reactions to the second coming. What will the other reaction be like? Joyful. Why? Because they have waited for Him. They are prepared in anticipation of that day. (2) Another class of people at the same time, but their response is totally different than the first group of people. Their behavior is of rejoicing and gladness. This group of people that see Jesus and sees a familiar face. They have been preparing, anticipating for the Second Coming.
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Appeal: In the end of time there will be two classes of people, those who are terrified, running in fear and those who are prepared and rejoicing. Which group do you want to be a part of? Is there anything that would keep you from being in that group? There will be two kinds of people on this earth when Jesus comes again: the first group in Revelation 6 or the other group in Isaiah 25. Which group would you like to be apart of? Is there anything that will keep you from becoming apart of that group? (pray to have victory over that) Give them the opportunity to pray.
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Defend it (Questions and Objections) : Do we get out of the tribulation? o Two main kinds of objections: theological (things dealing with theology) or moral (lifestyle issues). When you present the Second Coming, the main objective youre going to hear is: the secret rapture (Left Behind theory). Left Behind Theory: o 7 years of tribulation. Secret Rapture (taken) happens in the beginning of the 7 years and thats when the Left Behind people (the lost) begin. THEN the 7-year tribulation begins and thats when the Anti-Christ rises up. At the end of the 7-year tribulation, a second chance will be given for those left behind. Dealing with people who believe Tribulation and those that are left behind will go through the tribulation. o Acts 14:22. (Evangelicals love Apostle Paul) We must pass through tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God. Paul spoke this shortly after being stoned in Lystra. He includes himself, saying we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. tribulaion. What does Paul say about tribulatio includes himself. We must go trough tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. o John 16:33. If Pauls argument isnt enough. Jesus says, You will have tribulation. Jesus says were going to go through tribulation (He Himself went through it!) but He says to be of good cheer. Its clear: He doesnt save His people from tribulation, but He saves through tribulation. o Did God save Noah from tribulation or through tribulation? What about Joseph? Daniel? The three Hebrew boys? Jesus was there with them though it all. o Check out Deadly Delusions by Steve Wohlberg. Luke 17: 34-36. Go on to verse 37: Where will they be taken? Where their bodies are, the eagles will gather. side note: v.34 people: in the bed, grinding, and the field. How do you object to these verses? a. v.37 The y know where they are before. Why would they ask where they were left? Theyre either on the bed, Wheresoever the body is, there will be the eagles be gathered together ever that is, is some place unpleasant; where the wicked will be. (In Revelation 19, it takes about the eagles feasting on the lost.) o Job 39:27-30. Where do the eagles gather? Where the slain are. o So where are the taken ones taken to? A place of destruction. o Matthew 24:37-39. Noah and the flood. The flood came and took away the revelers. Where were they taken? They were destroyed. It will be the same at the coming of the Son of Man. The following verse explains that one will be taken and one will be left in the last days. It takes about Noah. Paralleling the time of Noah with the the flood was going to come. But the flood took them away. Took the wicked to dest desctruction. (the opposite of the Left Behind theory).
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Genesis 7:23. None but those in the ark we saved. Noah remained. Being the remainder, Noah was left behind. Noah only remained alive, and they that were his family were left behind. 1Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Those who are alive and remain are caught up in the clouds. (Recommended book: Left Behind or Sincerely Taken. Luis Torres)
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Baptism Reading
Baptism - Its Significance - E.J. Waggoner Purpose of the Study: Baptism by immersion is the public declaration of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Center it: Baptism is the symbol of Jesus death, His burial, and His Resurrection. Know it/Mark it: 1. John 3:1-8 2. Mark 16:16 a. James 2:14-20 3. Ephesians 4:5 4. Romans 6:1-6 5. Galatians 5:22-24 6. Mark 1:9, 10 7. Acts 8:36-39 8. John 3:23 9. Matthew 28:18-20 (Preconditions to baptism) 10. Hebrews 11:6 (Precondition to baptism) 11. Acts 2:37-38 (Precondition to baptism) 12. Acts 2:38 (Appeal) 13. 2Corinthians 6:2 (Appeal) Share it: 1. John 3:1-8. How did Nicodemus know that God was with Jesus? By the signs He did (verse 2). He is focused on the external miracles of Christ. Jesus focuses on the greatest miracle of all = being born again. (born again = born from above) (verse 3). Nicodemus still focuses on the externalhow can a man be physically born again? Nicodemus knew the answer before asking the question. (verse 4). To be born of above is the same as being born of the water and of the Spirit. Jesus clarifies what born again = born of the water and the Spirit. (verse 5). The flesh produces flesh and the Spirit gives birth to Spirit. (verse 6). Jesus repeats himself. Dont be surprised (verse 7). A marked difference is seen the live of those who have been born again (verse 8). Born of the Spirit is clearly referring to conversion. Being born of the water is a clear reference to baptism. Jesus begins to describe the work of the Spirit. E.g. You cant see wind, but you can see the effects of the wind. To be born of the Spirit is a clear reference to conversion. Because the flesh produces flesh, and the Spirit produces the Spirit. What is the work (fruit) of the Spirit? 2. Galatians 5:22-24. Born of the Spirit is a clear reference to being converted. Conversion is from what they use to do to the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 > fruits of the flesh. 3. Mark 16:16. Baptism is a major part of the salvation process. Believe and be baptized to be saved. Salvation is a free gift. For someone to be converted, they have to believe in Saved. So: Water is a clear reference to baptism. Spirit is to conversion.
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a. James 2:14-20. James states that when someone believes and is converted, their life is changed. Converted people have a lifestyle that is in agreement with the standards of God. Faith must be followed by works. If you dont see the effects of the wind, there is no wind. The belief that the devils have in God doesnt change their hearts. Conversion is the difference. Faith without works is dead. That means you have not been born of the Spirit. To be converted means to be born of the Spirit and to have the works of the Spirit. Demons believe but they lack the conversion (Spirit). They have not been born of the Spirit. Belief must be accompanied by action or it is dead. Ephesians 4:5. Tells us ho There is only one baptism, that is, one method. How can we be sure that we have been baptized by the one baptism? [The meaning of baptism dictates the mode (or method) of baptismthe meaning shows the way it should be done}. The way someone is baptism is shown/illustrated by the meaning of baptism. If we find out what baptism means, well find out the method of baptism. Romans 6:1-6. Verse 3, 4 Meaning of Baptism: baptism is a symbol of the Jesus death (Mt 27:50, Jn 19:30: Jesus breathes His last), A symbol of Jesus burial (someone must go under something, Buried), and A symbol of Jesus resurrection (Raised to new life) of Jesus. Therefore, the true method of baptism must symbolically show a death. Baptidzoto immerse, dip, or get fully wet. Examples of baptismal methods: a. No. b. In other words: Do you have to stop breathing? Are you buried under the water? Do you raise out of the water? Yes! Mark 1:9, 10. Jesus was baptized in Jordan, and He came up out of the water. When Jesus was baptized, Jesus went into the water, up out of the water. If He came up out of the water, He must have gone down under the water. Baptism = (Greek) Baptidzo = To immerse, to make fully wet, to dip. This is not the only time you see this method of baptism: Acts 8:36-39. The eunuch first had to believe. They went into the water for the baptism. Then, they came out of the water. Baptized = baptidzo. Eunuch went down in the water and up out of the water. John 3:23. Why did John baptize there? Because there was much water. Why would they need much water? For immersion. There are 3 conditions given by the Lord for baptism. 3 Preconditions to Baptism: (Before someone is baptized, they must meet 3 conditions.) Matthew 28:18-20. Condition 1: They must be taught what Jesus taught. Jesus was teaching them to be like Him in making them His disciples. Jesus taught what Jesus taught. Hebrews 11:6. Condition 2: They must have faith/must believe. Its impossible to please God without faith. If we dont have faith, can we be converted? No. So: We have to have faith in God. Acts 2:38. Condition 3: Their baptism must be preceded by repentance. (Transition into appeal with this text). cut to the heart = convicted. Theyre preaching, theyre pricked in their hearts, and they ask what they shall do. Peter said to repent and be baptized and they will receive the Holy Spirit. At the baptism of Christ, He was anointed with the Holy Spirit. We can expect that after our baptism, the Holy Spirit will be poured out unto us.
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The Holy Spirit works from the inside out. Appeal: 12. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized. As a public declaration of your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, would you like to be baptized? 13. 2Corinthians 6:2. I just want to wait response. Just as surely as they make a decision on earth, it is recorded in heaven. If people have continually lived up to the standards, resting true faith on God and confessing sins, then show it. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day. Youre never guaranteed tomorrow. So if it is your desire to make a public declaration of your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ When making appeal, give a lot of time. (Count to 5 backwards, very slowly. Defend it: 14. Dont place the burden of evidence on yourself and what you want. Make sure that everything goes back to the person and their relationship with God. 15. Infant baptismcan you make repent and make a commitment with God at that time? 16. Sprinklingis it the manner in which God set forth for baptism to be done? Rebaptism: 1. Acts 19:1-7 They were baptized in the correct way by John the Baptist, and yet they were convicted by the Spirit Himself to be re-baptized because they werent born of the Spirit first. alright to be baptized and its alright to be re-baptized. If someone wants to be re-baptized, ask them if they got a divorce from Christ? Because baptism heart for foot washing and to rededicate their life during the communion service.
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State of the Dead

