christian essentials training course · 1....

Christian Essentials Things Christians Need to Know

By: David Istre

ABSTRACT

This is a Bible-‐intensive training course designed for new Christians that will help them understand core concepts and provide a challenge that should be studied daily.

USEFUL BIBLE PASSAGES

SALVATION

What must I do?

Believe in Jesus

John 3:16

John 8:24

Repent of sin

Acts 2:38

Luke 13:3,5

Confess Jesus as the

Son of God

Matthew 16

Acts 8

Romans 10:9,10

Be baptized

Matthew 28:18-‐20

John 3:3-‐5

Acts 2:38

Acts 22:16

Romans 6:1-‐6

1 Peter 3:20

Instances of people

being saved:

Acts 2:1ff

Acts 8:1ff

Acts 16:25-‐34

Acts 22:6-‐21

What/Who saves us?

Ephesians 2:8-‐10

2 Corinthians 5:21

Isaiah 53

WORSHIP

Singing

Ephesians 5:19

Colossians 3:16

1 Corinthians 14:15

Preaching

Acts 2:14-‐36

Acts 20:7-‐12

Romans 10:14,15

2 Timothy 4:1-‐5

Prayer

Acts 2:42

Acts 4:23-‐31

Acts 12:5,11,12

Philippians 4:6

1 Timothy 2:8

Lord’s Supper

Matthew 26:26-‐28

Luke 22:17-‐22

1 Corinthians 11:23-‐34

Acts 20:7

Giving

1 Corinthians 16:1,2

2 Corinthians 8—9

Importance of

assembly

Hebrews 10:25

Acts 2:42

PERSONAL CONDUCT

Importance of Love

1 Corinthians 13

1 John 4:7,8

John 13:34,35

Romans 12:9-‐21

Sins of the World

Romans 1:18ff

Galatians 5:19-‐21


Matthew 5:21-‐48

Christian Virtues

Galatians 5:22

2 Peter 1:5-‐11

Romans 12:1-‐21


Ephesians 4:1-‐4

Philippians 2:1-‐4

Colossians 3:12—4:6

1 Thessalonians 5:12-‐

22

1 Peter 1:13-‐21

Importance of

spiritual growth

Hebrews 5:11— 6:1

2 Peter 1:5-‐11

1 Corinthians 14:20

Ephesians 4:13

Philippians 3:12-‐16

Importance of

faithfulness

Revelation 2:10

Galatians 5:22

Matthew 13:1ff

DOCTRINE

Importance of

Doctrine

Galatians 1:8,9

2 Timothy 4:1-‐6

2 Peter 3:14-‐18

Colossians 2:8

Who should we obey?

John 12:48

Matthew 15:1-‐9

Matthew 28:18-‐20

Mark 7:1-‐13

Acts 5:29

How many ways can I

be saved?

John 14:6

Matthew 7:13,14

Ephesians 4:4-‐6

Identity of the church

Ephesians 1:22,23

Acts 2:47

1 Corinthians 12

Ephesians 5:22ff

1 Timothy 3:15

Colossians 1:12,13

Organization of the

church

Head: Ephesians 1:22

Elders: 1 Tim. 3:1ff &

Titus 1:5ff

Deacons: 1 Tim. 3:8ff

Ephesians 4:11

Matthew 20:16

Resurrection of the

dead

Matthew 22:23ff

1 Thess. 4:13—5:11

1 Corinthians 15

The Return of Christ

1 Thessalonians 4:13ff

Matthew 24:30-‐51

The hope of Heaven

Revelation 21;27

Matthew 19:14

1 Cor. 2:9

Revelation 21,22

The horror of Hell

Matthew 18:82

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Revelation 20:14

Revelation 21:8

Answers for trying

times

Romans 8:28

Proverbs 3:5

Hebrews 12:1ff

Romans 5:6-‐8

Lamentations 3:19,20

Isaiah 20:29-‐31

Psalm 37:7-‐11

Add More?

