Y Change - Youth Foundation Series - Final

8/3/2019 Y Change - Youth Foundation Series - Final

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YOUTH SERIESAn introduction

Series 1 - WHO AM I? What is My True Identity?

Series 2 - WHO IS GOD? Origin, Source and SustainerSeries 3 - WHERE DID I COME FROM? The Unfolding of Life onEarth

Series 4 - WHY AM I HERE? The Reason for Being

Series 5 - WHERE AM I GOING? The Destiny of Man

Series 6 - WHAT IS SIN & WHY DO I SIN? Loss of Identity & The Fall of Man

Series 7 - WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MYSELF?Redemption, Salvation &Restoration

Series 8 - WHAT NEXT? Baptism, Fellowship &Surrender

Series 9 - HOW DO I GROW? From Childhood toAdulthood

Series 10 - WHY DO I STILL SIN? Cry for Help!–Away withthe Flesh

Series 11 - HOW CAN I LIVE LIKE CHRIST? You Can Stand!–Fruits of the Spirit

Series 12 - HOW CAN I TELL OTHERS OF CHRIST? Sharing the Love of Christ



Series 1 - WHO AM I? What is My True Identity?

•Who am I? You are the light of the world

• Who am I? I am the Salt of the earth

• Who am I? I Am the Resurrection and The Life

• Who am I? As He is, So am I – God is Love

• Who am I? I am ALL He is

Series 2 - WHO IS GOD? Origin, Source and Sustainer

• Who is GOD? - An Introduction

• Who is GOD - Who do you say I am?

• Who is GOD - Who does God claim to be? – Old Testament – PART 1

• Who is GOD - Who does God claim to be? – Old Testament – PART 2• Who is GOD - The Nature & Character of God

Series 3 - WHERE DID I COME FROM? The Unfolding of Lifeon Earth

Series 4 - WHY AM I HERE? The Reason for Being

• Why Am I HERE? The Reason for Being – Part 1

• Why Am I HERE? The Reason for Being – Part 2

Series 5 - WHERE AM I GOING? The Destiny of Man

Series 6 - WHAT IS SIN & WHY DO I SIN? Loss of Identity & The Fall

of ManSeries 7 - WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MYSELF?Redemption,Salvation & Restoration

Series 8 - WHAT NEXT? Baptism, Fellowship &Surrender

Series 9 - HOW DO I GROW? From Childhood toAdulthood

Series 10 - WHY DO I STILL SIN? Cry for Help! – Away withthe Flesh

Series 11 - HOW CAN I LIVE LIKE CHRIST? You Can Stand! – Fruits of the Spirit

Series 12 - HOW CAN I TELL OTHERS OF CHRIST? Sharing the Love of Christ

Bonus CHRISTMAS SPECIAL–IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS Who,Why, When, How?



SERIES 1a: WHO AM I?

You are The Light of the World

Scripture Reading: Mathew 5:14-16; John 1:1-10; Genesis 1:1-5; John 9:4-5; 1 John 4:14-21

The difference between BE-ing and BE-coming!!!

• Matthew 5:14a says “You are the light of the world. Be the light! Show the light!Let your light shine

• In John 9:5 Jesus said he is the light. John also made it clear that we are like himin 1 John 4:17.

• Since you are the light of the world, what can we notice in you?

1) A light is meant to be seen - back in the bible times, 2 or 3 candles would light ahouse. Therefore your true nature (who you really are is a thing to be seen andnoticed.) You cannot hide light (e,g candles), and since you are light, you cannot be hid.If you try to hide light under a bowl or enclosure, the light will either be turned off orthe light will burn such an enclosure. Your thoughts, words and action is visible to ALL -

not only in the church but everywhere. (Further study--Luke 8:16 )

2) A light is a guide - A lighthouse or a flashlight gives sight so you can see. It guidesyour feet in the dark so you don't stumble and fall. As, light we are to make way clearto others.

3) A Warning Light - Must let fellow man know sometimes when harm is coming orwhen they are maybe getting into trouble. This is hard sometimes but we are called todo this and it is sometimes necessary.

WHO ARE YA?

Before you decide, please explore - The Joy of Making Decisions!!!

•

What makes us do the things we do?• Why do we make decisions which do not serve us best?

• Is there right or wrong?

• Is it relative?

