Post on 16-May-2015
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Our God - From Beginning to End
The Father - Creator and Provider
INTRODUCTION Hand out a piece of paper and tell them to make a paper airplane.
Next have them make another paper airplane, but this time without paper. It’s impossible. We always need some raw
material to start with to make anything. God made the whole world out of nothing. He
spoke and it came to be. This is something we accept simply by faith because this is
something we cannot do. Only the almighty God can. We are going to discuss today
how God created us and how he continues to provide for us.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Where did all things come from?
Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heavens
and the earth.
IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED What was there before God? That is a
good question and Genesis 1:1 explains it. Nothing! Thousands, not millions, of
years ago God created time and all things. What was God doing before creation?
Another good question of which the Bible does not give us an answer.
Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
GOD CREATED EVERYTHING IN 6 DAYS. There are those that say that
God created but then set everything into motion to evolve. The six days of
creation were actually long periods of time, not millions of years. Creation
was a long process that God oversaw and continues to evolve today. Creation
was a big job that didn’t even take a year but only 6 days from start to finish.
Genesis 1:27- 2827 So God created man in his own
image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he
created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in
number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
GOD CREATED MAN AND WOMAN AS THE CROWN OF HIS CREATION. Explain how God created man and woman
different from all other creation. (In his image, formed from clay,
breathed breath of life, took a rib to form woman) They were the
rulers, the crown of his creation.
All things came to be when “In the beginning, God created” everything in six days, with man and woman as
the crown of His creation.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFEEvaluate. Some people believe that
both the Bible and the theory of evolution can be correct because the
six days of which the Bible speaks could be six long periods of time
extending over thousands or perhaps even million of years.
Agree or disagree and why? A person cannot be a Christian
if he believes in evolution.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What does creation tell us about our Creator?
Psalm 19:1-3 1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens
declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they
display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their
voice is not heard.
CREATION PROCLAIMS GOD’S GLORY AND HANDIWORK - The depth of space and the distances involved can
only be measured in light years. The smallness of molecules, atoms, nucleus, quirks and anti-quirks. The seasons and the water cycle. The amazing features of the body and it ability to heal. When we think we know things, it just gets more complicated. These all scream out the glory of God who is wise beyond our
searching out.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world
God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from
what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
CREATION PROCLAIMS GOD’S POWER AND LEAVES MEN
WITHOUT EXCUSE - We have prints in our house that are signed by the
painter. I never saw the painter paint it but I believe that he or she did it
because of the style and colors used and because they singed it. Creation is the signature of God showing us that he
exists. His power and glory are revealed in the amazing nature of the
heavens and the earth.
Creation proclaims to all the power and glory of God and leaves all men who doubt it
without an excuse.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Prove why this statement is true. It takes more faith to believe in
evolution than to believe in creation.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
How does God continue to provide for His creation?
Psalm 104:14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for man to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth:
GOD CAUSES ALL PLANTS TO GROW Give examples of all the variety of plants that are out there. There are some for
animals, some for humans and some plants we use for clothes, some we use for
building houses (trees). Animals eat plants and give us milk, leather, meat etc.
Psalm 145:15-16 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you
give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the
desires of every living thing.
GOD IS RESPONSIBLE TO FEED EVERY LIVING THING - How many of you have been without food for a whole week? For even a whole day? Think of the thousands of days that we have lived and never gone hungry. God does this
for every living thing.
God provides for his creation by making all things grow and
supplying food for every living thing.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? The reason that God provides richly and daily for one person or nation and
not for another is because the one is more pleasing to him than the other.
Agree or disagree and why? We have to help God provide for us by working the fields and raising the
animals we use for food.
CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Creation: God made the whole world in 6 days out of nothing but His Word.
Evolution: A man-made theory that all things came about by a long process and change over millions of years
Providence: (Provider) God the Father’s activity of supplying everything we need to keep our body and life.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
How does God protect you?
Psalm 121:1-8 1 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come
from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He
will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your
shade at your right hand;
Psalm 121:1-8 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor
the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and
forevermore.
GOD CONSTANTLY WATCHES OVER YOU. How many times does the word watch appear in
these verses? God is your eternal babysitter that never sleeps and always is watching out for you in
your life from now to eternity.