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Christian Essentials Training Course. Christians blessed to sit under a teacher that has been gifted and called by God will benefit tremendously as they learn and progress in their faith, however, the promise of Christ tells us that we are not left alone as orphaned Children. The promised tutor (or guide) of the Holy Spirit has been given so that we might learn to follow in the way of Christ. In this study, whether you are being led by a single teacher, or meeting as a group to study the Word, you will find a fluid and Bible-‐intensive plan in which the key ingredient is the Holy Spirit. Christian participants in this study should read all the passages ahead of time in order to more familiar with the Word that is being spoken before the class meets together. Although this course is designed to flow in order, it is not a specified suggestion that every unit be done one after another-‐ each unit is an important part of the Christians understanding that will edify and build up the faith of the believer, but one of the intended ideas behind this study is that the passages you read may lead you on an offshoot in studying something that God is leading you or your group to learn, and that is a blessing I suggest you to embrace. You may also notice that this study is free of commentaries; I do not suggest commentaries, though many good ones exist, because far too many Christians are more familiar with what someone else says about the Word of God than what the Word of God itself says. Therefore I have recommended the following study resources to be implemented as a complement to his or her daily study in the Word of God. Beginning from the uninspired writings of the Early Christians (these should be weighed against the Word of God, and if you do, you will gain valuable insight into the condition of the Church today) and moving on into a thorough history of the Christian Church, I believe more valuable study is contained in these than in almost all the commentaries that are currently being spread and taught in Churches today.

1. The Ante-‐Nicene Fathers, 10 Vol: edited by Alexander Roberts 2. The History of the Christian Church, 8 Vol: by Philip Schaff 3. The Strongest NASB Exhaustive Concordance: Zondervan 4. The Moody Bible Atlas: Barry J. Beitzel 5. Eerdman’s Dictionary of the Bible: David Noel Freedman 6. Vines Bible Dictionary: W. E. Vine 7. Smith’s Bible Dictionary: William Smith

Resources 3 through 7 are study resources that are very valuable. One may choose between 5, 6, or 7 as their trusted Bible Dictionary, though I have personally selected Eerdman’s Dictionary of the Bible.

The temptation for any leader or study group is to set a time table on the study they are conducting. Timetables can be good for unmotivated study groups, however, they can also become a hindrance to the Spirit and a crutch to self-‐discipline and diligence. Conducting this study abroad with non-‐native English speaking Christians can take over 30 weeks. Using this study to refresh mature Christians and get everyone in the congregation on the same page (doctrinally speaking) may only take 10 or 15 weeks. The time spent is less of a priority than the quality of effort that is put into this study. Take time to explore the content given and use it to build the faith of your members and build unity between your brethren. Getting onto the same page early is very important for maintaining unity. One final important note: this study does not address thoroughly salvation. I consider that something that will have already been preached when the gospel was preached. I assumed that you believe that justification comes through faith alone and the believer is sanctified through baptism as the work of the Holy Spirit. Though essential, the issue of baptism is not addressed in this study. If members are in need of that fundamental teaching, preaching the gospel to them will be most beneficial. I pray that those who undertake this study will be blessed from the Word of God and that the Holy Spirit will guide them through His will in order to firmly establish them upon the Holy foundation of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Who enters college without preparing for it? Do you try to fly an airplane without first studying navigation? You should prepare yourself and your group for undertaking this study-‐ not because this study itself is so well designed-‐ but because you are preparing yourself to study the Word of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I suggest that you spend one week in prayer and meditation before beginning this course. Each person is bringing with them their own concerns and struggles. Address these things and commit them into the Lord—pray for forgiveness and restoration, for revelation and wisdom, and for unity in the Body of your believers. If the gospel has not been preached to you, or to your brethren, you need to hear the gospel first. Pray for the Lord to send the gospel to be preached to your group.

You will need nothing other than your Bible. For the purposes of this course, I reference the NASB, but freely welcome any legitimate translation. Some suggestions: NASB, NKJV, and ESV. A Bible Concordance will be useful in looking up and conducting further study yourself. A notepad, pencil, and a printout of this course are also encouraged.

Teaching notes are not provided. By removing the teaching notes section, the teacher is forced to rely upon the Holy Spirit. That is why I suggest spending a week or more in prayer before beginning this study. You may lead this in any format you are able to: discussion, lecture or any combination you can imagine.