Purpose of the Study: To show that man does not possess immortality. Life is in Christ alone. Center it: 1John 5:12. Whoever has the Son has life. Whoever does not have the Son does not have life. Know it/Mark it: Share it: 1. John 14:6 (John 11:45). a. What does Christ say He is? He introduces Himself as the Life. He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus is life. Life comes from Christ. The definition of life = Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of life. Jesus = Life. 2. 1Timothy 6:15, 16. a. What does Paul say about God? God alone has immortality. How does man fit into the picture? 3. Acts 17:28. a. In God we live, move, breathe, and have being. Man is dependent on God. We get our life from God. 4. Genesis 2:7. a. How did God bring man into existence? What are the two ingredients? Dust (formed body) and breath (into the nostrils of the body. Dust (body) + Breath of God = Living soul/being. What happened? He became a living soul/being. If one of these ingredients is removed, what happens to the soul? It ceases to exist. 5. Job 12:10 (27:3; 33:4). a. The breath of all mankind is in Gods hands. Breath and spirit are used interchangeably. Gives life. b. 27:3) (Job rhymes the idea, not words like we do.) Job is saying the same thing. (v.33:4) The word spirit and breath are synonymous. In this case: spirit = breath. 6. Genesis 3:19. a. What was the eventual fate of Adam? He would return to dust. Why? Because he came from it. We return to the dust (where we had life) when we die. Death = reversal of life (opposite of life.) 7. Job 14:10-14. a. How does Job describe death? Sleep. Is that the end? No. How long does he sleep? Until the heavens are no more. How long will he wait? Until his change comes. Critical word, twice: til. Life after death is not instantaneous. You go to the grave til my change come. The change will come at the last trumpet (Second Coming of Christ.) 8. 1Corinthians 15:51, 52. a. Paul says we will not all sleep, but we will be changed. When? At the last trumpet. Is man going to be immortal? Yes. When do Gods people receive immortality? At the resurrection. 9. Ecclesiastes 12:7. a. What happens when we die? The dust returns to the earth, the spirit returns to
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God. Reverse of Genesis 2:7. Without the body, the spirit doesnt life/have existence. b. Ecclesiastes 3:19,20 Shows you the similarity and the difference between animals and humans death. They return to the dust. Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6. a. The dead know nothing, have no emotions, and have no more part (involvement) in anything that is done in this life. The living will know that they are going to die. The dead know nothing! (This rebuttal: the concept that people are in heaven knowing whats going on earth.) Psalms 146:4 (104:29). a. What happens at death? His spirit/breath departs. His thoughts die. The spirit goes to God, but there is no thought involved or possible. The Spirit departs and his plans and thoughts perish/ceases when he dies. At death, thoughts perish. b. Psalm 104:29 God takes away the breath (spirit) and they die. Psalms 115:17 (6:5). a. What dont the dead do? The dead do not praise God. What is death called here? Silence. This is a safety against spiritualism. Ezekiel 18:4. a. What can souls experience? Death. If souls can die, are they immortal? Souls are subject to death. Why? Because souls are living beings and living beings can die. (We even say it in modern day: There wasnt a soul there. soulmate). Acts 2:29-34. a. David died and was buried. Is he in heaven? No. If anybody is going to be in heaven, its David. Davids tomb is on earth. David is not in heaven. (v.29,34) John 11:11-14; 17-27 a. What did Jesus say about Lazarus in verse 11? He was sleeping. Jesus is going to wake Lazarus up. They didnt understand what Jesus meant that Lazarus is dead. What did that mean (v.14)? He was dead. How long? Four days (v.17). The family asked Him why He came too late. Martha realized that she would see her brother again at the resurrection(note that she doesnt say, When she dies). Jesus tells her that He is the resurrection and the life (v.25). For the Christian, death is just a pause. There are no goodbyesjust see-you-laters. Jesus can give life and has the power to unlock death. Christ became a consolation to them. (Perhaps share a story of someone who you love who has passed away.) John 10:10. a. Jesus came to give His life and give it more abundantly. When you die you rest, not go straight to heaven.
Appeal: Paint the picture of life without Christ. Share a personal testimony on death if possible. Is it your desire to accept the life that Christ has for us? Is there anything that would keep you from accepting the life the Christ has to for you? God is the possessor of life. He is the immortal one. When we go against God, were literally and spiritually choosing death. Proverbs Those who hate me, love death. Share how God wants to give you life. Many people are not living life, theyre living a miserable life which is not life. Do you want life that comes from Jesus? Or ask: do you want to be there when Jesus comes back?
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If they are worried about non-Christian relatives who have died, 1Samuel 16:7. God looks at the heart.
Defend it: Luke 23:42, 43. Today o The thief was he dead yet? We dont know when he died. o John 20:16, 17. What did Jesus tell Mary not to do? Touch Him. Why? He hadnt yet ascended. How long was this after crucifixion Friday? Two days (Sunday). Know it/Mark it: 1. Revelation 4:4, 10 2. Ezekiel 28:13-15, 17 3. John 3:3 4. Psalms 51:5 5. Genesis 35:1-5 6. Exodus 33:1-6 7. 1Peter 3:1-4 8. Hebrews 12:1 9. John 19:23, 24 Share it:
The punctuation of the Bible is not inspired. Other examples: Isaiah 53:11 (by his knowledge mis-joined with following sentence instead of the preceding), Acts 19:11, 12 (sick handkerchiefs) (KJV). Revelation 6:9-11 slain souls Revelation we need to look for where else this idea appears to fully understand it. o a. v.11 Rest a little longer. Theyre under the Alter. It doesnt say that theyre in heaven. souls = living beings. o Leviticus 4:34. The priests put blood on the corners of the horns of the altars and pour the rest at the base of the altar. Where did the blood come from? The sacrificed lambs. The lamb was an innocent sacrifice. With a portion of the blood of the sacrifice, the priest pours it under the Alter. o Leviticus 17:11. the life of the flesh is in the blood. The life, then, is in the blood. So what did they experience martyrs. o Genesis 4:9, 10. Abels blood cries out. The voice of his innocent blood cries out from the ground to heaven. It cries for vengeance of an injustice. Not literal. Point: The blood = symbol, crying out for vengeance. So: The blood under the o rest a bit longer for Him to avenge their deaths. 2Corinthians 5:1-8 absent from the body o Juxtaposition: Earthly house) Nakedness (Heavenly house Groan (Death) Building from God Mortal Not made with hands At home Put on Away from the Lord Further clothed Life Spirit is a guarantee
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Away from the body 2Peter 1:13-15. Putting off the earthly tent/tabernacle = death. Then, naturally, a heaven house must be a heavenly body. o Paul wanted to have the heavenly house without dying. He wanted to put on immorality without the nakedness (v.3). He desired to be translated.
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70 Weeks (Daniel 9)
Purpose of Study: Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah Know it/Mark it: 1. Daniel 9:20-27 2. Daniel 9:24 3. Numbers 14:34 (also Ezekiel 4:6) 4. Daniel 9:25 5. Ezra 7:7, 11, 12-26 6. Daniel 9:25 7. Acts 10:38 8. Luke 3:1-3, 21-22 9. Daniel 9:26a 10. Isaiah 53:8 11. Daniel 9:27 12. Matthew 27:50, 51 13. Daniel 9:27 14. Hebrews 2:3 a. Mark 1:15 b. Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-4 15. Acts 22:20-21 (also Acts 7) Share it: 1. Read Dan 9:20-27. Daniel was praying prior to this. Gabriel came, while Daniel was praying, to help him understand. v.21 In chapter 9, theres no vision. Gabriel comes to explain a vision. Daniel sees Gabriel, the same one Daniel saw in the vision. So there must be a vision before this time. v.22 Gabriel wants to give Daniel skill and understanding. Skill and understanding in what? v.23 Skill and understanding in the vision. Consider the vision. 2. Read Dan 9:24. The word determined only appears once in the bible: Chathak (kawthak). In extra-biblical literature it means to cut off/amputate. When things are amputated, something is taken off of a larger body. The 70 weeks are cut off of something bigger. Well look at what it is cut off of next week. Who is Gabriel talking to? Daniel. Who are Daniels people? The Jews. What is their city? Jerusalem. In this time, something is to be done that humans cannot do. No human can make an end to sin. Extraordinary things are to be done by someone extraordinary. 70 wks * (7 days/1 wk) = 490 days. In bible prophecy a day is always equal to a year. This is just like an algebraic problem. Once we find the answer, we can check it. 3. 70 weeks are cut off from a larger time period for Daniel and his people to do these 6 things: Read 6 things from Daniel 9:24. a. To finish the transgression b. To make an end of sins c. To make reconciliation for iniquity d. To bring in everlasting righteousness e. To seal up the vision and prophecy
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f. To anoint the most Holy Read Num 14:34. The spies looked over Canaan for 40 days. Ten of the spies lose faith in God. God is now going to punish them, making them wander a year for every day that they were in the land of Canaan. Before the children of Israel went into the promise land, and spied on the land of Canaan for 40 days to see if they could really take the land of Canaan with their own power. But they come back and 10 spies says we cant do it. 2 (believers of God) says we can. The 10 persuaded the Israelites not to overcome Canaan. For the 2 faithful, God declares that one day = one year. Principle in Scripture Year (in Bible Prophecy.) This works if the principle stays the same. We can now take this principle of a day for a year to see that weve got 490 prophetic days = 490 literal years. If the principle doesnt work, we throw it out. a. Also says it: Ezekiel 4:6. 70 weeks = how many years? 70 weeks x 7 days/week = 490 literal days = 490 prophetic years. Another way of explaining: If its literal weeks, the time does not take you to the Messiah. They would still be in captive. Read Dan 9:25. Now we find the starting point of the 70 week time period. Gabriel says that from the command to restore Jerusalem to the Messiah would be 7 wks + 62 wks, equaling 69 wks. The 69 weeks start from the restoration of Jerusalem and goes to the x2)+2=62) 62 weeks = 69 weeks. That makes 483 prophetic days/literal years. Going forth the command to restore/rebuild Jerusalem and give Jerusalem to govern itself. From restore/rebuild Jerusalem to the coming of the Messiah = 483 prophetic days/years. The wisemen knew when Jesus was to be born because of this prophecy. Read Ezra 7:7, 11, 12-26. This decree came in the 7th year of Artaxerxes. The King gives a letter to Ezra. v.24, he is giving rights. v.25, setting up government and laws. v.26, he gives full autonomy. Scholars agree that the 7th year of Artaxerxes was 457 BC. When he gives them power to restore Jerusalem. It was given in the spring (1st Hebrew month), goes into effect in fall (5th Hebrew month) because of the time the trip took. v.8,9. a. 457 BC (counts as a negative number) -457 + 483 = 26, however, there is no 0 year, we must add a year. 27 AD. In simple math, 0 is a placeholder, but in years, there is no placeholder, so we have to compensate for the simple math. So 26 + 1 = 27 AD. Read Daniel 9:25. The Hebrew word Messiah means Anointed One. Who was the Anointed One? Was Jesus Anointed? Anointed One = (Greek) Chrio = Messiah. Jesus was anointed at His baptism. Anointed with the Holy Spirit. When was Jesus baptism? Read Acts 10:38. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit. But when was Jesus anointed? When did this happen? Real Luke 3:1-3, 21-22. John was preaching and baptizing in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar. History tells us that this was in 27 AD. When was Jesus anointed? That same year (v.21, 22). Jesus was anointed right on time. But the prophecy is not over. (v.21,22) Jesus was baptized. He was anointed with the Holy Ghost at His baptism. (v.1-3) Date: He was baptized at the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar = 27AD (historical date). Review first (quiz on dates and times). We could even go backwards from Tiberius 15th year. This next part is the most widely misunderstood part of scripture. Read Daniel 9:26. The Messiah will be cut off, not for Himself. 3 score and 2 weeks = 62 weeks.
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11. Read Isaiah 53:8. He was to be cut offfrom the land of the living (He would die)for the transgression of the people (not for Himself). from the living, not for Himself, but for the transgression of His people. After the 62 week period, the Messiah will be cut off. 12. Read Daniel 9:27. There is one week left. 1 wk = 7 prophetic days = 7 literal years. This is all a continuous prophecy. First came the 7 weeks, then the 62 weeks, then the 1 week. The weeks are consecutive. In the midst/middle/center of the week he causes the sacrifices to stop/cease. One week = From 27AD (Messiahs anointing). One week = 7 prophetic days/year. Half of 7 weeks = 3 days/years. 457BC > In the Autumn (Ezra 7:8,9). 457BC + 483 (time between Jerusalems rebuilding to Messiahs anointing) = 27AD Autumn. 3 years + 27AD Autumn = 31AD Spring. Jesus was crucified in the Spring of 31AD. (When is Easter celebrated? In the Spring. So this is pretty close to that exact time of year.) 13. Read Matthew 27:50, 51. The presence of God was supposed to be behind that veil. The sacrifice system was to point to Christ. At His death, the shadow met the object that gave it. The sacrifices no longer had meaning in the eyes of God. The veil is ripped from the topby God. The Shekinah Glory is not there because the visible presence of God was hanging on the cross. The veil that separated the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place. That veil was torn from the top to the bottom. Significant: The Lamb took away the sacrificial system when He died on the cross. In the middle of the week, the veil was split. The temple sacrifices ceased to be significant, when the Messiah abolished it on the cross. 14. Read Daniel 9:27. How does Jesus confirm a covenant for a week if He dies halfway through it? 15. Read Hebrews 2:3. Jesus preached for the first 3 years that Jesus was the Messiah, but the prophecy confirmed that He would preach it for the whole week (7 years). So how would He continue to preach, if He was dead and resurrected? Jesus started preaching the message on salvation in the first part of the week (3 weeks). After His death, the disciples continued His work for the last half of the week (3 weeks). Those that heard Him = disciples.Who spoke about the great Salvation first? a. Read Mark 1:15. Jesus preaches that the time was fulfilled. He preached for 3.5 weeks. b. At the first it was spoken by Jesus. It was then confirmed by the preaching of the disciples. After His death, his disciples continued preaching the gospel. Right after His baptism, Jesus started preaching. Last half of the week = 3 week = From His death is 3 weeks => which leads us to 34AD Autumn. What happened in 34 AD,. 16. Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-4. 34AD The end of the 490 year prophecy = when Stephen was stoned. The 490 year prophecy was given for the Jewish nation. But at the end of the prophecy, the Gospel goes from the Jews to the Gentiles. Not only for the Jewish nation. The Gospel is preached to the world. a. Read Daniel 9:27 again. The meaning of the sacrifices ceases. v.24, could the Israelite people do any of the things that had to be done in this verse? No. Only One could do that. Jesus could. At the end of that time, the gospel went to the gentiles. What happened in 34 AD? 17. Read Acts 22:20, 21. The stoning of Stephen, the rejection of a crucified, risen Savior, ended the 70 weeksthe time that God gave for them to accept the Savior. God then sent Paul to the gentiles. Because of that, we (gentiles) can accept salvation. Paul is
giving his testimony: After Stephens death, the gospel is sent to the Gentiles. At the end of the 490-year prophecy, after Stephens stoning, the gospel is sent forth to spread the Good News to the Gentiles. God tells Paul t (not a Jew). 18. Daniel 9:24. This prophecy is all about Jesus. When we find out next week when the Sanctuary will be cleansed, were going to find out when that actually takes place. Jesus was baptized, crucified on time. The gospel is sent out to everyone, to you, to me so that we can be baptized on time Appeal: 1. Did the day-for-a-year principle work? a. Then Jesus is the Messiah. b. Then sacrifices in the temple mean nothing anymore. 2. Is it your desire to accept this Messiah and allow Him to anoint you with the Holy Spirit as He was? What would keep you? 3. When was Jesus anointed? Then at some point, what you do to be anointed as He was? Defend it/Difficult Text 1. Q: Because Satan will die because of all the sins, he brought upon people, then doesnt that mean that Jesus didnt do everything. A: Jesus died for all of our sins, theres not doubt about that. He paid the penalty for our sins. 2. But sin has to be consumed. It has to be burned up. The earth has to be purified. Leviticus 16 The High Priest confessed all peoples sin onto the live goat. The fulfillment in the Heavenly Sanctuary, Jesus is going put all of our sins onto Satan. Satan has to be consumed and perish for all those sins. You confess your sin, and that sin goes to the heavenly sanctuary. Jesus asks forgiveness for that sin. But that sin is still recorded. At the end, those sins are going to be blotted out (via Satan). 3. 2 Peter 2:20 Once youre saved, if you make the choice, you can go the other direction. And the end of then will be worse then before you went to Christ. Because with knowledge they are turning away from Christ. Once youre saved, youre always saved, as long as you stay saved. 4. Jesus was about 33 years old when He died. How could He have died in 31 AD? Herod, who gave the decree to kill all the boys of Bethlehem, died between 5 and 4 BC. Those who set up the BC/AD timeframe miscalculated. Historically we can trace the birth of Christ to before 1 AD. 5. Since more than one decree was given: How do we know Ezras chapter 7 decree is the decree referred to in Daniel 9? It is the only decree that gives full autonomy (right to govern themselves) to the Jewish nation. Decrees: Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) > 536BC: 536BC 483 days/years = 53BC. (This cant work, because this is prior to Jesus birth). Cyrus to rebuild temple 536 BC i. Prophecy would end in 53 BC Darius (Ezra 6:1-12) > 519BC: 519BC 483 days/years = 36BC. (This is 30some years before Jesus birth.) Darius decree to finish Cyrus decree 519 BC i. Prophecy would end in 36 BC Artaxerxes 7th year (Ezra 7) > 457BC: 457BC 483 days/years = 27AD. (This is the only decree that gives full autonomy. The time Jesus was anointed.) i. This decree is the one that gave full autonomy. This is the only one what
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fits the coming of a Messiah. 483 days/years = 40AD. (This is after Jesus is crucified.)Artaxerxes 20th, Nehemiah, finish building wall 444 BC i. Prophecy would end in 40 AD Seven years of tribulation. Stolen from the 70 weeks, given to the end of time. There is no reason for ripping it off. If we do this, Christ never dies, the gospel never goes to the gentiles, and you and I can never be saved. Tribulation week (Futurist view) is not scriptural. We use the Historicist Method. Futurist and Preterist views were created during the reformation to take eyes off of the Papacy. Daniel 9:25. some believe that this was the work of Nehemiah. Does not negate the prophecy. Daniel 9:26 Some people say that Antiochus destroyed the temple from and is that person that fulfills the prophecy to end sacrifices. Antiochus Epiphanes (Seleucid Ruler) Desecrated Jerusalem temple from 168BC 165BC. So he cant be the person who fulfills the prophecy because the time frame does not fit. Daniel 9:26,27 Destruction of Jerusalem. Destroyed in 70AD. Matthew 24:1-15 - Jesus is showing the disciples the temple. He tells them that the temple will be destroyed. In the disciples mind, when the temple is going to be destroyed is when the end of the world will be. But Jesus says that thats not true. They both will happen, but not at the same time. v.15 Had the abomination of desolation taken place spoken of by Daniel the prophet (Daniel 9:27)? No. The abomination of desolation = The destroying of the Jerusalems temple. (70AD). In prophecy, water = people/multitudes/nations/tongues. (Revelation 17:15) Matthew 24:1-15 Titus (the prince) comes into Jerusalem and destroys the temple with a flood of people (Daniel 9:27). The result of this is already determined = desolation. So Antiochus could not have been the one. Daniel 9:26. In 70 AD Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by Titus and his army coming in like a flood (water is people, multitudes, nations, etc Rev 17:15). Matthew 24:2, 3, 15Jesus prophesies about the destruction of the temple. The first part of D.9:26, 27 each talks about the Messiah, and second part talks about the destruction of Jerusalem.
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Judgment I: Sanctuary
Study #14 Judgment I: Sanctuary Purpose of the Study: Christ is the fulfillment of the earthly sanctuary Reference: Genesis 1, 2, 3-Revelation 20, 21, 22 Share it: God created all things perfect. In Genesis 1 and 2, God had face-to-face communion with God. From Genesis 3-Revelation 20, there is separation, and God does everything in His power to restore the communion. In Revelation 21 and 22, the communion is restored. One of the things that God did to restore the face-to-face communication was to set up the sanctuary service. Genesis 1, 2 > Perfect God, perfect communion with a perfect man, in a perfect place with a faceto-face communication. (Eden lost) Genesis 3 Revelation 20 > God working on behalf of man to bring him back from where he was lost to where He wants him to be. (The cross) Revelation 21, 22 > Perfect God with a perfect harmony with a perfect people in face-to-face communication. (Eden restored) Know it/Mark it: 1. Exodus 25:8,9 2. Matthew 1:23 (John 1:14) 3. John 14:6, 7 (Leviticus 4) 4. John 1:29 5. Hebrews 12:29 6. John 4:10, 14 7. Exodus 25: 31-37 8. Revelation 1:20 {or to Isa 53:5} 9. John 8:12 10. Colossians 1:18 11. Ephesians 2:10 12. 1Peter 4:12 13. John 6:35, 51-53 14. Exodus 30:1, 7, 8 15. Ephesians 5:2 16. Exodus 34:5-7 17. Numbers 7:89, 8:1 (Exo 25:9) 18. Hebrews 2:17 19. Hebrews 8:1, 2 20. Leviticus 4:1-7 21. 1 John 1:9 22. Leviticus 16 23. Revelation 12:11, 12 1. Exodus 25:8, 9. God wanted to be with His people in a visible manner, so He had them build a sanctuary. In the New Testament, we see that Christ is a fulfillment of the earthly
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sanctuary. God tells Moses to make a place where God can commune with His people. God wants to have communion with His people. Let them make me a sanctuary for the purpose of dwelling among them. God wanted to dwell with humanity. Make the sanctuary after the pattern. Matthew 1:23. The purpose, in the previous text, of God creating the sanctuary was to dwell with us. Jesus became that. Taking a look at the layout of the sanctuary, in order to come into the sanctuary, a person had only one option of entry. Virgin will have Emmanuel = God with us. The reason why this baby came to this earth is because God wanted to be with humanity. Jesus is God in the flesh. John 1:14. Tabernacle. Made His tent among humanity. John 14:6, 7. The only way for the worshipper was the entrance. Our only way to worship the Father is Jesus. Jesus, therefore, is a fulfillment of this part of the sanctuary. The next thing in the sanctuary was the altar of burnt offering where sacrificial animals were slain for the taking away of sin. Jesus is the entrance to the Father. a. Leviticus 4 describes what part of sacrifice that was put onto the alter John 1:29. Jesus is the lamb who was slain to take away our sins. Lambs were killed and their parts (the fat, kidneys, caulpurifying organsLev 4) were placed on the altar to burn, almost like a holy barbeque. Jesus is the sacrifice. The sacrificial animals insides would be put into that alter. Jesus takes away the sins of the world. Hebrews 12:29. What does Gods fire consume? Sin. The Altar of Burnt Offering is a symbol of God, as a consuming, purging fire. We can have Him purge our sins, or we can burn for them ourselves. The next object in the sanctuary was the laverwhere they washed themselves before entering the earthly sanctuary. Our God is an all-consuming fire. Not only is Jesus the sacrifice, He is also the fire that consumes the fire. John 4:10, 14. Jesus has the living water. Just as the priest who had to be clean before entering into the temple. Jesus is the only who cleans us so that we have everlasting life. Jesus is the water in the Laver. He is the water that gives us everlasting life. Hes the source of the living water that cleans us. When our sins are taken away at the altar of sacrifice, we receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus is the water that gives us everlasting life (Verse 10). He is the source of the water that gives us eternal life. We next enter the Holy Place of the sanctuary. To the left we see the Golden Lamp Stand. Exodus 25: 31-37. How was this made? It was beaten. This shows us an image of Christ and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. {Can simplify texts 8-11 by just using Isaiah 53:5} beaten/hammered (v.31) Beaten pure gold (v.36) The candlestick was to be made of beaten pure gold. So the gold had to be pure. The candlestick had to be beaten to give light. Revelation 1:20. The candlesticks are symbolic of the churches. Isaiah 53:5. If Jesus had not come as a pure sinless sacrifice, we would not have been able to be healed by getting our beating. Jesus calls Himself Light of the world (John 8:12). Jesus is beaten to give us the light of the world. Colossians 1:18. There is no church apart from Christ. Being the head of the Church, Christ gave His life to establish the church. By His beating, the church was established. Without His being beaten, there would be no church. Ephesians 2:10. Christ is the workman, working on us to make us the church the He wants us to be. How does Christ work on us? 1Peter 4:12. He works on us through fiery trials. It is Christ working to grow His church
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from the sanctuary by allowing us to go through fiery trials. The next thing in the sanctuary was the table of shewbread. There were two stacks of 6 loaves (side note: they were baked every Sabbath and the priests ate the old bread). John 6:51-53. The flesh (John 1:14) is the bread. The bread is Christ. He is not speaking literally, but saying that He/His words are our sustenance. The next piece of furniture in the Holy place is the Altar of Incense (transition them to understand Christs work in the sanctuary). Jesus tells the people that He is the Bread of Life. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Now in the mind of the Jew, they would have gone straight to the Table of Showbread in the temple. The bread of His presence is in the north side of the temple. Exodus 30:1, 7, 8. Every morning and evening, the High priest would burn incense upon the altar in the Holy Place. The aroma was to ascend into heaven. Ephesians 5:32. Christ is our sacrifice to God as a sweet smelling savor. Jesus Christ is the incense that burns on the alter of incense. (sweet smelling incense.) a. Revelation 8:3, 4. The incense is offered with/added to the prayers of the saints. The smoke goes up before Godin His presence. b. Hebrews 9:24. Christ is the one who ascends. c. Next we enter the Most Holy Place. Exodus 34:5-7. What is the Lords name here? Merciful and gracious God calls Himself Merciful. > Keeping mercy for thousands. Numbers 7:89, 8:1. Where did the Lords voice come from? From the Mercy Seat. It is where the Merciful One sits. It is on top of the Ark of the Covenant/Testimony. The Merciful One gets to sit on the Mercy Seat - from the Most Holy Place. Hebrews 2:17. Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest (the only one who enters the MHP). He is the fulfillment of the Shekinah Glorythe presence of God. Where is He? Hebrews 8:1, 2. We find Him now ministering in the sanctuary. We clearly see that Christ was the fulfillment of the furniture of the sanctuary. Now we will look at Him as the fulfillment of the functions of the priestly office that we have established Him as the holder of. Hebrews gives a summary of the book of Hebrews up to chapter 8. What was the pattern that God showed Moses in Exodus 25:9 = the Heavenly Sanctuary. Jesus is our High Priest in our Heavenly Sanctuary. Jesus is the fulfillment of the divine presence that was on top of the Mercy Seat. Jesus is that presence. Jesus was the fulfillment of every aspect of the Heavenly Sanctuary. He also fulfills the daily and yearly ministration of the Heavenly Sanctuary. Leviticus 4:1-7. Daily ministration of the earthly temple. Symbolically the sin was transferred from the person, to the animal. The blood was shed and sprinkled in the sanctuary. There was always a death for sinsymbolic of Christ. Once a year, the temple itself would be cleansed from the sins: a. 1 John 1:9 - Daily ministration = people confessing their sins and Him interceding on their behalf. Leviticus 16. Synopsis : every year, a day called Day of Atonement. For the Jewish nation, this was a day of judgment. They had to be cleansed from their sins. The priest would have to cast their sins on a goat. The priest would have to sacrifice the Lords bull, putting all their sins onto the sacrifice and sprinkle its blood. Day of Atonement/Day of Judgment In the Heavenly Sanctuary takes place before Jesus returns. The Lords goat, scapegoat, sprinkling of blood (Repetition of the idea of cleansing). This happened every year (verse 34) on the 10th day of the 7th month (verse 29). It is to cleanse the temple and the people (verse 30). A judgment takes place in the earthly sanctuary,
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making people one with God. The sinners went daily to the earthly sanctuary for forgiveness, as we must seek heaven for ours. Just as that sanctuary had to be cleansed, so must the heavenly sanctuary. 23. Revelation 22:11, 12. Making a declaration of judgment. The declaration of judgment y. Before Jesus comes back there is a judgment. He is in the heavenly sanctuary now, working for our salvation. There will come a time when He will stop being the High Priest. He will put on the clothing of a King and return to earth for the salvation of those who know The Way, Truth, and Life. Review: 1. Entrance - Jesus Christ is the only access to the Father. The only way to have eternal life. 2. Alter of Burnt Offering Jesus is the sacrifice and the all-consuming fire. 3. The Laver Jesus is the source of living water that cleanses us. 4. Lamp Stand Jesus was beaten to give us the light of the world. 5. Showbread Jesus is the bread of life. 6. Alter of Incense Jesus is the sweet smelling incense. 7. Ark of the Covenant Jesus is the Merciful One sitting on the Mercy Seat. 8. Earthly Sanctuary Ministration Jesus is the High Priest of the Heavenly Sanctuary. 9. Jesus fulfills the daily and yearly ministration in the Heavenly Sanctuary before His return. Appeal: Remember this study is all about Jesus Christ. Thats what Jesus Christ in the earthly sanctuary. But what is He in your life? Is it your desire to have Jesus Christ as the center of your life? (In a group study, ask everyone.)Is it your desire to find out when this heavenly cleansing of the temple begins?
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Judgment II: 1844