• Does judgement serve us best? Observation or Labeling – a fine line

• What are the two key issues we should be aware of?

• Are you aware that you are the light of the world? Are you being the light? If not,why not?

Ephesians 5:8-16-Focus on what light can do for us. Goodness, righteousness, and

truth. We were darkness not just surrounded by darkness because we were aware of



darkness and embraced darkness, and thought darkness and spoke darkness - becausewe allowed our light to be covered under a bushel.

Acts 26:16-18—What the Christ in us does for us ALL THE TIME.

• open our eyes (not the physical eyes but the inner (spiritual) eyes)

• turn us from darkness to light (the darkness actually disappears once lightappears)

•

rescues us from the power of Satan (does a thing have to be powerful to havepower over us?)

• Forgiveness of Sins (wiping away the GUILT of sin with the realization of God’slove)

BE THE LIGHT!!!!

SERIES 1b: WHO AM I?

I Am the Salt of the EarthScripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-16, Mark 9:50

The Importance of Salt

We can live in this world without a lot of things! We could probably live a healthier life,perhaps, without chocolate or ice cream. And, we probably could do our hearts a lot of good if we cut all meats out of our diets. In fact, we might avoid certain illnessesaltogether if we stopped using sugar, and many cultures do fine without pepper. And,yes, many people of a certain “race” survive without eating chicken!

But one thing that we cannot do without is SALT.

We must appreciate salt because it is an absolute necessity.

It is as indispensable as the water that we drink or the air that we breathe.

When Napoleon was at war with Russia, thousands of his soldiers died in a retreat fromMoscow. Historians reported how those soldiers died from wounds that would not heal

because the soldiers’ bodies had been deprived of salt. Jesus’ comment is thereforesaying, when we are not salting the earth we cause it to experience spiritual death. Forsalt to be effective, it must come into contact with the substance to be preserved,flavored or influenced. It must be put on something for it to be useful.

- Salt blends with its host and share in the conditions of its host. Hebrews10:24 says, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” In Luke 19:10, we read that Jesus came to “seek and save that whichwas lost .” He did so at the expense of giving Himself. He did this during His life.He gave up himself (John 15:12-14). In 2Corinthians 12:15 – Paul was willing tospend and be spent. Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die isgain.” Once salt is applied to a substance it becomes one with that substanceand never discriminates against it.

- Salt works as a fantastic seasoning. It makes food more pungent or pleasant

- Salt purifies & preserves. Salt promotes healing and removes impurities. It isalso used in some water-purification systems. (2 Kings 2:20-22). Salt preventsdecay and is used to preserve meat.

- Salt creates thirst – Matthew 5:6; John 4:15

- Salt is penetrating. If we place a bit of salt into some food, it will penetrate thewhole, quickly, quietly but aggressively (Acts 2:41-47; 8:4)

- Salt speaks for itself . We never wonder what salt is once tasted. (Matthew22:16-18; Acts 4:13)

- Salt is measured. You have to use the right amount; just enough. Too little andit has no effect; too much and it spoils the taste. It must be used carefully and in

moderation.



Questions:

1. According to this verse, who are you? What does it mean to be the Salt of the Earth?

2. What are the functions of salt? How does it affect what it touches?

3. Function implies a need. Why does the earth need salt? (Consider the condition of your relationships, household, school, community, the United Kingdom and the earth)

4. As "salt of the earth", what is your function here? (Give an example)

5. Can other people taste your saltiness when they see, hear or interact with you?

6. If you think you have had limited or no positive impact on the people and the worldaround you up to now, what can you do to change that? What happens if salt losses itsflavour? (Matthew 5:13)

7. How do you remain "salty", so that you may be an effective flavour? Conversely,what would make you "tasteless" and your interactions ineffective? (Matthew 5:1-16; 1

John 2:15-17, James 4:4)

Have you forgotten (become unconscious of) who you are? YOU ARE THE SALTOF THE EARTH.

Why is it good for us to know (or more accurately BE CONSCIOUS of) who we are? Thinkoutside the BOX

SERIES 1c: WHO AM I?

