The first lesson is designed to help establish your faith in the Bible, for it is the Word of God.
Keep in mind that the Bible is not a book of philosophy, although it is philosophical. Do not go to the Bible for a scientific treatise. However, there is no discrepancy between ascertained facts of science and the Bible. The Bible is not a book of history, but is found to be accurate when recording history. The Bible was given to man from God, revealing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God the Son, the only Savior (John 14:6) He is the center and the circumference. It is Christ from Genesis to Revelation (John 5: 39)
The Bible is as high above all other books as the heavens are above the earth. Someone has said of the Bible:
Now read 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
exerted His supernatural influence upon the writers of the Bible. Therefore
the Scriptures are God inspired word for word. By this we mean that every
word, in the original, is fully and equally inspired in all of its teachings. The
Bible does not just contain the Word of God, it is the Word of God.
The writers of the Bible did not write by natural inspiration, or an act of the
human will. “Men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God”(2 Peter 1: 21).
David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my
(1) The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible. (2Pet. 1: 21)
(2) Man is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit to write the Bible.
(3) Results: The infallible Word of God. Therefore, the Bible is free from
error and absolutely trustworthy.
“Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will never disappear.”
11. THE BIBLE IS A DIFFICULT BOOK
from the unlimited, all powerful God, to limited man. Therefore, you cannot
understand the Bible as you would understand the writings of Plato or
Socrates. You can study the great philosophers with the natural mind, and by
diligent application, grasp their profound meanings. If the Bible could be
understood by natural man, it would be a natural book, and could not be the
Word of God. Since the Bible is from God, and therefore spiritual, before you
can receive its teachings, you must be born of the Spirit (John 3:6 Humans
Always approach the Bible praying that the Spirit will be your teacher and
Will guide you to a better understanding of His Holy Word, or it will remain
written by over 35 different authors, in a period of approximately 1,500
years. Represented in the authors is a cross section of humanity, educated
and uneducated, including kings, fishermen, public officials, farmers,
teachers, and physicians. Included in the subjects are religion, history,
law, science, poetry, drama, biography, and prophecy. Yet its various parts
are as harmoniously united as the parts that make up the human body.
For 35 authors, with such varied backgrounds, to write on so many subjects
over a period of approximately 1,500 years in absolute harmony, is a
mathematical impossibility. It could not happen! Then how do we account for
the Bible? The only adequate explanation is: “….men moved by the Holy Spirit
man from sin. (Psalm 119: 11 “I have hidden your word in my heart,
(4) The Bible claims reproductive power as seed (1 Peter 1:23 “For you have
We are children of God, because we have been born into the family of
God by the imperishable seed of God. This is the new birth (read John 3:
V(A) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God” is a command. As you
Study the Bible you will discover that it does not just contain the Word
Of God – it is the Word of God. You must also keep in mind that the
Word of God contains the words of God, as well as the words of Satan,
demons, angels, and man – both good and bad. God is truth and cannot
lie. Satan “…is a liar, and the father of lies” (John 8:44)
To illustrate (read Matthew 22:15-46). In this portion of Scripture, we have
words of Jesus, of the Pharisees, of the Herodians, and the Sadducees. The
Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees were trying to entangle Jesus in His
Teachings, that they might accuse Him of breaking God’s law. Their words
Were spoken with evil intent, revealing the thinking of the natural man, along
With the words of God that came from the lips of Jesus.
(3) How can this Scripture be applied to my own life to make me a better Christian?
Master outline Number Two GOD
The Bible reveals God as the only Infinite and Eternal being, having no beginning and no ending. He Is Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is the Supreme Personal Intelligence, and Righteous Ruler of His universe. He is life, and therefore, the only source of life. “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;” ( John5: 26)
Man is natural and cannot know God by wisdom. “Can you discover the depths of God?” (Job 11:7 OT) God is a person and can be known only by revelation. In the Old Testament He revealed Himself to and through His prophets. In the New Testament He reveals Himself through His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1: 1-3)
1. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
( Read Hebrews 11: 5,6) By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
1(B)The Bible nowhere attempts to prove or argue the existence
God. “For he who comes to God must believe that He is.”
The existence of God is a fact taken or granted by the writers
of both the Old and New Testaments. “In the beginning
God” (Genesis 1:1) The Bible opens by announcing the
Sublime fact of God and His existence. There are arguments
for the existence of God; they are not conclusive, but are food
for thought:
(1) Universal belief in God comes from within man. It is
innate in man, and comes from rational intuition.
(2) The argument from “cause and effect.” Everything that
began owes its existence to a cause. We have a watch;
we must have a watchmaker. We have a building; we
must have a builder. We have a creation, then we must
have a creator. This creation could not have come into
existence without an intelligent, personal creator any
more than the alphabet could produce a book itself
without an author.
(3) The argument from anthropology. Mans moral and
intellectual nature argues for a moral and intellectual
creator.
(4) The Bible and the Christ that it reveals. His virgin birth,
His sinless life. His vicarious death, and His bodily
resurrection – all of this and much, much more – argue
for the existence of God.
11 THE PERSONALITY OF GOD
“….and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,”
11 (A) The Bible reveals God as a personality. He is called “…a
living and true God” – One possessing self-consciousness
and self-determination. His personality is shown in what He
does, such as:
(1) God loves. “God so loved the world (John 3: 16)
(2) God hates. “There are six things which the LORD hates”
(Proverbs 6: 16)
(3) God cares. “He cares for you (1 Peter 5: 7)
(4) God grieves. “He was grieved in His heart” (Gen. 6: 6)
Only a personality can hate, care, and grieve; therefore, God must be a living, eternal, and personal being.
111 THE NATURE OF GOD
(A) “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4: 7)
111 (A) There are four definitions of God in the Bible. Since God
cannot be defined, they are incomplete. However, they do throw
light upon the nature of God. They are:
(1) “God is love” This is the nature of God in His divine com-
Passion.
(2) “God is light” (1 John 4: 24) This is the nature of God in
His divine character; in Him there is no darkness.
(3) “God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12: 29). This is the nature
of God in His divine holiness.
(4) “God is spirit” (John 4: 24). This is the nature of God in His
Divine essence.
The attributes of God reveal His nature. Do not think of His attributes as abstract, but as vital mediums through which His holy nature is unveiled – attributes ascribed to Him, such as:
(a) Life is ascribed to God (John 5:26)
(b) All knowledge is ascribed to God (Psalm 147: 5).
(c) All power is ascribed to God (Rev. 19:6).
(d) Filling the universe with His presence is ascribed to God
(Ps. 139: 1-10).
God is everywhere present, but He is not in everything. If God were in everything, man could worship any object and he would be worshipping God. God is a spirit being. “And those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
1V. THE GRACE OF GOD
(B) “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;” Eph. 11:8)
1V (B) Grace is the love and mercy of God in action. Mercy is negative, and love is positive; both together mean grace. To show mercy in love is grace. God showed mercy in love when He sent His Son to bear our sins in His own body on the cross (John 3: 16)
(1) The grace of God saves forever (Rom.8: 38, 39).
(2) The grace of God is unconditional; that is, we are not saved on
the condition that we “hold out unto the end” or that we “fail
not” or that we “do our best.” We are saved by the grace of
God, apart from works.
(3) The grace of God is sufficient (2 Cor. 12: 9)
(4) The grace of God makes no discrimination (Rev. 22: 17).
(5) The grace of God justifies. (
Rom. 3: 23, 24).
(6) The grace of God makes every believer an heir (Titus 3:7)
(7) The grace of God teaches the believer how to live (Titus 2: 11,
12).
The grace of God is nothing less than the unlimited love of God expressed in the gift of His Son, our Savior. It is the undeserved love of God toward sinners.
V THE TRINITY OF GOD
(A) And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the spirit of
God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him.
and behold a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:16, 17)
V(A) By the Trinity of God we mean His tri-personal existence as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – three distinct Persons in one God.
(1) The Father is recognized as God (1 Peter 1:2) and is all the
fullness of the Godhead invisible (John1: 18).
(2) The Son is recognized as God (Heb 1:8) and is all the fullness
of the Godhead manifested in the flesh (John 1: 14)
(3) The Holy Spirit is recognized as God (Acts 5:3,4) and is all the
fullness of the Godhead acting upon man, convicting him of
sin (John 16: 12-15).
(4) The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicit in the Old Testament,
But is rather implied, “Then God said, Let Us make man…
(Gen. 1:26 OT).
(5) The doctrine of the Trinity is revealed in the New Testament in
the above Scriptures (Matt. 3:16,17) we have Christ being bap-
tized in water, the Father speaking from heaven, and the Holy
Spirit descending as a dove. We are to baptize in the “name (not
names) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matt.
28: 19)
(6) Even creation implies the doctrine of the Trinity. In creation, we
have space, matter, and time in one creation. In space, we have
length, breadth, and height in one space. In matter, we have
energy, motion, and phenomenon in one substance. In time, we
have past, present, and future in one time. In man, we have
body , soul, and spirit in one man (1 Thess. 5:23).
(7) In the Holy Trinity, we have Father, Son and Holy Spirit in one
God.
CHRISTIAN LIFE STUDY OUTLINES (By Porter Barrington.)
Paul hated Christ, until the day he met Him. Then he said, “For me to live is Christ”. Multitudes have been like that. Millions who never sought Him, met Jesus on the road of life and been captivated by His love. They HAD to believe when they met Him. The fact is that nobody can understand what it is like to meet Jesus until they do. Then they know why others are so full of it. REINHARD BONNKE
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Master outline Number three JESUS
Jesus Christ the Son of God
Christianity differs from all religions, because it is more than a religion- it is the life of the Son of God made living in man. Christ is Christianity, and Christianity is Christ. He is the supreme subject of each book of the New Testament, and fulfils all the promises of God in the Old Testament, from His incarnation to His Second Coming as “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Rev. 17:14). He is the God-man Christ Jesus in glory, exalted above all creatures. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18).
During His earthly ministry, He claimed to be God incarnate (in human flesh). He is all that He claimed to be, or He is less than the least (Rev. 1:8). Before His claim can be denied, there are some things that must be accounted for;
His virgin birth;
His holy, sinless life;
His many miracles;
His vicarious death and His bodily resurrection.
1. THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST
(A) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
1(A) The deity of Jesus Christ, or His God nature, is well established in the New Testament. Some of the facts are:
(1) He is called God by the Apostle John (Above verse 1).
(2) He is called God by the Apostle Thomas (John 20:28).
(3) He is called God by God the Father (Heb. 1:8).
(4) He claimed to be God in that He was with the Father before creation (John 17:5).
(5) He claimed to be God in that He was before Abraham. “Abraham rejoiced to see
My day…” (John 8:51-59).
(6) He received worship, and only God is to be worshiped (Matt. 14:33) Angels
refused worship (Rev. 22:8,9). Man refused worship (Acts 10:25, 26).
(7) He forgives sin (Mark 2:5-11). Only God can forgive sins.
(8) He is creator and maker of all things (Col. 1:16).
(9) He is sustainer of all things (Heb. 1:3). Only God can control the universe.
(10) He claimed to have “all authority… in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18)
God has all authority.
(11) He walked upon the blue waters of
Galilee. The winds and the waves obeyed His
command. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He gave sight to the blind and
hearing to the deaf. He cast out demons and made the lame to walk. He turned
water into wine, and fed five thousand with the lunch of a lad.
11. THE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST.
11(A) The Humanity of Jesus Christ is seen in His human parentage (Matt. 2:11).
(1) He developed as a normal human being (Luke 2:52).
(2) He was subject to all the sinless infirmities of the human nature:
He was hungry (Matt. 4:2)
He was thirsty (John 19:28).
He was weary (John 4:6).
He wept (John 11:35).
He was tempted (Heb. 4:15)
Jesus is a man and yet He is more than man. He is not God and man, but the God-man. He is God in human flesh. His two natures are bound together in such a way that the two become one, having a single consciousness and will.
111. THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.
Read Luke 1:26-35
111(A) The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is without parallel in human history. It was by the virgin birth that God became man, one perfect person but two natures: One nature being that of Almighty God, the other being that of man- man without sin (Heb. 4:15). The union of the two natures became the God-man Christ Jesus.
(1) The first hint of the virgin birth is found in Gen. 3:15. The One to defeat Satan was
to be born of the “seed” of the woman. This is a biological miracle; there is no
“seed” of the woman. From this, we are to understand that the One was to be born
of a woman without a human father (Luke 1:34,35).
(2) Isaiah prophesied that a “virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call
His name Immanuel (God is with us)” (Is. 7:14).
(3) Again Isaiah prophesied saying, “a child will be born to us, a son will be given to
us” (Is. 9:6,7). This means that God gave His only begotten Son who was with
Him from eternity, and the Child Jesus was born of a virgin. God gave His Son
“to us.”
(4) According to prophecy, He was to be born in
Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). Joseph
with Mary went up to
Bethlehem to be taxed, and to fulfil prophecy (Luke 2:1-7).
1V THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST.
(A) “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8)
1V (A) The death of Jesus Christ is mentioned more than 120 times in the New Testament, and is spoken of many times by the prophets in the Old Testament.
(1) The death of Jesus Christ was vicarious (Matt. 20:28). He was God’s
Substitute for sinners (2 Cor. 5:21). On the cross, Christ was made sin for the
sinner. By faith in Him, the sinner is made righteous with the righteousness
of God.
(2) The death of Jesus Christ was natural (John 19:31-37). By a natural death we mean
That His spirit and soul were separated from His body.
(3) The death of Jesus Christ was unnatural (Rom.6:23). By an unnatural death, we
mean that since He was sinless, in that He “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22) – had
“no sin” (1 John 3:5)- “knew no sin” (2 Cor. 5:21) – before He could die, He had to
be “made sin on our behalf.” Therefore, His death was unnatural.
(4) The death of Jesus Christ was preternatural (Rev. 13:8). By this, we mean that the
death of Jesus Christ was not an afterthought with God; it was the forethought of
God.
(5) The death of Jesus Christ was supernatural (John 10: 17,18). Jesus said, “No one
has taken it away from Me.” Then He said, “I lay it down on My own initiative
(supernaturally).” “I have authority to take it up again (supernaturally).” This He
did on the cross, and three days and three nights later, He took life up again when
He arose from the dead. Only God in the form of man could die a vicarious, na-
tural, unnatural, preternatural, and supernatural death.
V THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
(A) Read Matthew 8: 1-20
V(A) Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the doctrine of every disciple, the faith of every true believer, the courage of every martyr, the theme of every sermon, and the power of every evangelist.
Luke tells us that that we have “many convincing proofs” of His resurrection (Acts 1:3). Let us look at some of the “convincing proofs” according to eye witnesses:
(1) After His resurrection He appeared first to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).
(2) He appeared to the women returning from the grave (Matt. 28:5-11).
(3) Then He appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34).
(4) To the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:13-31).
(5) To the apostles, Thomas not present (Luke 24:36-43).
(6) Again to the apostles, Thomas present (John 20: 24-29).
(7) To the seven by the
Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-23)
(8) To over five hundred brethren (1 Cor. 15:6).