Psalm 91:10-1110 then no harm will befall you, no disaster
will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to
guard you in all your ways;
GOD SENDS HIS ANGELS TO GUARD US SO THAT NO HARM COMES NEAR
US. Because angels are ministering spirits and don’t have bodies, it may appear that
they don’t exist. But God says that he sends them to protect you and maybe you
have been saved by one more than once in your life.
God constantly watches over you and sends his angels to
protect you.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Evaluate Jimmy was in a car accident and was paralyzed for
life. He said, “ God wasn’t protecting me with his angels because I am not able to use
my body anymore.”
HYMNOLOGY: Praise God From Whom All Blessings
Flow (CW 334)
CLOSING PRAYERDear Lord, The world is filled with many who deny you as the creator of all things. Strengthen our faith in you so that we might give you the honor and glory you deserve for creating this incredible world we live in. Help us to recognize how you provide for every living thing each day and lead us to thank you for all that you give us. What a comfort to know that you are constantly watching over us and protecting us with your angels. Keep us safe until we gather here again next week around your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT TIME
REVIEWING THE LESSON 1. Review your notes; be sure you understand them. Be prepared for a written or oral
quiz. Don’t forget about the vocabulary words! 2. Make a flashcard for and memorize Exodus 20:11. Be able to put the passage into
your own words. 3. Journal Writing: Read through the meaning of the First Article. As you read the long
list of things that are involved in our “bodily needs” - write a paragraph reaction to this list. Also explain how God filters these blessings to you. (ex. How did you get clothes when you don’t own any cotton plants or a sewing machine.)
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LESSON Ask your parents to help you with the following activity: 1. Read Exodus 14 in your Bible. 2. Complete Bible History Worksheet #4. Be prepared to discuss it in class. 3. Memorize the First Article up to “… body and life.” (page 4 in the Catechism)
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Our God - From Beginning to End
The Son - True God and True Man
INTRODUCTION Your team is in a championship baseball game in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and two outs. Your down by three runs and your
team’s poorest hitter is up. The best hitter is on the bench because he had a bad
ankle but he had his uniform on because he could pinch hit if he was needed. What will your coach likely do? Why? In what ways is the pinch hitter like the player he hits for, in what ways is he different? Jesus is our
perfect pinch hitter
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Who is Jesus Christ?
Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity
lives in bodily form,
Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who
is God over all, forever praised!
1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into
the world that we might live through him.
According to the bolded portions of those passages,
what does the Bible call Jesus Christ?
John 11:43,44 When he had said this, Jesus called
in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his
hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around
his face. Mark 1:34
Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many
demons.
Mark 6:41-44 He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and
the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was
five thousand.
Do these passages support the fact that Jesus is true
God? If so, how?
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What else does the Bible call Jesus?
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus.
Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry
of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised!
Romans 5:15 If the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s
grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to
the many!
According to the bolded portions of those verses, what else does
the Bible call Jesus Christ?
Mark 11:12 The next day as they were leaving
Bethany, Jesus was hungry.
John 19:28 Later, knowing that all was now
completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am
thirsty."
John 4:6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down
by the well.
Galatians 4:4 God sent his son, born of a woman.
Do these passages support your answer that Jesus is man? If so, how?
CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Incarnation: (“in the flesh”) The virgin was impregnated by the Holy Spirit and the Son of God took on
humanity. He became true God and true man in one person.
Substitute: Someone who takes the place of another to accomplish what could not be carried out by the first.
Jesus Christ our substitute is true God and true man in
one person.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
When did Jesus become both God and man in one person?
Matthew 1:20,2320 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as
your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—
which means, “God with us.”
HE WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT/BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY. Today many call themselves Christians but scoff at the idea of a virgin birth. God says it did happen and it was a
miracle. (Lk 1:34-37). God’s power is going to cover you . With God, nothing
is impossible.”
Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the
Deity lives in bodily form,
THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT JESUS IS GOD/MAN IN ONE PERSON. Not
like an actor in a play with two roles that changes costumes and plays another role. Jesus is 100% God &100% man
at all times not half and half.
Jesus became both God and man together in one person at the same time when he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the
virgin Mary. (Incarnation)
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What is the first reason Jesus became both God and man in
one person?
Galatians 4:4But when the time had fully come,
God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,
BEING BORN A MAN, JESUS WAS SUBJECT TO THE LAW. All of us
born in the US are subject to laws as citizens. We can’t say, “I don’t like it so
I don't have to obey.” All people are subject to God’s law, so too is Jesus.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without
sin.