I Am the Resurrection and The LifeScripture Reading: 1 John 4:1-21

Question: Why is it good for us to know who we are? Think outside the BOX

• Not knowing who we are makes us to believe, speak, live, act & make decisionson the wrong basis

• Sin is believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis thatwe are separate from God – just like Adam & Eve did eventually – Genesis 3:1-24

• The action we take is not the sin. The action we take is the RESULT of the sin (theresult of believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basisthat we are separate from God) - James

• The truth is that - We are of God! – 1 John 4:4a; Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:7

• We are born of God and know God – 1 John 4:7;

• God is Love – 1 John 4:7-8

• Love is manifested (made clear) and demonstrated (shown) by:

o God sending Christ (light, love, life and all He is) into the world that we

might live THROUGH him (light, love, life) – 1 John 4:9; John 1:1-14;Genesis 2:7

o God sending Christ as the propitiation for our sins - and the damage it hasdone to our relationship with God – 1 John 4:10. (Propitiation = Satisfaction- God giving us life in replacement of death – this life (blood) is theopposite of death. Death = Unconsciousness. Life = Consciousness. Lifeenables us to start living, acting and making decisions on the basis thatwe are one with God and NOT separate from him).

• If God loved us like this, then we ought to love one another – 1 John 4:11.

• This is how we know we are living steadily and deeply in God, and He in us – Hehas given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit – 1 John 4:13-14

• God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live inGod and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at



home and mature in us, so that we are free of worry ALL THE TIME — ourstanding in the world is identical with Christ's – 1 John 4:15-17

• There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fearis crippling, a fearful life — fear of death, fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of — is one not yet fully formed in love – 1 John 4:18

• We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now welove. He loved us first – 1 John 4:19

• If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister,thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If we won't love the person we can see, howcan we love the God he can't see? The view we have from Christ is clear: LovingGod includes loving people. You should love both. – 1 John 4:20-21

• What happens if people hate us or want to kill us? A few words on “ENEMIES” –Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:20-49. “…Love your enemies...” – Luke 6:27;35;Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:11-12

• What is the worst thing anyone can do to you? What would you do? What did Jesus do? – Luke 23:34

Love Your Enemies

SERIES 1d: WHO AM I?

As He is, So am I – God is LoveScripture Reading: 1 John 4:1-21

Question: Why is it good for us to know who we are? Think outside the BOX

• Not knowing who we are makes us to believe, speak, live, act & make decisionson the wrong basis

• Sin is believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis thatwe are separate from God – just like Adam & Eve did eventually – Genesis 3:1-24

• The action we take is not the sin. The action we take is the RESULT of the sin (theresult of believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basisthat we are separate from God) - James



• God is Love – 1 John 4:7-8

• Love is manifested (made clear) and demonstrated (shown) by:

o God sending Christ (light, love, life and all He is) into the world that we

might live THROUGH him (light, love, life) – 1 John 4:9; John 1:1-14;Genesis 2:7

o God sending Christ as the propitiation for our sins - and the damage it has

done to our relationship with God – 1 John 4:10. (Propitiation = Satisfaction- God giving us life in replacement of death – this life (blood) is theopposite of death. Death = Unconsciousness. Life = Consciousness. Lifeenables us to start living, acting and making decisions on the basis thatwe are one with God and NOT separate from him).

• If God loved us like this, then we ought to love one another – 1 John 4:11.

• This is how we know we are living steadily and deeply in God, and He in us – Hehas given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit – 1 John 4:13-14

• God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live inGod and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes athome and mature in us, so that we are free of worry ALL THE TIME — our

standing in the world is identical with Christ's – 1 John 4:15-17



• There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fearis crippling, a fearful life — fear of death, fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of — is one not yet fully formed in love – 1 John 4:18

• We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now welove. He loved us first – 1 John 4:19

• If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister,thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If we won't love the person we can see, howcan we love the God he can't see? The view we have from Christ is clear: Loving

God includes loving people. You should love both. – 1 John 4:20-21

• What happens if people hate us or want to kill us? A few words on “ENEMIES” –Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:20-49. “…Love your enemies...” – Luke 6:27;35;Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:11-12

• What is the worst thing anyone can do to you? What would you do? What did Jesus do? – Luke 23:34

Love Your Enemies

SERIES 1e: WHO AM I?

I Am ALL He isScripture Reading: John 1:1-10; 1 John 4:17; John 17:20-23 (additional reading

– John 17)

Question: Who are YOU? Are you the mind-made you, the society-made you, theimagination-made you, the parent-made you, the education-made you, the

health-made you, the music-made you, the fashion-made you or the GOD-MADEyou? Think outside the BOX

• “As He is so are we (am I) in this world” – 1 John 4:17 (What does this mean?