(9) He was seen of James (1 Cor. 15:7).
(10) He was seen again by the eleven apostles (Matt. 28:16-20; also Acts 1:3-12)
(11) He was seen of Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7:55).
(12) He was seen of Paul on his way to
Damascus (Acts 9:3-6; also 1Cor. 15:8).
Many of these eye witnesses died martyrs’ deaths because they preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were glad to die for a living Christ. They had the “convincing proofs.”
When Jesus was arrested in the
Garden of Gethsemane, all of His disciples “Left Him and fled” (Matt. 26:56) From this time until after His resurrection, the disciples lived in fear. They did not believe that He would rise from the dead (John 20:9). Had Jesus not come from the dead, the cross would have been the end of Christianity. After the death of Jesus, we see His disciples dejected, discouraged, and defeated. The death of Jesus meant but one thing to them: the end. How do we account for the great change that came into their lives three days and three nights later? The only logical explanation is they had the “convincing proofs” He had risen from the dead, and was alive forevermore. They saw Him, talked with Him, touched Him, and ate with Him.
Now look at some “convincing proofs” according to circumstantial evidence:
(1) The change that came into the lives of the disciples after the resurrection – from fear to unlimited courage. They rejoiced in persecution (Acts 5:40-42). They chose death, with faith in the resurrected Christ, rather than to deny that faith and be released. (Heb. 11:35).
(2) The early church began to worship on the first day of the week, the day of the resurrection. It was not a law-it was spontaneous (Acts 20:7). For almost two thousand years, the church has worshiped on the first day. For the Christian, every Sunday is Easter.
(3) The early Christians went everywhere with the word of the resurrection (Acts 8:1-4).
(4) The empty tomb – for if Jesus is not alive, what happened to His body? The Roman guards were paid to say, “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep” (Matt. 28:12, 13). First the disciples lacked the courage. Had the disciples stolen His body, then how do you account for the fact that they all suffered, and most of them died martyrs’ deaths? In the face of death, one of them would have revealed the hiding place of the “stolen body” to save his own life. Second, no one was ever arrested for stealing the body of Jesus. It is evident that the governing officials did not believe the story of the guards. Third, the guards could have been put to death for sleeping while on watch. Fourth, if they were asleep, how could they have known that it was the disciples who “stole” the body? Fifth, had the enemies of Jesus moved the body, they could have produced it and brought a quick end to Christianity, and they would have!
(5) The linen wrappings found in the empty tomb are proof of the resurrection (John 20:1-10). Had friend or foe stolen the body, they would not have removed the linen wrapping; since He had been dead three days and nights. When John saw the linen wrappings and recognized that they were folded the same as when they were wrapped about the body, he knew that a miracle had taken place. Jesus came out of the wrappings, and they collapsed without disturbing the folds. They were left in the empty tomb as “convincing proof”; and when John saw and understood, he believed that Jesus had come from the dead.
V1 THE ASCENSION AND SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST.
(B) And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in while clothing stood beside them;
And they also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus , who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)
V1(B) After forty days of instructing His disciples, the risen Christ ascended up on high and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Heb 10:12). Two men brought the message of His second coming to the apostles: “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way…” The message of the second coming of Jesus is so important, that it is mentioned over three hundred times in the New Testament.
(1) He is coming to take His church to be with Him (1Thess. 4:16,17); also (John
14:1-6).
(2) He is coming to judge the nations (Matt. 25:31-46).
(3) He is coming to save
Israel (Rom. 11:25, 26).
(4) He is coming to sit upon the throne of David (Luke 1:31-33; also Is. 9:6,7).
(5) He is also coming to bring righteous government to this earth (Heb.1-8)
Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth again. “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev.22:20).
Master outline Number Four the HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God, and is equal to the Father and the Son. Don’t ever speak of Him as “It” or refer to Him as “an influence.” He is God the Holy Spirit, and is set forth in the Bible as being distinct from the Father and the Son. In the Genesis account of creation, He is seen actively engaged in the work of creation, along with the Father and the Son. In the Old Testament, He came upon men to empower them for service; but, when they were disobedient, He departed from them.
When David sinned against the Lord, he prayed, “Do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11 OT). In the New Testament, after Pentecost, we see the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, never to leave him, filling and empowering him for service. The study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance. A scriptural understanding of God the Holy Spirit will make you a better Christian and servant of God.
1. THE DEITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Read Acts 5:3-4)
1A In dealing with Ananias, Peter revealed the deity of the Holy Spirit when he said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit… You have not lied to men, but to God.” In this Scripture it is very clear that the Holy Spirit is God, and He is co-equal, co-eternal, and co- existent with the Father and the Son.
His deity is also set forth in that He possesses diving attributes:
(1) He is everywhere present in the universe (Psalm 139:7-10 OT).
(2) He has all power (Luke 1:35).
(3) He has all knowledge (1 Cor. 2:10,11).
(4) He is eternal (Hebrew 9:14).
His deity is revealed in that His name is coupled in equality with the name of the Father and the Son.
(1) In the baptism of the believer (Matthew 28:19).
(2) In the apostolic benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14).
His deity is seen in relation to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
(1) Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35).
(2) He was anointed by the Holy Spirit for service (Acts 10:38).
(3) He was led by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 4:1).
(4) He was crucified in the power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrew 9:14).
(5) He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11).
(6) Jesus gave commandments to the apostles and the church through the Holy Spirit
(Acts 1: 2).
If Jesus needed to depend solely upon the Holy Spirit during His life and ministry here on the earth, can we afford to do less?
11 THE EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Read Luke 3:16)
11(A) It is often difficult to impart truth by the use of words. Frequently they reveal only a half-truth, leaving the other half hidden. The writers of the Bible used certain emblems when unfolding the mysteries of the Holy Spirit, because they illustrate more about Him than volumes can contain. They are:
(1) Fire as an emblem (Luke 3:16) Fire speaks of His consuming, purifying power in the life of the believer. (Acts 2:3; also Is. 6:1-7 OT)
(2) Wind as an emblem (John 3:8). Wind speaks of His hidden depth in His mighty regenerating power.
(3) Water as an emblem (John 7:37-39). Water speaks of His power to fill the believer to overflowing with spiritual life.
(4) Seal as an emblem (Eph. 1:13). Seal speaks of His ownership of the believer; it is a finished, eternal transaction.
(5) Oil as an emblem (Acts 10:38). Oil speaks of His power to anoint for service.
(6) Dove as an emblem (Mark 1:10). The dove speaks of His gentle, tender, peaceful nature. We may know “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” (Phil. 4:7) only when fully surrendered to God.
111 SINS AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT
(A)“Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. (Matt. 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28-30; Luke 12:10)
111 (A) This is a solemn study, because the Holy Spirit is God and can be sinned against by both the believer and the unbeliever. May He help you search your heart as you consider:
(1) The sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:31,32) This sin is committed by unbelievers. It is often called the “unpardonable sin.” It has no forgiveness. It was committed by the enemies of Jesus when they accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24) when Jesus claimed to cast them out by the “Spirit of God” (Matt. 12:28).
(2) The sin of resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). This sin is committed by the unbeliever when rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
(3) The sin of grieving the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30-32). This sin is committed by believers. He is grieved by us unless He controls our lives to the glory of Jesus Christ.
(4) The sin of quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thess.5:19). This sin is committed by Christians when known sin is allowed to go unconfessed. (1 John 1:9; also Is. 59:1,2 OT).
(5) The sin of lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5: 1-11). The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was deception, born in jealousy. They tried to mock God (Gal. 6:7). The Holy Spirit can be sinned against, because He is God.
1V. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (John 16: 7-13)
A “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgement; (John 16:7,8)
Master Outline Number Five SIN
SIN
In considering the question of sin, we are faced with two startling facts.
The first fact is that man makes so little of sin.
To some, it is an illusion – a religious mirage-the invention of some fanatic. It is denied, joked about, and laughed at by man. Many who believe sin to be a fact, continue in it with little thought of its penalty.
The second fact is that God makes so much of sin. God said, “The person who sins will die” (Ezek. 18:20). “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). All sins are an abomination to God (Prov. 6:16-19 OT), and He hates those who do iniquity (Psalm 5:5 OT). Moses said, “…everyone who acts unjustly is an abomination to the LORD” (Deut. 25:16 OT). Sin is an evil force. Its presence cannot be escaped in this life, but it can be overcome by the power of God.
And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgement of the great day. (Jude 1:6)
1(A) The origin of sin is one of the mysteries of the Bible. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” (Deut.29:29). Its origin is one of the “secret things” that will remain wrapped in obscurity. Sin was first noted in the heart of Satan. He was created a perfect being,” …Until unrighteousness was found in you” (Ezek. 28:11-19 OT). Satan fell from perfection when he exerted his will above the will of God. (Is. 14:12-17 OT). It was his will over Gods will – this is sin.
- WHAT IS SIN?
Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness (1 John
3:4).
(A) It is impossible to deny the existence of sin, when the whole world is in conflict between good and evil. If sin were not a fact, there would be no crime; we would not need jails or prisons. We would need no locks on our doors, or vaults for our valuables. To some, sin is being indiscreet; or it is a weakness of the flesh. To others it is the absence from good. To the so-called scholar, sin is ignorance; and to the evolutionist, it is the nature of the beast. The latest theory is that sin is a disease to be treated by science, because man is not a sinner-he is only sick. To others, sin is a form of selfishness, but God declares that:
1. Sin is lawlessness.
2. Sin is falling short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).
3. Sin is revolting against God. (Is. 1:2 OT).
4. Sin is unbelief; it makes God a liar (1 John 5:10)
5. Sin is going your own way, planning your life according to your own will, without seeking the will of God (Is. 53:6 OT).
6. All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17).
Sin is a folly to deceive you, a force to destroy you, and a fact to condemn you. Sin is a volitional act of disobedience against the revealed will of God.
Jesus says in John 16:9 “The worlds sin is that it refuses to believe in Me.”
111. HOW SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD.
(A) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned-
111(A) “…through one man sin entered into the world” (above verse). The fall of man is found in Genesis 3:1-23 (OT). When Adam sinned, his seed became perishable (1 Pet.1:23). Therefore, we are sinners, because we are born in sin (Ps.51:5). You do not have to teach children to be bad, but you do have to teach them to be good. You do not have to teach them to lie, but you do have to teach them to tell the truth. “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men” (Romans 5:18). According to the Word of God, all men are judged sinners; all are condemned already (John 3:18). “All have sinned (Romans 3:23). Sin entered the world through our first parents in the Garden of Eden, and “all have sinned” because all are sinners.
Man sins by choice, because he is a sinner by nature. Therefore, the dominion sin has over you is according to the delight you have in it.
1V: THE RESULTS OF SIN
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).
1V(A) “…the wages of sin is death.” As a result of man’s sin, there are three deaths. Keep in mind that death does not annihilate; it only separates. In the Garden o Eden, it separated man from God spiritually; this is spiritual death. I natural death, it separates the spirit and the soul from the body; this is physical death. In final death, it separates man from the mercy of God forever; this is eternal death.
(1) The wages of sin is spiritual death. Just as sin separated man from God spiritually and drove him from the presence of God out of the Garden, so sin will separate you from God (Is. 59:1,2 OT). The only way back to God is to confess your sins to Him (1John 1:9) and forsake your sins (Is. 55:7), that you may be sectored to fellowship with God.
(2) The wages of sin is physical death. Physical death is a result of sin. Death had no claim on man until man sinned. Now all die, because all are in sin. Death is universal, and since we have a universal effect, we must have a universal cause, and that cause is universal sin. All men die – the good and the bad – the young and the old – and man will continue to die until death is destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:26) and is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54-57).
(3) The wages of sin is eternal death. “The person who sins will die” Ezek. 18:20). This is eternal separation from the love o God (Rev. 20:14). Once the soul passes beyond the portals of Hades he is lost and lost forever. He will continue top exist, but without hope. He is dammed and damned to all eternity. Eternal death is eternal separation from God (Luke 16:19-31).
V: GODS REMEDY FOR SIN
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
V(A) Man, not willing to accept God’s remedy for his ruin, strives to bring about his own salvation by human means.
(1) He strives for self-righteousness, when he needs to be made the “righteousness of God” (2 Cor.5:21 and Is. 64:6 OT).
(2) He strives to reform, when he needs to be regenerated (Titus 3:5).
(3) He strives to turn over a new leaf, when he needs a new life (John 10:10).
(4) He strives to be justified by the Law when he needs to be justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:16).
(5) He strives to clean up the old man, when he needs to be made a new man in Christ (Eph. 4:24).
(6) He strives to be saved by good works, when he needs salvation by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8,9).
The only remedy for the ruin of man is the Son of God, being made sin for us on the cross. The only way to receive this remedy is by faith in Him as personal Savior. (John 20;30,31).
Master Outline Number Six JUDGMENTS
JUDGMENTS
In Scripture, we are instructed in how we should be “handling accurately the word of truth” (2Tim.2:15). This is most essential when studying the judgments. Do not endeavor to make all the judgments conform to the theory of one “general judgment.” The “general judgment” theory is the invention of religion, and is not taught in the Word of God. There are five separate judgments revealed in the Bible, and they differ as to time, place, and purpose. Yet, they all have one thing in common: the Lord Jesus Christ is the Judge (John 5:220
Everyone – from Adam to the last man to be born on this earth – will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ to be judged.
In the first judgment, the sins of the believers have already been judged in Christ on the cross.
In the second judgment, the believer is to judge self, or be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ and disciplined.
In the third judgment, all believers must appear at the “judgment seat of Christ” where their works are judged.
In the fourth judgment, all nations are to be judged at the Second Coming of Christ.
In the fifth judgment, the wicked dead are to be judged at the great white throne.
I THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVER’S SINS
(A) “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:6)
1(A) In the above verse, our Lord tells us that the believer “does not come into judgment.” Our sins were judged in Christ on Calvary and every believer “has passed out of death into life.” This is present salvation. Christ paid for our sins. He was judged in the believer’s stead. The believer will not come into judgment because:
1. Jesus Christ paid the penalty, and on the grounds of His substitutional death, the believer is separated from his sins forever (Psalm 103:12 OT),
2. The sins of the believer have been wiped out and God has promised that He “will not remember your sins” (Is. 43:25 OT)
3. Our Lord suffered for our sins, “the just for the unjust,” that we might be saved and never come into judgment as sinners (1 Peter 3:18).
4. The believer will never be condemned with the world, because Christ was condemned in his place. “He made Him… to be sin on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21). Christ was made a curse for us on the cross, and on our behalf redeemed us from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13). “He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Heb. 9:26). The believer will not come into judgment because his sins have been purified (Heb. 1:3)
II THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVER’S SELF.
(A) “But if we judged ourselves rightly, we should not be judged.” (1 Cor.11:31)
II (A) The judgment of the believer’s self is more than judging things in the believer’s life. When the believer judges self, the good and the bad in his life come to light; and he will confess the bad (1 John 1;9) and forsake it (Is. 55:7 OT). However, it is not enough just to judge sin in the believer; he must judge self.
