mind? Why do you think that attribute came to your mind ...storage.cloversites.com/christiancenterchurch... · Picture a car accident that takes place at a busy intersection. On each

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SESSION 1: WHO IS GOD PART A

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SERIES: F If God exists, then what do you think he is like? What is the first characteristic that enters your mind? Why do you think that attribute came to your mind first?

Of all of God’s attributes, which one do you think is the most significant in that it will influence all the others?

Isaiah 6:1-5 (NIV) 1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty."

What characteristic does the seraphim see as being all significant?

What does the word “holy” mean?

Holiness consists of two concepts:

1)

2)

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SERIES: F Why do you think Isaiah responds the way he does in verse 5?

Isaiah became painfully aware of his own sinfulness as he stood before the Holy God. How would you define sin?

Where do you think these insights leave us with regard to our relationship with God?

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy;

without holiness no one will see the Lord.

SUMMARY:

What are the positive aspects of God’s holiness?

What is the negative side of God’s holiness with regard to us?

What are some examples of times we tend to question the goodness or holiness of God?

Is there any concept from this study that might affect your perspective about God or self?

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SERIES: F HOME STUDY:

Read: The Gospel of Luke: Chapters 1-12 In the New Testament there are four Gospels that each tell about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The word “gospel” simply means “good news”. Each of these four authors are setting out to tell us the good news about Jesus Christ. Why do we need four accounts?

Picture a car accident that takes place at a busy intersection. On each corner of the intersection there is a person that witnesses the accident and then tells others about what he saw. Each person, because of their vantage point, will relate slightly different aspects of the story and, depending on who he is talking to, will tell the story stressing different points. One person is presenting his account to a police officer, another to a news reporter, another to his friends and family, and another to his church congregation as a sermon illustration. Each story will be a true account of what happened, but different aspects of the story will be stressed depending on the message the witness wants to convey and who he is addressing. The details one would tell to the police office would be very different than the details one would draw out for his friends.

The gospel authors are writing to different groups of people and, therefore, also have a different purpose for writing. Each narrative is complete for the purpose it was written, but when read together, they give us a much richer understanding of the person of Jesus and what he came to accomplish. Luke shares with us his motive for writing in the very first few verses (Luke 1:1-4).

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SESSION 2: WHO IS GOD PART B

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Review: Did you gain any insights as you read through the Gospel of Luke 1-12?

Last week we discussed that God is Holy, meaning he is morally pure and completely set apart from creation. When we stand before his holiness we become shamefully aware that we are sinful and finite (limited by our humanity), yet it is also comforting to know that God can never do anything that is wrong or evil.

Are there any questions with regard to God’s holiness that have been raised in your mind as a result of last week’s study?

We have discussed the holiness of God but there are also a few other characteristics that we want to look at in order to help us better understand our relationship with him.

1) God is Just

Psalms 9:8 (NIV) He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.

What does it mean to say God is just?

If God is just, then what are the implications with regard to our sin?

Job 10:14 (NIV) If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished.

What is a proper response to sin from God’s perspective?

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Isaiah 59:2 (NLT) It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

Genesis 2:16-17 (NLT) 16But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden… 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

Romans 6:23 (NIV) For the wages of sin is death,

God is HOLY Good News:

Bad News:

God is JUST Good News:

Bad News:

How do you respond to these truths?

Fortunately there are other characteristics of God that come into play that bring us hope. God is not simply HOLY and JUST, he is also LOVE.

2) God is Love

How is God’s love different from our love?

What is God’s love based on if it is not based on our performance?

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1 John 4:10 (NLT) This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:8 (NIV) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

What sort of things might I do that would cause God to love me less?

What can I do to ensure God will continue to love me, or to love me more?

How do you feel about the fact that you can’t increase or diminish God’s love for you?

There is one more characteristic of God we want to quickly touch on.

3) God is Sovereign

Daniel 4:29-33 (NIV) 29Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" 31 The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32

You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." 33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

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After 7 Years Nebuchadnezzar repents and acknowledges the sovereignty of God

Daniel 4:34-35 (NIV) 34At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"

What do we mean when we say God is sovereign? .

In what ways might it bother us to confess that “God is sovereign”?

One of the great challenges to belief in God is the question, “If God exists, why does he not do something about all the evil in the world?”

This perspective raises a tension between his character and what appears to be: God’s inability to do something about the evil His sovereignty God’s acceptance of evil His holiness God’s unwillingness to stop or judge evil His justice God’s indifference to people’s suffering His love

Which of these attributes of God do you find you struggle with the most?

Which of these attributes do you find the most reassuring?