AS GOD, JESUS KEPT GOD’S LAWS PERFECTLY. Jesus was able to do what we could never do. He obeyed in every
word, every thought, and in every second, every day, every month, and every year of
His life.
Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man
the many will be made righteous.
AS THE GOD/MAN - JESUS WAS OUR SUBSTITUTE THAT KEPT THE LAW
PERFECTLY FOR US. When a basketball player is fouled and can’t shoot a substitute
is put to shoot for him. We couldn’t keep God’s law, so God brought in our perfect
substitute Jesus to do it for us.
Jesus became the God / man so that he could be subject to God’s law and keep it for
us.
Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood,
he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—
JESUS BECAME TRUE MAN SO THAT HE COULD DIE. If Jesus was only true God he would be eternal and could not die. It may not seem like a good reason to become man but Jesus knew what he
had to do to save us.
John 1:29The next day John saw Jesus coming
toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the
world!
JESUS WAS GOD SO THAT HIS DEATH WOULD PAY FOR THE SINS
OF ALL PEOPLE. I could say to God, “I will die as a substitute for my daughter’s sins” but it would do no good. The death
of one person, even a good person, would not be enough to take the sins
away of anyone. That is why Jesus had to be God. His death was punishment enough for the sins of everyone in the
world. As God he could do what we are not able to do.
Jesus also became both God and man so that he could die and
by his death pay for the sins of the world.
HYMNOLOGY Hymn 393 If Your Beloved Son, O God
A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
When you hear the expression, “It’s a matter of life and death”, you might think
about someone on the brink of death being rushed to the hospital for
emergency surgery. When we look at our eternal situation, you see “It is a
matter of life and death” - not ours, but Jesus’ life and death.
Matthew 14:23 After he had dismissed them,
he went up on a mountainside by himself to
pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
When you think about your prayer life, how little do you actually remember to pray to God? How quickly do you pray before
meals or bedtime? How many times do you recite prayers without thinking about the
words? We realize that we fall far short of God’s expectations of us. As our substitute, Jesus prayed perfectly in our place. He not
only prayed but lived every aspect of our lives perfectly. While on this earth, Jesus
did not sin one time against the law of God. We call this Jesus’ “active obedience”.
This is what Jesus actively did for us.
Mark 15 - The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace... They put a purple robe on him, then
twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on
the head with a staff and spit on him... Then they led him out to crucify him... And at the ninth
hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” - which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ... With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the
temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he
said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
At any time, Jesus could have struck dead everyone that mocked him. He was innocent and he deserved none of what happened to
Him. God allowed this to happen to himself by the evil people He came to save. Jesus died an
innocent death on the cross. The death we deserved. This we call his “passive
obedience”. He did not open his mouth or use His power to stop his trial and crucifixion. Being
free of sins himself, he was able to carry the sins of the world, including yours and mine, on his shoulders. This is what Jesus passively did
for us.
CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Active Obedience: The perfect life of obedience that Jesus led to replace the sinful life we lead. He actively did what we could not do.
Passive Obedience: When Jesus allowed himself to be beaten and hung on the cross. Though he didn’t deserve it, he passively suffered the punishment we deserved in our place.
If you ask people what Jesus had to do to forgive the sins of the world, they will say, “He had to die on the cross.” Their answer is only half right. Remember, “It is a matter of life and death” Yes,
Jesus had to die on the cross, but before that, he also had to live a sinless
life. We need to remember that both his perfect life and his innocent death
were necessary for him to be our perfect substitute.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? If Jesus were not true God and true man in one person, he could not
have saved us.
Agree or disagree and why? Jesus saved us by living a sinless
life.