1. To judge self is to practice self-abnegation, for when the believer sees self as God sees him, he will renounce self. It is replacing the self-life with the Christ-life (Col. 3:4). Christ is the believer’s life.
2. To judge self is to deny self. This is more than self-denial. Self –denial ios denying one’s self of the gratifications of the flesh. If we practice slef-denial only, it is treating the symptom and not the cause. But when we deny selkf, we are attacking the cause, for in self (that is, in the flesh) “nothing good dwells” (Rom. 7\;8). To deny self is to take up our cross and follow Christ (Mark 8:34-38).
3. To judge self is to lose the self-life, and find the Christ-life (Gal. 2:20).
4. To judge self is to no longer be self-conscious, but become Christ-conscious (Matt. 28:20).
5. To judge self is to no longer be self-controlled, but to become Christ-controlled (Acts (:6).
6. To judge self is to no longer practice self-esteem, but to esteem others better than self Phil. “:3). To judge self is to become selfless.
III THE JUDGMENT OF THE BELIEVERS’S WORKS.
(A) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5: 10).
III(A) The believer’s works will be judged at the “judgment seat of Christ,” which is referred to many times in the Bible. A careful reading of 2 Corinthians 5:10 with the context reveals that only believers will appear at the “judgment seat of Christ.” Their works will be judged, not their sins, for we have already seen that all sins of the believer were judged in Christ on Calvary, and “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
- This judgment will take place “in the air, following the first resurrection. “The dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thess. 4:14-18). There will be a thousand years between the resurrection of the saved and the unsaved (Rev. 20:4,5), and there will be a thousand years between the “judgment seat of Christ” where only saved will appear and the “great white throne judgment” where only unsaved appear.
- At the judgment seat of Christ, the believer will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, we should look to our own works, and not judge the works of others (Romans 14:10-13).
- It is a most humbling thought to know that some day the believer will face all of his works –“good or bad.” Some will be ashamed (1 John 2:28) and “suffer loss” –not the loss of salvation, but the loss of rewards (1 Cor. 3:11-15). So whatever you do, do it to the glory of God (Col.3:17).
IV THE JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS
(A) “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the anels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.
“And all the nations will be gathered before Him; (Matt. 25:31,32)
IV (A) This judgment is not the judgment of the great white throne (Rev. 20:11-15) A careful comparison of the two judgments will establish the following facts:
- The judgment of the nations will take place “When the Son of Man comes in His glory…then He will sit on His glorious throne.” The great white throne is never called “The throne of His Glory” (Rev. 20:11-15).
- At this judgment, He will judge the living nations (Joel 3:11-16). At the white throne judgment, He will judge the wicked dead.
- At this judgment, there will be no resurrection of the dead. At the great white throne all the wicked dead are raised: “The sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them…” (Rev. 20:13)
- At this judgment, the judge is God “the King” judging the living nations in His earthly kingdom. At the great white throne, the judge is God, judging only the wicked dead.
- At this judgment, there are no boks opened. At the great white throne, the “books were opened.”
- At this judgment, there are three classes judged: “sheep”- the saved (Rev. 7:9-17); “goats”- the unsaved (2 Thess. 1:7-10); “tribes”- the elect of Israel (Rev. 7:1-8; also Romans 11:25-28). At the great white throne there is only one class: “the dead.”
- At this judgment, the King gives the kingdom to those who have eternal life. At the great white throne, there are no saved and no kingdom; they are all “thrown into the lake of fire.”
V THE JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED.
Judgment at the Throne of God
(A) And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them (Rev. 20:11).
V(A) The great white throne judgment will follow the thousand year reign of Christ. This is the final judgment, and only the wicked dead are to be judged. According to Revelation 20:5, the believers were resurrected a thousand years
before this judgment, and their works were judged at the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10).
1. At this judgment, the wicked dead will seek a hiding place from the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, the judge. But there is no hiding place.
2. At this judgment, the “dead, the great and the small” will stand before God. But the greatness of the great will be of no value. “THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE” (Rom. 3:12)
3. At this judgment, the “book of life” will be opened. Why the “book o9f life” if there are no saved at this judgment? The wicked will be shown that God in Hi8s mercy provided space for them in the “book of life,” so that they are without excuse (Rom. 1:18-20).
4. At this judgment, the dead will be judged “according to their deeds.” God is a just God; and since there are degrees of punishment in hell, some will be punished more than others (Luke 12: 42,48).
5. At this judgment, there will be no acquittal, no higher court to which the lost may appeal. It is lost, and lost forever; it is damned to all eternity, and that without hope. There is a Hades (Luke 16: 19-31), and in Hades, there is no hope, no sympathy, no love, even the love of God does not extend beyond the portals of Hades.
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Master Outline Number Seven REWARDS
REWARDS
There is a vast difference in the doctrine of salvation for the lost, and the doctrine of rewards for the saved. Salvation is “the gift of God; not as a result of works (Eph. 2:8,9). Salvation is received by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:36). Rewards are according to the works of the believer (Matt. 16:27).
A most revealing Scripture on rewards is found in (1Corinthians 3:8-15). First every believer will be rewarded “According to his own labor” (verse 8). We do not labor for salvation.
Second, “We are God’s fellow workers’ (verse 9)- not for salvation but for rewards.
Third, the believer is not to build “a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (verse 11).
Fourth, the believer has a choice of two kinds of building materials: “gold, silver, precious stones” –this is building with eternal materials; or “wood, hay, straw- this is building with temporal materials (verse 12) 2 Cor. 4:18.)
The believer who builds on Christ with eternal materials, “gold, silver, precious stones” shall receive a reward. Those who build on Christ with temporal materials, “wood, hay, straw” will receive no reward. The works of “wood, hay, straw” will be destroyed at the “judgment seat of Christ,” and the believer will suffer loss of eternal awards.
Some believers will be ashamed at the “judgment seat of Christ” (1 John 2:28)- ashamed of their works of “wood, hay, straw.”
In the first year of my ministry, I sat at the bedside of a dying friend. As we talked of his home going, tears filled his eyes. Being young in the Lord, I thought he was afraid to die, and attempted to speak words of encouragement to him. He said, “I am not afraid to die; I am ashamed to die.” He went on to say that Christ was his Savior, but he had lived for self, and now he had to meet the Lord Jesus Christ empty handed. His life loomed up before him as “wood, hay, straw.” He was “saved, yet as through fire.”
Rewards are called “crowns” or “wreaths” in the New Testament.
1. THE CROWN OF LIFE
(A) Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
1(A) This reward could be called the lover’s crown. Upon examination of the above verse, we discover that the believer finds strength to overcome temptation and endure trials, through the love of God. Paul said, “We also exult in our tribulations.” The question is: Do we today exult in tribulations? We can, only if the “love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (
Rom. 5:3-5). Without the love of God in the heart of the believer, trials can cause him to become bitter and critical and lose the “crown of life.”
All believers have eternal life (John 3:15,16), but not all believers will be rewarded with the “crown of life.” This crown will be given to those who are “faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10). To receive the “crown of life,” the believer must love the Lord more than his own life. “For whoever wishes to save his life (live for self) shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s (live for Christ at all cost) shall save it” (Mark 8:35). This reward shall be given to those who live for Christ, and endure temptations, in the power of the love of God (1 Cor. 10:13).
11: THE WREATH IMPERISHABLE.
(A) And everyone who competes in the games exercise self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
11(A) Paul makes use of the Greek games to illustrate the spiritual race of the believer. They ran to win a “perishable wreath; but we and imperishable” wreath. No young man could contend in the games unless he was a Greek citizen, born of Greek parents. No unsaved person can participate in the services of the Lord for rewards; only the born of God are eligible (John 3:3).
Just as the athlete must deny himself many gratifications of the body so the believer must say, “I buffet my body and make it my slave” or he will become “disqualified.” He will not lose his salvation, but he will lose the “imperishable wreath.”
The Greek games had hard and fast rules for all participants. The New Testament contains the rules for believers who would enter the spiritual race to win the “imperishable wreath.”
1. The believer must deny self of anything that would weigh him down and hold him back (Heb. 12:1).
2. The believer must keep his eyes fixed on Jesus, and not look to the right or the left (Heb. 12:2)
3. The believer must find his strength in the Lord (Eph. 6:10-18)
4. The believer must place his all upon the altar of the Lord (
Rom. 12:1,2).
5. The believer must, by faith, refuse anything that would impede spiritual progress (Heb. 11:24-29).
Do not be a spiritual spectator. Enter the race and run to win the “imperishable wreath.”
111: THE CROWN OF EXULTATION.
(A) For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
111(A) “The crown of exultation" is the soul winners crown. The greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lord is to bring others to a knowledge of Christ as personal Savior. The degree of your joy in heaven will be determined by the souls you have had a part in bring to Christ. Paul tells the Thessalonians believers that they are hi “…hope of joy or crown of exultation” now and when Jesus comes.
1. It is wise to win souls to Christ (Prov. 11:30).
2. It is a work against sin to win souls to Christ (James 5:20)
3. It is a cause for joy in heaven to win souls to Christ (Luke 15:10).
4. Every soul winner will shine as the stars forever (Dan. 12:3 OT)
How you can win souls to Christ:
Witness with your life; live that others may see Christ in you (2 Cor. 3:2 also Gal. 2:20)
Witness with your mouth, trusting the Holy Spirit to give power to the spoken word (Acts 1:8)
Witness by tithes and offerings that others may preach Christ, and you will have “profit which increases to your account” (Phil. 4:15-17 also 2 Cor. 9:6).
God has promised that your toil will not be in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). The soul winner will not rejoice alone- all of heaven will rejoice with him when he receives the “crown of exultation” (John 4:36)
1V THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
(A) In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)
1V(A) The “crown of righteousness” is a reward, and it is not to be confused with the “righteousness of God” which the believer receives when he becomes a Christian; for at that time, the believer is to “…become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). This saving righteousness is a gift to be accepted by the lost. The “crown of righteousness” is a reward to be earned by the saved. If the believer looks for, and loves the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, it will effect his whole life. Look at the dynamic impact this truth had on the life of the Apostle Paul. He could say:
1. “I have fought the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7 also 1 Cor. 15:32). He fought a spiritual battle throughout his Christian life, and won. He never surrendered to the enemies of righteousness (Eph 6:12).
2. “I have finished the course.” He had a course to travel, and he did not detour the hard places; neither did he look back (Luke 9:61,62). He finished his course with his eyes fixed on Christ (Phil. 1:6).
3. “I have kept the faith.” He preached the “… whole purpose of God” –never betraying any 9of the great doctrines(Acts 20:24-31). The Apostle looked ahead to the “judgment seat of Christ” where the “crown of righteousness” will be given to those who “loved His appearing.” How important it is for the believer to look with a heart of love for the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that he may receive the “crown of righteousness” (above verse 8)
V. THE CROWN OF GLORY
(A) And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:4).
V(A) The “crown of glory” is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called pastor. He will receive this reward when the “Chief Shepherd appears.” It is eternal; it is “unfading.” Every believer may share in the pastor’s “crown of glory.” “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Matt. 10:41). Support your faithful, God-called pastor by praying for him and encouraging him in the work of the Lord. Undergird his ministry with God’s tithes and your offerings (Mal.:10 OT), giving freely of your time to the service of the Lord. And God will reward you for supporting His chosen servant by allowing you to share in your pastor’s reward. The pastor will earn this “crown of glory” by:
1. Feeding the church. He is to proclaim the Word of God without fear or favor;
and when necessary, he will “reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and
instruction” (1 Tim. 4:2-5).
2. Taking the spiritual oversight of the church. The pastor is responsible to God
for the message preached to his people. No pastor should preach to please the
people; he is to please his Lord (Gal. 1:10).
3. Being an example to the church. He is not to serve for the reward of money.
Yet the church is responsible to care for his every material need (1 Tim. 5:18).
He is to be a s spiritual leader, and not a dictator. He is to walk with God by
faith. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading
crown of glory.”
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Master outline number eight THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH
Jesus said, “I will build My church” (ecclesia) (Matt. 16:18) The Word “ecclesia in the New Testament is used to designate any assembly whether it be political (Acts 19:39), Christian (Eph. 1:22, 23), or national (Acts 7:38). It means called-out assembly or congregation. God called
Israel out of
Egypt; they congregated in the wilderness; they were, “the church in the wilderness.” Today, God calls the saved out of the world to congregate in worship. This is the church in the world, in it but not of it.
Unlike the church in the wilderness, the Church that Jesus is building will never cease. He said, “The gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” His church is not synonymous with Christendom. It is in Christendom in the same way in which it is in the world, in it but not of it.
Christendom is made up of those who profess to be Christians but they know not Christ as a personal savior (Matt. 7:21-23, also, 2 Tim. 3:5 and Titus 1:16). Only blood-washed, born again, Spirit-baptized believers constitute the church that Jesus is building. It is called a:
(1) Mystery (Eph. 3:3-10).
(2) Body (1Cor. 12:12-31).
(3) Building (Eph. 2:10-22).
(4) Bride ((2 Cor. 11:2).
1. THE CHURCH: ITS FOUNDATION
Read Matthew 16:13-18
1 (A)
“Upon this rock I will build My church.” Leading up to this declaration He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They answered naming some of the prophets. Then He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). In verse 13 Jesus spoke of Himself as the “Son of Man.” Now Peter speaks of Him as the “Son of the living God.” Jesus blessed Peter and said that this great truth came from God the Father. Again He said to Peter, “You are Peter, (Petros, a little rock) and upon this rock (
Petra, a big rock) I will build My church.” Jesus did not say that He would build His church upon Peter, but upon Himself, the Rock of Ages.
Simon Peter called Jesus the “living stone,” the precious “CORNER stone,” a “STONE OF STUMBLING,” and a “ROCK OF OFFENCE.” He spoke of all believers, including himself, as “living stones.” Christ is the foundation and believers are the building stones (1 Peter 2:1-10).
Paul speaks of Christ as the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets (Eph. 2:19-22). He also said, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11. Although the church was a mystery in the Old Testament, yet Isaiah said, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed’” (Is. 28:16 OT). Christ is the sure foundation of His church and all believers are little building stones built into a holy temple in the Lord.
11 THE CHURCH: – ITS HEAD.
Read Colossians 1:18
11 (A) “He is also head of the body, the church.” Christ is the foundation, cornerstone, and head of His Church. He is head of the local church, and He is head of the church in its all –inclusive sense, including all born again, blood-washed Spirit-baptized believers in heaven and earth.
The church is more than a religious organization; it is an organism, with Christ as the living head. It is alive with the life of Christ made living in each member (1 Cor. 12:1-31). Let us examine briefly the church and observe its role as the body of Christ.
- The members of the body are given spiritual gifts according to the will of the Holy Spirit (verses 1-11)
- The unity of the body is seen in its many members with different operations all related and coordinated under on Head (verse 12)
- All are baptized by one Spirit into one body (verse 13).
- There is only one Holy Spirit.
- There is one Holy Spirit baptism.
- There is one body (the church).