What can I do?)o As God is: LOVE etc: 1 John 4:7-8; 1 John 4:16

o As Christ is: LIGHT (Life) etc: John 1:4, 12:44-50; 1 Corinthians 1:24;

Romans 8:16-30

o As the Holy Spirit is: POWER etc: Ecclesiastes 11:5; John 3:8; Proverbs

23:7; 1 John 5:15;

• We are one with GOD and one with each other! (Spooky eh!) BUT VERY TRUE – John 17:20-23

• God is love – I am Love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love,we live in God and God lives in us (there is no separation, no difference betweenus and God – we are ONE with Him. This way, love has the run of the house,

becomes at home and mature in us, so that we are free of worry ALL THE TIME —our standing in the world is identical with Christ's – 1 John 4:15-17

• “Ye are (I am) the Salt of the earth” – Matthew 5:13

• “Ye are (I am) the Light of the world” – Matthew 5:14

• Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” – John 14:6. So are we! Weare the way to the Father through Christ (John 10:6). We were born with theWord of Truth (James 1:17-26), we are like the word of Truth, our Father, we havethe word of Truth (John 17:14-20). We have Eternal Life and so we can give it(John 3:36; 1 John 5:11-21);

• Ephesians 2:6-9 – “What we are is God’s gift to us, and what we become is our gift to God” - Eleanor Powell (actress, tap dancer)

Jesus—the

DivineChrist!

Heexperien

ced alife-

givingbirth anda death-killing



• Jesus said “I am the Resurrection and the Life” – 1 John 4:13-14; John 11:24-26; Ephesians 2:1-10. This is how we know we are living steadily and deeply inGod, and He in us – He has given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Hemade us alive though we were dead (unaware of who we are). We too makemany alive and give them the Life we have – the God Kind of Life (Zoë or EternalLife)

• “We (I am) God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do goodworks” – Ephesians 2:10

• 1 John 3:1-2 – We are children of God, and it is not yet made public what weshall be. We know that, if he is made public, we shall be like him; for we shall seehim even as he is



• Yep! The depth of who God is infinite (no end), limitless and all-encompassing. JUST LIKE YOURS!

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHO WE ARE, WE NEED TO KNOW WHO GOD IS, SINCE WE AREONE WITH GOD!

• Sin is believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis that we are separatefrom God – just like Adam & Eve did eventually – Genesis 3:1-24.

• The action we take is not the sin. The action we take is the RESULT of the sin (the result of believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis that we are separate fromGod) James 1:12-16. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE SEPARATE FROM GOD?

NEXT WEEK: We begin the “Who is GOD?” series

SERIES 2a: WHO IS GOD?

An IntroductionScripture Reading: Psalm 46; Job 42:5; Isaiah 64; Matthew 16 13-18;

(additional reading – )

Question: WHO IS GOD? Think outside the BOX

This question has been on the heart, mind and tongue of men for many centuries. Manyreligions have been created He's been described as everything from an impersonal life-force to a benevolent, personal, almighty Creator. He has been called by many names,including: "Zeus," "Jupiter," "Brahma," "Allah," "Ra," "Odin," "Ashur," "Izanagi,""Viracocha," "Ahura Mazda," and "the Great Spirit" to name just a few. He's seen bysome as "Mother Nature" and by others as "Father God." But who is He really? Whodoes He claim to be? This question is important if we believe that “As He is so are we(am I) in this world” – 1 John 4:17

In the bible we are introduced to God as THE CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS & THE EARTH:Genesis 1:1-28, BUT

• Who do men say He is?

• Who does God claim to be?