Table of Contents USEFUL BIBLE PASSAGES 2 INTRODUCTION 4 AUTHORITY 8 GOD’S PATTERN 10 AUTHORITY 11 GOD’S WORD vs MAN’S TRADITION 12

THE BODY OF CHRIST 14 THE CHURCH 14 THE FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH 15 ELDERS 18 DEACONS 19 EVANGELISTS 20 TEACHERS 21

WORSHIPING GOD 22 SINGING 23 GIVING 24 What is Giving? 25 How should I give? 25

CHRISTIAN MORALITY 28 4 Principles of Christian Morality 28 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT 28 THINGS unsuitable FOR THE CHRISTIAN 32 WHAT IS FITTING FOR THE CHRISTIAN? 32

CHRISTIAN GROWTH 35 What is the beginning growing point? 35 DEVOTED TO CHRIST 36

HADES & HELL 39 Death, Sin, and Prison 39 THE PROMISE OF CHRIST 40 A PARABLE 40 SATAN’S FIRST DECEPTION REVIVED TODAY 40 The Great Lake of Fire 41 Gehenna & Tartarus 42

A Heavenly Abode 45 HEAVEN 45 THE PLACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST 45 Early Old Testament Revelations 45 New Testament Revelations 46 A Battleground 46 GOD’S RENOVATION 47

AUTHORITY Does God Care How We Practice Religion? “Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where

the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls’” Jeremiah 6:16

Exodus 25:40

• What’s the Story?

• Did God care how they practiced religion?

Philippians 3:17

• What’s the Story?

• Does our behavior matter?

Romans 6:17-‐18 • What’s the Story?

• To what were the Roman Christians obedient? What has humanity’s tendency been with God’s plan? Why?

Judges 2:8-‐13 Galatians 1:6-‐7 2 Timothy 4:1-‐5 What has God’s plea with humanity been? Isaiah 1:16-‐20 & Jeremiah 6:16

•

•

• SUMMARY:

ROMANS 6:16-‐18 “…OBEDIENT FROM THE HEART TO THE FORM”

“TUPOS” means “form” or “mold”. Having become obedient from the heart, the Roman Christians became obedient to what?

• What happens when something is put into a mold?

• What would happen to a person if you put their heart into a mold? THOUGHTS?

GOD’S PATTERN Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your

calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all”

What does this teach us about the form we have in Christ?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Can we change these things? Galatians 1:6-‐9 Revelation 22:18-‐19 Deuteronomy 5:32

Then why are there so many different denominations in the Church?

Is the Word of God too hard to understand?

Ephesians 3:3-‐5 2 Cor. 1:13 1 Cor. 1:10

WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD SAY IS THE PROBLEM?

2 Timothy 4:3,4 2 Peter 3:16,17 2 Peter 2:1-‐3

Titus 1:10,11

What should I do about this?

Romans 6:16,17

Jeremiah 6:16 QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS FOR FURTHER STUDY

AUTHORITY There are many people claiming to speak on behalf of God…

But to whom shall we listen? Who speaks for God?

Deuteronomy 18:18-‐22 What is the Test for knowing who speaks for God? APPLICATION: apply this test to the Bible and see how it does… What are some prophecies made in the Bible?

Isaiah 53 Jeremiah 50:39-‐40 Daniel 2 Jeremiah 29:10 Matthew 17:22,23 Matthew 24:15-‐22

DID THESE PROPHECIES COME TRUE?

CAN YOU FIND MORE?

GOD’S WORD vs MAN’S TRADITION What if the teachings of man conflict with those of God’s Word?

What’s the story?

Explain what Colossians 2:8-10 says? Acts 17:10-12

What did these people do with the apostle Paul’s teachings?

Why did this make them “more noble”?

Who should we listen to? Hebrews 1:1-5

Matthew 28:18-20

2 Timothy 3:16,17 Consider the following thoughts for a moment: -‐ “When it comes to salvation, I think that it’s only a matter of

opinion.” o (Jn. 14:6)

-‐ “When I asked my preacher (priest) about ________, he said…” o (Acts 5:29)

-‐ “So many people believe this, it must be true.” o (Matt. 7:13,14)

-‐ “That’s just the way it’s always been done.” o (Mk. 7:6–9)

Consider what attitudes we should take about what God says we should do. List them below and describe how they can be implemented:

1. Diligent: _____________________________________________________________________ 2. Humble: _____________________________________________________________________ 3. ? 4. ? 5. ? 6. More?