This is the church in its broadest sense. You cannot join this church. The only way to become a member of His body is to be spiritually born. (John 3:1-7) and baptized into it by the Holy Spirit.
4. The members differ one from the other, yet they function as one in the will of God (Verse 14-18).
5. The least or weakest member is necessary for the proper function of the whole body (verses 22, 23)
6. If one member suffers, the whole body suffers; if one is honoured, all are honoured (verse 26),
7. The members are to desire the greatest spiritual gifts and minister in love (verse 31).
The Lord Jesus Christ has never delegated His authority to anyone, whether he be pope, pastor, deacon or the majority of the congregation. He is “head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22), the only absolute and final authority.
111 THE CHURCH: – ITS ORGANIZATION
(Read Titus 1:4 and 5) To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 For this reason I lift you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you (Titus 1:4,5).
111 (A) There is scriptural evidence of some organization in the local church from its inception. It was a definite and permanent organized congregation, but not as we know it today.
Paul left Titus in
Crete to organize the believers into local church bodies and to “set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city” (above verse 5).
The local New Testament church is a microcosm of the complete body of Christ in heaven and earth. The word “church” s used over one hundred times in the New Testament, and the great majority of the references refer to the local congregation.
Organization in the local church is seen in:
- Its Officers. He gave to the church “apostles” (this refers to the twelve; there are no apostles in the church today). “Prophets” (we have no prophets and have not had since the last book of the New Testament was written), “evangelists” (the evangelists will serve the church until Jesus comes), and “pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11,22). Pastors and teachers are local ministers; the apostles, the prophets, and evangelists are ministers at large. Another officer is the deacon. His qualifications are set forth in 1 Timothy3:8-13). Deacons are never called a board in the scriptures. They are not to run the church; they are ordained to assist the pastor by ministering to the saints (Acts 6:1-7).
- Its membership records. The church must have kept records of its members. The Book of Acts tells us that there wee about 120 in the upper room. The account (\Acts 1:15-26) reads like the average local church business meeting. Simon Peter is the pastor; he takes the lead and gives direction in choosing one to take the place of Judas. “And they drew lots,” and Matthias was chosen to be an apostle. On the day of Pentecost about 3,000 were added to the body of Christ by Holy Spirit baptism (1 Cor. 12:13) and to the local church in Jerusalem by water baptism (Acts 2:41). Again the records show another 5,000 added (Acts 4:4). The Scriptures tell us that “the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
- Its ordinances.
- Baptism (baptize means to immerse). The Lord commands the believer to be baptized. This is the believer’s first opportunity to obey his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the early church no one ever questioned water baptism; they obeyed (Matt. 28:18—20; also Rom. 6:1-4). Baptism does not save. It is a picture of your faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is faith in Christ that saves (John 3:36) and the Ordinance of Baptism that identifies the believer with the risen Savior.
- The Lord’s Supper. There is no saving power in the Lord’s Supper. It is a memorial. The bread is symbolical of His broken body and the wine of His shed blood for the remission of our sins. Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; and the Lord’s Supper is a memorial to be observed by the believer to “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11: 23-34).
1V: THE CHURCH – ITS DISCIPLINE.
(Read Matthew 18:15-17) “And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.
1V(A) This is the most difficult and necessary function of the local assembly, and its importance cannot be exaggerated. “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven” (1 Cor. 5:6,7). Leaven in the Scripture is always a type of evil. The church is to clean out any evil in its membership. The motive for disciplining a brother is love (1 John 4:7-11). The goal is to restore him to fellowship with his Lord and the church.
“If your brother sins…”
- The first step is to be taken by the one sinned against. He is to go to his brother alone, not seeking revenge or self-justification, “If he listens to you, you have won your brother.”
- If he does not repent, the second step is to take one or two believers and go to him again.
- If he will not hear the two or three, the third step is take it to the church.
A good example of church discipline is reported in Paul’s letters to the church at
Corinth. He used strong words calling upon the church to discipline a member for fornication. He wrote, “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves” (1 Cor. 5:1-13). In his second letter to the Corinthians church we learn that the man repented and was restored to the fellowship of God’s people. Now Paul writes, “forgive and comfort him…reaffirm your love for him” (2 Cor. 2:3-11). The attitude of the church toward a repenting brother should always be that of forgiveness in love.
V THE CHURCH: - ITS WORSHIP AND WORK
(Read Matthew 28:16-20)
V(A) First, the church: its worship. “When they saw Him, they worshipped Him” (verse 17). To worship is to bow down in awe; to pay divine honours to God in humble, reverent homage. There are three essentials in worship, they are:
1. Faith, “the people believed… then they bowed low and worshiped” (Ex. 4:31).
2. Spirit, “those who worship Him must worship in spirit…” (John 4:23,24). Spiritual worship is worship directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit )Phil. 3:3).
3. Truth, “those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Jesus Christ is truth, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Therefore, there can be no pretense or hypocrisy in true worship. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican illustrates true worship (Luke 18:9-14). The publican worshipped in truth and he went home justified. The Pharisee worshipped in religious price and he went home rejected.
Second, the church: its works. “For the word of the lord has sounded forth from you” (1 Thess.1:8). The church in Thessalonica did the work of the Lord so well that the apostles did not have to evangelize
Macedonia and Achaia. The church shared its faith with the lost, and after all that is the main work of the church. This is how that, “this took place for two years… all who lived in
Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10). All of Asia did not journey to
Ephesus to hear Paul. It is evident that the believers went everywhere sharing the gospel. The work of the church is to go with the gospel, because:
- The church is commissioned to work (above verses 18-20).
- The church is to work with Christ (2 Cor. 6:1), and the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32).
- The church is to work with Christ in His fiels (the world) (Matt. 13:36-43) also Mark 16:15).
- The need for the church to work is great (John 4:35).
- The time for he church to work is now (2 Cor. 6:2).
- The church is to work until Jesus comes to judge the works of the saints (2 Cor. 5:10).
- The church will be rewarded for its works (1 Cor. 3:9-15). God’s program for the local church is, come and worship, go and work (witness) (Acts 8:1-4).
V1: THE CHURCH - ITS POWER
(Read Acts 1:8) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
V1(A) On the day of Pentecost the church received power to evangelize the world. When the hundred and twenty came down from the upper room, they came in the dynamics of the Holy Spirit. It was a spiritual phenomenon issuing forth in joyful ecstasy and miracle-working power, resulting in conviction of sin, “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Some were empowered for special service, but all received power to witness.
The real power in the church is not found in:
1. Modern buildings or unique methods of preaching and teaching.
2. Its great wealth or how that wealth is used.
3. The church’s prominence or popularity. The Laodicean church was the first bragging congregation, (Rev. 3:14-22) but not the last.
They said, “We are rich.” God said they were poor.
They said, “We are wealthy.” God said they were wretched.
They said, “We do not need anything.” God said they needed everything.
They said, “We are busy in the church.” God said they were miserable.
They said, “We have a vision.” God said they were blind.
They said, “We are clothed in fine garments.” God said they were naked.
They said, “We are satisfied.” God said they made Him sick.
You can always recognize a Holy Spirit-powered church. The evidence is obvious; they have power to:
- Evangelize: They share their faith with the lost and souls are saved. Evangelism is the only way to make full proof of your ministry (2 Tim. 4:5). When a church is not involved in winning souls, it grieves the Holy Spirit and is void of power.
- Reproduce: Souls are born into the family of God by the “imperishable” seed which is the word of God (1 Peter 1:23). The Spirit –filled believer sows the seed; this is evangelism. The Holy Spirit hovers over the seed, convicting and leading the lost to repentance. This is the spiritual birth.
- Change: people (Acts 2: 37-41); places (Acts 5:28); and things (Matt. 17:20,21).
- Turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6)
This is the power that filled the upper room congregation on the day of Pentecost. That power is with the believer today in the person of the Holy Spirit. He is the power of the church.
V11: THE CHURCH – ITS FUTURE.
(Read 1 Thess. 4:16,17.) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
V11(A)
The true
church of Jesus Christ has a glorious, victorious future in the world, in the air, in the kingdom, and in eternity; it cannot fail. “The gates of Hades shall not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18).
(1) The future of the church in the world.
At Penticost the Holy Spirit set the course for the church as it journeys from the upper room to the Rapture. It is to:
· Wage war (Eph. 6:18)
· Run a race (Heb. 12:1,2).
· Work in love (1 Cor. 3:9).
The
church of Jesus Christ will emerge triumphant for, “we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:35-39). The church cannot fail because Christ is its Head, the Holy Spirit is its power, and the Word of God is its guide.
2. The future of the church in the air. We shall be caught up (above verse). Caught up:
- In our imperishable, glorified bodies (1 Cor.15:42-44).
- To meet the Lord in the heavens and for the great majority of he church we will see Him in His resurrected body for the first time (1 John 3:2).
- That our deeds may be judged at the judgement seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). This is the bema judgement.
- That we may be rewarded or suffer loss of reward (1 Cor. 3:11-15).
The future of the church in the kingdom.
- The twelve apostles will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28).
- All who overcome the evils of Christendom (Laodicea) will sit with Christ on His Kingdom Throne (Rev. 3:21).
- We shall reign with Him a thousand years (Rev. 20:4-6).
The future of the church in eternity.
After the kingdom reign of one thousand years there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1). The earth will be restored to its original, created state (Gen. 1:1). God’s earthly people
Israel will inherit the new earth (Ex. 32:13 OT).
The church, His bride will remain in His presence forever. If in His human form He is in the new heaven or the new earth, we will be with Him, to see Him, to serve Him, and to worship Him. He will continue to bestow upon His bride the riches of His eternal grace (Eph. 2:6,7). Even in our perfect glorified bodies it will take eternity (time without end) to begin to comprehend the greatness of His grace.
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Master outline number nine PRAYER
PRAYER
Prayer is as old as man, as universal as religion, and as instinctive as breathing (Gen. 4:26OT). It is practiced in some form by all men of all faiths. Prayer springs from the heart with a need – a need greater than man’s ability to encounter. Prayer is man’s acknowledgment of a being higher than himself.
Most men try to pray, yet so few know how. There are two kinds of prayers: the prayer that does not reach God and the prayer that does reach God. This is illustrated by our Lord in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14). Both men went to the same place, at the same time, for the same purpose – to pray.
The Pharisee prayed in his religious pride, expecting God to answer because he thought himself worthy. He informed God of his own goodness, that he was better than others. He boasted of his good works. He said, “I fast; I pay.” This is the kind of prayer that does not reach God. It is self-righteous prayer.
Now look at the publican and his prayer. He came to God in great humility, conscious of his unworthiness, confessing himself a sinner, and begging for mercy. This is the kind of prayer that does reach God. This is righteous prayer.
It is a rare privilege to pray; because it brings you into close fellowship with God, admitting your need for Him and your utter dependence upon Him.
1 WHAT IS PRAYER?
(Read Matthew 7:7-11)
1(A) “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you (Matt. 7:7).
1 (A) Prayer is asking and receiving; it is talking with God. It is making your request known to Him in faith. The above Scripture is so simple on the surface, that we are in danger of failing to recognize its immensity. Our Lord instructs the believer to ask, seek, and knock; because these three words cover the whole spectrum of prayer.
1. Prayer is asking and receiving. When you know the will of God regarding a need, whether it be material or spiritual, you can ask and receive. This is prayer according to the revealed will of God (1 John 5:14,15)
2. Prayer is seeking and finding. When you do not know the will of God regarding a need, whether it bematerial or spiritual, then you are to seek His will in prayer concerning this need until you find it. This is prayer for knowledge of the unrevealed will of God in a specific need (Col. 3:1; ALSO Jeremiah 29:12,13 OT).
3. Prayer is knocking and opening. When you know the will of God, and yet you find a closed door, you are toknock, and keep on knocking until God opens the door. This is tenacious prayer – prayer for mountain-moving faith. Knocking prayer perseveres until the impossible becomes the possible. This is miracle-working prayer (Matt. 17:14-21). All things are possible when you ask, seek, and knock.
11. WHY PRAY?
Read Luke 18:1
Parable on Prayer
(A) Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, (Luke 18:1).
11(A) PRAY:
1. Because Jesus said, “at all times they ought to pray” (Luke 18:1). Prayer is imperative. You are commanded to pray (Matt. 26:41).
2. Because prayer is the only way to get things from God. “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
3. Because there is joy in prayer (John 16:24).
4. Because prayer will save you out of all your troubles (Psalm 34:6 OT).
5. Because prayer can unlock the treasure chest of God’s wisdom (James 1:5).
6. Because prayer is a channel of power (Jer. 33:3 OT).
7. Because it is a sin not to pray (1 Sam. 12:23 OT)
8. Because sinners can be saved when they pray in faith (Romans 10:13,14).
9. Because Jesus, while here in the flesh, prayed often to the Gather, Now if Jesus, the Son of God, needed to pray, then we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).
111: HOW TO PRAY.
Read Matthew 6:9-13
111 (A) “Pray, then, in this way.” Our Lord gave this as a model prayer after one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1)
- We are to pray to “Our Father who art in heaven,” because He is all-wise, all-loving, and all-powerful. We are also instructed to pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13,14), depending on the meditative influence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26,27).
- We are to pray for His will to be done in everything (James 4:15).
- We are to pray for the coming of the Kingdom (Matt. 25:31-46).
- We are to pray for our daily necessities (Luke 11:3)
- We are to pray for forgiveness, and practice forgiving others (Matt. 18:21,22).
- We are to pray for the leading of the Lord, and deliverance from evil (Luke 22:42).
- We are to pray in faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6).
This model prayer is brief, to the point, and not repetitious. It is the perfect prayer.
1V: WHERE TO PRAY?
(A) So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. (Acts 12:5)
1V(A) There was a remarkable change in the prayer life of the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus, and it is noted again after Pentecost. Before the death of Jesus, the disciples slept while Jesus prayed in the Garden 9Matt. 26:36-46). But after His death and resurrection:
1. They assembled in the upper room, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit; and they prayed. We should always pray when assembled with believers. (Acts 1:13,14).
2. They prayed as they went from house to house (Acts 2: 42-47).
3. They prayed in the church when Peter was in prison (above verse 5-19).
4. Paul and Silas prayed in prison (Acts 16:25). Here we see Christians praying in the presence of unbelievers, but not to be heard of tem. Never pray to please others present; pray only to please God.
5. The most important place to pray is any place where you can be alone with God (Matt. 6:6).
6. We are instructed to pray in all places at all times (1 Tim. 2:8).
It is a great joy to be able to talk with God, any time, any place, under any condition, and to know that He will hear and answer.
V: HINDRANCES TO PRAYER
(A) “You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
V(A) When prayers are not answered you should examine yourself in the light of God’s Word. If you find anything not pleasing to God, confess it, believing God for forgiveness that your prayers may be answered (1 John 1:9)
- An unharmonious relationship between husband and wife will hinder prayer (above verses 1-7).
- Selfishness will hinder prayer (James 4:3).