• What is “The nature and character of God”

Before we answer these and other questions we should refer to some of the clearinsights about God in the bible:

• God is: the FATHER: (meaning our source, our origin and sustainer of ALL

things): Job 38-42

“JesusaskedPeter

“Who doyou saythat Iam”

Matthew16:16



• God is: LOVE etc: 1 John 4:7-8; 1 John 4:16

• God is: THE ALMIGHTY GOD: Genesis 17:1 – “El-Shaddai”

• God is: THE LORD GOD: Genesis 28:13; Ezekiel 13:9; 23:49; 24:24

• We are one with GOD and one with each other! (Spooky eh!) BUT VERY TRUE – John 17:20-23

• God is love – I am Love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love,we live in God and God lives in us (there is no separation, no difference between

us and God – we are ONE with Him. This way, love has the run of the house,becomes at home and mature in us, so that we are free of worry ALL THE TIME —our standing in the world is identical with Christ's – 1 John 4:15-17

• “Ye are (I am) the Salt of the earth” – Matthew 5:13

• “Ye are (I am) the Light of the world” – Matthew 5:14

• Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” – John 14:6. So are we! Weare the way to the Father through Christ (John 10:6). We were born with theWord of Truth (James 1:17-26), we are like the word of Truth, our Father, we havethe word of Truth (John 17:14-20). We have Eternal Life and so we can give it(John 3:36; 1 John 5:11-21);

• Ephesians 2:6-9 – “What we are is God’s gift to us, and what we become is our

gift to God” - Eleanor Powell (actress, tap dancer)• Jesus said “I am the Resurrection and the Life” – 1 John 4:13-14; John 11:24-

26; Ephesians 2:1-10. This is how we know we are living steadily and deeply inGod, and He in us – He has given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Hemade us alive though we were dead (unaware of who we are). We too makemany alive and give them the Life we have – the God Kind of Life (Zoë or EternalLife)

• “We (I am) God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do goodworks” – Ephesians 2:10

• 1 John 3:1-2 – We are children of God, and it is not yet made public what weshall be. We know that, if he is made public, we shall be like him; for we shall see

him even as he is• The truth is that - We are of God! – 1 John 4:4a; Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:7


• Yep! The depth of who God is infinite (no end), limitless and all-encompassing. JUST LIKE YOURS!

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHO WE ARE, WE NEED TO KNOW WHO GOD IS, SINCE WE AREONE WITH GOD!

• Sin is believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis that we are separatefrom God – just like Adam & Eve did eventually – Genesis 3:1-24.

•The action we take is not the sin. The action we take is the RESULT of the sin (the result of believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis that we are separate fromGod) James 1:12-16. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE SEPARATE FROM GOD?



SERIES 2c: WHO IS GOD?

Who does GOD claim to be? – Old TestamentScripture Reading: Ezekiel 20:20; Isaiah 45; Genesis1:1-3; 27; 3:1-5; Exodus

3:13-15; 15:23-27

Question: WHO DOES GOD CLAIM TO BE? Think outside the BOX

All that we know about God was and is communicated by revelation. God reveals himself indifferent ways:

* By His works of creation (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1-4).

* In the conscience of man (Genesis 22:14; Ezekiel 30:8; Romans 2:14-15).

* In the course of history (Exodus 14:18; Psalm 78:12-16).

* In the Holy Scripture, the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).

* Through His living Word, Jesus (John 1:1-4, 9-14; Hebrews 1:1-2).

As we continue in the, “Who is God?” series, we should examine God’s testimony about Himself.WHO DOES GOD SAY HE IS? This is important because “As He is so are we (am I) in this world” –1 John 4:17.

Who does God say He is? This a some of what God has said about Himself: Please meditate on each of these until youexperience him as …..

• The Creator - Isaiah 44:24; 45:18;

• Almighty God (El-Shaddai) The All-Sufficient GOD - Genesis 35:11; Jeremiah 32:27

• God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob, (God of ………………………………….…………………………….) (please fill in the blank spaces) - Genesis 28:13; Genesis 46:3

…for Im theORDhat

healethhee.”

xodus

…andheyhall

knowhat Im theORD”



• One and ONLY God (Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent) - All Present, AllKnowing, All Doing – All there is, All there is to know, Able to do All things - Isaiah 45:5-6,18, 22; Isaiah 46:9; Joel 2:27

• God the Redeemer - Exodus 6:2-9; Exodus 20:2; Leviticus 26:13; Deuteronomy 5:6;Psalm 81:10; Isaiah 45:22; 48:17

• The Lord who Sanctifies (Jehovah M’Kaddeshkem) - Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8, 24,22:32; Ezekiel 20:12;