CLOSING PRAYERDear Lord, We know that our sinful lives deserve your punishment and death. Yet we know that you sent your Son to live life in our place and to suffer the punishment of our death for us. We thank you for sending your Son as our perfect substitute. Help us to grow in a knowledge of our Savior that we might live lives of thanks to you. Also, give us the confidence that when we do face death, that we die in Christ, and begin life eternal with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT TIME REVIEWING THE LESSON 1. Review your notes; be sure you understand them. Be prepared for a written or oral
quiz. Don’t forget about the vocabulary words! 2. Make a flashcard for and memorize Galatians 4:4 and Romans 5:19. Be able to
put the passage into your own words or answer questions concerning it. 3. In your journals: Stop and think about some of the things that you repeatedly do imperfectly. In your journal write a few paragraphs of thanks to Jesus for the things He did for you perfectly. ( Ex. - I am thankful that Jesus never lied, because I lie to my parents, teachers and friends all the time... ) PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LESSON Ask your parents to help you with the following activity: 1. Read the Seven Words of our Savior’s Passion. 2. Complete the Bible History Worksheet. 3. Learn the First Article in its entirety. (Yes, start to finish)
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Our God - From Beginning to End
The Son - Prophet, Priest and King
INTRODUCTION Think of the several titles that people refer to me as, which
all describe different areas of responsibility in my life. I am called
“Pastor” which describes my role as a shepherd of a congregation, who
teaches, preaches & shares God’s Word. I am also called, “father”, which
describes my responsibility to my children to care, provide & raise them
to the best of my ability.
I am also called “husband”, which focuses on the responsibility I have to my wife to love & care for her until death parts us. I have several titles that describe different
roles I carry out. So to, Jesus has different roles described by three titles.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What were the three roles that Jesus had while here on earth?
Acts 3:19,20,22 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that
times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the
Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 22 For Moses said, ‘The
Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own
people; you must listen to everything he tells you.
JESUS IS A PROPHET Describe the roles of the OT
Prophet. (Shared the message of God wherever God told
them to go.)
Hebrews 3:1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest
whom we confess.
JESUS IS A PRIEST Describe the roles of the O.T. Priests.
(Sacrifices, prayers, intercessor, mediator.) (Explain we are not talking
about Catholic priests.)
John 18:37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was
born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of
truth listens to me.”
JESUS IS A KING Describe the roles of the OT King. (Governor, protector, lead army into
battle.)
Jesus came to this earth as our prophet, priest and king.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? Jesus wanted to establish an earthly kingdom in Israel but the scribes and Pharisees prevented Him from doing this.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
How does Jesus carry out these roles today?
Ephesians 1:20,22 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 22 And God placed all things
under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
JESUS IS RULING ALL THINGS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH When a child plays a game by
themselves, they will always make sure that their team wins even if they have to take extra turns to do so. Jesus makes sure that everything, big or little, works out for the good of those who believe in him. Jesus rules over everything every
day to make sure we end up winning and going to heaven.
Romans 8:34 & 1 John 2:1 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is
also interceding for us.
1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our
defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
AS PRIEST, JESUS PLEADS OUR CASE AND DEFENDS US BEFORE
GOD. If someone brings charges against you and takes you to court, it is probably
a good idea to get a good defense lawyer. If you defend yourself, you might say the wrong thing and get yourself into
more trouble. In God’s court, Jesus is our defense lawyer and we can’t possibly
lose.
2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil
attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever
and ever. Amen.
AS KING - JESUS PROTECTS US IN ORDER TO BRING US SAFELY TO
HEAVEN. Refer to Romans 8:38ff - the list of things that try to separate us from God’s love. But it can’t happen with Jesus as king to protect us and lead us past our enemies
to victory in heaven.
Jesus is in heaven and ruling over everything as our Prophet, Priest and King.
ANNOINTED BY GOD
OLD TESTAMENT The priest offered sacrifices for Israel’s sins, prayed and interpret God’s Word for the people. The priest was a mediator between God and the people.
OLD TESTAMENT The prophets job was to go where God sent them and to share with Israel God’s Word of truth.
OLD TESTAMENT The job of the king was to govern the people. He was also to lead the army into battle to protect his people from their enemies.
JESUS’ ROLE Teach God’s Word while he was on earth. Send out you and I to teach God’s Word today.
JESUS’ ROLE Jesus governs the church and the nations with his almighty power. He went into battle as an army of one and defeated our enemies—sin, death and the devil.
JESUS’ ROLE Jesus represented the whole world be-fore God and offered himself as a one time sacrifice for sin. Jesus also serves as a mediator between God and man.
JESUS’ THREE ROLES
PROPHET
PRIEST
KING
HYMNOLOGY
Read through Hymn 359 vs. 1,3 (Priest) & sing Hymn 558 (Prophet &
King)
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? First Jesus was a Prophet, then he served as Priest, and finally he served as King.