- An unforgiving spirit will hinder prayer (Matt. 5: 22,24). Many Christians go without answers to prayer because they have wronged others, or have been wronged and have failed to humble themselves and seek reconciliation.
- Unbelieve will hinder prayer (James 1:6,7; also Heb. 11:6).
- Known sin in the heart will hinder prayer (Is. 59:1,2; also Psalm 66:18 OT).
When you pray, go to God in all humility. Ask Him to reveal anything in your life that is not pleasing to Him. Then judge it; confess it, calling it by name and forsake it. Pry in all simplicity and earnestness, believing, and God will hear and answer.
V1: DOES GOD ANSWER ALL PRAYERS?
(A) “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).
V1(A) The Bible is filled with answered prayers from Genesis to Revelation. You are commanded to pray, and God has promised to answer (Jer. 33:3 OT). In the above Scripture, there are two requirements for answers to prayer. First, you are to abide in Him; that is, to continue in Him. It means to remain in His perfect will at all cost (
Rom. 12:2). Second, His words are to abide in you; they are to become a vital part of your life. You are to be filled with, and guided by, His words (COL. 3:16,17). Meet these two requirements, and your prayers will be answered.
- The answer is sometimes immediate. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, and as he began to sink, he prayed, “Lord, save me!” The answer was immediate (Matt. 14:22-31)
- The answer is sometimes delayed. The delay is according to His will (Rom. 8:28). The resurrection of Lazarus is a good example of delayed answer to prayer. Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus to come and heal him. But Jesus delayed coming until Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for four days. Then He came and raised Lazarus from the dead. The answer was delayed –but not denied (John 11:1-44).
- The answer is sometimes “no.” When God answers with a “no,” He always accompanies the answer with peace (Phil. 4:6,7) and grace (2 Cor.12:7-10).
- The answer is sometimes different from what you expect. You pray for perseverance and God sends tribulation –because “tribulation brings about perseverance” (Rom.5:3). God answers all your prayers – not according to your wishes, but according to His perfect will.
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The following prayers of the Bible are not part of the life study outlines but fits in with the topic of prayer. I had done these prayers over a long period of time as my quiet time devotions with God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. You might want to do the same. It is important to always read what comes before and after the prayer. Meditate on it, speak to God about it, see how it effects your life and who the God is you are serving. You may also want to do this as a Bible study with your group, and you can get together and discuss these prayers and how it effects your life.
Decided to make this a separate tab
prayers of the Bible If you go here you will see my personal experience of reading and meditating and talking to God about the prayer. May God bless you.
PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE
- Abijah’s army – for victory … 2 Chronicles 13:14
- Abraham – for a son………..Genesis 15:1-6
- Abraham – for Ishmael …….Genesis 17:18-21
- Abraham – for Sodom… Gen. 18:20-32
- Abraham - for Abimelech Gen. 20:17
- Abraham’s servant – for guidance…Gen. 24:12-52
- Asa – for victory …………2 Chronicles 14:11
- Cain – for mercy ……..Genesis 4:13-15
- Centurion – for his servant ….. Matthew 8:5-13)
- Christians – for Peter ……Acts 12:5-12
- Christians – for kings in authority ……1 Timothy 2:1,2
- Corinthians – for Paul…….2 Corinthians 1:9-11
- Cornelius – for enlightenment …..Acts 10:1-33
- Criminal – for salvation …..Luke 23: 42,43
- Daniel – for the Jews …. Daniel 9:3-19
- Daniel – for knowledge ….Daniel 2:17-23
- David – for blessing …. 2 Samuel 7:18-29
- David – for help….. 1 Sam. 23:10-13
- David – for guidance …………2 Samuel 2:1
- David – for grace ….Psalm 25:16
- David – for justice ………………Psalm 9:17-20
- Disciples – for boldness …..Acts 4:24-31
- Elijah – for drought and rain….James 5:17,18
- Elijah – for the raising to life of the widow’s son.. 1 Kings 17:20-23
- Elijah – for triumph over Baal……. 1 Kings 18:36-38
- Elijah – for death…..1 Kings 19:4
- Elisha – for blindness and sight ……2 Kings 6:17-23
- Ezekiel – or undefilement …..Ezekiel 4:12-15
- Ezra – for the sins of the people ……Ezra 9:6-15
- Gideon – for proof of his call ….. Judges 6: 36-40
- Habakkuk – for deliverance ….. Habakkuk 3:1-19
- Habakkuk – for justice …..Hab. 1:1-4
- Hagar – for consolation ….. Genesis 21:14-20
- Hannah – for a son ….. 1 Samuel 1:10-17
- Hezekiah – for deliverance ….. 2 Kings 19:15-19
- Hezekiah – for health …….2 Kings 20:1-11
- Holy Spirit – for Christians ………………Romans 8:26.27
- Isaac – for children …….Genesis 25:21, 24-26
- Israelites – for deliverance ….Exodus 2: 23-25 and Ex 3:7-10
- Jabez – for prosperity ……..1 Chr. 4:10
- Jacob – all night ……..Gen. 32:24-30
- Jacob – for deliverance from Esau ….Gen.32: 9-12
- Jehoahaz – for victory ……….2 Kings 13:1-5
- Jehoshaphat – for protection …..2 Chr. 20:5-12,27
- Jehoshaphat – for victory …… 2 Chr. 18: 31
- Jeremiah – for Judah …………Jeremiah 42: 1-6
- Jeremiah – for mercy …….Jer. 14:7-10
- Jesus – Lord’s prayer ………………………Matthew 6: 9-13
- Jesus – praise for revelation to babes ………Matt. 11:25-26
- Jesus – at Lazarus’ tomb ………….John 11:41,42
- Jesus – for the Father’s glory ….John 12:28
- Jesus – for the church …….John 17:1-26
- Jesus – for deliverance ….Matthew 26:39, 42, 44 and Matt 27:46
- Jesus – for forgiveness for others …..Luke 23:34
- Jesus – in submission …..Luke 23:46
- Jews – for save journey ………………Ezra 8:21,23
- Jonah – for deliverance from the fish …..Jonah 2:1-10
- Joshua – for help and mercy …….Joshua 7:6-9
- Leper – for healing ….. Matthew 8:2,3
- Manasseh – for deliverance ……2 Chr. 33:12,13
- Manoah – for guidance …… Judges 13:8-15
- Moses – for Pharaoh ………Ex. 8:9-13
- Moses – for water …..Ex 15:24,25
- Moses – for Israel …..Ex. 32:31-35
- Moses – for Miriam …..Numbers 12:11-14
- Moses – that he might see the Promised Land … Deuteronomy 3:23-25 Deut.34:1-4
- Moses – for a successor …….. Numbers 27:15-17
- Nehemiah – for the Jews ……Nehemiah 1:4-11
- Paul – for the healing of Publius’ father …………Acts 28:8
- Paul – for the Ephesians ……….Ephesians 3: 14-21
- Paul – for grace ……….2 Corinthians 12:8,9
- People of Judah – for a covenant ….2 Chronicles 15:12-15
- Peter for the raising of Dorcas …. Acts 9:40
- Priests – for blessing …………2 Chronicles 30;27
- Rebekah – for understanding ……Genesis 25: 22,23
- Reubenites – for victory ……….1 Chronicles 5:18-20
- Samson – for water …….Judges 15:18,19
- Samson – for strength ….Judges 16:29,30
- Samuel – for Israel ………………………….1 Samuel 7:5-12
- Solomon – for wisdom ………….1 Kings 3:6-14
- Tax-gatherer – for mercy …….Luke 18:13
- Zechariah – for a son …..Luke 1:13
Go to
Bible Prayers to see how I had experienced these prayers.
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Master outline number ten FAITH
FAITH
The righteous shall live by faith. This declaration of the Christian’s principle of life is found four times in the Bible: Habakkuk 2:1-5 – Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:10,11; and Hebrews 10:38. In Habakkuk we see the difference between the lives of the unrighteous and the righteous. The unrighteous are puffed up and live by their own self-sufficiency. But the righteous live by faith – their confidence is in God. To them, faith is more that a philosophy of life; it is the very principle of life (Hab. 2:4 OT) The righteous shall live his whole life by faith. He is saved by faith (Acts 16:31); he is kept by faith (1 Peter 1:5); and he lives by faith (Gal. 2:20). His faith shall be tried many times and in many ways (1 Peter 1:7), but faith will always be vindicated, because it is more than equal to any occasion. Faith knows how to wait on the Lord (Is. 40:31 OT), and it is always victorious (1 John 5:4).
Faith defies reason; it moves mountains (Matt. 17:14-21). Faith does not always face facts; it never gives up (Hebrews 11:32-39). Faith says, “God is working out His perfect will in my life, and I can wait, endure, and suffer.” Faith does not make anything easy, but it does make all things possible.
1 WHAT IS FAITH?
Read Hebrews 11:1-3
(A) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of tings not seen (Hebrews 1:1).
1(A) “Now faith is the assurance (title deed) of things hoped for…” Your faith is your title deed to eternal life. Just as a title deed is evidence of real estate, so your faith is evidence of your eternal estate in God (2 Cor. 4:18).
- Faith is taking God at His word and asking no questions (Heb. 11:6).
- Faith is knowing that: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28). Faith does not believe that all things are good, or that all things work well. It does believe that all things (good or bad) work together for good to those who love God.
- Faith has two sides. One side has to do with the intellect. It is an intellectual conviction that Jesus Christ is God. The other side has to do with the will. It is a volitional surrender of the will to Jesus Christ as Master. This is seen when Thomas believed and confessed, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). “My Lord” –this was volitional surrender; “My God” –this was intellectual conviction. Together you have saving faith (John 20:31). Saving faith is an intellectual conviction that Jesus is God and volitional surrender to Him as Lord (Master) of your life. By faith, the mind trusts in God; the heart responds to the love of God; the will submits to the commands of God; and the life obeys in the service of God.
- Faith is paradoxical. It goes beyond reason. It believes without understanding “why.” It sings in prison (Acts 16:25). It exults in tribulations (Rom. 5:3). It chooses to endure ill-treatment (Heb. 11:25). It accepts all things as a part of God’s will (Phil 1:12).
You are not born with this faith. It comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). This is why we are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature, that they may hear and believe (Rom. 10:13,14).
11: THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
(A) In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.
11(A) The shield of faith is a vital part of the Christian’s armor. You are to put on the “… ful armor of God” (above verses 10-18), because the Christian life is a warfare, a spiritual conflict. As Paul names the different parts of the Christian’s armor, he comes to the shield and emphasizes its importance by saying, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith…” (Eph. 6:16). For with the shield of faith, nothing can hurt you; “…in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him” (Rom. 8:37),
The importance of faith is seen in that:
- You cannot be saved without faith (John 3:36).
- You cannot live victoriously over the world without faith (1 John 5:4).
- You cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6).
- You cannot pray without faith (James 1:6).
- You cannot have peace with God without faith (Rom. 5:1)
- You cannot have joy without faith (1 Peter 1:8).
- You are justified by faith and not by works (Gal. 2:16).
- You are to live by faith (Gal. 2:20).
- You are made righteous by faith (Rom. 10:1-4).
- Christ dwells in your hart by faith (Eph. 3:17).
- The Holy Spirit is received by faith (Gal. 3:2).
- “Whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).
Faith is important because it honors God, and God always honors faith.
111: LITTLE FAITH.
Read Matthew 14:28-33.
(A) And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31)
111(A) At this stage in the spiritual growth of Peter, he was a man of “little faith.” However, after Pentecost, he became a spiritual giant. Let us take a good look at his “little faith” and profit from it. Jesus came to His distressed disciples, walking on the water in the midst of a storm. Peer asked to come to Jesus on the water. He must have thrilled at the thought of doing the impossible. Jesus said, “Come.”
- Peter did the impossible thing; He walked on the water, by faith.
- Next, Peter did the conceivable thing: He saw the storm, and had a second thought –he doubted. For a moment, he lost sight of Jesus. He may have turned and started back to the boat (Luke 9:62)
- Now Peter did the natural thing: He feared destruction. Doubt always breeds fear.
- Then Peter did the expected thing: He began to sink – he failed.
- Now Peter did the right thing: He prayed, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him. Once more Peter made contact with Jesus by faith.
- Again Peter did the impossible thing: He walked on the water with Jesus, to the boa. In this lesson we wee the success and failure of “little faith.”
Now let us recap the steps that led to failure. Peter started by faith, and walked on the water. Then he saw the storm, and had a second thought that led to doubt, that produced fear, that caused him to turn back. That brought about failure.
You need a faith that is bigger than the elements that would drag you down to defeat. You can have big faith by “prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:20,21) and by feeding your faith on the word of God (Rom. 10:17). You can have mountain-moving faith.
1V: THREE KINDS OF FAITH.
Read John 11: 21-44
1V(A) In this chapter, we see faith of Martha in connection with the resurrection of her brother Lazarus. Now Lazarus fell ill, and Martha and her sister Mary sent for Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus delayed His coming until Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for four days. Then He came to raise him from the dead, and found the limited, fundamental faith of Martha His only obstacle.
- Martha’s faith was limited. She said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (verse 21). The death of Lazarus meant the end of Martha’s faith. She believed that Jesus had the power raise her brother up from the sick bed, but not from the dead. Her limited faith restricted the power of Christ (Matt. 13:58) Limited faith is controlled by circumstances, and motivated by fear of failure.
- Martha’s faith was fundamental. Jesus said, “Your brother shall rise again” (verse 23). These words were spoken to kindle hope and faith in Martha; but she said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (verse24). Martha declared her fundamental faith in a great truth, but that is not enough. Jesus stated, “I am the resurrection and the life” (verse 25). Jesus was saying that He had all power over life and death. Then He asked, “Do you believe this?” (verse 26). Martha evaded the question by stating her fundamental faith in her creed (verse 27). It is not enough to believe in a creed only; faith must go beyond your creed, to the living, all powerful Christ. He faith limited the power of Christ (Mark 10:27), and “Jesus wept” (verse 35). Jesus wept when He came to raise Lazarus from the dead and found limited, fundamental faith only.
- At last, unlimited faith came to Martha when she consented to have the stone moved from the grave (verse 4). When Jesus first ordered the stone taken from the grave, Martha objected in unbelief (verse 39). Then Jesus, challenging her to believe, said, “Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the gory of God?” (verse 40). Martha believed and waited to see the glory of God, and she was not disappointed. We often hear that “seeing is believing,” but this is not so. You believe and then see. Faith comes before sight. Now Martha’s faith no longer limited the power of Christ. She consented to have the stone moved from the tomb and Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth’ (verse 43), and Lazarus was raise up. Don’t be satisfied with limited, fundamental faith only, when you can have unlimited faith that pleases God and reveals His glory.
V: THE HALL OF FAITH
Read Hebrews 11:32-39.
V(A) This chapter is often called the “Hall of Faith.” You need to come here often and linger long, that your faith may become strong in the Lord; for in this Scripture we get a view of the history of
Israel and the church, as it is written by faith, in
the blood of the saints.