Purpose of the Study: The end time, pre-advent judgment commenced in 1844 when Jesus Christ entered into the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary. Know it/Mark it: 1. Romans 2:16 2. Acts 17:31 3. Revelation 22:11-13 4. Daniel 8:1-14 (Giving of Vision) 5. Daniel 8:15-27 (Partial Explanation of vision) 6. Daniel 9:20-27 (explanation of )a vision 7. Hebrews 8:1,2 8. Daniel 7:9-14 9. Mark 16:19 10. Daniel 7:9-14 11. Leviticus 16:13 12. Malachi 3:1-6 (Hebrews 12:29) Share it: 1. Read Romans 2:16. Is this before or after the cross? When will God judge? Future tense is used; therefore, there will be a judgment after the cross. Judgment is future. 2. Read Acts 17:31. After the cross God will judge the earth. God has appointed a day. That is a future judgment. 3. Read Revelation 22:11-13. Jesus is speaking and declares, Let everyone remain the way they are. Then He says, I come quickly. When He declares everyone to be the way they are has He come yet? Not only is there a future judgment, there is a future judgment that happens before Christ returns. If He is bringing a reward according to our works, then He must have already investigated what the works of all mankind are. When does this judgment take place? 4. Read Daniel 8:1-14. a. In verse 1 the word vision is Chazon [hazon]. b. In verse 2, Word for vision = hazon. The same word is used. c. Verse 3: A ram with 2 horns, one higher than the other, and the higher on came up last. d. Verse 4: Ram is a horizontal power (staying here on the earth). This ram became great. e. Verse 5: Goat has a notable horn between his eyes.a goat with a horn approaches w/o touching the ground. f. Verse 6, 7: goat destroys ram. Goat runs toward the ram. Goat breaks the ram and horns. g. Verse 8: goat becomes very great, horn is broken, and four notable horns come up. h. Verse 9: a little horn appears (out of one of the four winds), becomes exceedingly great, horizontal power (east, Seleucid empire; south, Egypt; Pleasant land, Palestine). Goat became very great. The notable horn is broken, and four other horns come up towards the four winds of heaven. (Towards the four points of
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the compass). Out of one of them > Out of one of the four winds of heaven, comes a little horn (exceedingly great). Note: Goat = very great. Little horn = towards east Seleucid Empire, towards the pleasant land Palestine. i. Verse 10: waxes great (not as great as on earth) to the host of heaven (vertical power), cast down some of the stars and host, stamped on them. As a horizontal power, this little horn is exceedingly great. But as it starts to attack heaven, it becomes just great in relation to the host of Heaven. It starts to cast down hosts of Heaven, stars of Heaven, and tramples them. j. Verse 11: comes against the prince of the host (Jesus), takes away the daily {ministration, not just sacrifice}, casts down the place of the princes sanctuary this cannot happen literally because an earthly power cannot cast down a heavenly powerhe is trying to substitute something for the truth, an earthly sanctuary for the heavenly on {the Roman Catholic empire set up a system on earth for the forgiveness of sins}. He = little horn magnifies himself to Prince of Host (Christ). And by him = little horn takes away the daily. The place of His = Prince of the Hosts sanctuary is cast down. k. Verse 12: casts truth to the ground, by sin (1Jn 3:4) gains a host. A host is given to the little horn, by/via transgression. Transgression = sin (1 John3:4). It = host given to little horn cast truth to the ground and it prospers. l. Verse 13: vision = mareh [mer-rah]. How long the vision, the daily, and the transgression (remove supplied words). How long is the time of all these things? How long is this vision = hazon going to be? m. Verse 14: 2300 days, sanctuary will be cleansed. {Daniel knows this to be a reference to the Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur] in Jewish system (Lev 16)}. 2300 days THEN the Sanctuary will be cleansed. Now we have a time prophecy that gives us when the sanctuary will be cleansed. 5. Daniel 8:15-27 a. Verse 15: vision = Chazon (as in v.1, 2). Daniel wants to know the meaning of the whole thing. vision = hazon The entire vision that Daniel just saw. b. Verse 16: A voice tells Gabriel to make Daniel understand the vision= Mareh (the time portion of the Chazon). vision = mareh (refers to the time element of the hazon = Daniels vision). What was Gabriel commanded to do? To help Daniel understand the mareh (time aspect of the hazon). c. Verse 17: At the time of the end shall be the Mareh. Any interpretation, therefore, that brings this vision to anything else but the end of time MUST be incorrect. d. Verse 19: Reiteration of the vision being of the time of the end. What time e. Verse 20: explains verses 3 and 4. Fulfills v.3 Ram = Media/Persia f. Verse 21: explains verses 5-7, Alexander the Great (ATG). Fulfills v.5 > Goat = Greece. Horn = first king of Greece = Alexander the Great. (When he did, they asked him who his kingdom shall go to. And he answered, my kingdom shall go to the strongest. g. Verse 22: four nations rise up in the kingdom in lesser power (therefore, the little horn cannot come from here because that would make one of the four horns greater than the (Alexander the Great) ATG horn. Nothing from those horns
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becomes greater than original power. 4 Horns = 4 kingdoms. They will NOT have the power of Alexander (Greece).Antiochus Epiphanies couldnt be the little horn because he came from the Seleucid empire, a lesser part of the GREATER empire. Also, his greatness did not ascend to heaven. ATGs 4 Generals: Lysimicas (Thrace), Seleuces (Syria), Ptolemy (Egypt), Cassander (Macedonia). The 4 kings i. Q: Antiochus Epiphanes was a Seleucid ruler. So can Antiochus Epiphanes be the little horn? ii. A: No. Because he will not have greater power than Alexander. iii. Pretorist view in bible prophecy = Little horn is Antiochus Epiphanes. iv. Historist view = Pagan and Papal Rome. v. Futurist view = Antichrist power that has not yet come. vi. Pretorist and Futurist views > started by the Jesuits, created in the 1500s, because the historist method was pointing the little horn toward pagan and papal Rome. Rather than grow, Antiochus lost it. But the Papal Rome did grow vii. Antiochus went into conquer Egypt. But Rome told him not to. Antiochus submitted. So he went through Jerusalem and persecuted them and desecrated the temple of the Jews. Time period: approx.1150dys work of this desecration. viii. He didnt become exceedingly great. Grow east, south, and north(Pleasant land). Antiochus grew to the Palestine. He didnt grow to Egypt (south), Palestine (they already ruled Palestine, and Antiochus lost it). He was one of 27/28 kings. Out of those, he wasnt the greatest of those. > not exceedingly great. It would be in the latter days. He didnt stand up against Prince of Princes. And he wasnt even around during Christs time. He didnt reign in 1150days, he didnt reign that long. > 1150days (evenings & mornings) so 2300/2 = 1150. ix. v.23 Latter time of the 4 kingdoms king shall arise = little horn. fulfills v.9 with respects of the little horn = Roman Empire in the Papal phase. h. Verse 23, 24: helps us understand verses 9, 10). The host and stars are the mighty and holy people. To get after the prince of the host, the 'little horn comes after His people. Review with them the visions of Daniel (Previously studied. Just review): Daniel 2 1. Gold (Babylon) 2. Silver (Med/Persia) 3. Bronze (Greece) 4. Iron (Rome) 5. Iron/Clay (Divid R.) 6. Rock (Cut without hands) Daniel 7 1. Lion 2. Bear 3. Leopard 4. Monster 5. 10 Horns 6. Little horn (Papal R.) 7. Judgment given to the saints Daniel 8 2. Ram 3. Goat (4 Divisions) 4. Little horn (Papal Rome) 5. 2300 day prophecy Judgment
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i. Kings power = little horns power = papal Romes power > will be mighty. But the power is not its own. Q: Where does it get its power? Revelation 13:2 power from the Dragon. Q: Who is the dragon? Revelation 12:9 Dragon that gives its power to the beast/Papal Rome = is Satan. (Daniel 7:25,26) (Time = a year = 360. Times = 720. Time = 180. Time, times, time = 538BC 1798AD = Dark Ages. when they developed this idea of the pretorist and futurist view. 1260 days. 42 months prophecy.) Time, times, and times (the little horn power ruled the world) = 1260 prophetic days (Revelation) => 538BC 1798AD. During the 1260 phase, 50mil-100mil people were killed for their faith by the Papacy. Mighty and holy people = Host and stars of v.10. i. Verse 25: helps us understand verse 11. The prince of the host is The Prince of Princes. The horn is broken without hand (without human power). his = horns = Papal phase of Rome. He exalts himself against Christ. Two applications of the meaning of the Rock, cut without hands. 1. During the dark ages, it was the Word of God that will bring the Papal rule to an end. 2. When Jesus comes a second time, He will destroy the Papacy. j. Verse 26: 1st vision merah, 2nd vision is chazon. Close up the ENTIRE vision, for it will yet be for many days/years. Daniel 27: Daniel didnt understand the merah (time element) of the vision. He was astonished at the 2300 evening/morning part of the chazon. Gabriel didnt finish his job! Daniel got sick, so Gabriel couldnt finish explaining it. This vision was given in 551 BC, 3rd year of Belshazzar (verse 1). First word for vision = mareh (time aspect of the hazon). Second word for vision = hazon (entire vision of Daniel 8). i. In 9:1, 539-538 (13 years later), Daniel still doesnt understand the vision. k. Verse 27: Daniel did not understand the vision = mareh. i. v.16 Gabriel comes to help Daniel understand the mareh. At this time, Daniel did not understand the time portion of the entire vision. Did Gabriel do the job that he came to do? No. His job is not done yet. Gabriel King Belshazzars reign 3rd year = 551BC. 6. Daniel 9:20-27 a. Verse 1. 539-538BC. 13 years later, Gabriel comes back: b. c. Verse 21. the vision chazon. Verse 22: Gabriel come to finish the job, giving skill and understanding. Verse 23: understand the merah.Verse 24: 70 weeks (490 years) are cut off from the 2300 years). It is cut off from the beginning because we have no reference point to cut it off from the future. The sanctuary is cleansed at the end, so the end cannot be cut off. 2300 490 = 1810 AD (+34 AD) = 1844. Was there a sanctuary on earth in 1844? No, it was destroyed in 70 AD by Titus. Then is must have been the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary. Judgment begins, but what does that mean? vision = hazon. Which is exactly what Daniel was given in chapter 8. d. Verse 22. In 8:27, Daniel did not understand the mareh. Now Gabriel has come to give skill and understanding.
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e. Verse 23. Consider the vision = mareh. Daniel doesnt understand in chapter 8. 13 Years later, Gabriel comes back and give skill and understanding to the mareh (2300 day prophecy). Then Gabriel begins to explain the 2300 day prophecy: 70 weeks are cut off/amputated. Amputated from what? > 2300 day. (Review the 70 week prophecy) f. The 70 weeks are cut off for your people. - So: 70 weeks are amputated from the larger time period = 2300 day prophecy. So: From the 2300 days cut off 70 weeks => 2300 490 = 1810. 1810 + 34 (34AD Autumn, when the Gospel was preached to the Gentiles) = 1844. (Another way: 2300 457 = 1843. 1843 + 1 (no zero year) = 1844.) g. Scripture tells us that the judgment that was future from the cross, that ends prior to the second coming of Jesus, began in 1844 Autumn. > Jesus goes from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place to begin the investigative judgment. i. Daniel 7:21,25 Judgment takes place, the saints win. ii. Daniel 7:9-13 Judgment was set and the books were open. 1. 7. Hebrews 8:1, 2. In what we know from the sanctuary service, the high priest moves into the sanctuary to cleanse it. Jesus is our High Priest. 8. Daniel 9:24 Christ did what the Jewish nation did not accomplish. He is now continuing His ministry in heaven. 9. Daniel 7:9-14. a. Verse 9. Thrones cast down=the setting down of thrones, that is to say, built up. Gods throne is moveableon wheels. It was in the Holy Place when Jesus arose from the dead. cast down = set up. The throne of God is a moveable throne. Both God and Jesus get up. Gods throne moves from the Holy Place to the Most b. Verse 10-13: was set = began to sit. The throne of the A.O.D. moves into the Most Holy Place. Where did Jesus go? Not to the earth. But into the Most Holy Place to commence judgment with His Father. c. Verse 13: Jesus came to the Most Holy Place with Him. Jesus comes to the Ancient of Day. We are living in the day of judgment, because Jesus has not yet received His Kingd all. d. Verse 14: Jesus has not yet received His Kingdom. So what is it then that Jesus is doing in the Most Holy Place? 10. Mark 16:19. Jesus sat down next to the throne of God. When Christ goes to heaven, He sits on the right hand of God. a. Revelation 1:12,13 Jesus is in the Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary. Gods throne must have been in the Holy Place. b. to the Holy Place. John doesnt see Jesus in the Most Holy Place until Revelation
Psalm 133:2. Just like the oil ran out of Aarons garment, the Holy Spirit will pour out onto the people at Pentacost.) 11. Malachi 3:1-6. This is a prophecy of William Miller and them looking for the second
Advent of Christ. a. Verse 1 The Lord goes to His Temple, before He comes back to the earth to commence the judgment. What is He doing? b. Verse 3 Jesus is a Refiner. He is in the Heavenly Sanctuary refining/preparing His people the people that will make up His kingdom. (Description of a refiner: he sits and continues to refine the metal until he sees his reflection. And when its perfect, he takes it out and it is refined.) Jesus is refining you and your character to prepare you for His Kingdom. Jesus is in the heavenly sanctuary to refine our character, working on us. c. Verse 5 Jesus promises to be near to His refined people. d. Verse 6 Hebrews 12:29 Our God is an all-consuming fire. Not only is He our refiner, but He allows us to go into the fire to be purified. There will be a people that God has refined to a point that God will see as sinless through Christs defense. The sin that we have will be consumed by that refining fire. 12. Leviticus 16:13. The presence of God is veiled by the cloud. In Daniel 7, Jesus comes in with a cloud (Psalms 68:17 the chariots of God are angels; Psalms 104:3 the clouds are his chariots; therefore the clouds are angels). He has been making an end of sin, sealing up the vision and prophecy. Christ went in there to cleanse all things and prepare us for his coming. The 2300 day prophecy is the last time prophecy in the Bible. When the sanctuary is completely cleansed, Jesus will return. Appeals 1. Are you ready for Jesus to come get you? 2. Is there anything that would keep you from being ready? 3. Daniel 9:24. Jesus wants to make an end of sin and transgression in your life. He wants to reconcile you with God. Jesus wants you to live in everlasting righteousness. Jesus has sealed up the prophecy and anointed the Most Holy. Now He is waiting on you. 4. Jesus is in the Most Holy Place, looking over the books of records, the book of life is there anything in your life that He would have to take your name out of the book of life for? When Jesus leaves the Heavenly Sanctuary (Revelation 22), you and I will not longer have an intercessor in the Sanctuary. Our characters must be pure. What weve learned in these bible studies, this is probably one of the most important truth (other than Him giving up His life for me). If Jesus is refining me, and this is the time of the end, then I need to perfectly reflect His character. Defend It: 1. We can clearly see that Daniel 8 and 9 are connected because the references to the Chazon and Mareh that the time prophecies are directly linked. 2. Dealing with fear of Judgment: Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27. In this judgment, the saints win. Revelation 14:12 the saints keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus; therefore the saints have nothing to fear. Hebrews 7:25 He is able to save completely; He lives to make intercession for us.
Babylon Medo-Persia Greece
Daniel 2 Gold Silver Brass
Daniel 7 Lion Bear Leopard
Daniel 8 * None Ram 2 horns Goat 1 horn
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Rome Divided Europe Papal Rome
Iron Iron/Clay Stone
Dreadful and terrible beast Ten horns Little horn
4 horns
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*Daniel 8 uses Sanctuary language with goats and rams.
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Witnessing
Purpose of the Study: To show that every true disciple of Christ is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. Center it: Luke 19:20 The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Know it/Mark it: 1. Matthew 9:35-38 2. Matthew 4:19 3. Romans 10:13-15 4. Matthew 28:18-20 5. Romans 1:16 6. John 12:32 7. John 1:38-42 8. John 1:43-51 9. Luke 8:37-40 10. Isaiah 43:10 11. Ezekiel 33:7-9 12. Matthew 10:32, 33 Share it: Introductory story something about seeking the lost. Connect the story to helping our heavenly Father to find His lost children. 1. Matthew 9:35-38. Are you moved with compassion when you see the multitudes? Who are the laborers which Jesus is referring to? The followers of Jesus 2. Matthew 4:19. The laborers are the followers of Jesus. If we are not fishing for men, how closely are we following Jesus? If we follow Him, Jesus promises He will MAKE you fishers of men/soul winners. Jesus will mold and guide us into becoming witnesses for Him, but is it really needed? 3. Romans 10:13-15. Who does this apply to? People cant know Jesus unless somebody goes. We are Jesus preachers. But preachers cant preach if they arent sent. Are we sent? Has Jesus sent you? 4. Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus command is for us to go because He has the power. We first go, then teach all, then baptize, teaching them to observe all things that the Bible says. This is not only a command. This is a promise. We have all power to save souls for Him. Have we been sent? Yes indeed. We are to go to all nations and make them disciples. He is promising that we will always have a purpose; we will always have a reason to live, and because of Him, we will be able to fulfill our purpose. Do we need to be afraid of fulfilling the command? 5. Romans 1:16. We have no reason to fear or be ashamed. It is the power of Jesus. Where is the power in the gospel? Q: Who is the center of the gospel? The gospel is all about Jesus: 6. John 12:32. How do we draw up men? We must lift up Jesus in our lives. We must lift up Jesus in other lives/the church/etc. Q: Where do we start? Where do we go first? Where can we begin to lift up Jesus? If He is lifted up, He will do all the work, drawing everyone to Him. Where do we start? 7. John 1:38-42. Have you found the Messiah? Then you like Andrew must go to your brother/family. Start where you are. You can win at least one soul for Jesus. We must
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work with our families. Q: But does it end there? Are there others we must talk to?We start by sharing the good news to the people within your family. Where to next? John 1:43-51. Philip went to his friend. Therefore, we must witness to our friends and our families. We must share the gospel to all so that we can spend eternity with all. Do we stop with friends and family? Luke 8:37-40. The former demoniac went to the city that had chained him up and shared the gospel with them. He went to his enemies to tell them about Jesus. Because of his labors a city was won. Isaiah 43:10. God says that we are His witnesses. But will you respond to Him? Will you answer that call in your life? Q: You might ask yourself, What if I go and no one responds?What are we witnesses for? Are we there to convert people? Ezekiel 33:7-9. Our job is not to convert them. We are just to present the truth to them. If we do not present the truth to them, their blood is on our hands. Are we responsible for the reaction of those who hear the gospel? No. Jesus/The Holy Spirit is responsible. But if we dont tell them, their blood is on our hands. Q: Is there blood on your hands? Is there someone you know, that if they die today, their blood would be on your hands? Its time to tell them about Jesus today. Matthew 10:32, 33. If we declare Him as ours, He will declare us His, but if we deny Him, He will deny us. What is keeping you from becoming a fisher of men? (Appeal Illustration Him find His lost children?)
Appeal: When the judgment comes and God asks Jesus if He knows you, what do you want Him to say? What would keep you from becoming a fisher of men and beginning an active life of sharing Jesus with others? (Story of Aramin and the earthquake). God is searching through the rubble. Wont you help Him? Defend it: 1. Luke 10:7 a. This isnt about doing door-to-door work. This is about lodging with someone in the city that you are doing the Lords work. It causes problems when you househop because it looks like you are just using the people. You want people to know where you live. b. Paul himself did d2d work: Acts 20:20, 21.
Solid Ground by Mark Finley full of stories
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Christian Living: Adornment