The goal of this series is to show you that God does have a plan, he is working it out, and that you are a part of it. God is approaching things the way he does because he is holy, just, loving, and sovereign.

In what ways is it comforting to know God is in control?

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Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

If God is truly sovereign and in control, how might that affect how you approach this next week?

HOME STUDY:

Read: The Gospel of Luke: Chapters 13-24

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SESSION 3: WHO ARE WE

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Review: Did you gain any insights as you read through Luke 13-24?

Are there any questions with regard to God’s holiness, justice, love, or sovereignty that have been raised in your mind as a result of last week’s study?

If God is complete in every way, perfect in every way, why do you think he would choose to create a people like us?

What do you think is the main reason for which God created us?

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) 37Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Purpose 1: TO BE IN

Did God create us simply to serve him? Is that the extent of it?

Why do you think loving God is the greatest commandment?

What then, from God’s perspective, is the greatest evil we could ever commit?

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In the following verse, what is the basis for not being accepted into Heaven?

Matthew 7:22-23 (NIV) 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

It’s not what you do – it’s who you know!

What point are the following verses trying to stress?

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Psalm 37:4 (NIV) Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

How do you feel when you hear how much God loves you and only wants the best for you?

How could trusting these verses make a practical difference in your life?

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What does the following verse indicate about our second purpose?

Genesis 1:26-28 (NIV) 26Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

Purpose 2: TO

The very first statement about mankind in the Bible is that we were made in the “image and likeness” of God. What do you think that means?

Why does God say in the Ten Commandments that we are not to make an image of him?

Exodus 20:4 (NASB) You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

"As no coin is so small that it cannot bear the image of the emperor, so no man is so humble that he cannot bear God's image..." Soren Kierkegaard writing on Radical Discipleship

What do you think are some implications of having been given this incredible responsibility?

Summary: As God’s Image we are his Representatives on earth, caring for creation on his behalf.

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God created us for two purposes:

a) To enjoy RELATIONSHIP with him and his family

b) To REPRESENT him in this world

How might understanding these purposes make a practical difference in how we live our lives this next week?

Note:

Genesis 1:31 (NIV) God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

If God made us to be in Relationship with him and to Represent his rule in this world, then by nature we must have been created PERFECT and HOLY. Obviously something changed since the beginning of creation and now. We will explore this over the next few weeks.

HOME STUDY:

Read: Acts: Chapters 1-14 The book of Acts is Luke’s sequel to his gospel account. He continues the story of the early church after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The Holy Spirit is now given to all believers and Luke records how God is at work to take the good news of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem, to Judea, then to neighbouring Samaria, and then over all the earth.

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SESSION 4: WHO IS JESUS

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Review:

Did you gain any insights as you read through Acts 1-14?

Are there any questions with regard to your purpose and God’s deep love for you from last week’s study?

All of Christianity hinges on the one question, “Who is Jesus?” It is the most vital question we can ever answer in life, because the implications, either way, are simply staggering. Jesus actually raised this very question for all those who thought they would follow him.

Matthew 16:13-15 (NLT) 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14"Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." 15Then he asked them, "Who do you say I am?"

If Jesus asked you that question, how do you think you would respond?

1) JESUS’ CLAIMS ABOUT HIMSELF

Read the following statements about Jesus from the Bible and discuss their importance and the implications regarding who he was.

John 8:58-59 (NIV) 58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Did the Jews pick up stones to kill Jesus simply because he used bad grammar? What really motivated this violent reaction to his words?

Exodus 3:14 (NIV) God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

What significance does this passage have with regard to Jesus’ words?

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John 10:27-33 (NIV) 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one." 31Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" 33"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

Which of the statements Jesus made led the Jews to believe he was claiming to be God?

Revelation Passages

Revelation 1:8 (NIV) "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Who is the one speaking in this passage?

What does he mean by the title Alpha and Omega?

Revelation 1:17-18 (NIV) 17When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

What new insights does this passage give regarding the identity of the speaker?

Revelation 21:6-7 (NIV) 6He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

What new insights does this passage give regarding the identity of the speaker?

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Revelation 22:13-16 (NIV) 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."

Who is the one speaking in this passage?

Regardless of what you have ever thought about Jesus, what does Jesus appear to have believed about his own identity?

If Jesus is speaking the truth about himself in each of these passages, what are some implications for us?

2) OTHER CLAIMS ABOUT JESUS

Jesus is the

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

John 1:1-3 (NIV) 1In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word [Jesus] was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him [Jesus] all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) 16For by him [Jesus] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Hebrews 1:2 (NIV) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son [Jesus], whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

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Is this a new insight and understanding concerning the person of Jesus for any of you?