THE BODY OF CHRIST Ephesians 1:22,23 “And He (God) put all things in subjection under His (Jesus’) feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of

Him who fills all in all.” First and foremost, Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and all things are in subjection to Him.

THE CHURCH What is the Church?

Ephesians 1:22,23

Ephesians 4:4 and John 17:20,21

Acts 11:22 and 2:46,47

1 Corinthians 1:2

Ephesians 5:22ff

1 Timothy 3:15

Colossians 1:12,13

Is the Church… 1. An institution? –Yes _____, No ______ 2. Any religious group? –Yes _____, No ______ 3. A building? –Yes _____, No ______ 4. The believers and followers of Christ? –Yes _____, No_______

THE FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH Given that the Church is a collection of the Christian body headed by Christ Himself, what, then, are the functions of the Church?

HEBREWS 10:25 & ACTS 20:7

TITUS 3:8 & REVELATION 2:1-7

1 TIMOTHY 3:15

EPHESIANS 3:20,21

MATTHEW 28:19-20 & ACTS 8:1-4

The Church- One Body

12For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.”

In your own words, summarize this passage:

Pay Careful Attention (what each verse mean?):

1. Verse 13 -‐ Baptized by? -‐ Into?

2. Verse 18 -‐ How are the Body parts assigned?

3. Verse 26

What about leadership?

ELDERS (πρεσβύτερος) ACTS 20:17-28 • 1 PETER 5:1-2 • TITUS 1:5-7 What’s an Elder’s job description?

What is a Shepherd?

What’s an Overseer?

What are some qualities an Elder should have?

Ephesians 4:11-16

Acts 20:28-31

Hebrews 13:17

1 Peter 5:1-3

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9: more qualities?

Are there restrictions on an Elder?

Acts 20:17-28 • 1 Peter 5:1-3 • Titus 1:5

1. 2. 3. 4.

Any more? With all the responsibility these men have, what obligations do I have to them?

1 Thess. 5:12,13 • Heb. 13:7 • 1 Tim. 5:19 • 1 Tim. 5:17,18

Answer in your own words:

DEACONS

διάκονος− servant Read Acts 6:1-6 What happened? What was the solution? Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13 What Qualifications does 1st Timothy 3 give us? Why?

EVANGELISTS (εὐαγγέλιον)

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”

What is the job of an evangelist?

2 Timothy 4:1-5

2 Timothy 1:12-14

2 Timothy 2:15

1 Timothy 4:12-16

Titus 1:5ff Explain the role of an Evangelist? Is he a marketing director? Yes _____, No _____ Is he a gospel preacher? Yes _____, No _____

TEACHERS Ephesians 4:11 WHAT’S THEIR JOB? Why are teachers so important? Are there any others?

Romans 12:3-8 • Mathew 25:14-30 STILL MORE TO CONSIDER?

Matthew 20:16 John 13:1-‐15 Phil 2:5ff Matthew 25:14-‐30

WORSHIPING GOD JOHN 4:23-‐24 What is the story from John 4:7-‐38? In this story, how did Jesus say God’s true worshippers would worship?

What does Worshipping God in Spirit mean?

What does worshipping God in Truth mean? What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?

-‐ Isaiah 1:10-‐17 Let Justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!

-‐ Amos 5:21-‐27 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the God on high?

-‐ Micah 6:6-‐8 What did Jesus say: Matthew 6:1-‐18 DOES GOD WANT MY SHOW? CONSIDER WHAT GOD WANTS

• JOHN 4:23 • ROMANS 12:1-‐3

SIMPLICITY IN WORSHIP

SINGING

Ephesians 5:18-21 Colossians 3:16-17 What is the purpose of singing?

-‐ Colossians 3:16-17

-‐ Ephesians 5:18-21

-‐ Romans 15:9

-‐ 1Corinthians 14:15-26

-‐ James 5:13

The Lord’s Supper - Acts 20:7; Mark 14:22-25 When was the Lord’s Supper taken?

What is the Bread?

What is the Wine?