They worship by faith as Abel. They walked by faith as Enoch. They worked by faith as Noah. They lived by faith as Abraham. They governed by faith as
Israel. They fought by faith as Joshua. They conquered by faith as Gideon. They subdued kingdoms by faith as David. They closed the mouths of lions by faith as Daniel. They walked though the fire by faith as the three Hebrew children. They suffered by faith as Paul. They died by faith as Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7: 54-60).
By faith they were patient in suffering, courageous in battle, made strong out of weakness, and were victorious in defeat. They were more than conquerors by faith. It is only by faith in the all-powerful Christ that you can be superior to circumstances, and victorious over all the evil forces that would destroy you. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The faith of the saints inspires us, but we look to Jesus as our example of faith.
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Master ourling number eleven THE ABUDANT LIFE
THE ABUNDANT LIFE
“…I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The only way into eternal life is through faith in Christ as personal Savior (John 3:15). But do not stop here; to have eternal life is great – but there is more. Christ came that you might have life abundantly. All believers have life, but not all have abundant life. You are living beneath your privilege if you are a believer and not enjoying the abundant life.
For life to be abundant, it must have abundant resources, and the only unlimited source of life is in the person Jesus Christ the Son of God (John 14:6). To possess this fuller life, the believer must abide in Him (John 15:1-5). Dynamic, abundant living is not for just a few-it is God’s norm for all believers. It is spiritual life in depth, and without it, the Christian life becomes inane and meaningless.
If you do not have abundant life within you, you will soon yield to the fleshly life around you (1 Cor. 3:1-4). The fleshly life is circumstance-controlled; the abundant life is Holy Spirit-controlled. The fleshly Christian life leads to defeat; the abundant life leads to victory in Christ. Man seems to know everything about life except how to live it abundantly. From this moment on, determine not to be satisfied with anything less than God’s best: living life abundantly.
1 THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS A YIELDED LIFE
(A) Read Romans 6:10-13.
1(A) How to live the abundant life is no secret; it is revealed in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God” (above verse 10). Faith that saves identifies you with Christ in His death- this is eternal life. Faith that yields identifies you with Christ in His resurrection-this is abundant life (Col. 3:1-4).
- It is one thing to have eternal life by faith. It is quite another thing to have abundant life by faith.
- It is one thing for you to “…become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21); it is another thing for you to realize His righteous life is in you (1 John3:7).
- It is one thing for you to live in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17); it is another thing for Christ to live His life through you (Col. 1:27).
In the above (verse 13), the believer has a choice. He may yield to God by faith and enjoy abundant life, or he may yield to sin and endure a defeated life (Rev. 3:1). Go would have you know the power of a yielded life; it will lift you above circumstances that circumvent abundant living. The abundant life begins when you yield to Him as Master, allowing Him to live His life through you by faith.
11: THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SERVICE LIFE.
(A) Romans 12:1,2 “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
11(A) To live abundantly, you must serve the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself became our example. He served all the way to
Calvary, and there He was the obedient servant,”…obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2;7,8)
In the above (verse 1 and 2), the believer is urged to take the necessary steps for abundant living.
1. You are to “present.” This is volitional surrender to the perfect will of God, even though you may not know God’s perfect will for your life; it is, on your part, an act of faith (John 7:17).
2. You are to “present your bodies.” God must control and use the whole man. “And may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Your whole man was redeemed on the cross and sanctified (set apart for service) (1 Thess. 5:23).
3. You are to “…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice.” This is exemplified in the life of the Apostle Paul; he was a “living sacrifice.” In life he was “a bond-servant of Christ Jesus” (Rom. 1:1). In battle, he was a warrior (Eph. 6:1o-18). In the will of God, he was a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:1). These words were spoken from a Roman prison; he never referred to himself as a prisoner of
Rome. To the Apostle, prison was a part of the perfect will of God. With this conviction, he lived abundantly (Phil. 1:12). In death, he was victorious (2 Tim.4:7,8).
You have been “transformed” – changed by the power of God, and no longer “conformed to this world”; but now you can be conformed to the “good and acceptable and perfect” will of God-and live abundantly!
111: THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SEPARATED LIFE.
(A) Romans 1:1 Paul a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
111(A) Separation is both positive and negative. You are to be “ …set apart for the gospel of God” –this is positive (above verse). You are to come out from anything that is contrary to the perfect will of God (2 Cor.6:17) –this is negative.
To be separated means to be sanctified (set apart) for salvation and service.
1. The word of God has the power to separate the believer from sin (John 17:17); also Ps 119:11 OT).
2. God the Father has the power to separate the believer to the :…coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5;230.
3. God the Son has the power to separate the believer to righteousness, “…having no spot or wrinkle” (Eph. 5:24-27).
4. God the Holy Spirit has the power to separate the believer unto salvation and service (2 Thess. 2:13)
Without being separated, you can have relationship with God; but you cannot have fellowship with Him. You may be united to Him in
Calvary, but separated from Him in sin (Is. 59:1,2 OT). Without separation, you can have influence without power, movement without achievement; you may try, but not trust; serve, but not succeed; war but not win. Without separation to God from sin, your whole Christian life will be “wood, hay, straw.” Abundant life is made possible by the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and mad a reality by being separated to Him.
1V: THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE.
(A) Ephesians 5:18-20 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; “always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.
1V(A) The Holy Spirit indwells every believer. You may be immature, weak and imperfect; but, if you have been “born again” of the Spirit (John 3:3-7), He dwells in you (1 Cor.6:19; also Rom. 8:9). It is one thing for you to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, but does the Holy Spirit have you, that He may fill you with abundant life? The abundant life is not found in environment or circumstances, or in the things you may possess. It is found in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. “Be filled with the Spirit” (above verse 18) is a command. You may be filled many, many times (Acts 2:4; also Acts 4:31). The apostles that were filled in Acts chapter 2, were filled again in Acts chapter 4. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be Spirit-possessed, Spirit-empowered, Spirit-led, and Spirit-controlled (Acts 8:26-40).
- You are filled with the Spirit that you might have joy (above verses 19 and 20).
- You are filled with the Spirit for service (Acts 6:3; also Acts 11:22-24).
- You are filled with the Spirit for power to be a witness (Acts 1:8; also Acts 2:4-7)
- You are filled with the Spirit for the hour of persecution (Acts 7:54-60).
- You are filled with the Spirit that you may “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16-26).
- You are filled with the Spirit that you may be led by he Spirit (Rom. 8:14).
How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit? First, my must desire Him to fill you. Second, you must ask Him to fill you. Third, you must believe that He does fill you (John 4:14, also John 7:37,38).
V: THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS A MATURE LIFE.
(a) 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
V(A) “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (above verse 18). The Scriptures reveal four stages of spiritual growth in the Christian life.
- The baby stage (1 Cor. 3:1-4). A baby thinks only of self; and, it denied the things desired, it will raise a rumpus. It seeks its own; its feelings are easily hurt and it is often jealous. A baby lives to be served – it never serves. It drinks milk, and cannot eat strong meat. It cries, but never sings. It tries to talk, but never makes sense. These infant characteristics are so prominent in the lives of many church members. They have been born into the family of God, but have failed to develop spiritually. They are spiritual babies – carnal Christians.
- The little child stage (1 John 2:12). Some Christians grow to be little children spiritually but stop there. Here are some of the characteristics of children: they ae often untruthful, envious, and cruel. If rebuked, they become martyrs; if crossed, they are resentful and often make a scene. They are talebearers, repeating everything they hear (in adults it is called gossip). They are given to emotional outbursts, and are easily puffed up. They love praise, and will accept it from any source. They seek only the things that appeal to self. Are you a spiritual child?
- The young man stage (1 John 2:13). Spiritual growth to that of a young man is not reached by many. He is strong and virile and is well able to overcome his enemy. He has a vision for future and the faith and courage to tacle it. He is preparing for his productive years. You, too can become a young man spiritually by doing “away with childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11), and grow.
- The father stage 1 John 2:13). This stage of spiritual development can be reached by all, but so few ever attain it. The spiritual father has peace with God (Rom. 5:1) He knows the peace of God (Phil. 4:7) He rejoices in his spiritual children (1 Thess. 2:19 also 1 Tim. 1:2). He has learned contentment under all circumstances (Phil. 4:11). He knows the only source of true strength (Phil. 4:13) He does not brood over the past, but looks to the future (Phil. 3:13,14). He knows that all things work together in his life for his eternal good (Romans 8:28). He enjoys abundant life now and will enjoy it in the life to come (Eph. 2:7).
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Master outline number twelve REPENTANCE
REPENTANCE
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper. But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion” (Proverbs 28:13 OT)
God desires “truth in the innermost being” (Ps. 51;6 OT) and commands all me everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). The sinner must repen before he can become the recipient of salvation by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8,9). The saved must practice repentance if he is to enjoy unbroken fellowship with God (Job 42:1-6). Someone said, “I repented before I understood the meaning of the word, but since then as a Christian I have repented many times.”
Repentance is granted by God (Acts 53:31; also Acts 11:18). “The kindness of God leads you to repentance” (
Rom. 2:4). The kindness of God is not merited; the result of His kindness which is repentance is a gift. This gift of repentance is an inward change produced by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit as the Word of God is proclaimed (Acts 2:37,38; also John 16:7,11. The results, “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21); faith that Christ died for our sins; and that He was buried and that He rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Repentance qualifies a man for salvation, but it takes faith in Christ to acquire it. True repentance is always coupled with faith. It is impossible to have saving faith and not repent. “Repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” are essential and inseparable in salvation.
Faith without repentance is the ultimate of hypocrisy, and repentance without faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is sheer folly.
1. REPENTANCE DEFINED
(A) 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
1(A) First, let us see that repentance is not:
1. Sorrow. Sorrow that is according to the will of Bod produces a pepentance without regret, leading to salvation” (2 Cor. 7:9,10). Godly sorrow is a guilty feeling that leads to repentance, but it is not repentance.
2. Penance. Penance is an act on the part of guilty to render payment for sin. It is to make an effort, in some way, to atone for wrongs done against God or man. God calls all men o repentance, not to do penance.
· Jesus did not say, do penance and believe the gospel. He said, “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
· Peter did not say, do penance and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ. He said, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
· Paul did not say, God is declaring all men everywhere to do penance. He said, “God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent” (Acts 17:30). If penance is repentance, then salvation is not the gift of God, and we are not saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8,9).
3. Reformation. Reformation is a change brought about by the efforts of man for self-glory (Matt. 12:43-35). It is a turning away from known sin, or giving up a bad habit, or trying to overhaul the old nature, or turning over a new leaf, or making restitution. Judas reformed but it did not save him and neither can it save you (Matt. 27:3-5).
Second, let us see what repentance is:
(1) A change. The change is always evidenced in three elements.
1. The intellectual element, a change of mind.
2. The emotional element, a change of heart.
3. The volitional element, a change of will.
(2) The parable of the prodigal is a perfect illustration of repentance. He had a change of mind, a change of heart, and a change of will (Luke 15:11-32).
1. The intellectual element. “He came to his senses.”
2. The emotional element, “I have sinned.”
3. The volitional element, “I will get up and go to my father.”
Repentance is a change. The prodigal had a change of mind; and his change of mind effected a change of heart; and his change of heart effected a change of will. No one is ever saved until he wills to be (Rev. 22:17) Repentance is change of mind, of heart and of will.
11: REPENTANCE PREACHED.
(A) Read Mark 1:1-4
11(A) Repentance was preached in the Old Testament before the birth of Christ, and during the life and ministry of Christ. It was preached on the day of Pentecost, and in the Boof of Acts after Pentecost. It is taught in the Epistles and the Book of Revelation. It is a doctrine to be preached and practiced in all dispensations.
1. John the Baptist preached repentance.
(a) He preached the baptism of repentance (Luke 3:3).
(b) He preached. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matt. 3:2) He was “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the lord’” (Matt. 3:3). John’s preaching of repentance exalted Christ, denounced sin, warned of judgment, and it cost him his head (Matt. 14:6-11).
2. Jesus preached repentance.
(a) He preached, “Repent and believe in the gospel” (above verse 14,15). He went about doing mighty works and calling sinners to repent and to have faith in the good news of God.
(b) His preaching of repentance was an ultimatum, repent or perish (Luke 13:1-5). Salvation by grace is for the repentant soul, and judgment without mercy for those who resist.
3. Peter preached repentance.
(a) At Pentecost he preached, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
(b) In his second Epistle he preached that, the Lord “is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Every soul that goes to hell goes against the will of God.
4. Paul preached repentance:
(a) He preached that god “is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent” (Acts 17:30). This message was given on Mars’ Hill to the intelligentsia of
Athens. The results were three-fold. First, some sneered; second, some procrastinated; third, some believed (Acts 17:32-34).
111 REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS
(A) Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
111(A) What does the writer of Hebrews mean by, “repentance from dead works”? First, we need to see the other two categories of works. They are:
- Good works (Matt. 5:16). Only saved souls can do good works and please God. Of the lost He said, There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:1-3 OT). The believer is not to hide his good works, but let them be seen to the glory of the heavenly Father. Mary of Bethany anointed the head and feet of Jesus with precious perfume while He sat at the table of Simon the leper. Some of the disciples called her deed an extravagant waste. But Jesus said, “She has done a good deed to Me… She has done what she could” (Mark 14:3-9). Like Mary we are to do all we can to the glory of God, not in order to be saved but because we are saved, having no other motive. This is the way to do good works.
- Evil deeds (Col. 1:20,21). Evil deeds are deeds done by the unregenerated, natural man (1 Cor. 2:14). He walks according to this world system. He is motivated by the “prince of the power of the air (Satan).” His talk is filled with the lust of the flesh and he lives to gratify the desires of the flesh and the natural mind. He is a child of wrath and his works are wicked because he is dead in sin (Eph. 2: 1-3).
- Dead works (above verse). Dead works could be called religious works. They are done by the religious for the purpose of meriting eternal life. It is a legalistic effort to keep the moral and ceremonial laws of God for the purpose of winning God’s favor and be saved by works (Eph. 2:8,9). Paul said, “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20)
- Dead works are performed by the religious, “For not knowing about God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God” (Rom. 10:1-4).
- Paul is a good illustration of repentance from dead works. He clearly stated that he had “no confidence in the flesh”; then he lists his dead works of which he had to repent (Phil. 3:1-9). When he compared this righteousness which is by dead works of the law, with the righteousness of Christ which is by faith, he counted the former but rubbish. He knew the meaning of “repentance from dead works.”
1V REPENTANCE AND GOD
(A) Read Hebrews 7:21
1V(A) “God is not a man, that He should lie. Nor a son of man the He should repent” (Numbers23:19 OT). Yet the Bible tells us that He does repent (Gen. 6:5-7 OT). This is not a contradiction. It is paradoxical, but not contradictory.
God makes two covenants with man.