How do these verses change the way we view the person of Jesus?

Jesus receives

Matthew 4:10 (NIV) Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Hebrews 1:6 (NLT) And then, when he presented his honored Son to the world, God said, "Let all the angels of God worship him."

Revelation 5:11-14 (NIV) 11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"

14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Why do you think God is the only one who should receive worship?

Jesus is called

John 1:1-2 (NIV) 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. (See John 1:14 to see that this is referring to Jesus)

John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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John 20:26-28 (NIV) 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Is there any doubt, at least from the Bible’s perspective, that Jesus is God in human form?

What do you think about this perspective? Is it new to you? Is it difficult to believe?

John 20:29 (NLT) Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."

Other relevant passages to look up on your own

Authority to forgive Mark 2:1-12 Jesus’ Glory John 12:41, Mathew 17:2 The Good Shepherd John 10:14 (see Psalm 23) Meets Spiritual Needs John 14:1, John 17:3, Acts 4:12, John 14:6-11, Matthew 11:25-27

What do you think about the Biblical perspective concerning the identity of Jesus? Does this viewpoint raise some questions for you?

If Jesus truly is God who took on human form and came to earth, what are some of the implications for us?

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3) THE HUMANITY OF JESUS

If Jesus were really God in human form, wouldn’t that give him an unfair advantage over all the rest of us? Can we really identify with Jesus? Can Jesus really identify with us?

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV) 15For we do not have a high priest [Jesus] who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

How might these verses give us comfort?

Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV) 6Who [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

In the original Greek language, the phrase translated “made himself nothing” literally means, “he emptied himself”.

What exactly did Jesus empty himself of when he took on human form?

List all the things you can think of Jesus doing on earth that we would normally have credited simply to the fact that he is God.

Read the following verses:

Matthew 4:1 (NIV) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 12:28 (NIV) But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luke 4:18 (NIV) "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,

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What was the power and the drive behind all that Jesus did?

How should we then interpret all these things in light of Philippians 2:7?

If Jesus, through his humanity, chose to restrict his divine attributes and rely on “his” Spirit for all he did, then what are the implications for us if we have his same Spirit within us?

John 14:12 (NLT) "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

In what ways does this excite you to know God can work in you in a similar way as you develop an intimate relationship with him?

HOME STUDY: Read: Acts: Chapters 15-28

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Genesis 3:6 (NIV) When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

1)

2)

GOD is

HOLY

JUST

LOVE

CONSEQUENCE

Romans 6:23 (NLT)

For the wages of sin is death

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WE REACT TO THE PROBLEM BY:

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2)

CONSEQUENCE

DEATH

Romans 6:23 (NLT)

For the wages of sin is death

Going to church

Being a nice person

Giving to charities

Romans 3:20 (NIV) Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Romans 3:23 (NLT) For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.

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OUR 2 PROBLEMS

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2) Sinful

1) Jesus’ death pays for

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2) Accepting the

resurrected Spirit of

Christ gives

We must

1) Confess

1 John 1:9 (NLT) But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.

2) Confess

Romans 10:9 (NLT) For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

CONSEQUENCE

DEATH

Romans 6:23 (NLT) For the wages of sin is death

John 3:16 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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Where do I stand with regard to God?

I’m not interested in pursuing God

I’m interested but I need to know more

I want to cross over – I simply haven’t done it yet

I’ve already asked God to forgive

me and become Lord of my life.

Sample Prayer

“Father, I realize I have led a life of sinful independence from you. I have not embraced a loving relationship with you, nor have I represented your holy character in this world. In fact, I’ve done much that has been in direct opposition to you and your plans. I want to say now that I’m sorry, and based on what Jesus accomplished on the cross and his resurrection, I ask that you forgive me for all my sin. I invite you by your Holy Spirit to come and dwell in my life. Give me a new nature and take the lead of my life. I confess you now to be Lord of my Life. In the name of Jesus I pray this. Amen”

Luke 15:10 (NIV) In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Hurdles to get over

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SESSION 6: THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS

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Review: Everyone explain the Bridge to Life illustration with someone in the room.

What do you think it means to declare Jesus as Lord?

Matthew 19:16 (NIV) Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

If someone asked you this question, how would you answer?

Matthew 19:17-18 (NIV) 17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired.

Why do you think Jesus answered this man’s question by saying, “There is only One who is good”?

Psalms 14:3 (NIV) All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Matthew 19:18-22 (NIV)18Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Which commands did Jesus leave out?

