Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

2. FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

3. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” • God has never at any time been under any obligation to save a sinner cp. Gen 6-9 • He would be well within His Divine right to just “wipe us out” cp. Ex 32:7-10 • Instead, He chooses to be compassionate

4. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” • His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” ÙEx. Eph 1-2 Eph 2:4 MERCY LOVE

5. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” • His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” ÙEx. Eph 1-2 Eph 2:7 GRACE KINDNESS

6. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” • His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” ÙEx. Eph 1-2 Eph 1:7 REDEMPTION FORGIVENESS

7. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • Some Closing Thoughts… • Conversion is something for everyone to think about…both believers & unbelievers • Unbelievers should be taught they need to “turn to the Lord” Acts 11:21 1 Thess 1:9 • They are “dead in sin” and “without hope in the world” Eph 2:1-3, 12

8. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • Some Closing Thoughts… • Believers need to remember their past sinful condition Eph 2:12 • Their challenge will be not to return to the former way of life from which they “turned” • They need to live as a “transformed” person Rom 12:2

9. The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 • “Transformed” = origin of “metamorphosis” • Illustrates what we can become despite being guilty of sin in the past

10. The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 • Instead of “getting even” with someone like he used to do, now he refrains from personal vengeance, and he even prays for those who wrong him Mt 5:43-48 Rom 12:17-21 • Instead of worshiping at the “church of his choice,” he makes sure his religious service & worship meet with Divine approval Mt 7:21-23

11. Lesson 2 ÙGenuine Conversion • Some Closing Thoughts… • A truly “converted” person realizes he has spent enough of his life in sinful ways God does not approve 1 Pet 4:2-3 • He understands he must live as a “changed” or “turned” or “converted” person Col 2:20 – 3:17

12. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • Easy observation to make…there is an absence of “religious unity” • Many churches teach opposing doctrines • “Searchers for truth” are frustrated, hindered • The only solution is to be what God wants • Only then can unity & fellowship occur cp. 1 Jn 1:1-3

13. WRONG Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • Recognizing a failed approach… • Some saints want to convert family, friends • These “converts-to-be” are involved in human denominations • Therefore, some conclude we must learn all about these man-made religions so that we can teach our loved ones out of all that error

14. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • The right approach… • Yes, we need to convert lost souls Mt 28:18 • Instead of taking the time to study religious error, wouldn’t it be a better use of time to study truth • Once one knows truth, he can spot error…he’ll be able to teach those caught up in error

15. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • The Lord’s church exists in the midst of much religious error • The situation in the 1st century when Jesus founded His church • Still the situation today 2,000+ years later • All these man-made churches hinder true unity

16. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • The church of Christ • Founder: Jesus Christ Mt 16:18 • When: A.D. 30 in Jerusalem (Pentecost) • Followers: named “Christians” Acts 11:26 • “To give a command or admonition; to teach from heaven; to be divinely commanded; to receive a name; be called” Mt 2:12, 22 Rom 7:3 Heb 11:7

17. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • The church of Christ • The name “Christians” was not bestowed until after Acts 10…when Gentiles were included • Such illustrates the wisdom of God • No doubt, the Jews would have perverted this new identity cp. Acts 15:1

18. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • The church of Christ • The name of Christ is meaningful because it is the only name whereby man can gain his salvation Acts 4:12 • Therefore, the name “Christian” should be the only religious name man should want to wear • Yet, we see so much division

19. Where's the "unity" with these churches? Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • A multiplicity of man-made churches Catholic Church Lutheran Church Methodist Church Presbyterian Church Mormon Church Episcopal Church “Jehovah’s Witnesses Baptist Church

20. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • Many downplay the different names worn, believing all are still “united” in Christ • Wearing different names also means men practice different things dictated by that name one wears • Thus, unity is not achieved

21. Lesson 3 ÙTrue Unity In Christ • Consider Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5:34-39 • He spoke to emphasize the possibility of the apostles’ preaching coming to nothing • We consider his words to emphasize that all men’s works (including religious) eventually come to naught Mt 15:3, 6, 7-9, 12-13 • Works must have Christ’s approval Mt 7:21-23