The first is unconditional. When he makes an unconditional covenant He never repents (“change His mind” [Ps. 110:4 OT]). He made such a covenant with
Israel (Rom. 11;25-36)
The second is conditional. The LORD said, “My spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh, nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years” (Gen. 6:3 OT). In the days of Noah God gave the human race 120 years to repent. Only Noah and his family repented and “found favor in the eyes of the LORD”(Gen 6:8 OT). They met God’s condition and were not judged with the rest of the human race who refused to repent. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It is clear that God wills to save all lost souls. He is “not wishing for any to perish” To be saved the lost must meet His condition. “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Now if a man does not repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, God will repent. He will change and judge that man. In love He bestows grace; but, if salvation by grace is rejected, in justice He terminates it. In this way God repents.
V REPENTANCE, IMPOSSIBLE TO RENEW.
(A) Read Hebrews 6:4-6 “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame.
V(A) The key that unlocks the mystery to this difficult portion of Scripture is the word, “impossible” in verse 6. The writer is saying, that the person who so sins will find it impossible to repent again.
First, let us see what the writer does not mean. He odes not mean a backslidden Christian. Simon Peter backslid (Matt. 26:69-75), repented (John 21:3-17), and was restored to fellowship with the Lord. King David sinned (2 Sam. 11:1-27 OT), repented (Psalm 51:1-19), and was restored to fellowship with the Lord (2 Sam. 12:13 OT). Any backslidden Christian can repent and be restored to fellowship with God.
Second, let us see what the writer does mean. Hebrews 6:4-6 ids proof that being religious is not enough to save you. They professed, but did not possess eternal life. In outward appearance they would be called Christians. But Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21-23).
Esau so sinned against the Lord when he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Gen. 25:27-34 OT). Later he tried to repent, but found it impossible to do so. The Scripture says, “he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears” (Heb. 12:16,17).
At the great white throne judgment where only the wicked dead are judged (Rev. 20:11-15), they too, will try to repent but will find it impossible.
V1: REPENTANCE, THE IMPORTANCE OF.
(A) Acts 17:30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent.
V1(A) Repentance is so important that God commands that “all everywhere should repent” (above verse).
- The lost are to repent. Jesus said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” Matt. 9:13). Again, He said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3-5).
- Backsliders are to repent. Paul said, “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance” (2 Cor. 7:9). There were fleshly Christians in the church at Corinth. In Paul’s first letter to them he called upon the church to discipline the guilty. In his second letter he rejoices because the guilty repented.
- Local churches are to repent. In the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2-3), our Lord sent seven letters to seven local churches. He called upon five of the seven to repent.
The
church of Ephesus was to repent because she had left her first love.
The church at Pergamos was to repent because she permitted the doctrine of Balaam to be taught, and to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality.
The
church of Thatira was to repent because she tolerated Jezebel to teach and lead God’s servants to commit acts of immorality.
The church at
Sardis was to repent because she was a dying congregation.
The
church of Laodicea was to repent because she thought she was rich and did not need anything. In her opinion, she had arrived. She did not know that she was neither hot or cold, but lukewarm and God was ready to spit her out of His mouth.
The Lord called upon these five local churches to repent or else He would remove their candlestick and they would cease to e a light in darkness.
The lost are to repent or perish.
The backslider is to repent or be disciplined.
The local church is to repent or lose its effectiveness in a world lost in sin.
V11 REPENTANCE, THE EVIDENCE OF.
(A) Acts 26:19,20 “Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then through out all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
V11(A) The evidence of repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ is seen in:
1. The repentance of unbelieving Thomas (John 20:24-29). Thomas would not believe that Christ had been raised from the dead until he saw the risen Savior and was given the opportunity to touch His nail-pierced hands and put his hand into His wounded side. Thomas repented, believed, and made his great confession of faith, “My Lord and my God!”
2. Three thousand changed their minds, hearts, and wills on the day of Pentecost and immediately gave evidence of repentance (Acts 2:41-47).
3. Saul of Tarsus experienced repentance when he met Jesus on the
Damascus road and gave evidence of repentance (Acts 9: 1-22).
4. Cornelius, his family, and friends repented when they heard the gospel preached by Simon Peter, and evidence of repentance followed (Acts 10:24-48).
5. The Philippian jailer and his house repented when witnessed to by Paul and Silas; the evidence of repentance followed (Acts 16:26-34).
Repentance is a change of mind, the heart, and the will. The proof of repentance is:
1. Turning from transgressions” (Ezek. 18:30 OT);
2. Turning to God;
3. Following by good deeds (above verse).
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Master outline number thirteen THE NEW BIRTH
It is of the utmost importance that we have a clear understanding of what Jesus meant when, speaking with Nicodemus, He said, “You must be born again.” The new birth is a spiritual birth. It is as much a birth as the natural birth; it is not just a figure of speech. The first birth is of the seed of man. The second birth is of the seed of God (1 Peter 1:23). Therefore you cannot become a child of God by joining the church, any more than a monkey could become a man by joining the human race. He may act like a man, dress like a man and try to live like a man – but he would still be a monkey. Now, if by some miracle, the monkey could be born again of the seed of man, then – and only then- could he become a man. The only way to become a child of God is to be “born again” (John 3:3)., “not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.” What is the new birth?
The new birth is a new creation (2Cor.5:17)
The new birth is a spiritual resurrection (Eph.2:1-9)
The new birth is regeneration (Titus 3:5)
The new birth is partaking of the divine nature of God (2 Peter 1:4)
The new birth is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, by faith (John 1:12)
The new birth is being made the “righteousness of God: (2 Cor. 5:21)
The new birth is compulsory if you are to become a child of God: “You must be born again.”
1. JESUS AND THE TWO BIRTHS
(A) John 3:1-8 (read this!)
1(A) In the above Scripture, we see Jesus and Nicodemus face to face – Jesus the Son of God, and Nicodemus the son of natural man. Nicodemus was a very religious man, but he was not a child of God. What a shock it must have been to learn that his religion was not enough! It never is. He came to Jesus, addressing Him saying, “You have come from God as a teacher.” Jesus knew Nicodemus, as He knows all men (John 3:24, 25.), and Jesus knew that he needed more than a teacher- he needed a Savoir. He began by going right to the point when He said, “You must be born again.” Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?” Then Jesus pointed out the dissimilarity in the two births: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh” (the flesh will never change); and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (the Spirit will never change, verse 6).
First , let us take a brief look at the flesh birth.
(1) It produces an old, sinful nature (Ps.51:5)
(2) It produces a perishable nature (1 Peter 1:23)
(3) It produces an old nature under the sentence of death (Rom.6:23)
(4) It produces and old nature that makes every unsaved person a child of the devil (1 John 3:10 also John 8:44)
Second, let us say a word about the new birth:
(1) It produces a sinless nature (1 John 3:9)
(2) It produces a nature that cannot sin (1 John 3:9)
(3) It produces a righteous nature (2 Cor. 5:21)
(4) It produces a divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
Every born again person has two natures: the old from the old birth, and the new from the new birth. By the old birth, we are children of the flesh; by the new birth, we are the children of God. This is why “You must be born again.”
11. NEW BIRTH ISSUES A NEW, SINLESS NATURE.
(B) 1 John 3:9
“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
11(B) This is one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. Do not try to understand it in the light of personal experience. Keep in mind that the above verse is speaking of the new nature – not the old nature – because the old nature is not born of God. The old nature is born of fallen man and is depraved.
The new nature is born of God and is holy.
First, let us see what this verse says about the new nature:
(1) The new nature does not commit sin, because it is the product of the seed (sperm) of God.
(2) The new nature cannot sin, because it is the divine nature of God (2 Peter 1:4). And since God cannot sin, the new nature that issues from His holy seed cannot sin.
Second, let us see what the Bible says about the old nature:
· The old nature does sin any time you let it sin (Romans 6:12). As a child of God, you will keep under the old nature (1 Cor. 9:27) by not yielding to the desire of the flesh; or the old nature will keep you under, and you will live a defeated Christian life (Rom. 6:13)
· There is nothing good in the old nature (Rom. 7:18). The power to live a righteous life cannot be found in the old nature; it can be found only in the new (Gal. 2:20).
If you have been “born again,” you have two natures – the old and the new – and you are walking according to one of the two. Examine your Christian walk in the light of God’s Word (Rom. 8:5,6).
3. 111 THE NEW BIRTH IS IMPERISHABLE
(A) 1 Peter 1:23
“For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable that is, through the living and abiding word of God.”
111(A) In the above verse we have two seeds, two births, and two natures.
· The corruptible seed issues a corruptible nature (Rom. 1:23). The seed of man became depraved in the seed of Adam when he sinned in the garden of Eden (Gen.3:6-10). Corruptible man can produce only corruptible seed (Mat. 7:18). “All have sinned….” (Rom. 3:23) because all are born in sin (Psalm 51:5). You are not a sinner because you sin – you sin because you are a sinner.
· The incorruptible seed issues an incorruptible nature (2 Peter 1:4). You cannot corrupt that which is incorruptible; therefore, the incorruptible seed of God issues a new nature that cannot be corrupted at any time, or in any way. The new birth produces the life of Christ, and this life is made living in man by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:8-10) The seed of man is corruptible; the birth of man is natural. Therefore, the nature of man is sinful.
The seed of God is incorruptible; the new birth is spiritual. Therefore, the new nature is sinless.
4. 1V: THE NEW BIRTH – ITS MEANS
(A) John 3:14 – 18
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; (also Num.21:9 and John 8:28; 12:34)
That whoever believes may in Him have eternal life.
(It is a fact that God loves you)
:17 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
1V(A) “Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness” (Num. 21:5-9). He lifted up the serpent for a sinful, disobedient people. When anyone was bitten by a serpent, he had a choice: He could humble himself and by a simple act of faith look and live (Is. 45:22 OT); or he could refuse to look on the serpent of bronze and die.
"Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." Just as the spent in the wilderness was the only means for the healing of
Israel, so the death of Jesus Christ is the only means for the ne birth. And the only way to appropriate the regenerating power of God is by faith in th vicarious dath, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
The sinner must come to Christ by faith, believing:
- That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (Is. 53;1-12 OT; also Zech. 13:6 OT).
- And that He was buried. This is the proof of His death. He was in the grave three days and nights.
- And that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. This is the gospel that saves – but it is powerless to save until the sinner believes it (Rom. 1:16).
The means of the new birth is found in that:
- “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” – to be the only means of the new birth (above verse 16; also Acts 4:12).
- Jesus Christ gladly came into the world to become the only means of the new birth (John 12:27; also John 17:1-5).
- The Holy Spirit came into the world on the day of Pentecost to convince men of their need of the new birth. (John 16:1-11). A personal faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only means of the new birth.
V: THE NEW BIRTH: ITS THREEFOLD PROOF
(A) 1 John 5:1,2
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.
V(A) Every “born again” child of God has the threefold proof of the new birth – proof that he is a child of God. This threefold proof is: first, inward proof; second, outgoing proof; and third, outward proof.
1. “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (above verse 1). My faith in Christ –That He is God – is personal evidence that I am a child of God (above verses 10-13). This is inward proof of the new birth.
2. “Everyone who loves is born of God (1 John 4:7-11). We are to love our fellow man with the love of God. This we are not capable of doing in the flesh; we must let God love man through us (
Rom. 5:5). This is outgoing proof of the new birth.
3. “Everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him” (1 John 2:29). If you are born of God, you will make a practice of doing right at all times and at all cost (2 Cor. 5:17). This is outward proof of the new birth.
If you do not have the threefold proof of the new birth, now is the time to get on your knees and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior – by faith in His vicarious death, burial, and resurrection.
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Master outline number fourteen GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION
GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION
There are seven facts revealed in God’s plan of salvation, and as you study them, keep in mind that this is God’s plan – not man’s – it is God’s. There is no other plan that can save your lost soul and make you a child of God (Acts 4:12).
All roads may lead to
Rome, but all religions do not lead to God and salvation. There is only one way, and that is God’s way; and God’s way is a person, and that person is His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
God’s salvation is threefold: First, Christ appeared on this earth to save you from the penalty of sin, by putting away your sin by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross (Heb. 9:26). Second, He appeared in heaven, in the presence of God, after His resurrection, to save you from the power of sin (Heb. 9:24); also 1 John 2:1,2). Third, He will appear again on this earth, the second time, as “Lord of lords and King of kings” to save you from the very presence of sin (Heb. 9:28).
Now come to the seven facts of salvation with an open mind and a receptive heart, that God may bring salvation to your soul.
1 IT IS A FACT THAT GOD LOVES YOU
(A) John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
1(A) It is an eternal fact that God loves you with an everlasting love that cannot be fathomed, it is so boundless that it can only be known by faith.
The little word “so” in the above verse is most expressive. It gives you some concept of the magnitude of God’s love. God so loved you, that He gave His only begotten Son, to be made sin for you, that you might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus Christ was made that which God hates: sin-that you might become that which God loves: righteousness. Because God so loves you, you can exchange your sins for His righteousness. Could you ask for greater evidence of love? Calvay is proof that God loves, and longs to save you.
Before turning to the next fact, admit to yourself that: “God loves me.”
11: IT IS A FACT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER
(A) Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
11(A) What is sin?
Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).
Sin is unbelief; it calls God a liar (1 John 5:10).
Sin is active rebellion against God (1 Sam. 15:23 OT)
All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17).
God, who cannot lie, said: “All have sinned.” “All” includes you. You have sinned against God by thought, word, and deed. You have committed sins of commission and sins of omission. In the sight of God, you are a lost sinner.
Before turning to the next fact, admit to yourself: “I am a lost sinner, because I have sinned.”
111: IT IS A FACT THAT YOU ARE NOW DEAD IN SIN.
(A) Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
111(A) You have already confessed and admitted that you are a sinner. Now God would have you know that “…the wages of sin is death.” You are dead in sin until you accept Christ as personal Savior. The Apostle Paul said, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins” Eph. 2:1). To be saved is to be made spiritually alive in Christ.
What is death?
- Death is spiritual separation. Your sins have separated you from God; you are dead in your sins.
- Death is physical separation. It separates the spirit and sould from the body.
- Death is eternal separation. If you remain lost in your sins, you will stand before God at the great white throne judgment. And there your sins will separate you from the mercy of God forever; this is Hades (Rev. 20:11-15)
You know that God loves you, and that you are a sinner-dead in sins. Before turning to the next fact, admit to yourself: “I am dead in sins.”
1V: IT IS A FACT THAT CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR.
(A) Romans 5:6-8 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we ere yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1V(A) He died for those who are unlike God; this includes you. “While we were yet sinners. Christ died for us” (above verse 8).
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold …but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18,19).
“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3).
In the light of these wonderful Scriptures, will you now thank God for His great love in sending His Son to bear your sins in His own body on the cross, and admit to yourself that: “Christ died on
Calvary for me.”
V: IT IS A FACT THAT YOU CAN BE SAVED BY FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
(A) Acts 16:30,31 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 and they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household. 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.
V(A) The Philippian jailor asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The answer was quick in response, and positive in content: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.” Paul and Silas preached the gospel to the jailer and those in his house; they believed and were saved.
What is this gospel that saves when believed?
First, it is: “that Christ died for our sins.”
Second: “that He was buried.”
Third: “that He was raised on the third day” (1 Cor. 15:3,4).
