Basic Bible Christianity

Basic Bible Christianity Lesson Ten A conversation with God

Search the Scriptures • Study Romans 5:1-11. • What do we have with God, through Jesus Christ? • Peace • What do we hope for and rejoice in? • The glory of God (eternal glory in heaven) • Even under what circumstances do believers still rejoice? • Sufferings • Why? • Suffering produces perseverance. Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

Search the Scriptures • How are we described in verse 6? • Powerless and ungodly • What did Jesus do for us while we were in that state? • He died for us. • Why does it appear extremely out of the ordinary that Christ died for us? • People rarely die for other people, even if they are good or righteous. How much less for sinners! • Of what does Jesus’ death for us give us evidence? • His love Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

Search the Scriptures • From what does Jesus’ blood rescue us? • God’s wrath • What were we before God personally justified us in Christ? • God’s enemies • We are reconciled to God and saved through Jesus’ • life and death. • What does the word reconciliation mean? • To create peace between two things that were previously hostile to each other Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

True or false F T T T If a person holds to certain false beliefs, it is impossible for him or her to be a Christian. Every false teaching—no matter how seemingly insignificant—is dangerous, because it has the potential to destroy saving faith. God loves the entire world, Jesus died for the entire world, and God wants no one to be condemned. People will perish eternally because of their sin, rejection, and/or ignorance of God’s grace, not because God wants them to be condemned. Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

True or false F F F F An unbeliever uses his or her own free will to choose to believe in Jesus or to reject him and remain in unbelief. We can know by observing a person’s life whether he or she is a member of the holy Christian church or not. God chose, or elected, believers to be saved when he gave them his Holy Spirit in Baptism. All true believers with a strong enough faith possess spiritual gifts and will be able to speak in tongues and perform miraculous signs. Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

True or false T T Within the visible Christian church on earth there will always be hypocrites along with the true believers. Only God can give saving faith as a gift. It is not a product of man’s reason or understanding. Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

Questions for discussion The question, Why are some saved and not others? challenges our reason to submit to God’s Word, even though the answer might not be logical. How do you answer the question? If there is only one holy Christian church in heaven and earth, why do we see so many visible church bodies or denominations in the world? Lesson 9 God Gathers His Church

Basic Bible Christianity Lesson Ten A conversation with God

Opening Devotion Read Psalm 27. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

God speaks to us in his Word Hebrews 1:1,2 Hebrews 1:1,2—In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1,2—In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1,2—In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1,2—In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1,2—In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

God speaks to us in his Word 2 Timothy 3:16,17 2 Timothy 3:16,17—All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17—All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. More literally: So that the man of God is equipped, that is, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

God speaks to us in his Word John 8:47 John 8:47—“He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” Q: What is the most important part of a good conversation? A: Listening Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

Where can you find God’s Word? • In the Bible (This is the ultimate source of all of God’s Word.) • In writings (books, essays) that faithfully summarize the message of the Bible • In spoken words (sermons, Bible classes, conversations) that faithfully proclaim the message of the Bible • In your heart as you memorize the message of God’s Word and maybe even specific Bible verses Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

What’s in the Bible? The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch (five books), or the Torah (law), and they were written by Moses. The historical books record the history of God’s people in the Promised Land. The five poetic books include worship resources and wisdom literature. The five major prophets are so called because of the size of the books. The 12 minor prophets are no less significant but are generally shorter in length. The Old Testament has a total of 39 books, written in Hebrew and Aramaic. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

What’s in the Bible? The first four books of the New Testament are called gospels (good news). They tell us about the life and work of Jesus Christ. The book of Acts was also written by Luke, who was a doctor. It tells us about the birth and growth of the early Christian church. Most of the epistles in the New Testament were written by Paul. They are letters written to specific churches or individuals. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

What’s in the Bible? The general epistles were written to groups in the early Christian church. The last book of the Bible, Revelation, gives us a vision of God’s completed plan of salvation and the future inheritance of God’s holy people. The New Testament has a total of 27 books, written in the Greek language. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

Devotional reading Acts 17:10-12 Acts 17:10-12—As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

We speak to God in prayer Isaiah 59:2 Isaiah 59:2—Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. John 14:6—Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Q: What is the only way we can approach God the Father in prayer? A: Through faith in Jesus as our Savior Q: What practical consequences does this reality have for unbelievers? A: Their prayers are not heard by God. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

We speak to God in prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:16,17 1 Thessalonians 5:16,17—Be joyful always; pray continually. Q: How often are we to pray? A: Continually, that is, regularly Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

We speak to God in prayer Matthew 6:5-8 Matthew 6:5-8—“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

We speak to God in prayer What does Jesus encourage us not to do when we pray? Don’t do it with the intention that others see what you’re doing. Don’t babble on and on as if God won’t hear you unless you talk a lot. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

We speak to God in prayer What does Jesus encourage us to do when we pray? Pray secretly, behind closed doors (don’t pray to be seen by others). Pray knowing that God already knows what you need. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

What is the benefit of prayer? Many people feel that prayer makes their faith stronger. Why do we have to be careful about this assumption? How can prayer be a benefit to our faith? In what ways is it unable to give us strength? Spiritual food/nourishment: Baptism, God’s Word, Lord’s Supper Spiritual exercise: prayer, service, sharing our faith Both are important, and we must maintain the distinct role of each. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

The Lord’s Prayer Q: The first three petitions give glory to A: God. Q: What are we asking when we pray, “Your (Thy) kingdom come”? A: God’s kingdom is his rule in the hearts of all who believe. By praying for his kingdom to come, we ask God to continue to rule in our hearts and to rule in the hearts of many others. Q: Which petition(s) deals with material or physical things? A: The fourth petition (only the fourth petition) Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

The Lord’s Prayer Q: Which words in the Lord’s Prayer emphasize spiritual things? A: Name, kingdom, will, forgive, temptation, evil Q: Why is forgiving others so important as we ask for forgiveness? A: Failing to forgive others indicates that God’s forgiveness isn’t all that important to us. Q: What is the meaning of the word Amen? A: Yes, it shall be so. It’s an expression of confidence that God will hear and answer our prayers. Lesson 10 A Conversation with God

What’s on your mind? Questions about this week’s class? Questions about next week’s class? Time’s up!!!!

Basic Bible Christianity