Agree or disagree and why? The reason that Jesus could sacrifice himself for the sins of the world was because he was a man who had no sin.
Agree or disagree and why? Jesus was a good prophet because he learned God’s Word diligently as a child.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Why did Jesus return to heaven instead of remaining here as
Prophet, Priest and King?
Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and
gave gifts to men.”
JESUS RETURNED TO HEAVEN VICTORIOUS, AS A CONQUERING
HERO. When David defeated Goliath, he was treated as a hero because his victory was a victory for all of Israel. Jesus was received as a conquering hero when he returned to heaven because his victory
was a victory for all of us. When a King is victorious, he returns to His kingdom to celebrate and share the victory with his
kingdom.
John 14:2-3 2 In my Father’s house are many
rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a
place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
JESUS RETURNED TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR US IN HEAVEN.
Maybe you’ve seen mansions of some famous stars, athletes or singers. They
might have an indoor poor, 10 car garage, projection screen TV, butlers
and cooks. Jesus is preparing a place better than any mansion that this world has to offer. He already has your name
on the door and your initials embroidered on the pillow waiting for you.
Jesus is in heaven to prove that he was victorious for us and to
prepare a place for us.
CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Mediator - one who serves as a go between or negotiator between two parties.
Anoint - Pour oil on to show that someone or something has been set aside for service to God.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? Because Jesus is my King ruling in heaven on my behalf, I never really have to worry that I will fall away from faith.
CLOSING PRAYERDear Lord, Thank you for being our priest and offering your own body for our sins. Thank you for continuing to be our mediator because we sin daily and need you to speak on our behalf before God our judge. Thank you for conquering our spiritual enemies as our king and for using your rule to guard and protect us. Help us to be better prophets, speaking the message of Jesus to those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT TIME
REVIEWING THE LESSON 1. Review your notes; be sure you understand them. Be prepared for a written or
oral quiz. Don’t forget about the vocabulary words and flow chart on page 2! 2. Make a flashcard for and memorize I John 2:1 and 2 Timothy 4:18. Be able
answer specific questions about each passage. 3. In your journals: Complete the thought and then explain how knowing Jesus as your prophet or priest or king can helps change your perspective. The last time I was really frightened was... PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LESSON Ask your parents to help you with the following activity: 1. Which role is Jesus fulfilling in these passages - Prophet, Priest or King? 2. Complete Bible History Worksheet #6. Be prepared to discuss it in class. 3. Learn the Second Article up to “...Mary, is my Lord.” (pages 4-5 in Catechism)
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Our God - From Beginning to End
The Holy Spirit - Power Source
INTRODUCTION If you are studying math there are certain terms you need to
understand. If you don’t know what these terms mean, you won’t know what is going on and you may get every problem wrong.
For example, why do you need to know what the words “multiply” and divide”
mean?. What is true of mathematics is also true of Bible study. In today’s lesson, there
are two expressions that we need to understand. They are “sanctify” and
“means of grace”.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Why is the Holy Spirit’s work called sanctification?
1 Corinthians 6:11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of
our God.
IT IS CALLED SANCTIFICATION BECAUSE HE WASHED OUR SINS
AWAY BY BRINGING US TO FAITH IN JESUS’ SAVING WORK. You have a
pair of white pants with a grass stain and your mom washes it carefully and gets the stain out. So too, Jesus took our sins (stains) on himself and washed
them clean in his blood. The only way he does this is when the Holy Spirit sanctifies us or brings us to faith.
1 Corinthians 1:2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to
be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
BRINGING US TO FAITH, THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS US AWAY FROM THE
SINFUL WORLD TO BE HOLY WITH ALL BELIEVERS. In the story of Zacchaeus,
(Luke 19), he was a tax collector who was so attracted by money that he turned his
back on being one of God’s people in order to work for the Roman government and make lots of money. By the work of the H.S. he was called back to being one of
God’s people. Sanctification+ H.S. calls us away form sinful treasures and pleasures of
the world to be holy.
The Holy Spirit’s work is called sanctification because by bringing us to faith, he washes all our sins away and turns us away from the
sinful world to be holy with all believers.
Growth in Faith
Sanctification increases
Brought to Faith
Sanctification begins
Unable to copy all of picture refer to teacher’s guide to get
rest
What “means” does the Holy Spirit use to bring us to faith and to
sanctify us?