• Lord, Our God (Jehovah Adonai) - Exodus 16:12; Leviticus 23:43

• God the Healer (Jehovah Rapha) - Exodus 15:26

• The Lord - Isaiah 42:8

• The HOLY God - Leviticus 11:45

• My Saviour - Isaiah 43:3; Hosea 13:4

• The Creator of Israel - Isaiah 43:15

• My King - Isaiah 43:15

• The Miracle Worker - Isaiah 51:15

• The Lord of Hosts - Isaiah 51:15

• The God of All Flesh - Jeremiah 32:27

• The LORD that Smites - Ezekiel 7:9

• The Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 43:3, 48:17

• The Lord Which Teaches me to Profit - Isaiah 48:17

• The Lord Who Guides Me or Leads Me - Isaiah 48:17

• The Lord who Speaks and It comes to pass - Ezekiel 12:25

• LORD my God dwelling in Zion, HIS holy mountain – Joel 3:17

• The LORD which exercise Lovingkindness, Judgment, and Righteousness, in theEarth – Jeremiah 9:24

• The Unchanging God - Malachi 3:6

NEXT WEEK: We look at “The Nature & Character of God”

THE NAMES OF GOD

El The strong one; mighty, strong, prominent, strength. Translated “God” some 250 times in theOld Testament. (Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 9:6-7 )

Elohim The strong, covenant-keeping God who creates, is faithful, and is absolutely committed to Hiscreation. The plural form of “EL” alluding to the Divine Trinity. Translated “God” or “Lord” some

2570 times in the Old Testament. (Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 10:17) El ElyonGod, the highest or most high God; the sovereign ruler of all the universe. (Genesis 14:20; Psalm78:35; Daniel 4:34-35; Isaiah 46:9-11) El Roi

The God who sees. The omnipresent God whose eyes are always open to all the events of thelives of His children. (Genesis 16; Psalm 139:7-12) El Shaddai “Shad” from which “Shaddai” comes is likely derived as the Hebrew word for a woman’s breast.God is the One who is mighty to nourish, satisfy and supply. The all sufficient, all bountiful One

who nourishes His people and makes them fruitful. (Genesis 17:1-2; 6:1ff; 28:3; and 35:1)

I AM ONE WITH GOD!

A) Sin is thinking, believing, speaking, living, acand making decisions on the basis that weseparate from God – just like Adam & Eveeventually – Genesis 3:1-24. The action we taknot the sin. The action we take is the RESULthe sin (the result of thinking, believing, speakliving, acting and making decisions on the bthat we are separate from God) James 1:12-16

YOU THINK, BELIEVE, SPEAK, LIVE, ACT AND MDECISION AS IF YOU ARE SEPARATE FROM GODyou think you are not one with God or that Gosomehow absent sometimes? Be aware, cannot be separated from you, at any time.

B) God is with you always, anyhow, anywhereanything, at anytime, whatever you mightthinking, believing, speaking, living, acting



Adonai “Lord,” “Master,” “Owner,” indicating the truth that God is the owner of each individual. It al-ways occurs in the plural and possessive tense, meaning “my Lord’s.” It occurs around 300times in the Old Testament. (2 Samuel 7:18-22; Psalm 8; Psalm 97:5; Isaiah 6:1-8)

Jehovah (Yahweh)Usually translated LORD (all capitals), it is derived from the Hebrew verb “havah”, “to be” or“being”, the great I AM who always exists, eternal and unchangeable. It is the most frequently

used name for God in the Old Testament, occurring 6823 times.

Jehovah Tsidkenu The Lord our Righteousness. The holy, righteous One who hates sin but loves the sinner andgives His own righteousness to us. (Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jehovah M’Kaddeshkem The Lord who sanctifies you. (Exodus 31:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Jehovah Shalom The Lord is peace. The Hebrew word “shalom” is most often translated “peace,” representingwholeness and harmony with God and contentment and satisfaction in life. (Colossians 1:19-20)

Jehovah Shammah The Lord is there. This is the promise of a Holy God’s presence dwelling in the midst of Hispeople. God now lives in believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. (Ezekiel 48:35; 1Corinthians 3:16)

Jehovah Rophe The Lord your Healer. The term “rapha” (from which Rophe is derived) means to restore, cure orheal not only in the physical sense but in the spiritual and moral sense as well. (Exodus 15:26; 1Peter 2:24)