Purpose of the Study: To explore the topic of adornment and to find out how much is too much. The small things are important, but not to the exclusion to the big things. The big things are important, but not to the exclusion to the small things. The devil gets us to separate the small things and big things. Sometimes little things can become a big thing: - Esau is going to be lost from a little thing a bowl of food. (He chose to make that higher than God.) - Lots wife lost her life turning around. Following the course of Christ, you encounter people throwing away their salvation for the smallest things, but it can become a big thing. Most people will be lost by little things, not by big things. If anything causes a danger from our Christian walk, we need to remove ourselves from it. The Christian doesnt leave that which is sinful, he avoids leading to that sin. Center it: 1. Revelation 4:4, 10. Is the use of jewelry inherently sinful? No. God gives crowns in heavens, so there is no innate sin in it. Is the unlimited use of jewelry consistent with the Character of Christ? No. So then, how much is too much? 2. Ezekiel 28:13-15, 17. According to verse 15, how was Satan made? Perfect. According to verse 17, why was his heart lifted up? Because of his beauty. Point 1. He was a perfect being from a perfect God. Point 2. But he became proud because of his beauty. Q: Generally, is jewelry used to enhance beauty? > Yes. Jewelry contributed to beauty for Satan. God decorated/adorned Lucifer, we can assume it made him more beautiful. Once again jewelry is not intrinsically wrong, but God gave it to him. Were you and I made perfect? (Were going to see what Jesus says about how we were born.) 3. John 3:3. Were you made perfect? No. There was something wrong with our first birth; otherwise we would not need to be born again Jesus obviously thinks something is wrong with the way we were born first. (Illustration about cleaning the room: first time = still messy. I come in and tell them to clean it again. > first time wasnt right.) (clean room illustration). You would never have to tell someone to do it again, if it was done right the first time. So: if we were born right the first time, Jesus would not say we have to be born again. Q: If you have to do something again, what does that say about the first time? 4. Psalms 51:5. We need to be born again because we were born altogether sinful + wicked. This is whats wrong with our birth: we were shaped with iniquity and in sin when our mothers conceived us. We were all born in sin. We were born completely sinful. If a perfect person/being fell because of pride, which stemmed from his beauty and he wore jewelry could jewelry present a danger for an imperfect person? Could we be in danger because we were born imperfect? (Yes!) 5. Genesis 35:1-5. What caliber of family is this? Are these focused followers of God? This is a strong, elect family. The family from which the Christ would eventually come. This is, presumably, the Godliest family on the planet at the time. What does this passage tell us their jewelry became? They became gods to them. If they could begin to idolize their jewelry, could we? For these people, their jewelry became a detriment to their experience. Their ornamentation became an idol to them. God said to get rid of all their foreign gods > they took off their jewelry. They must have connected their gods with their jewelry. This passage doesnt show that jewelry isnt intrinsically wrong, but that it
can become an idol. If they are making jewelry their idols, which commandment are they breaking? > First commandment: You shall have no other gods before me. The use of ornamentation caused them to be in a very dangerous position. Not because jewelry is intrinsically wrong, but where jewelry led them. Q: What does this passage show us jewelry became? > Their idols. Q: What caliber of family is this? > They are obviously humans and have sins. This is a sanctified family, one the most important families, because the promise of the future Christ is in their descendants. Q. If they could begin to idolize their jewelry, could it possibly happen to us? 6. Exodus 33:1-6. Who is being spoken about here? This is the Israelites. They had seen the greatest nation crushed, crossed through a sea on dry ground, been fed angel food from heaven, and heard the very voice of God. Would you consider the people of God in a good position or a bad position? > Obviously in a bad condition/position. God wants to destroy them because of their calf. Why, in verse 3, is God unable to come into the midst of His people? Because they are stiff-necked (they are too proud to properly respect God). What does God command them to do to remedy their pride? Take off their jewelry. Language matters: God means He saw a remedy to their problem. God asked them to take off their jewelry because jewelry had something to do with their condition. God asked them to take it off because jewelry was contributing to the hard, stiff-necked, proud condition.If jewelry contributed to their pride, could it contribute to pride in us? (And even if they say no, that they are the one in a billion who wouldnt be affected in such a way, if you are the only one who can do it, would you want to, by your actions, lead others into what can cause pride?) a. Side note: the ones who are deceived are usually the last to figure it outin the case of any deception. 7. 1Peter 3:1-4. Did the New Testament authors understand this? Yes. What kind of adornment does Peter advise not to have? > Outward adornment. A Christian woman is not going to focus on external adornment. But her focus is going to be on the internal beauty. a. Also stated in 1Timothy 2:9, 10. Q: Would you warning som that eone on letting their adornment to be external, when it isnt an issue with them? Peters not saying that its intrinsically wrong; hes saying to not let it be an issue. 8. Hebrews 12:1. What two things does this text say that Christians should lay aside? Sins and weights. Why? Because they hinder in the race. Something can be a weight that isnt necessarily sinful. > God can ask us to lay aside something isnt inherently sinful but because it can lead to dangerous grounds. Jewelry wearing is not intrinsically sinful, but jewelry wearing can lead us to weigh us down, to sin, and to refusing the voice of God. There are things that are not innately sinful, but can become a weight to hinder usto slow us down. Does God call us to stay away from things that are dangerous/can lead to sin? a. Side note: (Genesis 4: Cains sacrifice is rejected. Theres no sin in bringing God fruit. But its refused because God didnt ask for fruit. His countenance changed and God tells him that because hes continually refusing what God is asking him to do, sin is lying right behind the door and hes heading toward dangerous ground. Cain didnt sin, but he did something he shouldnt have done. God said if he had done well, he would be accepted, but if not, sin was waiting. There is doing well, not doing well, and sinning. We can make choices that are not sin, but there is a better
waythere is something else we should do. God calls us to stay in places that are completely safe and to stay away from places that could lead to sin. God tells us to lay aside sin and weights: Q: Why? > It can ensnare us. There are things that are not in and of themselves sinful that the Bible tells us to lay aside because they can lead us to sin and become a weight that hinders us. 9. John 19:23, 24. (Revelation 12 & 17). What did the soldiers gamble for? What did Jesus wear? If there was one man who lived who may have avoided the dangers associated with adornment, it was Christ. Why didnt he wear any? His mission was too important to make exceptions and become a hindrance. He wanted people to love for who He was, not for what He had. He wanted people to see His character, and He didnt want people to see Him for His outward appearance. All Christians should take up this same manner. Too often we make exceptionslike wedding rings. How can a person with only one ornament talk to a person with tons of ornamentation to tell them that they have too much. Wearing any jewelry makes us the judges in the situation. How much is too much? Any is too much. a. Revelation 12 & 17: people of God. People of Satan. People of Satan > has jewelry. People of God > no jewelry. Why? > Jewelry is used to compensate for external beauty. Appeal: Before you ask these questions, he/she needs to understand that jewelry is a weight: Q: Do you understand that jewelry is a weight and can be a hindrance? Hebrews 12:1. Q: What two things the Bible tells us to lay aside? (sin & weights). Q: Why? (Because it ensnares us). Q: Have you seen from the Bible that jewelry can be a hindrance and can lead people who are believers to a dangerous place? (yes) Q: What does the Bible say in Hebrews 12 councils us to do with weights that can lead us to a dangerous place? (lay it aside) Q: What do we need to do with jewelry that can be a hindrance? (lay aside). Have you, in this study, said that jewelry is a danger that can lead to sin? (Stagecoach operator, edge illustration). Do you want to stay away from the edge of sin? Difficulties/Objections: I just wear a little bit of it. Its not harmful and not a stumbling block to me. 1. When God came to Jacobs family, do you think they knew they were idolizing their jewelry? No. But God came the next day and told them. Youll be the last person to know that youre idolizing. 2. If you know that its a danger to other people, why would you do it? If you know something is harmful to other people, why would you do it? 3. If you think you just wear a little bit, how do you know how much is little and how much is too much? Who are you to decide what is a little and what is a lot?Any is too much!
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Prayer
Purpose of the Study: Prayer is powerful, effectual, and necessary for the disciple of Christ. There are certain conditions that will ensure that our prayers are heard. Center it: Prayer is the breath of the soulhow we communicate with Jesus. Intro Story for Prayer: Horrible drought, crops were dying, animals dying, people thirsty. Ministers gathered people to have a prayer vigil in the town center. Prayer meeting: everyone was praying (for rain). In the middle of the meeting, there was a little girl she raised her umbrella, it began to rain. Lets study the bible to discover what God is telling us about prayer. Know it/Mark it: 1. 1Samuel 12:23 2. Isaiah 44:3 3. Matthew 5:6 4. Psalm 66:18 5. Isaiah 59:2 6. Hebrews 11:6 7. Mark 11:24 8. Matthew 6:12 9. James 5:16 10. Philippians 4:6 11. Psalm 55:17 12. James 4:3 13. 1John 5:14, 15 Share it: start with a story about prayer. Transition into the conditions to ensure prayers are heard 1. 1Samuel 12:23. Shows how serious is God about prayer: God forbid that I should sin against Him. Sin = ceasing to pray. Q: How serious does God take prayer? A: Very. Its so serious, that when you stop praying He considers that a sin. What are we actually doing when we stop praying? Were ignoring God. To stop praying, is to deny to existence of the Creator/God. God considers it a sin to cease from praying. When we dont communicate with people, we call it ignoring them. In regards to God, we treat Him like He doesnt exist. We must recognize our need. Thats the first step in recognizing that our prayers are heard. 2. Isaiah 44:3. We must see ourselves as a desert and Him as our water. We are dry ground, and we need the blessings from God. We need to recognize our need. 3. Matthew 5:6. We must hunger and thirst after righteousness. In thirsting, we will be filled, but we must acknowledge our need, we must realize our emptiness. {GC 519 Satan well knows what happens when people pray, so he employs every device to distract us}. What other conditions must we meet? We also need to ask forgiveness for all known sin. If we dont pray and study, we WILL be overcome.) When you study and share and pray for someone, it helps him/her to overcome his/her sins too. What else is important in understanding our need for prayers: 4. Psalm 66:18. Regarding, cherishing, or holding tightly to sin prevents our prayers from being answered. What is it about sin that is such a problem? a. Exodus 34:7 iniquity, transgression, and sin.Transgression = breaking the law.
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Sin = our condition were born into. Iniquity = Sin that you know that is wrong/hold onto/love. Iniquity => unpardonable sin.If you love sin/hold onto sin, God will not hear. What is it about sin, that its such a problem: Isaiah 59:2. Sin separates us from God (make reference to a story, such as Adam and Eve). Our sins hide Gods face from us. This is of our doing. Sin = It separates us from God; hides His face from us. E.g. Story of Adam in Eden. (Hides His face from us.) Q: What does it mean He hides His face from us? God comes looking for Adam and Eve who were hiding. Sin causes you to hide in shame. The sinner hides, not the other way around. Because we sin, we hide from God. God does not hide His face from us, we hide our faces from Him. a. 1John 1:9 a promise. Upon confessing, we are forgiven. After we are forgiven, God gives us repentance. That is something that we do not have on our own and cannot get in our own strength. The repentance is what pushes us to stop sinning. This is apart from forgiveness. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us. 1. What do we have to do to get forgiveness? > Confess. 2. When we confess, when are we forgiven? > Immediately. 3. What else does that mean to confess and been forgiven? > No more guilt. (SC95 We have to accept that forgiveness.){SC 95 Our own merit}. There are other conditions besides confessing sin. The next condition that we need to have is faith. Hebrews 11:6. What does impossible mean? There is no chance to please God without faith. Impossible = Not possible/cant happen. Without faith, we cant please God. We must have faith: We must believe that God exist, and that He is a rewarder. Q: Is there anything too big for God to give us? We shouldnt limit our faith. To come to God, you must first believe that He exists, but also that He likes us to challenge Him with our prayers because it shows Him that we really do believe that He is God and that He is able to do anything. We must believe that we will receive. Mark 11:24. The believing that is mentioned in this verse is faith. Believing and receiving. Without faith, we cant please God. If we dont believe were going to receive it from Him, whats the point in asking Him. We must believe that we will receive. Are there any other conditions? We know we have to be forgiven, but is there more to it than that? Are there other things that plays a part in forgiveness: Matthew 6:12. We must forgive if we expect to be forgiven. We must forgive in the same manner and to the same extent that we hope for forgiveness from God. If we want our debts forgiven > we must forgive our debtors. (SC98 We must forgive others in the same manner and same extent as we hope to be forgiven.) What was the manner and extent we were forgiven? > The cross. > Like Christ, we must forgive completely and die to self in order to forgive somebody else. We must also be perseverant. James 5:16. The effectual, fervent prayer does a lot. It doesnt mean: we should confess our sins to man. (Not like the Catholic way of confessionals. > One to another = does the priest confess to you?) Very rarely when one wronged one person, the other person has wronged as well. Prayer = effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man: Q: Why should we pray an effectual, fervent prayer? Why do we persevere in prayer? Whats God allowing in a prayer of perseverance? We need to keep praying, because it changes us. To persevere in prayer allows God to purify our desires to fall in line with His will. You may think you want something, and as you pray and pray for it, the prayers changes to fit Gods will. Theres faith in perseverance in prayer. It makes us really want what were asking for. And when we finally receive it, we really appreciate it.
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a. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without stopping. b. When we pray, we must keep praying. If we are praying for the wrong thing, God will show us as we keep talking to him. If we are praying for the right thing, when we finally get it, we have greater appreciation for it (illustration of little girl wanting pony). Philippians 4:6. Dont be anxious. Dont worry about the things that are going on around you. Dont worry about when or how God is going to answer it. Go to God with a thankful heart. Trust Him with it. Dont be so full of cares in your life to think that God cant help you. Dont be so anxious for nothing! Go big. a. Philippians 4:19 Our God shall supply our every need. Thanksgiving. What are you saying when youre thankful for something? You say thank you AFTER you received something. We thank God for what Hes going to give us, before we feel like Hes going to give it. We thank God for getting us to our destination, even before we arrived. How often should we pray? Psalm 55:17. Two important things we find in this text: Have a time and place for prayer. Speak aloud. Why? It shows no fear, aids concentration and focus, brings a realization, and aids your belief. When you say is aloud, you really know it. Are there any other conditions? Evening and morning and at noon We should have a set time to pray. Disciplined prayers. Cry aloud Why is it important to pray aloud? When we are praying, we are holding omnipotence. It causes the devil to tremble. What do I care if the devil can hear my prayer? (What does it matter if the devil sees my playbook? We already know that Jesus scored the touchdown.) We have Jesus on our side. It makes the presence of God reality in your mind. When God speaks creation happens. When we speak creation happens. (If we continually cut someone down verbally, whats the other person going to feel? Theyre going to feel that same way.) When we are thanking God aloud, it becomes reality in our mind. If we keep on claiming Gods promises, it becomes reality. It keeps you awake. James 4:3. It presents a situation: You are asking, but not receiving. Q: Is this whats going on in your life? You ask, but you dont get an answer or response? Lets see why?Sometimes when we dont get things it is because we ask amisswe ask off-target. We pray to consume it upon our pleasures. We pray like vultures. Our purposes must be unselfish in prayer. We must ask according to Gods will. 1John 5:14, 15. If we ask in His will, He always hears us. {SC 97 To claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire is presumption. We must leave room for the will of God}.
Appeal: use another personal prayer story. Have you felt like your prayers are not rising above the ceiling? But you have learned today that it is a sin to cease praying. We must have faith and believe what we ask for, as according to His will, that we will receive. How is it in your life? Do you really want to receive answered prayers? Lets pray together. Ill let you pray first, and Ill end.Have you felt like God isnt listening? We must approach Him as (use imagery from studyflooding desert, etc). We must persevere until our desires are purified. We must ask without anxiety. Are you ready to have your prayers answered? Are you ready to see Gods miracles in your life? o Often, appeals will be uncomfortable. If they are not comfortable praying:
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Romans 10:10. When we confess with our mouth, it leads us into salvation.
Defend it: 1. What if they dont pray? a. Romans 10:10 When we speak out loud and confess, it will lead us to salvation. (Learn to be comfortable in the uncomfortable moments. Because thats when the Holy Spirit is working. close your eyes and bow your heads and ask them to pray. If they dont pray, pray but ask them to follow/repeat your prayer.) 2. Matthew 6:7 vain repetitions (Hail Marys, long church prayers waxing eloquently) do not gain salvation. who pray the same over and over (Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.). When praying in public, wax eloquently. No need to pray for every single detailed prayer requests. 3. John 14:6; Matthew 6:6 who do we go to for prayer? Directly to God, not to a priest or pope. Its good to pray with others. But we dont have to confess our sins and pray to someone; we can go directly to God. 4. Positions of prayers: Many positions are acceptable a. Laying: Isaiah 38:1, 2; 2Samuel 12:16-20 b. Standing: Nehemiah 2:4; 2Chronicles 6:12, 14; Mark 11:25 * c. Kneeling: Luke 22:41 Daniel 6:10 * d. Sitting: 2Samuel 7:18; Matthew 15:35, 36 i. *shows more reverence and respect in worship services 5. Prayer to the Holy Spirit a. Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit all equal. Jesus gave instruction to pray to the Father. Jesus said He would pray to the Father to send us the Holy Spirit. The Father said all power/authority to the Son. No biblical texts that back up to pray to the Holy Spirit, but for the Holy Spirit. When we pray it goes to the Holy Spirit to Jesus to the Father. > Romans 8:26,27. Holy Spirit interprets our prayers (He reads our hearts too) > Jesus pleads His blood on our behalf and gives it to the Father > Father receives our prayers from the Son.
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The Destruction of the Wicked (Hell)