Romans 10:17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard
through the word of Christ.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is
truth.
THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS US TO FAITH AND SANCTIFIES US BY MEANS OF HIS WORD WHICH IS THE TRUTH. The Holy Spirit doesn’t swoop down on
people or put a gun to our head and tell us to believe or else. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to enter people’s hearts as they read and hear God’s Word. That’s why it is so important that we share God’s Word with
people who don’t know Jesus, It is only as they hear this word that the Holy Spirit can begin to work the miracle of faith in them.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-1413 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
TO BE MORE EACT, THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS US TO FAITH AND SANCTIFIES
US THROUGH THE GOSPEL. Remember what the law shows: (SOS)
shows our sin. Remember what the Gospel shows: (SOS) shows our savior. Shows how much God loves us. This is
the good news the Holy Spirit uses to turn us away from the sinful world to trust in
Jesus.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus
Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
THE HOLY SPIRIT SANCTIFIES US BY THE GOSPEL IN THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM. God’s Gospel is connected through the water and word of Baptism.
The Holy Spirit uses Baptism as a means of working faith to remind us of how God also
washed our sins away.
Matthew 26:26-2826 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and
gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to
them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which
is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
THE HOLY SPIRIT SACTIFIES US BY THE GOSPEL IN THE SACRAMENT
OF THE LORD’S SUPPER. The Gospel is given to us in outward things,
Bread and wine,along with the assurance of Jesus’ true body and
blood; the price paid for our sins. The Holy Spirit uses this visible Gospel to
sanctify us.
The means the Holy Spirit uses to bring us to faith and to sanctify us is God’s Word, specifically the gospel in the word and sacraments (Baptism and
Lord’s Supper).
HOW SANCTIFICATION WORKS
THE GOSPEL
God’s Word (Bible)
Sacraments
Means of Grace God’s
Reservoir
Forgiveness New Life Salvation
Your Heart
Forgiveness
New Life Salvation
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
How do you know if you have saving faith or not?
Ask yourself these three questions:
1. Does it bother me that I have sinned against the Lord?
2. Do I trust that God has cleansed me from all sin through Jesus’ blood?
3. Do I have the desire to serve God out of love?
CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Sanctification: (to set apart, to make holy) The Holy Spirit calls someone to
faith and leads them to hate sinful things and live a life pleasing to God
Means of Grace: The Gospel in Word (written and spoken) and Sacraments
(Baptism and Lord’s Supper)
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What change in attitude did the Holy Spirit work in us as he sanctified us?
Psalm 119:104I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS ME TO HATE MY EVERY WRONG AND MY
SINFUL PATH. Like a dog returning to it’s vomit or a pig to its mud pit, is what we do when we return to sin. The Holy Spirit leads us to hate everything that makes us spiritually dirty or disgusting thing that comes out of our sinful flesh.
Titus 2:11-1411 For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-
controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the
blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us
from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,
eager to do what is good.
THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS ME TO BE EAGER TO DO WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT GOD DESIRES. Not like a lazy or spoiled child that resists or hates to do anything for mom or dad, but with a new attitude that serves willingly and eagerly. That is the new attitude the Holy Spirit works in us at the time he
brings us to faith.
When the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, he changes our attitude so that we now hate sin and are eager to do what is
good according to God’s will.
HYMNOLOGY Hymn 186 O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What motivates us to do what is good according to God’s will?
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because
we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died
for them and was raised again.
THE LOVE CHRIST SHOWS US MOTIVATES US TO DO GOD’S WILL.
Two people that love each other do things for each other naturally because they love each other. (Give examples)
No one is forced. Neither does God force us to good things. People that are
love do good for the one who loves them.
Colossians 3:17And whatever you do, whether in word or
deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through him.
WE THANK GOD FOR ALL HIS GOODNESS TO US. If you fell through the ice and were pulled to safety by a nearby
fisherman, you would feel the need to thank him. You wouldn’t be paying him back, but your deeds and gestures would show him
thanks for all that he did for you.
What motivates us is the fact that Christ loves us first and leads us
to show our thanks to him by following His will.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? You can tell a good Christian from a bad Christian by the number of good works each does in their lives.
Agree or disagree and why? A Christian finds it easy to do good works because he is filled with love and thanks for God’s goodness to him.