READ: Matt. 26:26-30 Mark 14:22-26 Luke 22:14-20

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

1. Where is it taken? 2. When is it taken? 3. Why is it taken? 4. In what attitude should it be taken?

GIVING

Who owns everything?

Genesis 14:19,20 Deuteronomy 10:14 Psalms 24:1 Leviticus 25:23 Psalms 50:10-‐12 Haggai 2:8

What do I own? What is my position over my possessions?

1st Corinthians 4:2

What is a “trustworthy steward”?

What greater things have we been given?

1st Corinthians 12:12-‐26

Is there anyone in the church who doesn't have a talent or gift?

Read This Parable: Matthew 25:14-30

What does this teach us about receiving a gift? What should we do with the gifts we receive? How does the Lord, who gives us our gifts, view the gifts He gives us?

Read Romans 12:1, What is our gift, our life, our body, and our… everything for?

What is Giving?

2nd Corinthians 8:1-‐7 2nd Corinthians 8:4 2nd Corinthians 8:8,9 2nd Corinthians 8:13-‐15 2nd Corinthians 9:1-‐5

How should I give?

1st Corinthians 16:1,2 2nd Corinthians 8:1-‐4 2nd Corinthians 9:7 2nd Corinthians 8:12 Matthew 6:2

Consider giving as a form of worship?

• Philippians 4:18

• Ephesians 5:2

• 1st John 3:16-17

• Matthew 2:11

• Hebrews 13:16

Prayer - Acts 4:23-31; 1 Corinthians 14:12-19 What did the early Church do?

Acts 1:12-‐14 Acts 4:23-‐31 1st Timothy 2:1-‐8

Why is praying as a Church special and powerful?

Matthew 18:19,20 Acts 4:23-‐31

What are some elements of prayer? Matthew 6:9-13

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

ATTENTION: What does verse 5 and verse 7 have to say about my attitude in prayer?

SUMMARIZE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW

CHRISTIAN MORALITY "For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you…"

1 Peter 4:3,4

4 Principles of Christian Morality 1st Peter 1:13-21

1. 2. 3. 4.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

What are the Blessings of Christ? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Have you ever considered things like “mourning”, “gentleness” and “purity”, to be blessings? What does verse 14 say about Christians? Have you ever experienced the darkness?

-‐ Give some examples: o o o

What does verse 17 say?

-‐ Has Heaven & Earth passed away yet?

-‐ Is the Law still in effect, then?

-‐ Read: 1st Timothy 1:8-‐11 o What does the Law govern?

o Who is under the Law, then?

o Are Christians under the Law?

Why Not?

READ: Write down and explain, using these passages above, the relationship of the Law to the world and the Christian to the Law and to Grace.

What is our attitude to be about: Giving? Prayer? Fasting? What is the lamp of the body? ______________________________: (verse:______)

HIGHLIGHT “BUT SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED TO YOU”

v33

Compare Matthew 7:1-‐6 & Matthew 7:15-‐23

-‐ Should I judge? (v1-‐2, 5 & 16, 20)

-‐ In what way should I judge?

Key Passages: Matthew 7:7-‐11 Explain this in your own words: Matthew 7:13-‐14 & 24-‐27

-‐ Who is the way?

-‐ How many ways are there?

-‐ Is the way easy?

-‐ Should we expect many to enter?

-‐ What is the firm foundation? A Golden Rule? “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” What do these have to say?

Colossians 3:17 Matthew 22:35-‐40

THINGS unsuitable FOR THE CHRISTIAN

What things are unfitting for the Christian? Read:


Romans 1:18

1st Corinthians 6:9-‐11

1st John 2:15-‐17 Why are these things unfitting for Christians?

1 PETER 1:13-‐15

WHAT IS FITTING FOR THE CHRISTIAN?


Ephesians 4:17-‐5:21

1st Corinthians 13:4-‐7 These are so hard, how can we do them? “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 You cannot do these things, or abstain from sin, apart from Christ!

The flesh, weak as it is, will fail-‐ and we require Christ in this. The Spirit, strong as it is, will be righteous-‐ and we require Christ in this.

Colossians 3:1-‐2 o What does this say?