THE NAMES OF GOD continued

Jehovah Jirah The Lord shall see, or the Lord provides. This name reveals both God’s willingness and His abilityto meet every need of His people. (Genesis 22:14)

Jehovah Rohi The Lord is my Shepherd. The primary meaning of “ro’eh,” “shepherd,” is to feed or lead orpasture, and can also be translated “companion” or “friend.” (Psalm 23:1; John 10:11)

Jehovah Nissi The Lord my banner. “Nissi” is variously translated as pole, ensign, standard, among the Jews itis also a word for miracle. It is a signal to God’s people to rally to Him; a sign of deliverance andvictory. (Exodus 17:15)

Jehovah Sabaoth The Lord of Hosts. The name to run to when, from a human’s perspective, there is no other help.(1Samuel 1:3; 11:1ff; 17:42-47)

Jehovah Qanna The Lord is Jealous. (Exodus 34:12-17; 2 Corinthians 11:2)



SERIES 2d: WHO IS GOD?

Who does GOD claim to be? 2 – New TestamentScripture Reading: Matthew 3:17; Revelations 1

Question: WHO DOES GOD CLAIM TO BE? Think outside the BOX

We have examined who God claims to be in the Old Testament. We should also consider who Heclaims to be in the New Testament. WHO DOES GOD SAY HE IS? Remember: “As He is so are we (amI) in this world” – 1 John 4:17.

Who does God say He is?

This are some of what God said about Himself: Please meditate on each of these until you experiencehim as …..

• The Father – Matthew 3:17, 17:4-6, 16:13-17; Mark 1:10-12

• God of the Living – Matthew 24:4-6;

Who is God a Father to?

The birth of the Christ was most clearly illustrated in the Old testament through the prophetsnotably in Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 and Daniel 7:13-14. At birth Jesus was worshipped as Christ by theMagi (Matthew 2:11) and He was described as The Lamb of God – Revelation 5:13-14.

JESUS CLAIMS TO BE GOD -

• Jesus and The Father are One – John 10:30-38;

• I am – John 8:58-59 (Exodus 3:14)

• Lord & God – John 20:27-29

• Alpha & Omega )

• The Present, Past & Future ) Revelations 1:9-20

• The Living One )

GOD IS A SPIRIT – Genesis 1:1-3; John 4:23-24

The Bible teaches us that in all existence, from all eternity, there has been and always will be onlyone, God. God has always been, was never created, is completely loving, completely just, completelyholy, completely merciful, and He has given His ALL to us. All things Eternal come in threes, all things

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Temporal in Twos. Technically, the doctrine of the Trinity states that in the one God is the person of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is not the same person as the other; yet there are notthree gods but one. Time for example is past, present, and future. The past is not the same as thepresent, which is not the same as the future. But, there are not three times. There is only one thingcalled time. The reason the word "person" is used in describing the Father, the Son, and the HolySpirit is because each exhibits attributes of personhood - not in a body of flesh and bones, but inpersonality. In other words, each has a will, loves, speaks, is aware of others, communicates withothers, etc. These are attributes of personhood and we see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spiriteach demonstrate these qualities. Following are a couple verses that hint at the Trinity.

•Matt. 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the nameof the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

• 2 Cor. 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."

The Bible says there is only one God: "I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is noGod," (Isaiah 45:5). Yet, the Bible teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each called God.

Below is a very brief chart that shows that each of the persons in the Trinity share thesame attributes that only God shares. But remember, the Father, Son, and Holy Spiriteach have wills, and speak, etc. Therefore, we say there are three persons.

FATHER SON HOLY SPIRIT

Called God Phil. 1:2 John 1:1,14; Acts 5:3-4

Creator Isaiah 64:8 John 1:3; Job 33:4, 26:13Everywhere 1 Kings 8:27 Matt. 28:20 Psalm 139:7-10All knowing 1 John 3:20 John 16:30; 21:17 1 Cor. 2:10-11A Will Luke 22:42 Luke 22:42 1 Cor. 12:11Speaks Matt. 3:17; Luke 5:20; 7:48 Acts 13:2

NEXT WEEK: We look at “The Nature & Character of God”

SERIES 4a: WHY AM I HERE?