CLOSING PRAYERDear Father in Heaven, Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to work faith in my heart to trust only in you and your Son Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit for making my heart beat for God and for helping me to show my love for Him in my words and actions. Help me to use your Word and reflect on my baptism so that you can continue to grow my faith and continue to turn me from sin and temptation in my life of service to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT TIME
REVIEWING THE LESSON 1. Review your notes; be sure you understand them. Be prepared for a written or
oral quiz. Don’t forget about the vocabulary words and flow chart on page 2! 2. Make a flashcard for and memorize 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. Be able answer
specific questions about the passage. 3. In your journals: Complete the two thoughts regarding your faith life. If I had more faith I could… The roadblocks that keep me from having greater faith in God are... PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LESSON Ask your parents to help you with the following activity: 1. Read Acts 2 and review the beginning the Christian Church on Pentecost. 2. Complete Bible History Worksheet #7. Be prepared to discuss it in class. 3. Learn the entire Second Article
8
Our God - From Beginning to End
The End - Be Prepared
INTRODUCTION Why don’t people like to talk about death and the end of the world? (put reasons
they offer on the board.) Yet, as Christians it is good for us to talk about
these things because the more we know about them, the less we fear them. The less we fear them the less sadness and sorrow are connected with them. Today we are going to talk about death and the end of the world and how different they are for the believer and the unbeliever.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What does the Bible tell us about Jesus’ return?
Matthew 25:31-3231 “When the Son of Man comes in his
glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him,
and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the
sheep from the goats.
JESUS WILL COME IN GLORY TO JUDGE ALL PEOPLE. Some people
think that they can escape Jesus’ judgment by hiding in the grave or
getting cremated. They think they can play hide-and-go-seek with Jesus and
never be found. Won’t they be surprised on the Last day when all the
dead are raised?!?! Jesus doesn’t play games on Judgment day.
Matthew 24: 36,42, 4436 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you
do not know on what day your Lord will come. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
JESUS WILL COME UNEXPECTEDLY SO ALWAYS BE
READY. Many times throughout history people have tried to predict Jesus’ return. Many thought Y2K
would be that time. Every time the people are disappointed. God says nobody knows and that Jesus will
come when it’s least expected.
Mark 16:15-1615 He said to them, “Go into all the
world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever
does not believe will be condemned.
JESUS WILL JUDGE ON WHETHER THEY BELIEVED IN HIM OR NOT.
Jesus is not going to judge people on how good or bad they have been. Rich
and successful people who give to charity may end up in hell. Criminals serving a life sentence in prison may end up in heaven. All depends on
whether they have faith in Jesus or not.
Jesus’ return reminds me to study God’s Word regularly so that I am a believer who is ready when he
does come.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? Jesus coming to judge the world is nothing to worry about.
Agree or disagree and why? We should think about the last day every day of our life because it will make a great difference in how we live each day.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What is different for unbelievers and believers who die before Jesus’ return?
Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since
from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
THE BODY OF ALL PEOPE WILL DECAY. Perhaps you have seen a
skeleton of an animal or a human skeleton on TV or at the museum. There is no difference for believers or unbelievers.
Both bodies will decay as a consequence of sin and all that is left in the end is a
skeleton.
Luke 16:22-23 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to
Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he
was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his
side.
THE SOULS OF UNBELIEVERS GO TO HELL AND THE SOULS OF
BELIEVERS GO TO HEAVEN. One of the most comforting passages in the
Bible is Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus knew that his soul would not have to wait around but
immediately upon death, it would go to heaven or hell.
The difference is the believers soul goes to heaven at death and
the unbelievers soul goes to hell.
HYMNOLOGY: The Day is Surely Drawing Near
(CW 207 )
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
How is the resurrection different for the believer and the unbeliever?
Acts 24:15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both
the righteous and the wicked. THE BODIES OF ALL PEOPLE WILL BE
RAISED FROM THE DEAD. Like the raising of Lazarus when Jesus said,
“Lazarus, come out!” He got up and came out even though he had been dead for
days and was still wrapped in burial clothes. (Not a Zombie) On the last day,
Jesus will say, “Come out!” to all the dead who will then come from the grave
1 Corinthians 15:52b For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be
raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
THE BODIES OF ALL PEOPLE WILL NOT DIE AGAIN. This might sound like good news for everybody, however it is
only good news for believers. Once unbelievers realize that there is no
second chance to die again, they will suffer forever and there is no alternative
on the last day.