1 John 2:1-‐6 o And what does this say?

In your own words, explain what this says:

Can we walk in Sin?

Why not? What does it mean to walk in sin? What happens if we walk in the Light? (verse 7)

When I sin, what should I do?

1st John 1:9

1st John 2:1-‐2

Romans 2:4 “By this, we may know that we have come to know Him when we, if we keep His commandments” (1st John 2:3)

CHRISTIAN GROWTH

The work of God… But I give on Sunday and I volunteer at the homeless shelter…

Matthew 7:22 What does this say:

Why is “anything not of faith a sin”?

Christ has given resurrection to our bodies so that we no longer live by the flesh, and therefore, under the Law of Sin and Death: now, we live under the Law of Christ, through which we walk in righteousness by the Light, Life, and Truth of Christ.

What is the beginning growing point?

John 3:3-‐5, 16

1st Peter 2:1-‐5

1st Peter 3:21

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:2

Can we just stay this way?

-‐-‐Matthew 25:14ff-‐-‐

What happened?

DEVOTED TO CHRIST

Acts 2:42-‐47

John 7:18

Matthew 13:44-‐45

Psalm 119:97-‐104

2nd Timothy 3:14-‐17

Romans 12:1-‐2 & 9-‐13 I’m afraid I can’t do this—it’s too much!

John 14:18

James 1:5

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Are we without support in our journey of faith? Who supports us?

1. Matthew 6:26 & 33 2. James 1:5 3. John 14:18 4. Hebrews 10:23-‐25

Others? Seeking God Through the Holy Spirit with an Active Faith

Luke 11:13

Will God Give to those who ask, seek, and knock? o Matthew 7:7-‐8

Matthew 6:21

You seek the things that you treasure: where is your treasure? Matthew 25:40

In what ways can we seek God? Colossians 3:2

What are you setting your mind on? o Entertainment? o Success? o Money? o Romance & Relationship? o Or God?

James 2:14-‐26

Can an inactive faith save someone? (v14)

What are your actions to be a result of, then?

What is the result of action upon faith?

So then, on the one hand, works will perish without faith, and on the other hand, faith is perfected in our work.

HADES & HELL “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged from the things that were written in the books, according to their deeds… Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:12-15 The scriptures teach a different and distinct function of Hades and Hell.

Death, Sin, and Prison “The Sting of Death is Sin”-‐ 1 Corinthians 15:56.

• What relationship exists between death and sin? ROMANS 6:23 Sin, therefore, is much like a poison. IS THERE ANYONE EXEMPT FROM THESE WAGES? “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was

promised,” Hebrews 11:38

What did Jesus have to do for these approved and faithful brothers?

• 1st Peter 3:19 • Ephesians 4:8-‐10 • Isaiah 42:7

What has Jesus done to Hades?

THE PROMISE OF CHRIST “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18

In other words, death will not prevail against the Church.

A PARABLE Luke 16:23–24 Parables are stories told to reveal a hidden Truth; some elements are figurative (like names), while other elements are revealed with physical equivalents. What elements are present in this parable regarding Hades?

1. Consciousness 2. Suffering 3. ? 4. more?

SATAN’S FIRST DECEPTION REVIVED TODAY Recall the story of the fall of man-‐ Genesis 3 What was Satan’s first lie?

• Genesis 3:4 What has been happening to mankind since the Fall?

Did Adam and Eve understand death? What produced death in them?

• Genesis 3:7

• Romans 6:23

• 1st Corinthians 15:56

Some people desire, today, the “annihilation” or “oblivion” of death—seeking in it the comfort of unconsciousness and release from pain. Will we experience this? After sin, and after all this pain, will we experience release in death?

The Great Lake of Fire “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged from the things that were written in the books, according to their deeds… Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 20:12-‐15 What awaits all those who are not raised to life in Christ?

• “Then they will go forth and look on the corpses of the men that have transgressed against Me. For their worm will not die and their fire will not be quenched; they will be an abhorrence to all mankind.” Isaiah 66:24

• “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these (the faithful) will arise to everlasting life, but the others (the unfaithful) to disgrace and everlasting contempt” Daniel 12:2

What will not die? What will not be quenched? Who will awake? Where will the faithful go? Where will the unfaithful go? What is everlasting?