Study #19: Purpose of the Study: To show that the purpose of Hell is to destroy sin forever. Center it: John 3:16 should not perish, not should not burn eternally. > two options: perish vs. everlasting life. Overview: 1. Who is hell intended for? 2. Where is hell? 3. How long is hell? 4. What about the words forever and everlasting? Know it/Mark it: Purpose, Who is hell intended for? o Matthew 25: 34, 41. Where? Where is hell? When is hell? o Revelation 20:9. When? o Revelation 20:5, 7-9. o Job 21:30 (2Peter 3:4-7). How long? o Revelation 20:14,15 o Revelation 14:9-11. o Isaiah 34:8-10. o Jude 7. o 2Peter 2:6. o Malachi 4:1-3. o Hebrews 12:29. Isaiah 33:14, 15. o 1Samuel 1:22, 28 (Exodus 21:6; Jonah 2:6; Jeremiah 17:27). o Revelation 20:14. o Matthew 10:28. o Hosea 11:8 o Matthew 26:36-42. <a*mode> Psalms 22 o Ezekiel 33:11. o 2 Peter 2:6 o Isaiah 13:19,20 Hell: (Appears 54 times in the Bible KJV) Old Testament: Sheol (31 times) = Grave New Testament: Hades (11 times) = Grave Gehenna (12 times) = Burning Share it:
Purpose o Matthew 25:41. Who was Hell intended for? The devil and his angels. Who, then, was it not intended for? Us. If we werent prepared for Hell, what were we prepared for? (Verse 34) the kingdom of God. We have no business being in Hell. Q: What were we made for then, if we werent made and prepared for hell? For the Kingdom. To live with God in Paradise. (v.34) Q: If God didnt intend people to be in hell, why will there be people in hell then? Because the object of Gods hatred for sin is wrapped around the very thing that God loves and in destroying sin, He ultimately has to destroy those who made sin apart of their lives. Where is hell? o Revelation 20:9. Where are they? On earth, surrounding the city. What happens to them as they are about to attack? Fire comes down from heavennot up from the earth. Hell isnt underground.So they are on the breadth of the earth when they are devoured. (On the surface of the earth.) So hell is on the breadth of the earth. When is hell? o Revelation 20:5, 7-9. When does this take place? At the end of the 1,000 years? After the 1,000 years; therefore hell begins after the 1,000 years, after the 2nd coming of Christ. Hell is after the Millennium period. If hell happens after the Millennium, then we can conclude that it doesnt exist right now. o Job 21:30 (2Peter 3:4-7). What does this say about the wicked? They are reserved, that is, they are set apart (or set aside) to the day for destruction/wrath. The wicked are reserved. Until the day of Judgment. Its a day reserved in the future. Hell is not happening right now, but a day that is reserved in the future. The earth is reserved until the Day of Judgment. How long is hell? o Revelation 20:14,15; 21:1 John is associated the Second Death with the Lake of passes away. So hell has a finite point/an end. the destruction of the wicked. For us to rescue and labor for those.) Revelation 14:9-11. The smoke of their torment ascends for ever and ever. Does this mean that they are tortured forever? John is borrowing imagery here, so we need to unlock the Bible. Theres a misunderstanding of the picture of a forever and ever hell. Isaiah answers where John quotes from the language If we can understand the original context, then we can understand what John means: Isaiah 34:5, 8-10. Once again, the smoke goes up forever. This chapter is about judgment against Edom (sons of Esau). The smoke of the destruction of Edom
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ascends forever. It shall lie waste. This isnt meaning that if you go to where Edom was, you will find smoke going up. From generation to forever. (But of course theres no smoke thats still rising today.) But its the language. Point is that they shall pass away from generation to generation. Isaiah is saying that they shall be no more. John parallels this, not saying that smoke lasts forever, but the end result lasts forever. Malachi 4:1-3. When is the day? It is coming. Had it arrived at the time of Malachi? No. Does the fire leave anything behind? Neither root nor branch. What will the wicked become? Ashes. Fire to destroy all traces of sin. Jude 7. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by eternal fire. Does that mean un-ending fire? Will you still see Sodom and Gomorrah burning? No. Archeologists actually believe that it is now under the Dead Sea in the Middle East. They are examples. To whom? Deals with the question: What about forever/eternal fire, etc? Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed in an eternal fire. By the language, we think that its burning constantly. Jude shows you two real cities that existed in history and is no more today. If you take it literally, Sodom and Gomorrah would be burning right now. This reference of Sodom and Gomorrah = An example of whats going to take place in the end of time. 2Peter 2:6. Same as Jude 7 Example. But Peter tells us something more The consuming fire turns them into ashes. It shows that its no more.What did the cities become? Ashes. To whom were they an example? To those who would live ungodly lives. Isaiah 13:19,20 Old Testament reference of the same example. But it uses the generation, generation language. Hebrews 12:29. What is God? A consuming fire. It is His essence. When God came to Moses in the bush, or on Mt. Sinai, it was in fire. Isaiah 33:14, 15. o Who dwells in devouring fire? The righteous and upright. Why do they dwell in fire? Because God is a consuming fire. What is Hell? It is God embracing the wicked one last time. They are destroyed because of their choices to not prepare for that day, and they cannot exist in the presence of His glory. Only the righteous can endure the fire. Because our God is a burning fire and Gods people are the only ones who can endure His presence. Analogy getting use to a light. Were getting more and more prepared here on earth to be in the presence of the Source of Light.) 1Samuel 1:22, 28 (Exodus 21:6; Jonah 2:6; Jeremiah 17:27). The word forever has different usages in the Bible. Hannah gave her son forever, which meant, as long as he lived. A servant desires to
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o o
remain with his master (symbolic of Christ becoming our servant) forever, which again means, as long as life lasted. Jonah was in the belly of the fish forever, which, in actuality was three days. Gods judgment, destruction by unquenchable fire. Is Jerusalem burning today? No. This is stating the fires that God start cant be put out by humans. (Example of unquenchable fire: Light a match and have the match burn all the way down until the fire is out and ask, did anyone quench the fire? Of course: No. It was unquenchable. But theres nothing left to burn.) Revelation 20:14. Hell is referred to as the second death. This implies that there was a first death, which is not being talked about at the moment. What is this? Result of hell. The Lake of Fire, Hell, Destruction of the wicked = the second death. (Or you can present: State of the Dead before Hell; so they dont get too confused about the second death. 2nd Coming State of the Dead Millennium Hell.) If theres a second death, then hell cant be forever because its a death. If theres a second death, there must be a first death. Whats the first death? In order to under the second death, we must understand the first death. Matthew 10:28. Dont fear those who can kill your bodywhich can be done by anyone (first deathlike deleting something from the desktop). Fear Him who can destroy body and soul (grk. psyche) in Hell (second deathlike purging a HDD). Can souls be destroyed? Yes. Then, are souls immortal? No. Jesus tells us not to fear. Two kinds of destruction: physical (first) death & spiritual and physical (second) death. First death = the death of the body. The second death = the complete destruction of the body and the character (soul). The personality/character/mind will be destroyed of the wicked. Matthew 26:36-42. <a*mode> Jesus in Gethsemane (winepress), being crushed. Soul (psyche) sorrowful unto death. This is before He experienced the torture, yet He was in agony. In Gethsemane, He underwent the second deaththe death that is ours as sinners. He asked if there was another way to save us. He asked for the cup to pass. What cup? (Rev.14:9-11) the cup of Gods wrath. Then He commits Himself to our redemption. Christ took the 2nd death on behalf of humanity. As Jesus goes to pray, His soul is exceedingly sorrowful. His soul (personality/character/mind) is dying/in pain. We concluded that the second death is the death of the soul and body. Jesus is going through the very death that the wicked go through at the second death. Jesus didnt go through the physical death at this point, but prior to the cross, He was experiencing the second death. The death at the cross of Jesus, He is experiencing more than just the physical death He goes through the second death completely. Point: The concept of hell should take a whole different meaning: Were seeing the character of God and Jesus through this concept of hell. The very God who made and loved all of humanity, went through the second death for us. Jesus was willing to experience hell for
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us, because He cant think about living in Forever without you. Jesus stepped into the human experience and went through the death that we deserve. Psalms 22 Ezekiel 33:11. How does God feel about the death of the wicked? He has no pleasure. He will ask those outside the city, Why will you die? God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God asks why they are down there in hell. They werent supposed to be there. It was designed for Satan and his angels. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Even for those who are lost, Gods heart is saddened. Hosea 11:8. How can I give you up Ephraim (lost tribe)? How can I deliver you? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboim? (These were two cities destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah). Ephraim went so far from God and was completely lost. So listen to the questions that God asks. Hes asking: How can I let you go? How can I hand you over to the destiny and fate youre heading toward? God is asking how He can hand you over to the same fate as Admah and Zeboim toward hell. Note the tone of compassion. Admah and Zeboim were two additional cities that were destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah because they were leading to the same things of the wicked.
Appeal: (Personalize this study to your interest)Jesus came to earth to experience hell for you and me. He went through the mental anguish when they realize that they choose to be lost. Do you see how God is a compassionate and loving God, who doesnt enjoy seeing sinners in hell? Do you see the Love of God here? Can you see how Christ was willing to go to Hell for us because He couldnt stand the idea of living in heaven without us? When He was in Gethsemane, He saw your face, and said, For this one, I will do it. Do you want Christ as your substitute? Is it your desire to accept what Jesus did in His first coming, and allow His death on the cross be on your account? Is there anything that will keep you from accepting Christ as your substitute? Is there anything that will keep you from heading towards the same fate as Sodom/Gomorrah and Admah/Zeboim? Is there anything in your life that would keep you? Defend it: Rich Man & Lazarus Luke 16:19-31. When you die, you go to Hell. Conclusion people come up with from this passage > when you die, you go directly to hell. o Tip of the finger Doesnt make sense: How is just a drop of water going to quench the burning fire? o Abrahams bosom. If we all die and go to Abrahams bosom, hes got to have a huge bosom like Arnold to hold everyone, and its probably not that exciting. o Buried in Hadesthe grave. o Conversations between Heaven and Hell? How peaceful is heaven if youve constantly listening to the cries of people in hell? o Rich man is burning, and all he wants is a drop of waterwhich really wouldnt
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do much; and if hell is forever, what is the point? o Christ is clearly exaggerating. This is a parable. Luke 15 and 16 are a package of parables (five)the lost sheep, coin, and son. These parables are representative of sinners, lost cases. Chapter 16 starts with the unjust steward. Then we have the rich man and Lazarus. Do the rich man and stewardship have something in common? Of course (Matthew 13. Jesus often shared rapid-fire parables). Are parables ever exaggerated? (Judges 9: tress hanging out with fig trees). o If this parable is not literal, then it must be presenting a lesson: So what is the text really saying? First, we must look at who the audience is. Verse 14 says that Pharisees were listening to all the parables. They were lovers of money, and they were upset because Christ had just told the parable on stewardship. Then, His next parable is about a rich man. Rich man vs. Lazarus (a poor beggar). In parables, the people usually represent something. E.g. Lost son = could represent us & Father = could represent God the Father. v.14 Rich man refers to Abraham as Father Abraham. Pharisees constantly were thinking that they were the descendents of Abraham. Who might it represent? The Pharisees. Who would have been prideful of their heritage, calling Abraham father? The Pharisees (John 8:39). Abraham was an Israelite, was saved, and was rich. Of course they were proud of that. So, Jesus is saying that the Pharisees are going to hell. Who might the beggar represent? Matthew 15:21-28. The gentiles (v.27) eat the crumbs (Luke 16:20, 21). The beggar represents the gentiles. They Jews became spiritually obese. Gods people end up in Hell, and gentiles end up with Abraham. This parable is about gentiles entering heaven while the chosen people are left outside. He tries to get out of hell by saying that somebody needs to rise from the dead to make the people believe. Relationship between Jews and the Gentiles: Jews were to spread the message to the world, but instead they kept the message and neglected the Gentiles. In the mind of the Jews: They are going to heaven and Gentiles are going to hell. But Jesus is saying: They are going to be cast out and the Gentiles will not be far from the Kingdom of God. Jesus always challenges the contemporary view/thinking! o This parable is really about witnessing, that is, sharing with the beggar. It also shows the reality that we only have one life to live. The point is to share while were still alive. God to the 5 brothers to make them see the importance of the law and the prophets. Jesus is trying to illustrate: The necessity of witnessing! Also, you only have one life to live (v.26-31). o Bothersome and Disturbing Bible Passages Louis Torres The Spirits in Prison - 1 Peter 3:18-20. Jesus preached to people in Hell. Typical Conclusion: When Jesus died, He went to hell and tried to preach to those who were lost from the flood and get them out of hell. Arguments against that conclusion: o Why preach to them in Hell if they are lost? o v.19 by whom = the Holy Spirit. Not Jesus. o Referencing of Noah and the Flood. o Spirit in prison? Psalms 142:7 The NT always refers/borrows language from the OT. Isaiah 61:1. The mission of Christ. The Spirit anointed/enabled Him to preach. Liberty to captives, opening of the prison. This is talking about
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freedom from SIN. The Spirit does the preaching. Isaiah 42:22-24. Describes people hidden in prison houses (v.22), that is, those who sinned and would not walk in Gods waysthe disobedient to Gods law (v.24). Isaiah 42:7,22-24; 61:1 (v.7) Messiah is going to come and bring prisoners out of prison. To be in prison = to be in (spiritual) darkness. (v.22-24) Describes the people hidden in prison houses and what kind of people they are. These people are disobedient = ungodly. (v.61:1) Spiritual mission statement that Jesus will fulfill. Jesus came to break the shackles and liberate them from the house of sin. Also, the Holy Spirit was working through Christ to deliver the prison house. Luke 4:16-21. Fulfilled here. Look at the Flood again: (v.20) Peter gives us a major historical event: the days of Noah. Christ is not the one who went to the prison, it was the Holy Spirit. The prison house is not talking about hell, but the prison house of sin. He talks about the time of Noah. Genesis 6:3 Holy Spirit will not always be there to draw people near. The Spirit was present and preaching during the time of Noah, until the flood came. Was the Spirit there, preaching to the ones there? Yes. It would strive for 120 years (while ark was in building), until the flood came. While the ark was a preparing 1Peter 3:18-20, the Spirit worked through Noah. This is, therefore, teaching that the Spirit of God that enabled Christ to preach liberty from sin was the same Spirit at work in Noahs day. 1 Peter 1:10-12. The Spirit preaches through prophets (and ordinary people. The prophets are preaching/prophesying. The Holy Spirit is inside them. So ultimately the Holy Spirit preaches through humans (like through Noah and through Jesus). The Godhead works together.
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The Word of God I. Principles of the Word a. John 17:17 Word is truth i. How do we know it is truth? b. 1 Peter 1:23 Abides forever i. God doesn't change. If He did we would be insecure and confused. c. Isaiah 28:10 The Bible interprets the Bible i. We check our interpretations with the writings of Sister White. It is an infallible commentator on the Word of God. ii. People try to disprove the Bible to justify their carnal nature. Ex. Stories are unbelievable, the Gospels, etc. d. II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration. i. One way to show it through inspiration. ii. Also historical fulfillment. Ex. Babylon (Isaiah 13:19-22 Babylon shall not be inhabited. Hasn't been since its destruction.) e. Isaiah 8:20 Must test all things by the Bible. i. The Bible and SOP define what is truth. Everything else outside of it must be brought to the test. Science, Pioneers, commentators, preachers, etc. You must also test your own senses, it feels so good, they told me something that sounds right, I don't feel righteous because I sinned yesterday. II. Heart Preparation III. Ezra 7:10 Ezra prepared his heart. Notice that the Bible says Ezra prepared his heart. There is a need of preparation before you can seek the law of the Lord. There must be a preparation in order for you to have that spiritual eyesight that you need in order for you to see the revelation of God. If you prepare your heart haphazardly you will study the Bible haphazardly. If there is no preparation you may not be able to comprehend the spiritual matters in the Bible. The bible is not like any other book in the library. You cannot just pick it up and start reading it. If you want the spiritual understanding there must be a preparation. If you prepare properly you will know how to seek the law of the Lord. oWhat is the Law of the Lord? oPsalm 40:8 "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart." So the Bible calls the law of God, the will of God. You must prepare your heart so that you may want to seek the will of God! why? oRomans 8:6-8 "For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." The carnal mind is what? Enmity against God. It is not subject to the Law of God. If you study the Bible in a carnal state of mind, your mind will not be subject to the will of God. God may convict you and show you things in this mind set, but you will lack the desire to want to do God's will because the carnal mind will not be in subjection. So we must prepare our mind to be spiritual. What do we need to do in order to know God's will or willing seek the law of God? Let the Bible speak oHow do we prepare our heart?
Romans 12:1-2: Present your body a living sacrifice. You are to present your body as a living sacrifice. There is the health message, but it is more than that. You are to make your whole life a living sacrifice. How do you prepare your heart to know the will of God? oA living sacrifice oBe not conformed to this world. This includes the health message that is why when you study the life of Daniel he practiced the health message. That is why God gave him the gifts of understanding all skills and sciences and the ability to understand visions and dreams. If we live how we want, eat how we want, and conform to the world, we will not even want to study the Bible. Our heart will not be ready to seek God's word. That is why young people don't want to study the Bible, because their hearts are not prepared to seek the Law of the Lord. So there must be a change, a conversion experience, you must be born again. We have learned a little bit about how to prepare your heart. Your daily bible study will need a daily re-conversion and born again experience. But with this we must know how to pray sincerely. oPrayer Pray for Spiritual mind Pray for wisdom to understand God's Word Pray for earnest seeking mind Pray for total belief in the Word. Pray for a willing heart. Ezra 7:10 Pray for a love for the truth. IV. 6 Literary structures to the Bible. Or 6 ways that it was written. i. Historical: Gen Num; Esther, Nehemiah, Acts, etc. ii. Poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes. iii. Prophetic: Daniel & Revelation iv. Prophetic message books: Isaiah, Haggai, Ezekiel, the prophets themselves wrote the books. v. Autobiographical books: Matt John (Life of Christ) vi. Letters: To churches or specific groups of people. V. Fascinating facts (Extra fun stuff) a. KJV first printed in 1611 AD and is the greatest monument of classical English in the world. b. OT Chapters 929 c. NT Chapters 260 (7,959 total) d. OT Verses 23,214 e. NT Verses 7,959 (31,173 total) f. Middle CHAPTER of the Bible Psalms 117 (and the shortest) g. Middle VERSE Psalms 118:8
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Health
Purpose of the Study: our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. As our Creator, Redeemer, and Father, God is intimately concerned with the health of the whole personbody, mind, and spirit. Center it: Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (Illustration: Just call him the Big Mac Daddy.) Don Gorsky ate 23,000 big macs in 36 years. There is something wrong in the world today. Does God care about our health? Does he have a design for our health? (Illustration: President of Medical Association) Speech in NYC: Americas greatest need is for a new lifestyle. God is deeply interested in our health and well-being. (Illustration: 7 Questions) Determine the lifestyle of Americans: 1. Do you smoke? 2. Do you drink? 3. Exercise? 4. How many hours do you sleep at night? 5. How much do you weigh? 6. Are you eating breakfast regularly 7. Do you snack between meals? These people who live this good lifestyle, live 11 years longer. Does the Bible teach us anything about health? Know it/Mark it: 1. Exodus 25:8 2. 2Corinthians 6:16 3. 1Corinthians 6:19 4. 1Corinthians 10:31 (eats) 5. 1Corinthians 3:16, 17 6. 3John 2 7. Daniel 1:8, 12, 13, 15 8. Genesis 1:29 9. Genesis 3:17, 18; 9:1-4 10. Leviticus 11:47 11. Leviticus 11 12. Leviticus 3:17 13. Deuteronomy 12:23 14. 1Corinthians 10:31 (drinks) 15. Proverbs 23:29-35 16. Proverbs 20:1 17. 1Corinthians 6:10 18. Romans 13:14 19. Philippians 4:13 20. Psalm 84:11
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21. 1Thessalonians 5:32 Share it: Introduction tell a story of intemperance that is sure to push the person to agree that God must have a better day (BigMac Daddy Ron Gorsky; unhealthy habits; health conditions of todays people). The decisions we make today affect how much we can do for God in the future (lifespan, etc). 1. Exodus 25:8. Man was separated from God by sin in Genesis. In those days He created the sanctuary so that He could live with us. Now we dont have a sanctuary, so how can God dwell with us? God wants to be with His people. Q: What happened with the earthly sanctuary? Its done away with. Q: But does God still want to be with His people? Absolutely! 2. 2 Corinthians 6:16. You are now the temple of the living God. God declares that He will dwell in us, and He will be our God. Also, we cannot have idols in the temple, but well get to that later. God will dwell IN them. And walk IN them. Q: If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, what does God want from us? How are we to treat that temple? We are the temple of the living God, and God wants to live IN us. 3. 1 Corinthians 6:19. Our bodies are the temple. God gives us counsel on what to do with our bodies in order to keep them in the manner which He desires. What does He want us to do with our bodies? 4. 1 Corinthians 10:31. temple, it goes to the glory of God. Whatever we do is to be done for the glory of God. Eating and drinking must be for His glory. We must be careful with the dwelling place of God. 5. 1Corinthians 3:16, 17. WARNING: Defile the temple > get destroyed. Q: When does the destruction happen? Defiling the temple is a result of sin and it happens instantaneously. Sin brings destruction. That destruction begins now with sin and also brings judgment. God is serious about the way we take care of our body temple. What does it say will happen to those who do not take care of it? How do you feel about that? God isnt just about warnings; He loves us: 6. 3 John 2. God wants us to prosper and be in good health. Q: Since our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, are there guidelines in the Bible for how we should manage our bodies?His desire is for us to be in good health. He wants us to be completely fulfilled. God gives us the warnings (like #5) because He wants us to be safe. He doesnt desire our destruction, so He warns us of the dangers. Illustration of telling kid to play, warning of danger. Since our bodies are the dwelling places of the Holy Spirit, are there guidelines for how we should take care of them? 7. Daniel 1:8, 12, 13, 15. Daniel purposed in his heart. He saw the food and drink of the king would defile him. So he told the keeper to try him for 10 days. Where did he get the idea for this diet? Q: Are you willing to purpose/determine/decide/put your foot down in yourself not to defile yourself? Q: Wouldnt you like to look better, healthier and prove how it looks like to follow God? Daniel knew some type of secret about health. Q: Where did he know that from? Lets go back to the beginning 8. Genesis 1:29. Mans original diet. God gave man fruits, nuts, and grains for food. There was something in these foods that was to keep mankind sustained. These things and the Tree of Life kept them alive. After The Tree was removed from mans diet because of sin, God added something new:
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9. Genesis 3:17, 18; 9:1-4. God added vegetables after sin. After the flood, God allowed man to also eat meat because there was no vegetation. God said every living thing. How do we know if God allowed clean and unclean animals to be eaten? God also gave every green herb to eateven poisonous food. He said we can, but that doesnt mean that we should. Just as we know we shouldnt eat every thing that comes from the ground, we shouldnt eat every animal that lives. Some animals are poisonous too. God, in Genesis 7, made a distinction between clean and unclean animals. If man had eaten the unclean animals when he got off the ark, they wouldnt have survived since there were only two. What is the difference between clean and unclean animals? 10. Leviticus 11:47. The purpose of this entire chapter is to teach which animals may be eaten and may not be eaten. God does not specify what is clean and what is unclean in this text. Q: So: how do we know what is clean and unclean? 11. Leviticus 11. Clean meats = Split hooves, chew cud: cow, lamb, deer, buffalo, etc (v.2). Unclean meats = Just chew the cud or have cloven hooves: Hare, camel, swine, etc. Those who dont do both are unclean (v.4-8). Animals in the sea. Clean = Any creature in the water with fins and scales. Fish must have fins and scales (v.9). Animals in the air > Unclean = Birds of prey and scavengers. Birds not to eat (v.13-20). No birds of prey or scavengers. Bugs (v.21, 22). Creepers (v.29-31). In eating meat, God has instructed people this way: 12. Leviticus 3:17. No eating of the fat or the blood of the creature. The fat and the blood were representative of sin in the sanctuary service. They are also the carriers of disease. 13. Deuteronomy 12:23. We are not to eat the life of the fleshthe blood. 14. 1Corinthians 10:31. God also said that we are to be careful about what we drink also. What does the Bible say about drinking? 15. Proverbs 23:29-35. v.29 - Q: Who has all these things? Those who drink. Dont even allow yourself to be tempted. Alcohol leads you into sin. Alcohol perverts your heart. Alcohol is addictive and controls you. If alcohol controlling you, is God? What does the Bible tell us about alcohol? It is bad for you. This is established as a certainty, not simply a possibility. The Bible says to not even look at it. It is like a poisonous snake. 16. Proverbs 20:1. Q: Do you want to be wise? Q: What does the Bible say about those who drink. Those who drink are not wise. Do you want to be foolish? Does God take drinking seriously? 17. 1 Corinthians 6:10. Q: What does the Bible say about those who drink? (We found out theyre not wise) Those who drink will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Drinkers will not enter the kingdom of Heaven. Q: You want to inherit the Kingdom of God, dont you? A drunkard isnt just someone who gets drunk, but anyone who drinks. Do you want to let something as little as drinking keep you out of heaven? If you had a dog that bit 1/5th of people who enter your home, would you want it? In the US, 1 out of 5 people who take a drink become an alcoholic. Drinking is destructivethats why it is illegal to drive drunk. How can we overcome it? Story/Examples of the Bible: 1. Lot got drunk and his daughters took advantage of him, raped him and bore children from him. 2. Moses. The principles that God is sharing with us are telling us to stay away from harmful things, how do we overcome them? 18. Romans 13:14. Dont walk into temptation. Stay out of those places where you think you can fall tempted in. We must first dedicate ourselves to Jesus. Also, we are not to give ourselves an opportunity to fall into sin. We must avoid situations in which we are likely to be tempted. We tempt the devil to tempt us. How is it possible for us to stop?
19. Philippians 4:13. We can claim this promise to overcome all things by the power of Jesus. All things are possible through Christ. We have promises: 20. Psalm 84:11. Dont you want good things from the Lord? He said He would withhold no good things from those who walk uprightly. The Lord will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. He loves us and wants us to be healthy. Hes not just concerned about our bodies: Its time you make that decision to walk uprightly. Dont you want that 11 more years? 21. 1Thessalonians 5:23. He doesnt just want us to have healthy bodies, but to each have a healthy soul and mind. The health of our bodies impacts the health of our minds and souls. God cares about your spirit, soul but He cares about your body too. And He wants you to be blameless when He comes to take you home. Dont you want to be blameless in His sight? Dont you want to take care of your body too? Encourage them to throw away all temptations in their house. We need to uphold the standard. Appeal: 1. God wants us to be preserved blameless in spirit, soul, and body. He is our creator and He has the manual of what is best for us. He gave an original plan, and after sin He gave the vegetables and clean meats. He gave standard both of what we should eat and drink. Dont you want to live by the standards that God has set forth for your life in order to be ready for Jesus when He comes? By His grace, would you like to live by His principals? Wanna come over for dinner? Defend it: Drink: 1. Proverbs 31:1-7;;; a. The words to Solomon. It is not for kings to drink because they forget the law and their judgment becomes perverted. King Lemuel = Symbolic name of Solomon (Author of Proverbs). His mother advises not to drink. Why? v.5 When you drink you forget the law = Transcript of Gods character You lose who God is; you lose judgment. v.6,7 It says to give drink to the dying and the depressed. Why? To forget their problems/poverty/misery. How do we interpret this? For the dying: Theres nothing wrong with giving medicine to help take pain away. If theres no medicine, alcohol can be another remedy for the pain. For the depressed: The person with poverty, misery and depression = person who is dying. This is from his mother: Shes saying > youre my son, youre a king. I dont care what those others drink. Let them drink to take away their pain. But you, dont drink lest you lose your judgment and your gift for leadership of judgment. b. The only use of it was medicinally as a painkiller or for the depressed. Another reading would say something like, You do what is right. Let other people do foolish things. Their consequences are their problem. c. John 19:29-30. At the crucifixion, they offered an alcoholic drink to Christ. Jesus took the wine. It said he received it. d. Matthew 27:34. Jesus didnt drink of it. e. Revelation 1:6. Are we called to be kings or called to be depressed? Christ makes us kings. We are kings. When councils are given to kings, whom is it given to? Us. 2. Leviticus 10:9
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a. God speaks to Aaron saying that the priests should not drink. Aaron = High priest. God tells him not to drink. People will say: But Im not a priest. b. 1 Peter 2:9. We are a royal priesthood. The councils given to priests, whom is it given to? Us. 1Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 3:2, 3 a. Argument: Given too much wine > Maybe a little bit is ok. Meaning: Is Paul giving one advise to the elders (v.1-8) and giving another advise to the deacons (v.8-13)? Hes giving the exact same advise/councils to the elders as the deacons. Hes restating the council to the deacons as the elders. Even if you drink a little bit, you can be blamed for drinking more. The deacon must be pure, upright > same as the elder.A deacon should not be given to much wine? b. An elder should not be given to wine. i. Keyword is likewisethat is, in the same way. Paul is just rephrasing in verse 8. Also, it says that both must be sober. Can you drink and be sober? They must have a clear conscience. Can you drink and have a clear conscience? 1Timothy 5:23 a. Dont drink water, drink wine! b. This is referring to drinking grape juice instead of water because: #1, it is good for you. #2, the water where he was made him sickparasites borne in the water. Even if this was talking about wine, it would have been for a medicinal purposedrinking just a small amount, not pleasure drinking. John 2 a. Argument: Paul says to Timothy to stop drinking water. Clearly, hes saying not to drink water. He wouldnt say that! Meaning = Stomach-ache. What happens when you drink bad water? You get sick. Timothy got sick, and Paul is speaking to Timothy out of experience. He could be saying to drink juice or he could be saying to drink a little bit of fermented wine to clear your stomach and lay off the bad water.Jesus made wine, right? They said that it tasted greatwhich is inconsistent with what fermented wine tastes like. Wedding feast: Q: Would Mary ask her Son to make something so vile that has destroyed our society and defiled man? These pots were made for purifying. Q: What made that wine good? Good wine here means = They have kept the best flavored and fresh wine. If he was drunk, your taste buds vanish. But this man was still able to taste, so he probably was not drunk. But even if he were drunk, clearly Jesus would not create something that is so destructive. Jesus would not use fermented wine to represent His blood. If He would not use yeast in the bread, why would He use fermented wine as His drink. Deuteronomy 14:24-26 a. This isnt saying to just drink wantonly. Its saying, if youre not willing to give your title properly, your might as well do whatever you want with it.
Food: always bring things back to 1Corinthains 10:31 and 3:16, 17 1. Acts 10; Acts 11:1-18 {v.28, 34, 35} a. Peters vision. A common animal was a clean animal that lived with unclean animals. This caused them to also be considered uncleanor unfit for food. This isnt about eating clean and unclean meats. This is about Jews associating with
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the unclean gentiles. Cornelius was unclean. Peter was clean. Peter would be common if he visited Cornelius. Verse 28God told him what? Dont call men common or unclean. When was this? Obviously this was the message of the vision. Argument: Peters dream: Common or unclean. We can eat these meats because God said so. Unclean pig, snake, vulture, crab, etc. Common Clean animal that has been living with an unclean animal. Meaning: People. Acts 11:118 Talking about people. God is specifying to call no man common. These people were never unclean in the first place. If they were unclean, Peter who went to visit them would be unclean too. Mark 7:18, 19; (Matthew 15:1-20) {v.1,2 gives context for each} a. This is talking about eating with unwashed hands, not unclean meat. Its not the dirt that goes in. Gods not talking about the food that goes in. Hes talking about washing your hands. Not meat > It means food. 1Corinthians 8:8 {v.1, 4, 7} a. This is talking about meat offered to idols. This is not referencing unclean meat. It is saying that clean meats offered to idols is not truly unclean. Theres nothing wrong with eating meat sacrifice. Paul is saying that there is no other god. Clean meats = Common. Unclean = sacrificed to an idol. Paul is saying this meat sacrificed to idol doesnt mean anything. This meat is unclean, its only unclean because its sacrificed to idols. We can eat it, however if it causes you to stumble, he will not eat it. Romans 14:1, 4, 13 a. Same concept as #3. Regarding feast days: They ate or they fasted. Its referring directly to continuing on the feast. v.13 Unclean = common. 1Timothy 4:3, 4 a. The word here is referring to food (meats), not meat. This is referring to food that God has created to be eaten with thanksgiving (clean meats and nonpoisonous foods). i. This is actually talking about the Roman Catholic Church (forbidding marriage, no meat during lent). b. When it says creature, does it mean any creature? No, just those that were given for food. Otherwise eating maggots and humans is acceptable based upon this verse. Look in context > v.1,2 > referring to the Roman Catholics group. They command to abstain from meat on Fridays. This is referring to the Catholic church, not the Adventist church. (E.g. We can still marry.) v.4 Argument: So I can be thankful for any food. Meaning: Every creature EVERY creature? Humans? Does this mean that we can be cannibals? No. > It means every CLEAN creature. Luke 10:8 a. This is the advice of Jesus sending out the 70 to the Jews. Therefore, this is not saying eat unclean meat because people offer it. Jews would not have offered it. The Bible is never telling you to eat unclean meat, drink fermented wine. We can automatically question what this means. Luke is talking about the 70. The 70 were going to the Jews (The gospel has not yet gone to the Gentiles). The 70 should not be picky and eat what the Jews give them. Deuteronomy 29:29 a. What has been revealed to us? > We shouldnt be drinking. The confusing two
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texts thats in the Bible > The secret things are of the Lord.
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Stewardship
Purpose of the Study: Everything belongs to God; as stewards, we are responsible to Him. Center it: Jesus Christ gave all and wants us to be closer to Him through our willingness to be faithful with what He has given. Know it/Mark it: 1. Psalm 24:1 2. Genesis 1:26 3. Luke 14:33 (Luke 5:27-29/Matthew 10:37) 4. Exodus 20:8-11 5. 1Corinthians 6:20 (1Peter 1:18) 6. Genesis 28:18-22 7. Genesis 14:18-20 8. Malachi 3:8-10 9. 1Timothy 3:15 10. Mark 10:21, 22 11. Mark 20: 28-31 Share it: start with a financial storybig companies falling like Merrill-Lynch or Enron. The Bible holds eternal financial principles that make sense, telling us to re-evaluate our priorities and make the investments that will pay off in the long run. Introduction Story/Illustration: (Personal Testimony > Use at the end for an appeal). Current financial event. Bible story. 1. Psalm 24:1. Who owns the earth? The Lord. In a home or business, who is in charge? The owner. Who did God put in charge of the world? Q: If God is the owner, who does He have to manage His property? 2. Genesis 1:26. God put man in charge of the earth. What does God ask in return? What does God ask us to be willing to commit to His service? 3. Luke 14:33 (/). Q: What does God ask for? Everything. God wants us to commit everything to His service. Does He really mean everything? Q: Do we have to leave father and mother and everything? What does He mean by this? Matthew 10:37. Matthew left all to follow Jesus. So, they went to his house and feasted. Luke 5:27-29. Levi = Matthew.
have faith that God will take care of it. Surrender everything to God and be willing to do anything God ask us to do. Q: What entitles God to ask us for so much? But didnt he leave all? How does that work? Jesus entrusted the belongings into his hands to be used in the Lords service. We are not to love anything more than Him. We must be willing to do anything for Jesus. What entitles Him to ask for so much? 4. Exodus 20:8-11. He created everything. He made the world in six days. The creator of my car wrote a manual telling me what to do. The Sabbath is His mark of authority. Sabbath is His stamp/seal. The Ten Commandments is an owners manual for us and He knows best on how to live our lives. Q: What else entitles God to ask us for so much? Why? Because the creator knows what is best and how to take care of the car. That is
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what the commandments are to usa user manual. Is His Creatorship the only reason for Him to ask anything of us? 1Corinthians 6:20. Body and spirit > Gods. 1 Peter 1:18,19 We were sold into sin, but we were bought back with a price. What was that price? The blood of Christ (1Peter). How much did God pay for us? Everything; even His Son. If we give everything, who is God asking us to behave like? Like Him. We all want to be like Christ, but often we dont want the responsibility attached to being like Christ. God wants us to give everything, but He is also very specific. Q: Why is Jesus entitled to us? Hes our Creator. But we made a decision to leave Him and be sold into slavery to sin. He bought us back with His blood and because He paid for us, He is entitled to us/He owns us. Two masters: Jesus vs. Satan. Q: Who do you want to own you? He paid everything. Jesus was willing to give everything to you. Q: How much are you willing to give to Him? Example:1. Did Peter keep Sunday as the Sabbath? No.2. Did Paul keep Sunday as the Sabbath? No. 3. Is there anything thats keeping you from keeping the Sabbath? No.Q: a. When God is asking us for everything, who is God asking us to be like? Like Him. b. How many people in the world want to be rich? Everyone. c. How many of those want that responsibility of being rich? d. How many Christians in the world want to be like Christ? e. How many of those want the responsibility and the commitment to be truly like Christ? Genesis 28:18-22. Lets look at the financial secret. He gives us: Q: How much is Jacob going to give to God? > Tenth of whatever God gives him.Where did Jacob get the idea of giving a tenth of everything that he had to the Lord? Genesis 14:18-20. Melchizedek = priest of the most high God. Abram pays all tithes (a tenth) to the priest of the Most High God. He paid a tithe, he paid a tenth.Q: How is this for us? Do we still need to keep tithe? Is this something we should still be doing? Is this something God wants us to keep? Abraham, Jacobs grandfather, gave tithes (a tenth) to the priest of God. How does the tithing apply to us? Malachi 3:8-10. Have them read. Will a man rob God? Stop them. Have you robbed God? continue. What does it say that tithes and offerings go? Storehouse. Why? So that there will be meat in His house. God challenges us to prove Himtest Him. A huge blessing. Q: Can you afford not to live without a blessing that big? How do we receive a blessing that big? > By returning back to God what is His. Where to return back to God? > In His house. Q: Where is His house? What is Gods house? Where is Gods storehouse? 1Timothy 3:15. The house of God is the church. When people do not return their tithes to the Lord, they are robbing those in darkness of Light. Gods house = Church of the Living God. The church is the organized Seventh-day Adventist church. Gods church is the storehouse. Q: What did Jesus have to say about finances in general? Financial secrets Jesus shared with us? Mark 10:21, 22. How many things did he lack? One thing. He didnt want to give it all up. If he had given it up, where would his treasure have been? In heaven. No. Out of all that the rich young man wanted to hold on to, how many of them does he own now? How much did he gain by not giving his possessions to follow Jesus? Nothing. Whatever he may have piled up, how much of it might he have had when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. The rich young ruler had great possessions. How many possessions does he have right now? Nothing. How much did he gain by not giving all to Jesus? He gained nothing. Is there anything that youll hold back from giving back to Jesus? (There is nothing.) Illustration: (Mark 10:25) Easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (a hole in the wall) than for a rich man to enter into Heaven. The camel must humble itself to go
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through the wall. We need to humble ourselves and surrender these financial burdens to Him. Are you willing to surrender to Him? Q: Do you want to be like that rich young ruler? Q: Then what would keep you from returning that ten percent to the Lord? a. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle because a camel is not proud. It will get down on its knees and allow everything that is has to be taken off, and then it crawls through. Often we are not willing to do that. 11. Mark 10: 28-31. What would keep you from giving up everything for the Lord? What did Peter give up? The things that he would ultimately lose anyway. 1. How much did Peter give up? Everything. 2. How much did Jesus give up? Everything. 3. How much will you give up? Everything. Peter gave up the things he would ultimately lose anyway. Abraham, Jacob was a rich man. We can store up treasures up in Heaven right now. Lets make that commitment together to return back to what is the Lords. Commit to giving back just a tenth back to the Lord. Appeal: 1. Are you willing to give up everything to God? Are you willing to make your decision for Him today? You have seen in this study (recap, God=creator, owner of all, gave all, asks all). Now is the time to return to God what belongs to Him. Do you want to make the same mistake that the young ruler made? Or are you willing to return to God what rightfully belongs to Him? Defend it: I am broke/cant afford to give tithes o Malachi 3:8-10 you cant afford not to. You cant afford NOT to return tithe. wealth? o Deuteronomy 8:18 He gives you the strength to get money, which requires that we obey him. God gives you the power to get wealth. Not your own work. o Luke 21:1-4 when you give your all, you receive a greater blessing. Whoever is faithful in the least things will also be faithful in greater things. Be who you want to be tomorrow today. The New Testament does not require giving tithes o Matthew 23:23 Jesus says that they should continue paying tithe but also pay attention to the weightier things. o Luke 20:25 Give to God what is Gods. Everything is Gods, but God only asks for 10% in return. Caesars = taxes. Gods = tithe. I dont trust the church o Matthew 6:21 where your treasure is, your heart is. Where else are you going to put your tithe? We must put it in Gods house. God trusts us in spite of our failures. If your treasure is in church, thats where your heart is. If your treasure is in God, thats where your heart is. If your treasure is in money, thats where your heart is. God said to return to the church. You need to be faithful to Gods word. o Luke 21:1-4 the woman gave tithes to the very church that was trying to kill Jesus, and Jesus endorsed her. o Matthew 23:23 > If anyone had a right not to trust the church, it was the early Christians. Jesus told them to return the tithes. The church tried to kill Jesus. The
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very church who tried to kill Jesus, He says to return to them. Can I give tithe anywhere? o 1Corinthians 9:9, 14 the ox that works hard should receive the food that it labors over. This also applies to the pastors (v.14) o Malachi 3:8-10; 1Timothy 3:15 tithe should go to the church. That is how the pastors get fed.
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The Remnant Church