Philippians 3:21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they
will be like his glorious body.
THE BODIES OF ALL BELIEVERS WILL BE GLORIFIED LIKE JESUS’ BODY. After Jesus rose, his body
appeared the same but it was now fit for heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:35ff) The
seed is planted, decays and then a new plant grows. So too our bodies will be the
same, but completely new. Leave the details of your new body to God for he is
your creator.
At the resurrection, everybody’s body will rise as a body that can never die again and the bodies of believers will
be like Jesus glorious body.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? The instant a person dies, he is instantly in heaven or hell forever.
Evaluate: Some people get their bodies cremated and scatter them on the sea, so that they never can be raised from the dead.
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
What does the Bible say about the experience of heaven and hell?
Matthew 25:41, 46a & Isaiah 66:24 24 “And they will go out and look upon the
dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their
fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to
eternal life.”
HELL IS COMPARED TO A FIRE AND ETERNAL SUFFERING WITH THE
DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. Imagine your hand getting burned and that you can’t pull your hand away. Now imagine no
relief from that pain ever. Take that times a million and imagine that pain
eternally.
Revelation 21:3-43 And I heard a loud voice from the
throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.
They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He
will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
HEAVEN WILL HAVE NO SORROWS BUT ONLY JOY AND HAPPINESS. In Revelation, John describes heaven as a large sparkling jewel and a city of gold. There was no sun because God
was living with his people. It was better than Eden. What this tells us is that heaven will simply be an eternally wonderful place for many reasons.
Heaven is a place for all believers to live with God in joy and happiness
and hell is a place where unbelievers will live apart from God
in continual pain and suffering.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFEI worked with a man who said, “When I die I know I am going to hell, but I also
know that my friends are going to be there with me and it is going to be an
eternal party!” Yet hell is something so serious that there is absolutely no way of
getting out of the eternal punishment there. That doesn’t sound like a party
atmosphere. Give some reasons why people can offer such remarks about
hell.
CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Resurrection: Coming to life after death - only God can raise the dead
Heaven: eternal life and perfect joy in God’s presence
Hell: eternal death and punishment in the presence of the devil and his angels
STUDYING GOD’S WORD
How do we as believers view death?
Philippians 1:23I am torn between the two: I desire to
depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
BELIEVERS VIEW DEATH AS A DEPARTURE TO BE WITH JESUS.
When a daughter gets married and moves away from her family, it’s not always easy to say goodbye to every one that she grew up with. She may cry but she knows that she will see them again. That is the way death is for a believer. It is hard to say
goodbye, but we are departing to be with Jesus and we will see fellow believers
someday soon.
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the
Lord Jesus Christ,
WE EAGERLY AWAIT THE LAST DAY FOR HEAVEN IS OUR REAL HOME.
If you ever went to camp or to your grandparents for a week or two, it may
have been fun for awhile. But after some time passes you get homesick.
We are like that as children of our heavenly Father. We are homesick for
heaven. It is not wrong to say, “ Are you coming soon Lord, I am looking forward
to it!”
We look forward to death as our departure to be with Jesus and we await the last day so we can
go home to heaven.
GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE
Agree or disagree and why? It is wrong to compare heaven to things we like here because heaven is beyond our understanding
CLOSING PRAYERDear Lord, Help us always to bee ready for your return. We know that you will come
when no one expects you, but we know that we are always ready through faith in you. We know the terrors of hell for unbelievers
and the glories of heaven for all that believe. Help us to share those realities
with people we already know. Strengthen us to never fear death but look at it as a
way that you bring us to be with you forever. We say with confidence along with the
apostle John, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come! “ Amen.
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT TIME
REVIEWING THE LESSON 1. Review your notes; be sure you understand them. Be prepared for a written or oral
quiz. Don’t forget about the vocabulary words! 2. Make a flashcard for and memorize Mark 16:16. Be able answer specific questions
about this passage. 3. Journal Writing: Write a paragraph to finish these two thoughts: When the Second Coming of Jesus occurs, I think most people will... I would describe heaven as… PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LESSON Ask your parents to help you with the following activity: 1. Read Luke 16:19-31 in your Bible. 2. Complete Bible History Worksheet #8. Be prepared to discuss it in class. 3. Memorize the Third Article up to “...in the one true faith” (page 5 in Catechism)