Gehenna & Tartarus “The name comes from the Hebrew expressions gê hinnōm, gê ben-‐hinnōm, and gê benê-‐hinnōm, which mean respectively “valley of Hinnom,” “valley of the son of Hinnom,” and “valley of the sons of Hinnom.” All refer to a valley south of Jerusalem which became infamous for its sacrificial site called Topheth where children were offered to the god Molech during the reigns of such wicked kings of Judah as Ahaz and Manasseh (2 Chr. 28:3; 33:6). King Josiah defiled the site during his reforms so that children no longer would be sacrificed there (2 Kings 23:10), but the valley may have been used again for such practices after his time (Jer. 7:31–32; 19:2–6; 32:35). As punishment for this, Jeremiah proclaimed that in the future the valley of the son of Hinnom would be called the valley of slaughter since many would be slain there and, for lack of room elsewhere, the dead would be buried in Topheth (7:32; 19:6).”1

Consider these passages about hell:

• Matt. 5:22; 18:9; • Mark 9:43; • Jas. 3:6; cf. • Matt. 3:10, 12; 7:19; 18:8; 25:41; • Luke 3:9, 17), and as a valley or pit into which one’s body may be cast (Matt.

5:29–30; Mark 9:45, 47; Luke 12:5).

1 Myers, A. C. (1987). The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (478–479). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.

Peter uses the word “ ” in 2nd Peter 2:4, saying, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment”. Can we question the eternality of Hell? Read the following passages about Hell:

• Matthew 3:10, 12 (cf Luke 3:9, 17)“The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

• Matthew 5:22, 29-‐30 (cf Mark 9:43-‐49); “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-‐for-‐nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.”

• Matthew 7:19; “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

• Matthew 8:8-‐12; “8But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.”

• Matthew 25:41, 46; “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

• Luke 12:5 “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!”

• Matthew 25:46 “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

• Revelation 14:9-‐13 “9Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 13And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

• Revelation 20:10 “ 10And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

• Jude 12-‐13 “These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.”

• Genesis 3:2-‐6 “The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”

A Heavenly Abode

HEAVEN “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?” – Isaiah 66:1 To begin, let’s ask the most basic of questions, “Where does God live”?

• Jonah 1:9; • Matthew 5:16, 45; • Matthew 6:1, 9 • Psalm 11:4, 14:2; 33:13

• Isa. 66:1 • Deuteronomy 4:36 • Nehemiah 9:13

It’s from this dwelling of God that the temple was patterned: Hebrews 8:5; 9:24.

• Gen. 21:17 • Mt. 18:10 • 1st Kg. 22:19-‐22 According to the passages read so far, what happens from Heaven?

THE PLACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST Where is the The Son of Man from?

• John 3:13 Where did Jesus go after completing His earthly ministry?

• Acts 1:11 Where will He return from?

• Matthew 24:30 • 1st Thessalonians 1:10

Early Old Testament Revelations • 2nd Kings 2:11 • Genesis 5:24

Even though there were many mysteries still hidden in Christ (1st Corinthians 4:1, & Romans 16:25), this revelation that Heaven is the abode of the righteous began to be shown to mankind.

Where did Elijah Go? Where did Enoch Go?

New Testament Revelations Explain what happens in each of these passages:

• 1st Peter 1:4

• 2nd Corinthians 5:1-‐5

• John 14:2

• Philippians 3:20

• Matthew 5:12; 6:20

• Colossians 1:5

A Battleground Heaven itself has not been immune to the sufferings caused by Satan, his rebellions, and sin.

• Haggai 2:6

• Mark 13:31

• Revelation 12:7-‐12

GOD’S RENOVATION God predicts of a change coming.

Isaiah 65:17 • What will happen to the former things?

Isaiah 66:22

• Will the new Heaven/Earth endure? • Will the offspring endure?

2nd Peter 3:13

• What are we looking forward to? • How is this hope guaranteed? • What dwells in Heaven?

Revelation 21:1

• What passed away? • What is missing from this picture of the new heaven and new earth?

What is Heaven?

• Daniel 4:23 • Matthew 3:2 • Mark 11:30 • Luke 15:18, 21 • John 3:27

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