Purpose of the Study: To show that Christs work is leading all of His sheep into one fold. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant. (This study is a no holds bar. Direct boldness to ask someone to join the Adventist Church!) Center it: Jesus gave His life for the sheep, and we are inspired to join His church because of that. Know it/Mark it: 1. 1Corinthians 14:33 2. John 10:12 3. John 10:16 4. 2Timothy 3:16 5. 1Timothy 3:15 6. Revelation 12:1 7. 2Corinthians 11:2 a. Ephesians 5:31-33 8. Revelation 12:2-6, 13 9. Ezekiel 4:6 10. Revelation 12:17 11. John 5:39 12. Revelation 14:6, 7 13. John 10:16 Share it: 1. 1Corinthians 14:33. Is it confusing that multiple denominations teach different things from the same book? Yes. Is that Gods design? No. It is confusing that there are so many denominations, all claiming to follow God, but each teaching different things. If God is not behind that, then who is? Q: Did God design this confusing situation? (Lets see) 2. John 10:11, 12. The wolf is a symbol of Satan. He comes in and scatters the sheep, devouring some of them. Does Jesus have a plan to rectify the situation? Q: Who is the good Sheppard? (Jesus) Q: What does He do for them? (Give His life) Q: Why? (Because He loves and cares for them. Wants the better good for them.) Devil divides and scatters concern with the destruction of people. Q: Does Jesus have a plan to restore order? Do you think He has a plan? (Yes, because He wants us to be safe against the wolf.) Q: What do you suppose His plan is? 3. John 10:16. The plan of Jesus is that there will be one fold. He will gather them by His voice. How do we hear His voice? Jesus has a plan: to reunite His sheep. How? By His voice. The plan of Christ is to call His sheep by His voice. When they hear Him, they come. Q: How do we hear Gods voice? (Have you ever heard the audible voice of Jesus?) The Word of God: 4. 2Timothy 3:16. All scripture is breathed by God. It is the voice of God. Therefore, in the scriptures there should be evidence of what church is the true church. Consider six characteristics from the Word concerning the church. Scripture is given by inspiration of God. (Gods breathed.) All scripture is Gods voice. We should look to the scriptures to find characters of His one fold. Hes using this as His method to reunite His people in this confusing situation of scattering His sheep. 6 Characteristics that the Word of God gives
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that identifies Gods true people: 5. 1Timothy 3:15. The church of the living God is the pillar and ground (foundation) of what? The truth. If a church teaches what is not true, can it be the foundation of truth? Can it be the true church? Q: According to the scripture, what is Paul saying is the pillar
the chu the truth? (No) More examples of thatIf any church teach anything against the truth of the Bible, than it cant be the true church of the living God, because of 1 Timothy 3:15. Paul tells us: the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. If a church teaches what is not true, it cannot be the foundation of the truth; it cannot be the one fold. Characteristic #1: Foundation of the Truth 6. Revelation 12:1. Who is the woman? The imagery is obviously symbolic. A sign is in heaven. Q: Do you think John is communicating a literal woman? (No, because women cant have a sun on their heads and stands on the moon.) Q: Whats the woman? 7. 2Corinthians 11:2. Paul compares the people of God to a virgin. Engaged them to a chased virgin. Hes speaking to specifically to the church of Corinth (believers of Christ virgin who is engaged to a man = woman. Paul is alluding to the church as a woman. a. Ephesians 5:31-33. Gods relationship to His people => man to woman. The woman represents the church (Gods people.) 8. Revelation 12:2-6, 13. Who does the dragon attempt to kill? The child. The dragon must be the ruler of all nations and feels threatened by the child. Who is the child? Does he succeed? Then what does he do? Where does the woman go? Why does the woman flee into the wilderness? She is persecuted (v.13). How long is she in the wilderness? For the 1260 days, there is no visible true church. It is hidden. Q: What is the dragon trying to the nations. The dragons power is threatened by this child. Q: Does he succeed? (No.) Q Him because he is threatened by the Child, but doesnt succeed and the child is whisked away. The woman goes to the desert/wilderness. Wilderness = where people do NOT dragon turns his focus on the church. So the church flees to a wilderness refuge for 1260 days. If we find out when these days happened in the big scope of time, we know that this time is where the church cant appear/show face because of the dragons persecution. We know that the papacy had absolute power during the years 538AD to 1798AD = exactly 1260 years. There could be no organized group of true believers publically until after 1798, according to the Bible. If there is a church that was visible during this time, then we can conclude: those churches cannot be the true church. It disqualifies the majority protestant churches, because they had a public face during that time period. Characteristic #2: Arises after 1798AD. (Questions: Who does the dragon attempt to kill as soon as hes born? Does he succeed? Then what does he do? Where the woman go and for how long?) 9. Ezekiel 4:6. The concept of the day/year. If we can identify when the 1260 years started, we know when the true Church should appear again. This is the same time that the beast is ruling. That is why the woman goes into hiding. The true church, based on Revelation 12, doesnt show its face again until after the 1260 yearsfrom 538 to 1798 AD.
Understanding that the church escaped to the wilderness for 1260 prophetic days or literal years in order to escape papal persecution, helps us to understand that Gods true church could not be a public organized congregation until after 1798AD. 10. Revelation 12:17. What characteristics are given of the true church here? They keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus. Two characteristics of the womans offspring: 1. Keeps the commandments of God. Characteristic #3: Commandment keeping. Q: Does your church believe that the Ten Commandments are nailed to the cross? Is your church in accordance to Revelation 12:17? Q: Then can you church be the true church, keeping the commandments of God? 2. Has the testimony of Jesus Christ. a. Revelation 19:10 the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. b. Therefore, the true people of God have a prophet, but that is only half of the truth. There are two ways to have somethingfirsthand and secondhand. Having a prophet is firsthand. We have Ellen G. White. *Save the EGW information for a later study* There is also the secondhand gift: 11. John 5:39. Jesus said the scriptures testify of Him. There was only the Old Testament at that time. The secondhand spirit of prophecy is the OT prophetswho testified of Christ. Jesus says: Scriptures testifies of Him. Scriptures are a testimony of Jesus. Q: What scriptures? The Old Testament. (Because at that time, the NT was not written yet.) So: The Old Testament scriptures testify of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament scriptures are relevant to the New Testament believers. Characteristic #4: Believes in the Old Testament. a. Verses 45 and 46. Jesus shows that the Old Testament writings are valuable because they speak of Jesus. Moses spoke of Jesus. If we believe the words of Jesus, we should also believe the words of Moses (47). 12. Revelation 14:6, 7. There is an angel with a gospel (for the remnant church) to preach to the entire world. The true church must, therefore, be worldwide. The church is to preach that the hour of Gods judgment has begun. The angel says that the hour of judgment is going on at the time the message is to be preached, therefore, the church must believe in a present tense judgment. The gospel is being preached at the end of time, depicted by nation, tribe, tongue, and people). Q: Is every nation, tribe, tongue, and people in Michigan? Local? No. The true church is going to be worldwide, because its going to preach to everyone. Characteristic #5: Is worldwide. v.7 hour of His judgment is come. It would only make sense if the judgment was actually happening at that time. This message that these believers are communicating contains a judgment thats happening prior to the Second Coming, because its preaching that the hour of the judgment has come before He comes. Characteristic #6: Present tense judgment message. (They preach a pre-Advent judgment.) 13. John 10:16. Jesus has sheep that are not currently a part of His remnant church appeal. The only church that meets all of the six biblical characteristics weve seen is the Seventh-day Adventist church. Others, like the Seventh-day Baptists, have the Sabbath, but err towards legalism, and they have non-biblical views on things like death. The SDA and Catholic churches are the only two that circumnavigate the world. Are you one of His sheep? Are you willing to follow His voice? So have you seen from the bible
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that the word has characteristics that define his true church? Do you see that the SD church has these characteristics? Do you want to be a member of the SDA church? If they waffle, then share how your testimony and the concerns you had with giving up work on Saturday or concerns with family and friends: I went to Jesus and asked if I could be an exception, and I found Him on the cross. Jesus gave up heaven and earth for me, so I couldnt talk to Him. Friends found Him on the cross, and He had no friends. Mocking me, legalist found Him on the cross, and he had a sign above him King of the Jews and people mocking Him. I decided to pick up my cross and followed Him. Are you willing to follow in the footsteps of Christ? Silence is ok. You can join our church by baptism or profession of faith. (I found him on a cross: 1. What I have to give up. 2. couldnt talk about it to Him. So I finally took up the cross and followed Him.)
Six Characteristics of The Church 1 Foundation of Truth 2 Arises after 1798 3 Commandment Keepers 4 Believe in the OT 5 Worldwide 6 Present Tense Judgment
Appeal The one true church that God is calling us into with His voice is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Seventh-day Adventist church has all of these characteristics: o Has the foundation of truth o Started after 1798AD. o Teaches to believe and keep ALL of Gods commandments. o Does not believe only in the NT, but in the whole Bible. o Is one of the only two churches that is a worldwide church. The other church is the Catholic Church, but they were in the public face during the 1260 years. o Understand and teaches the present tense judgment. Today, you hear the voice of God (John 10:16). o Is Christ really your shepherd? o Will you listen to His voice and become a part of His remnant Church? They may be worried about what they will have to give up in order to become an SDA. They can go to Jesus, telling Him how people will call them crazy, or think theyre legalistic, or how people will make fun of them, or how life will work. They will find Jesus on the cross, having given up everythingheaven, earth, His precious blood, and His very lifeall for them. Then they will see that no sacrifice is too great to give up for the One who gave His all. Defend it: How can a manmade organization be the true church of God? o Revelation 12:17. o The remnant must be made of the same material as the original was. Did the original apostolic church have church organization? Yes. In Acts 15 the counsel of Jerusalem we see it. There was a physical body. The remnant must have that same form in order to be a true remnant of the original. o Even non-denominational churches have organization, even if they try to act like they dont.
Church is spiritual. Its not a conference. (Its an invisible church.) o This argument presupposes that a spiritual body and a physical body cant be the same, are mutually exclusive. But the Bible never teaches that. o Revelation 12:17 & Acts 15 The rest (remnant) of her offspr communicate who Gods true believers are. The remnant is a replica of the apostolic church. The remnant is a replica of the woman who went into the wilderness. o If the original woman (church) have an organized body/conference, then the remnant must have one too. If the original church had an organized body, then the remnant must have one too.
The Gift of Prophecy