Jesus Christ the God-man died for you, was buried for you, and rose from the dead for you; and is now at the right hand of the Father interceding for you (1John 2:1).
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). The gospel is the power of God for salvation only when you believe. Your faith in Jesus Christ releases the power of God that saves your soul.
The man born blind received physical sight by a miracle; but, spiritual sight came when Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “Lord, I believe (John 9:35-38). Salvation came to Thomas when he believed and confessed, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:24-29).
When you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (
Rom. 10:9,10).
Accept Him now by faith, and pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I know You love me, because You died on the cross bearing my sins. Thank You, Lord, for revealing to me my lost, sinful condition. I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself. I do now by faith, gladly accept You as my personal Savior, and thank You, Lord, for eternal salvation. Amen.”
V1 IT IS A FACT YOU CAN BE SAVED AND KNOW IT.
(A) 1 John 5:10-13 The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the witness that God has borne concerning His Son. 11 And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
V1(A) “…that you may know that you have eternal life…” (above verse 13) Upon the authority of God’s Word, you can be saved and know it. Your faith in God’s infallible Word is your assurance of salvation. “He who believes in the Son has (present tense) eternal life” (John 3:36).
The Bible is a book of certainties. It strengthens convictions, and establishes beliefs. God would have you know:
- That you re now a child of God (1 John 3:2).
- That you have been made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21); also Rom. 10:1,4).
- That you are now a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
- That you are now a son and heir of God (Gal. 4:7). Could you have greater assurance that is found in God’s infallible Word? “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
V11: IT IS A FACT THAT GOD SAVED YOU TO OBEY HIM.
(A) Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.
V11(A) “We must obey God rather than men” (above verse). You now belong to Jesus Christ. He is your Lord and Master, and “no one can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). Determine now to obey your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, in all things:
- Unite with a New Testament church. “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
- Follow Him in the ordinance of baptism (Acts 2:41).
- Join a Sunday school class or adult cell group, and study the Word with God’s children (2 Tim 2:15).
- Attend the worship services of your church (Heb. 10:25). You need the preaching of God’s Word and Christian fellowship.
- Be a faithful steward (1 Cor.4:2). All that you are and have belong to God. “…you are not your own. For you are bought with a price…” (1 Cor 6:19,20). As a faithful steward, you will pay God His tithe (Mal. 3:10 OT). The tithe is one-tenth of your income, and it is the Lord’s (Lev. 27:30 OT).
- Make time in your daily life to pray and read God’s Word, that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Master outline number fifteen HOW TO WITNESS EFFECTIVELY
HOW TO WITNESS EFFECTIVELY
One day Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee. He saw two men, Simon, called Peter and Andrew, his brother. They were fishermen. “And He said to them. “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matt. 4:19). Soul winners are made not born. Therefore to be an effective witness, you must be taught, trained, and motivated by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus took three years to teach and train His disciples in the art of soul winning. After His resurrection He instructed them to stay in
Jerusalem and, “wat for what the Father had promised” (Acts 1:4-8). When the disciples asked Jesus if the time had come for Him to restore the kingdom of Israel, He answered, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
On the day of Pentecost, the hundred and twenty received power to witness; and any believer who will acquire the know-how can be an effective soul winner.
He can know that he and the Holy Spirit are a witnessing team. Peter said, “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Therefore, when you witness remember that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” (1 Cor. 6:19,20).
When you witness, trust the Holy Spirit to do three things:
- Illuminate the mind of the unbeliever. All lost souls are in spiritual darkness (2 Cor. 4:3,4).
- Stir the heart of the unbeliever. As Peter preached Christ the listeners, “were pierced to the heart” (Acts 2:37).
- Move the will of the unbeliever. The prodigal returned home when he came to his senses and said, “I will get up and go to my father” (Luke 15:18).
You may be up-to-date in all modern techniques of soul winning, and able to quote the necessary Scriptures without a flaw; but if you do not evangelize in the power of the Holy Spirit, your soul winning efforts will be ineffective. Approach this Master Outline with an open heart and receptive mind, willing to be made fishers of men.
1: THE IMPORTANCE OF WITNESSING
(A) Romans 10:13-17. For “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD HTINGS!”
16 However, they did not all heed the glad tidings; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?”
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
1(A) …for “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED” (Above verse 13). Do not lift this text out of context. There are three questions in vers 14 that must be considered along with verse 13, they are:
First question, “How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed?” The answer is, the lost cannot call on the Lord to be saved until they believe-
- “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
- And that He was buried.
- And that He was raise on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:1-4)
Second question, “And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” The answer is the lost cannot believe in Him until they hear the good news of salvation.
- The eunuch had to hear to believe (Acts 8:26-39).
- Paul had to hear to believe (Acts 9:1-18).
- Cornelius had to hear to believe (Acts 10:1-48)
- The Philippian jailer had to hear to believe (Acts 16:25-40).
Third question: “And how shall they hear without a preacher (witness)?” The answer is, they cannot hear the good news of salvation without a witness.
- Three thousand were saved at Pentecost because the 120 witnessed.
- The eunuch was saved because Philip witnessed.
- Paul was saved because Stephen witnessed (Acts 7:54-60), and Jesus the God-man witnessed, and Ananias witnessed (Acts 9:1-18)
- Cornelius and his household were saved because Peter witnessed.
- The Philippian jailer and his household were saved because Paul and Silas witnessed.
- You were saved because someone witnessed to you.
According to the word of God, the lost cannot be saved without a witness. They must have a witness to hear, they must hear to believe, they must believe to call, and they must call to be saved. But they cannot call until they believe and hey cannot believe until they hear and they cannot hear without a witness. “So faith (saving faith) comes from hearing” (above verse 17). We are not born with saving faith; it comes only when we hear the gospel. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that every born again child of God obey the great commission to evangelize, to go with the gospel.
11 THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A WITNESS.
(A) Colossians 2:6,7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so wk in Him.
7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
A qualified witness is one who is:
- Established in the faith. To be established in the faith is to be rooted and grounded in God’s Word. Peter said, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).
The fifteen Master Outline studies in the Christian Life were prepared to help establish you in the faith. Study them, carry the Bible with you and take advantage of every opportunity to ponder a portion of one of the great doctrines. They will give you a foundation on which to build a strong faith (2 Tim. 3:16,17).
2. Saved and knows it. I know that I am saved because God tells me so in His word
And God cannot lie.
· Witness of the Spirit (
Rom. 6:16).
· The witness of the Word (1 John 5:13).
· The witness of faith “The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself” (1 John 5:9,10).
3.
Separated. Paul said that he was “set apart for the gospel of God” (
Rom. 1:1-16).
This is a positive separation and Paul analyzed it as:
· The holy desire to share spiritual gifts (verse 11)
· A holy purpose to bear fruit (verse 13).
· A holy obligation to pay a spiritual debt (verse 14).
· A holy eagerness to share the gospel (verse 15)
· A holy boldness to exalt the cross (verse 16)
To be separated unto the gospel is to share the Good News with the lost.
4. Filled with the Holy Spirit. “Be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). We are
commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Evidence of the Spirit-filled life
as seen in the early Christians:
- They spoke the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).
- They witnessed with great power (Acts 4:33).
- They witnessed with great grace (Act 4:33).
- They shared their wealth (Acts 4: 34-37).
- They worshipped in unity (Acts 2:42-47).
- They suffered persecution (Acts 8:1-4).
- They gloried in tribulations (Rom. 5:3).
- They sang in prison (Acts 16:25).
- They loved and prayed for their executioners (Acts 7:54-60).
- They rejoiced to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41)
They were accused of:
- filling Jerusalem with the gospel (Acts 5:28)
- Upsetting the world (Acts 17:6).
The 120 Spirit-filled Christians witnessed on the day of Pentecost and the people were:
1. Bewildered, that is, they were mentally arrested (Acts 2:6).
2. Amazed, that is, they were mentally frustrated (Acts 2:7).
3. Marveling, that is, they stood in mental awe (Acts 2:7).
4. Mocking, that is, some mentally reacted (Acts 2:13).
5. Inquiring, that is, some mentally acted (Acts 2:37).
The gospel proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit will motivate the hearer to act or react.
On the day of Pentecost three thousand acted as evidenced by repentance and baptism. While others reacted mocking. No one, but no one, ignored the witness of those Spirit-filled believers.
111: THE APPROACH.
(A) John 1:40-42. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41 He found first his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (Which translated means Christ).
42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which translated means Peter).
There are two ways to approach the prospect.
The first is:
(1) The direct approach. This approach can be used when witnessing to:
- A relative. Andrew used the direct approach to bring his brother Simon Peter to Christ.
- A friend. Philip the apostle used the direct approach to bring Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:45,46).
- The concerned. Jesus used the direct approach to win Nicodemus (John 3:1-21).
- The seeker. Paul and Silas used the direct approach to lead the Philippian jailer to Jesus (Acts 16:19-34).
The second is:
(2) The indirect approach. This approach can be used when witnessing to:
- A stranger. Jesus used the indirect approach to witness to the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26).
- The religious. Phillip the evangelist used the indirect approach to lead the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ (Acts 8:26-39).
The method in either case will vary according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Whether you use the direct or the indirect approach, be sure to follow through until you have presented God’s plan of salvation and invited them to accept Christ as their personal Savior.
1V: THE FOLLOW-THROUGH.
(A) Read Matthew 13:3-8 and 18-23.
1V(A) The parable of the sower illustrates the importance of the follow-through. Only one fourth of the soil was ready for the seed, so only one fourth of the seed brought forth fruit. Jesus explains the parable (in verses 18-23), and we learn that:
- The sower is the witness.
- The seed is the word of God.
- The soil is the heart.
We also learn that there are four types of hearts. They are:
- The hard heart; this is the wayside soil, fertile but hard.
- The shallow heart; this is the stony soil, fertile but depthless.
- The worldly heart; this is the thorny soil, fertile but possessed.
- The understanding heart; this is good soil, fertile and prepared.
The lesson here is a simple one if we expect the seed, the word of God to bear fruit, the heart must be made ready. The hard heart must be broken; the shallow heart must be given depth; and the worldly heart must be taught that the things of this world are temporal (mark 8:36,37). This requires time, work, and patience.
V: HOW TO SHARE GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION.
(A) Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”
V(A) There are seven simple steps to take in sharing God’s plan of salvation:
- Share your personal experience of salvation. Don’t give your life story, It should not take more than a few minutes to tell how the Lord saved yu. As you come to the close of your testimony, bring out your Bible and say, “May I share with you God’s plan of salvation that changed my life?”
- Now share fact number one, It is a fact that God loves you. Read John 3:16 and the notes on the fact that God loves you, under Master Outline Number fourteen. When you come to the close of the notes say something like this: “Tom, will you admit that God loves you?” Lead him to admit it if you can. This will get him involved in the plan of salvation.
- Now share fact number two on Outline fourteen, It is a fact that you are a sinner. Read the scripture (Rom. 6:23) and the note; and as you come to the close of the note, ask him to admit that he is a lost sinner. When he admits that he is a lost sinner, you say something like this: “Tom, isn’t it wonderful? God loves you even though you are a lost sinner.”
- Now share fact number three of Outline fourteen: It is a fact that you are now dead in sin. Read the Scripture (Rom 6:24) and the note; and as you come to the close of the note, ask him to admit that he is dead in sin. When he admits that he is dead in sin, say something like this: “Tom, isn’t it great? Even though you are a lost sinner dead in sin, God loves you.”
- Now share fact number four of Outline fourteen. It is a fact that Christ died for you. Read the Scripture (Romans 5:6-8) and the note; and as you come to the close of the note, ask him to admit that Christ died on Calvary for him. Say something like this, “Tom, isn’t it wonderful? Isn’t it great that God loves you so much that He died on Calvary bearing your sins?”
- Now share with him fact number five of Outline fourteen. It is a fact that you can be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Read the Scripture and the note; and, as you come to the close of the note, be ready to ask him to accept Christ as his personal Savior.
- Now lead him to call upon the name of the Lord in prayer: for “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Rom. 10:13).
V1 HOW TO GIVE THE INVITATION.
(A) Revelations 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
V1(A) To give the invitation is to invite the person witnessed to, to by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Say something like this: “Tom, will you kneel with me in prayer as I ask the Lord to save you, right here and now?” (Don’t wait for him to get on his knees; you lead the way. If he will not kneel with you, don’t force it; pray a short prayer that the Lord will convict him of sin and bring him to repentance. Get up and make an appointment to return for another witness session. If he does kneel with you, pray a brief prayer and ask the Lord to save him now.)
Now ask him to pray after you the prayer of acceptance. You pray, “Lord Jesus, I know you love me.” Now he prays, “Lord Jesus, I know you love me.” Continue in this manner until you have led him through the prayer. “Because you died on the cross for my sins. I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself. I do now by faith, gladly accept You as my personal Savior, and thank You, Lord, for eternal salvation. Amen”
Now when you have finished leading him through the prayer stand up and say, “Tom, did you by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior as you prayed, ‘I do now by faith, gladly accept You as my personal Savior, and thank you Lord, for eternal salvation’?” When he answers yes, take him by the hand and say, “Upon the authority of God’s Word you are now a child of God.” Then read Romans 10:13. for “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
V11: HOW TO FOLLOW UP.
(A) Read Acts 2:41-47
V11(A) When you have led a soul to Christ your responsibility does not end. You have a spiritual baby, and that baby needs help if it is to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are seven things that you can do that will help the new Christian to grow spiritually.
1. Give him a Bible if he does not already have one.
2. Explain and give the Master Outline system of study. Show him all fifteen Master Outlines.
3. Now show him how he can know that he is saved. Go to Master outline number fourteen and read fact number V1: It is a fact that you can be saved and know it. Read the outline and each verse.
4. Now go to fact number seven of Outline fourteen. Start him out right; stress the fact that we are to obey the Lord in all things.
5. Lead him into a New Testament church. Say something like this: “Tom, I am a member of a New Testament church, and I want you to be my guest at the next service. “Take him to church and sit with him, and, when the invitation is given, ask him to go forward with you to make his public profession of faith in Christ (Matt.10:32).
6. Encourage him to witness. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Ps. 107:2 OT)
7. Now help him through the Fifteen Master Outlines in the Bible. When you have reached Master Outline Number Fifteen, he should be in the church, with a doctrinal foundation on which to continue to grow spiritually. And by now he should be involved in evangelism. He is ready to go with the gospel.
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Glenda Kemp: To find out where I come from and who I was click 'about' tab. To know more about my life now, click on 'Diary' tab. To know about the book that is soon to be published on my life, click the 'Book' tab. Latest updates:
New Year challenge! I dare you! (Go to the Home' tab on this blog. (31 Dec. 2011) YOU MUST SEE THIS! A new video on 'My Dog' . Dog versus Crab. Blow for blow, roll for roll, pinch for pinch. (Not for sensitive viewers.) 30/12/2011 'Book': Walking the streets of London in my underwear. 29 Dec 2011 Book tab: *snake. Dead or alive; the show must go on. *Miraculous protection. *London: my first day at work. 26 Dec. 2011
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