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10 Commandments on Fingers:

1: One God

2: Scissors

3: W

4: Family going to church

5: Hand salute

6: Finger stabbing hand

7: Two leaving the other five at a party

8: Hide thumbs

9: Pinocchio’s nose grew

10: Hands on top of fence

The first four commands relate to:

The last six commands relate to:

Why do you think Jesus left out these specific commands?

Why does Jesus respond by telling him to give away everything that he has to the poor and follow him?

Why did the young man walk away sad?

Does this mean we need to give away our all our money to the poor in order to go to heaven?

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What might be some things we might be tempted to value more than God?

What might Jesus want to say to us in each of those examples?

If the man had been told simply to pray a prayer, asking for forgiveness for his sins, he would have likely done that and then walked away feeling he was now secure and going heaven. Would his assumption be correct?

Does this passage create any tension for you?

How can we be sure we trust Jesus as Lord?

Luke 6:46 (NIV) Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?

Read the following scenarios and consider how Jesus challenges their perception of his Lordship.

Matthew 8:19-20 (NIV) 19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 20 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Why do you think the teacher might have been motivated to follow Jesus?

How might Jesus’ response have made him think otherwise?

What are some of the costs we might face if we truly choose to call Jesus, Lord?

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Matthew 8:21-22 (NIV) 21Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 22 But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

What would have been so wrong with Jesus letting the man go and bury his father?

Matthew 10:32-39 (NIV) 32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- 36 a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' 37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Which phrases in this passage do you find hard to accept?

What point is Jesus stressing in the above passage?

Have any of you had to pay a price in your relationships because you chose to follow Jesus?

What does Jesus mean when he says to pick up your cross and follow him?

Why do we find it hard to surrender our lives to the rule of Jesus?

Two common reasons:

1)

2)

FOUNDATIONS


6:5

1 John 4:18 (NIV) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

How does trusting God’s love drive out all fear?

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In all of the above scriptures the question is raised, “What role will Jesus play in your life?”

To declare Jesus is Lord is to say that he is now the Owner of your life; he can do with it whatever he wishes. It is HIS! To declare Jesus is Lord requires a huge step of faith, trusting that he is HOLY, JUST, and that he LOVES you fully.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Everyone will eventually declare Jesus is Lord. The only decision we have to make is whether we will do it as his child or as one who has been in constant rebellion against him, forced to bow as his defeated enemy.

HOME STUDY:

Read Genesis 1-11 Genesis 1-11 covers the story of God’s perfect creation, the fall of man, and reveals how our sinful nature consistently drives us further from God and destroys life as he intended it. For now feel free to scan over the genealogies when you come to them as the goal is simply to get a quick overview of the story.

FOUNDATIONS

SESSION 7: UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM

7:1

Review: Did you gain any insights as you read through Genesis 1-11?

BAPTISM

In the New Testament the idea of baptism is introduced by John the Baptist, developed by Jesus himself, and later by the Apostle Paul. Read the following verses to determine what each explained about baptism.

What do you think is the whole meaning behind baptism?

John the Baptist

Mark 1:4-5 (NIV) 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

What was the focus of John’s baptism? What do you think being baptized in water symbolized for all these people?

Focus:

Symbolism:

Jesus Christ

Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV) 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

FOUNDATIONS


7:2

Obviously Jesus, being perfect, didn’t need to repent of any sin, so why do you think he might have chosen to get baptized?

1) What statement would Jesus’ baptism have made regarding John’s ministry and message?

2) Why did Jesus say he needed to do this to “fulfill all righteousness”?

3) Why would God the Father say he was pleased with his Son at this point?

4) In what stage of Jesus’ ministry did his baptism take place?

JESUS BUILDS ON THE SYMBOLISM

Mark 10:38, 39 (NIV) "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with…”

Luke 12:50 (NIV) But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!

Jesus adds a deeper symbolism to baptism. What do you think he is really referring to when he talks about the baptism he’ll have to undergo?

FOUNDATIONS


7:3

Apostle Paul

Romans 6:3-4 (NIV) 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Colossians 2:12 (NLT) For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

According to these verses:

1) What is the symbolism of being lowered into the water?

2) What is the symbolism of coming up out of the water?

Read the following passages. Focus on why people were getting baptized.

Acts 2:36-41 36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

FOUNDATIONS


7:4

Acts 8:34-38 34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Acts 16:29-34 29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.

According to these verses, who should get baptized and when?

Picture Summary:

WATER:

GOING INTO THE WATER:

RISING FROM THE WATER:

WALKING OUT OF THE WATER:

HOME STUDY:

Read Genesis 12-20

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