Purpose of the Study: To show that Christ does everything in His power to guide His own, and this is manifested in the ministry of Ellen White. Center it: Jesus is always on time, and He never leaves us in the dark about things. Know it/Mark it: 1. Genesis 15:13, 14 2. Exodus 3:8-10 3. Jeremiah 29:10 4. Ezra 1:1-3, 5:1, 2 5. Daniel 9:25 6. Mark 1:1-4, 14, 15 7. Daniel 8:14 8. Isaiah 8:20 9. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 10. 1John 4:1-4 11. Jeremiah 28:9 12. Numbers 12:6 13. 1Thessalonians 5:19-21 Share it: In the 1st and 2nd texts are a promise and a time prophecy coming to an end. The 3rd and 4th verses and also the 5th and 6th verses show that pattern. God gives a time prophecy through one prophet, and as that time comes to a close, another prophet comes with a message relating to the prophecy. The 7th verse is yet another time prophecy, but the prophecy extends past the time when scripture closes, so the prophet isnt in the bible. The rest of the verses are ways to test out who a true prophet is. 1. Genesis 15:13, 14. What do we call a person who receives direct (interpersonal) communication from God? A prophet. God gives Abram a prophecy. What does the prophecy concern? The future of his descendants. What is the time of the prophecy? 400 years. Towards the end of this prophecy, another prophet emerged: 2. Exodus 3:7-10. Why did God appear to Moses? > Theyre crying about their slavery. So: God wants Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Moses work related directly to the prophecy of Abram. This same pattern occurs many times from Genesis to Jesus. He or she (the second prophet) always confirms or makes relevant the preceding prophetic
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message. Time prophecy (concerning 400 years) starting from Abram to Moses (Gods second prophet). God rises up (Moses) a second prophet to preach the present truth about the prophecy. Does his mission and message have anything to do with Abrams prophecy? Yes. It had everything to do with it!
3. Jeremiah 29:10. Who is the prophet? Jeremiah. What does the prophecy concern? Destruction of Jerusalem. What is the time of the prophecy? 70 years. People of God will be exiled for 70 years and then will be able to come back to rebuild their city of Jerusalem. 4. Ezra 1:1-3, 5:1, 2. 1:1-3 - God is laying a burden on Cyrus heart = to send the Jews back home, according to Jeremiahs prophecy. A number of prophets emerged at this time. Haggai was one of them. Prophet = Haggai. His mission had to do with the 70 year prophecy. From Genesis to Jesus, we see this pattern/systematic operation of God throughout the whole course of inspiration being played out. This concept: God rises up one prophet who gives a time prophecy and rises a second prophet whose mission and message is to present the truth about that time prophecy. (Prophet sandwich).
5. Daniel 9:25. Who is the prophet? Daniel. What does the prophecy concern? The Messiah. What is the time of the prophecy? 483 years. Time prophecy has starting point and an event that concludes the time prophecy. Time = 483 prophetic days. Start = Command to rebuild Jerusalem. End = Messiah. Start Prophet = Daniel. End Prophet = John the Baptist. Q: How longs the prophecy? What event signifies the beginning of the prophecy? What even ends the prophecy? 6. Mark 1:1-4, 14-15. John the Baptist was the prophet that came at the end of the time prophecy. Johns mission and message had everything to do with Daniels prophecy, just like we would expect! Time is fulfilled What time? Daniel the prophet. Jesus came right on time, that was prophesized by Daniel. > Jesus is always on time. If God is able to accomplish these prophecies, Hes able to communicate when and how these prophecies will be revealed to us. Q: If God can fulfill these prophecies, do you believe He can fulfill His promises in your life? If God was on time in these prophecies, is He able to be on time in your life?
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7. Daniel 8:14. Who is the Prophet? Daniel. What does the prophecy concern? The cleansing of the sanctuary. What is the time of the prophecy? 2300 years. The starting date is established in Daniel 9:25, and with Ezra 4:6, we place is between 457 BC and 1844 AD. Based on the last three examples, what should we be looking for at the close of the prophecy? Another prophet. By this time the devil has noticed the pattern, so what do you think he would do? He raised false prophets. However, the true prophet must carry a message pertinent to the prophecy as John, Haggai, and Moses did to the prophecies of Daniel and Abram. Only one prophet that rose around 1844 pointed attention to the 2300 day prophecy and its importance. Time prophecy = 2300 day prophecy. Prophet = Daniel. This duration is the cleansing of the sanctuary. The purpose of the vision is the events that conspire at the end of time. This prophecy is talking about the events of the end of time. But this literal sanctuary at the end of time has no meaning. There is no earthly sanctuary at the end of time. So this verse when it talks about the cleansing of the sanctuary, it makes sense to its referring to the heavenly sanctuary. This 2300 day prophecy begins in 457BC at the decree of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the prophet is Daniel. If Gods going to be consist with Himself and follow the same pattern, what should we be looking for at or around 1844AD (2300 years after 457BC)? > A second prophet. The only person who could be even considered, is one whose mission and message that has to do with the cleansing of the sanctuary. Prophets being considered as a true prophet, around 1844: a. Joseph Smith (1st Vision 1820) Mormon b. Andrew Jackson Davis (1826-1910) American Spiritualist Movement. c. Ellen G. White (1827-1915) Seventh-day Adventist d. Charles Russell Taze (1852-1916) Watchtower Society e. Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) Christian Science f. Edgar Casey (1877-1945) ??? g. But the only one who says anything that has this mission and message is Ellen G. White. 8. Q: At this point, is there good biblical reasons that this woman could be a prophet? (Yes.) That doesnt mean that were going to accept her as a prophet, but it means that were going to test her as a prophet. That prophet was Ellen White. She came at the right time with the right message.
How do we know true prophets from false prophets? Lets discuss Different biblical tests of a true prophet: 9. Isaiah 8:20. Biblical test #1: Biblical faithfulness. If a prophet speaks contrary to the Lawas given to Mosesand the testimonylater, direct messages from prophets, they are not a true prophet. If a prophet says that their writings dont have to match up to the old teachings, or that they have some new light or new revelation, that person is not true prophet. What they say is consistent with the Bible. If a prophet is unwilling to be in scrutiny with the Bible, he/she isnt a true prophet. A true prophet would be willing and open to be under any scrutiny with the Bible.
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10. Deuteronomy 13:1-3. Biblical test #2: Commandment keeper. Even if a prophets prophecies come true, if the prophet leads against the commandments of God, he or she is not a true prophet. 11. 1John 4:1-4. Biblical test #3: Christ centered. We must test by seeing if they believe that Jesus is Christthe Savior of man from sinin the flesh. A prophet must confess Christ in the flesh by their words and actions. Everyone who does not say that Jesus the Christ came in flesh. A true prophet would confess that Jesus IS Christ. Not Jesus the Galilee, etc. a. Matthew 7:15, 50. We will know them by their fruits. 12. Jeremiah 28:9. Biblical test #4: Prophetic accuracy. If what they say doesnt actually happen, the prophet is false. 13. Numbers 12:6. Biblical test #5: Visions & dreams. A true prophet must have visions and dreams. We have now the biblical criteria. Good biblical tests, we can use to see if Ellen White is a true prophet. 14. 1Thessalonians 5:19-21. Do not despise prophesying. There would be no reason for the apostle Paul to say not to be despise prophesying unless people do despise it. Why might someone despise prophesying? o They dont appreciate the message (conviction). o Because there are so many false prophets. 2+2=4 illustration. How many possible wrong answers are there to 2+2? There are an infinite amount of wrong answers, but does that mean that there is not a right answer? Dont despise the billion wrong prophets, just know what the real one looks like. Memorize the right answer4then when the wrong answers show up, you will know. o Paul is telling us to test out the prophets to see if they are true instead of rejecting them all (transition into appeal question). Paul says to prove all things (to test). Q: Will you prove/test all things? Make a decision not to despise prophesies? Test the writings of Ellen White to see if she is a true prophet? (Take into consideration when giving them a book of Ellen White.) Characteristics of a True Prophet EGW 1 In harmony with the Bible/other prophets Called herself a lesser light 2 They endorse the commandments She did 3 Christ-centered Hanging on the cross, Christ was 4 Prophetic accuracy Counsel against smoking 5 Visions, dreams She had them Use a few quotes to show how EGW lines up with the characteristics. Appeal: 1. Are there Biblical reasons to believe that EGW was a prophet? 2. The Bible says to test all things, so are you willing to test Ellen White as a prophet? Will you hold fast that which is good? o Give them a book like SC, GC, or COL to test out. o Something is not true because a prophet says it. A prophet says it because its true. Prophets always come right on time. They are a reminded that God, who certainly has much to do, cares enough to make sure that we know things. God is on time. Defend it:
1. 1856 vision (1T 131, 132). EGW said some would be alive to see Christ come. a. Do you believe in Jesus? Did Jesus believe Jonah was a prophet? (Matthew 12:39). Jonah 3:1-5, 6-10. Was Nineveh destroyed in 40 days? Is Jonah a prophet? If not, then was Jesus the Christ? Jeremiah 18:7-10 (does this come before Jeremiah 29:8? Then it must be a qualifying statement. It tells us about prophecies coming true.) The people of Nineveh changed their hearts and so God didnt do what He said He would do. 1Samuel 2:27-31 reiterates this point. b. Since the condition of the people present at her 1856 vision changed, Gods promise no longer held for them. It would have happened if they had continued upon their course. 2. Woman? Ellen G. White is a woman! a. Women prophets in the Bible: In the church, a woman is not to usurp authority over a man. Its not saying that a woman cant do a better job/smarter as a leader than a man. In the church (type of family/home), the man is called to be the legislative leader; men are called to be the ordained leader. But there are woman prophets in the Bible: i. Judges 4:4 > Ana the prophet (old lady in the temple) ii. Luke 2:36 > Deborah (prophet) iii. Numbers 12 > Miriam 3. Non-canonical. People dont want to accept the writings of EGW, because they are noncanonical (collection). a. She is not a part of the closed cannon (the 66 books of the Bible). b. When Moses wrote the beginning of the Bible, it was all that existed. That was the cannon. Its only a time factor. There are multiple times in the Bible, that there were prophets in the Bible and their writings are not written in the Bible. The thing is not about what appears in the Bible, but whether or not things are outside the bible are irrelevant. The important thing is if it is in agreement with the Bible. The world is confused with the Bible, not because it is confusing, but because the world is confused. Scrolls of Isaiah, were not in the Bible. Writings of Paul, during Pauls time were not in the Bible. Then also, Bible writers referenced other works which they deemed to be inspired writings. They tell us about prophet books that are not in the Bible. i. 1 Chornicles 29:29 ii. 2 Chronicles 9:29 iii. 1 Samuel 9:9 4. No more prophets: Texts that show that there are more prophets: a. Ephesians 4:7-13; 1Corinthians 1:6, 7; Matthew 24:24.
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The Millennium
Purpose of the Study: To show that the millennium begins with the second coming of Christ and concludes with the destruction of evil. To show that the Millennium begins after Second Coming, is a time of judgment, and is at the end when the saints inherent the New Earth. Center it: During the millennium, God vindicates His character. Three phases of the Judgment: 1. Pre-Advent; 2. Millennial; 3. Executive. Were focusing on the Millennial. Know it/Mark it: 1. John 5:28, 29. a. Acts 24:15 2. 1Thessalonians 4:16, 17. 3. 2Thessalonians 1:7-9. 4. Revelation 20:4, 5. a. Romans 8:15-17 5. Revelation 20:1-3. a. Jude 1:6 6. Jeremiah 4:23-27. 7. Isaiah 14:19-21. 8. 1Corinthains 4:5; a. 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3 9. Revelation 20:12. 10. Revelation 20:7-9. 11. Revelation 21:18, 11. 12. Revelation 20:11-16. 13. Isaiah 5:3, 4. 14. 2Peter 3:12, 13. 15. Revelation 21:3-5. Additional Text: Genesis 1:2 Isaiah 14:19-21 Matthew 27 Revelation 21:11 Philippians 2:9-11 Share it: there are three phases of Judgmentpre-Advent (investigative), millennial, and executive. 16. John 5:28, 29. a. There are two groups: the resurrection of life and the resurrection of condemnation. i. Acts 24:15. Paul also speaks of two groups who will be resurrectedthe just and the unjust. When do these resurrections happen? Do these resurrections happen simultaneously? 17. 1Thessalonians 4:16, 17. a. Who, according to verse 16, rises first? The dead in Christ. What does that imply? The dead who are not in Christ must rise second. What happens to the wicked that are alive at the second coming? The first resurrection is the resurrection of
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the righteous/just. So what happens to the wicked at the Second Coming? 2Thessalonians 1:7-9. a. They are destroyed by the glory and presence of His power. The wicked who are alive are destroyed. Obviously the wicked who are dead will stay in their graves. What happens to the redeemed ones? Revelation 20:4, 5. a. What did John see? Thrones. Who sat on them? Those who remained faithful through persecution, who withstood the beast. The ones who have stood before the thrones of wicked men will sit upon the thrones of heaven. Gods people (including John) for thousands of years have been victims of persecution and judgment from people on thrones at that time. (v.4) John sees the tables switched: hes seeing people who have been victims from people sitting on thrones, now sitting on the thrones. Those who were once victims are now sitting on thrones executing judgment with the King of judges. Gods people will be sitting on His throne. They execute judgment. i. Tangent (Revelation 3:20, 21; Romans 8:15-17) Jesus promises thrones to the overcomers. Jesus is talking to the Laodicean church. He says to him that overcomes, not only does he sit on the throne, but also the privilege to sit with Him and on His throne Chapter 4 explicates the throne of God. Chapter 5 explicates how Christ was an overcomer. Paul introduces the concept of adoption into the royal family of God. Usually the child of the King is heir to the throne. Because Christ is the heir of God, and because we have been adopted and are His children, we are joint heirs to His throne. b. The rest of the dead (those who dont make it to heaven and sit on the thrones) didnt live again for one thousand years. This implies that they will live again. c. The 2nd coming is often referred to as the wedding supper of the lamb. So, the time in heaven must be the honeymoon. The redeemed are married to Christ, and they get to know God on a deeper level. Those who are not married to Christ dont get to go on the honeymoon. d. Where is Satan during this time? Revelation 20:1-3. He is chained in the bottomless pit. Would it be literally possible to handcuff the devil? No. So then, what is it that he is restrained from doing? Deceiving the nations. Why? Because there is no one alive to be deceived. What happens after the thousand years? He is loosed. How so? The wicked are raised again after the thousand yearsthereby allowing the devil to deceive once again. a. Jude 6. The angels are chained too. (in darkness). What is the earth like during the 1,000 years? Jeremiah 4:23-27. a. Without form, void, desolate, no light, no man, cities broken down. i. (Genesis 1:2) the earth is, during the 1,000 years, as it was in the beginning. Isaiah 14:19-21. a. This says that Satan will not be joined with the wicked in burial. He is going to be alive during this time. The earth, in its desolate, destroyed condition, shows the end result of a person who follows the devil. It shows the end of his plan. Satan will be roaming around and kept alive during this time. While all of this is happening, whats going on in Heaven? Revelation 20: 4, 12.
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a. What was opened? The books. Whats in the books? Records of the works of all including the hidden things of darkness and the secret counsels of the heart. Introduces the concept of the Judgment and the Books. It is the people who are sitting on the thrones of God executing the Judgment. 1 Corinthains 4:5 a. What does Paul say God is going to do? Reveal hidden, dark things and show the counsels of the heart. Christ will bring to light the councils of the heart. God looks into the heart. All the mysteries in the councils of the hearts will be revealed. Peoples questions are going to be answered. Paul says not to judge now. Why? Because they time for that has not yet arrived. When the time arrives, God will give us His glasses, revealing the hearts of those being judged, etc. i. When we get to heaven, well be surprised to be there, surprised whos not there, and surprised who is there. Stephen, Saul example. b. Paul says that we will judge the world. 1 Corinthians 6:2,3 Gods people (including Paul) will judge the world and angels (the fallen angels). Gods dealings with humanity will be revealed as fair and just. (Revelation 16:7 true and righteous are they judgments.) a. Before God executes judgment upon the wicked, He has a conference/meeting/clearing with the saved. No body will be destroyed by the lake of fire, without the agreement of all the saints. b. Conclusion of the millennium God stands surrounded by His people (all of the redeemed) who serve as witnesses, who testify in favor of God. So when the wicked are resurrected, they see that picture: God surrounded by the redeemed and His character/dealings is vindicated. (Idea of the Great week of time period of time: 6,000 years and at the end of this week is when the Millennium occurs. So at the end of the week: Sabbath = Millennium. We will spend our Millennium in experiencing Sabbath with Jesus.) Revelation 20:7-9. a. What does the devil do after the thousand years? He goes out to deceive the nations. Who? The resurrected wicked (point #5). The Millennium comes to an end. Massive resurrection of the wicked (who rejected the free gift of salvation) and theyre all alive and Satan is free to deceive them What do they do? Surround the Holy City to do battle. What happens then? Fire comes down from heaven. All the wicked see the New Jerusalem and form an army to overcome the Holy City. Then the fire comes down and devours them. The wicked and Satan are destroyed. b. For the 1,000 years, the righteous have examined the records of heaven. Before the wicked are destroyed, the righteous confirm that Gods judgment is just and true. God is justified by both the righteous and the wicked. c. What is the city that they surround? d. When you come towards the end of the study, you want to switch gears to Appeal Mode: Revelation 21:18, 11. a. Describing what the city looks like. The walls are like jasperbut translucent. The wall is see-thru. Those outside the city can see in. those inside the city can see out. Families will be divided by their decisions and separated by that wall, and they will be able to see each other. The city is in close proximity to the
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wicked. (Strong appeal!) What is it that divides the wicked and the righteous in the City? The Citys wall = made out of glass. Its clear They can see through the glass into the city. Theyre going to see everyone inside the City. The Holy City is clear. Those who are on the outside have not been through the Millennium period and dont understand why theyre on the outside (Matthew 27). So during this time, Satan convinces all the wicked to gather together and conquer the Holy City. b. Philippians 2:9-11 - Nobody on the outside will perish before they understand why theyre outside and not in. Every person outside of the city will realize that they rejected the free gift of salvation. Revelation 20:9-16. a. Destruction of the wicked. Picture of the destruction of the wicked = The second death. So the opposite is true: everyone inside the city will be written in the Book of Life. This is the executive judgment. This doesnt take place until the millennial judgment is finished. Isaiah 5:3, 4. a. Parable of a vinedresser and a vineyard. When the vinedresser came to check on the vineyard, the vineyard produces wild fruit (poisoned), where the vinedresser expected good fruit. God asks: Judge between Him and His vineyard (His people). He does all He can for it, but it does not bring forth good fruit. He says, Judge between me and my vineyard. He is asking whether he is just in what he is about to do. This is the same question that God asks at the end of the 1,000 years. Gods asking to be vindicated. The Question of God: What more could I have done that I have not done already? What more could God have done? There is good news: 2 Peter 3:12, 13. a. What does verse 12 say will happen? Destruction. What do we look toward? New heavens and earth where righteousness abides. There is no cause or reason for worries. Even when the worlds going to be destroyed, theres hope for us. The best is yet to come! God gives us a promise. He says: Nevertheless. We look for the new heavens and the new earth. Theres going to be a time where were going to live in a place where all righteousness live; where we dont have to lock our doors; where our children can run around the streets with no fear; where (paint the picture). Revelation 21:3-5. a. What does Jesus say? He makes all things new. He promises. There will be no more hospitals, no more_______. The bible tells us that God will wipe every tear away from our eyes. Theres going to be no more death, sickness, misery. (Present the contract because its formatted for a decision.)
Appeal: God has made heaven a possibility for us today. There will be two groups. Those inside the city and those outside the city. Which group do you want to be in? Is there anything in your life that will keep you from being there? God has given us every necessary thing for us to be in that Holy City. Is it your desire to be in that City to be with God who will heal and wipe away your tears? Is there anything that will keep you from being in that City? Do you believe God can give you that victory? Do you want to commit to God to
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help you give you that victory? Do you want to commit to giving God 10minutes of your time in reading His Word? Offer an opportunity to pray: Ill pray first, and why dont you close our prayer. Appeal Story Examples: 1. Mother in NYC. New Years party. Single mom. All kids are adults. 5-6 boys, grown up. All of her sons were there except one. This was the black sheep of the family. They were having good quality time together, rejoicing, laughing, eating, etc. the mother in this celebration, got up and turned around and walked into her room, with a somber posture. Her boys were confused and wondering. Son knocks on his moms room. he could hear his mom crying. He opens the door and asks why shes crying. And she says: its my other son: the son in jail. The son got upset and asks, you have the rest of your sons here rejoicing with you. Are we not good enough? Do we not compare to that other son? mother response: no.. I love you all equally. I have a place for each of you in my heart, but that place for that other son is empty. And no one can replace it. Thats how God is like: He has a big heart for each of us. We are infinitely valuable. We are all different. 2. Just like a mother who gives birth for twins. But loses one. Do you say to that mother: Its okay. You still have another baby just like the one you lost.? No! Of course not. Because no one could replace that one child. The mother will never forget that child. Like God, He will never forget His lost child.
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Gift of Tongues
First, let the person presenting give their full presentation without trying to rebut. Next, go over the things that you can agree on. Finally, show the points of departure. One thing to remember is that people are very emotionally and psychologically attached to the idea that they have a special, supernatural experience with God. When approaching them, we must be sensitive. It isnt just a matter of logic changing an idea, but the truth going against personal experience. Points to make: 1. There are 3 lists of spiritual gifts: Eph. 4 1Cor. 12 Rom. 12 The only gift that appears in all three is the gift of prophecy. There is one gift that occurs in only one, and it occurs last; that is the gift of tongues. 1Cor. 12:4-10 2. The church of Corinth was disturbed ecclesiastically and morally. It was a troubled church. Some of the things that he mentioned in Corinthians are mentioned in no other epistles. They dealt with gross immorality, lawsuits, head coverings, the use of The Lords Supper, and baptism for the dead, the resurrection, and tongues. These are not mentioned anywhere else. Corinth was a sick church, so should we be turning to Pauls words to them for advice? If tongues were a major part of Pauls teaching, wouldnt we find this elsewhere? Beware of building a healthy theology from a sickly church. 3. Jesus spoke of tongues only one time in His ministry. Mark 16:17Jesus says that they will speak in new tongues. This is the only place Jesus mentioned tongues. a. Interestingly, verses 9-20 are some of the primarily disputed verses in scripture. In early documents, these verses do not appear. The other is in John 8; the woman caught in adultery. 4. Tongues clearly wasnt a major feature of Jesus theology or Pauls, and no one else mentions it in epistles. The only other one who mentions it is Luke in the book of Acts. 5. Jesus never spoke in tongues. There is no evidence that Jesus ever did. a. Tongues in the GreekGlossa (language or literal, physical tongue) and Dialektos (language). Both of these words always refer to a language. 6. We have 3 occurrences of tongues: Acts 2, 10, and 19. a. In Acts 2, they received glossa and the people said that they heard them speak in their own dialektos. From this we can see that glossa and dialektos are used interchangeably. This is the gift of languages for the purpose of evangelism since there were people from many different places (v.9-11). b. In Acts 10, the key is that Peter says that it happened to these people just as it did to them at Pentecost (v.47; 11:15). There were people who spoke different languages; for example, Cornelius was an Italian. Peter says that it happened in the same way as the first time; therefore, these were intelligible languages, and it was for the purpose of evangelism. c. In Acts 19, they were in Ephesus, and there were 12 of them. We have no reason to believe that this is any different than the previous two. These are the only instances of the proper use of tongues. i. Rule of first usage: the first time that you encounter something in scripture, you always understand subsequent instances of it based upon the first usage. We understand obscure passages in the light of the clearer passages. This is a rule to be used within a book. 7. Some think that tongues in some secret prayer language, however, if it were, when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He would have said something other than what He
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said in Luke 11. 8. The Corinthian church had substituted the gifts of the spirit for the fruits of the spirit. 1Cor. 13 shows love as the gift to be more greatly desired (12:30, 31). 1 cor. 13:1, Paul contrasts the gifts vs. the fruit, putting all the gifts below the fruits throughout the chapter. Paul tells them to quit acting like kids (v. 11) a. Corinth elevated the gifts over the fruit b. Pentecostals cling to 1Cor. 14:2, 14 Gifts (1Cor THE Fruit i. In verse 2, the translators understood 12) (Gal. 5:22, 23) that the context of the chapter is that Prophecy Love people were speaking in tongues Apostleship Joy without anyone being able to Healing Peace understand them. This is why they Wisdom Longsuffering supplied the word unknown. Faith Gentleness Reading the entire chapter helps to Miracles Goodness clarify things. According to verse 2, Tongues Faith what is Pauls problem with tongues? Interpretation Meekness No one is being edified. Contrast with Teaching Temperance v.3; prophecy edifies the brethren. 1. When it says spirit, is translated breath in some other places. 2. Everywhere we see this word mystery, it is in reference to the gospel. 1Ti. 3:16; Col. 1:27; Rv. 10:7 ii. Verse 5: why did others not understand when tongues were used? Ecstatic utterance? Was it that not everyone spoke the same language? A better answer comes from seeing the geographical location of Corinth. It was a midpoint between all areas of the known world. It was probable that the latter is true, based on the rest of the chapter. iii. People were not only showing preference to their language, but they were waxing so eloquent that even people who spoke the same language didnt always understand the words that were used (v.9). The point is to edify the church, not to show off (v.12). iv. Verse 14: Pentecostals say that this means when you pray in tongues, you dont even understand it yourself. What it is really teaching is that it isnt helping anyone. The praying persons understanding is not fruitful for anyone else (v.17). It bears no fruit in others. It bears fruit in himself because we already saw that he edifies himself (v.4). 1. Paul is encouraging the use of gifts, but discouraging them if it is not edifying anyone. v. Verse 18: of course Paul spoke in more tongues. Look at his first missionary journey! He went all over the world! vi. In verse 19, he is actively teaching, but in unknown languages, no one learns. vii. Verse 22: tongues are for evangelism, not internal edification. That is the purpose of prophecy. His concern is that all things be done in order for meeting (v.23). All the following verses show that this isnt talking about personal speaking in tongues, but congregating. He then lays ground rules for translating (v.27). If theres no translator, shut up (literally in the Greek). viii. Verse 28 shows that the understanding that is unfruitful (v.14) is not the understanding of the speaker. Verse 33 shows that this was only a problem in the Corinthian church. ix. Scathing rebukes (v. 36, 37). Let all things be done decently and in order
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Paul was clearly dealing with a problem here. Should we base a doctrine on the resolution of a conflict? Note: never, in 1,000s of extra-biblical sources, does glossa refer to anything other than language. Romans 8:26this is not the breath-spirit of 1Cor. 14:2. Furthermore, the word tongues is not even mentioned in this verse.
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Fundamentals of The Christian Faith

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Fundamentals of The Christian Faith

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FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Gods Love Letter

History Poetry Prophecy

Preparation for Christ Aspiration for Christ Expectation of Christ

Inspiration The process:

Three Views of Inspiration

Evidences of the Bibles Inspiration

The Extent of the Canon

Making the Claim

The Four that Matter Most

Evangelists and Apologists

Making the Case for Christianity

The Evidence that Evidence Isnt the Issue

The Heart of the Matter

A Fools Folly: Denying the Undeniable

Theme 1 Before Time Began

Theme 2 in Him was Life

Spiritual realities Energy Matter

It happened by design (God did it)

Theme 3 do you mind?

Theme 4 to ought or not

Theme 5 what a friend we have in Jesus

The Coming Apostasy of the Church (100 AD-)

The Concept of Authority in the Early Church:

New Testament Canonization

Athanasius (Paschal letter of 367final acceptance in the East)

The heresies caused the church to be vigilant about canonization.

Factors Contributing to the Supremacy of the Bishops of Rome

The Church Rises to Power

A Brief History of Islam

The Emergence of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC)

The Eve of the Reformation

The Groundwork for Adventism

Dealing with the early errors

(354 431 AD) Augustine, Bishop of Hippo o o o o o o

The Life of Augustine

What to teach to non-believer

28 Fundamentals and the Main Pillars of Our Faith

16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

case. What is wrong? How can we have the faith of Jesus?

The Nature of Man

State of the Dead

Class 2 (See above) II CORINTHIANS 5:8 A. Go to verse 1 and onwards to explain

Class Objections Handout

c. Mercy & Grace d. Jesus

The Nature of God (Godhead)

Purpose of God in the Creation of Man

The Great Controversy

Work of the Spirit Reading

The Law of God

The Antichrist & Mark of the Beast

Mark of the Beast

Beasts Identity 1 Receives power from Rome

The 2nd Coming

State of the Dead

Judgment II: 1844

Babylon Medo-Persia Greece

Daniel 2 Gold Silver Brass

Daniel 7 Lion Bear Leopard

Daniel 8 * None Ram 2 horns Goat 1 horn

Rome Divided Europe Papal Rome

Iron Iron/Clay Stone

Dreadful and terrible beast Ten horns Little horn