The Reason for Being – THE PRESENT – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-31; Isaiah 43:1-7, 43:21; Colossians 1:12-17;

Revelations 4:1-11

Question: WHY AM I HERE? DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE? Think outside theBOX

Last week, we considered, "Where did I come from?" Now we are ready to consider another veryimportant question, "Why am I here?" If you just read the paragraph above, then you must bealive! But, why are you alive? What is life all about? What am I here for? What should I be doing?Is there any meaning to life? The object of a football game is to score a goal and to keep theother team from doing the same. Those football players know why they are on the field. Theyknow what their purpose is, and they know what they should be doing. Every basketball playerknows this, and thus he (or she) plays with direction, with purpose, and with an object in mind. If

you could find a person who has never seen a football game and were to put him in the standsto watch a game, he would not know what is going on! At first the movements would all seemmeaningless. He would ask, "Why are all these people running back and forth and kicking around leather object?" But, as soon as he discovers the purpose of the game, he would see thatthe various motions make sense! So, what is the purpose of it all? All kinds of people arerunning around, working, praying, entertaining, singing, playing, sleeping, eating, crying,laughing and dying. Is there any meaning to all of this activity? Do you know why you are here?Do you know why you exist? Do you know what your purpose is?

When one buys a new Computer it is wise to consult the manufacturer’s guide to the computer.Since you are a part of God, and came from God, and were created by God, and one with God, itis wise to get the mind of He who made you? Why were you made? When someone makessomething, there is usually a purpose for it. The person who makes something (the maker)

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knows why he is making it! Are You an Accident? Genesis 1:26-31 sheds some light into this. Inaddition,

Isaiah 43:7 - You were made for God’s glory.

Isaiah 43:21 - You were formed by God "for Himself", to show forth God’s praise.

Colossians 1:16 - You were created by Christ and for Christ!

Revelation 4:11 - You were made for God’s pleasure.

Although you were made for God’s pleasure, glory, praise, thankfully, Life is NOT a

game. Life is who God is. In John 11:25a, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and thelife..” and in John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life..” Life is NOTabout winning or losing; It is NOT about learning some mystery of life; It is NOT about getting toa heaven or avoiding hell. It is about BEING WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE. Being love, being truth,being life.

The Maker knew what He was doing! The Maker made no mistakes! (Genesis 1:31) You are notan accident, and you are not a mistake! You have been made for a reason! Does Life HaveMeaning? Why am I here? Sometimes as I look around and read about or observe the world I livein, life seems very meaningless. You are here to show forth or BE: The grandest versionof the greatest vision that God has of you and that you have of yourself. This is anopportunity to KNOW (remember) and to SHOW amongst other things . . .

God's love

God's truthGod's goodness

God's righteousness

God's holiness

God's faithfulness

God's purity

SERIES 4b: WHY AM I HERE?

The Reason for Being – THE PRESENT – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-31; James 3:9; Philippians 1:21; 2 Corinthians5:17

Question: WHY AM I HERE? WHAT DO I LIVE FOR? - Think outside the BOX

In our previous session, we considered, "Why Am I Here? – The Reason for Being – The Present –Part 1." During that session we concluded that: You are here to show forth or BE: Thegrandest version of the greatest vision that God has of you and that you have of yourself. That, this is an opportunity to KNOW (remember) and to SHOW amongstother things that you are, God's love, God's truth, God's goodness, God'srighteousness, God's holiness, God's faithfulness, God's purity, God’s truth, God’swisdom, God’s power, God’s ALL.

Unfortunately, we are influenced by a side show! When we look at what is going on around us -we can see births, people going through their daily routines (waking up, getting dressed, eating,brushing their teeth, going to school, coming home, eating, doing chores, studying, watchingtelevision, playing games, going to bed), love, hate, joy, sadness, sickness, health, suffering,enjoyment, wealth, poverty, disasters, death, wars, etc. These are real pieces in whatseems like a big puzzle, and they are part of the picture, but they are not the whole picture.

The biggest pieces in the puzzle is GOD Himself and of course YOU. If we leave God out and failto see Him (in ourselves, others and everything), we will never be able to see the TRUE PICTURE.Without God, man will never understand the purpose for which he is made. We must not leaveGod out of the picture. To find out the meaning and purpose of life, we must get to know “WhoGod Is” and “Who we Are”. Many people do not know why they are here because they do notknow their MAKER nor THEMSELVES. He is the only One who can give meaning to life’s puzzle.

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NEXT WEEK: We look at “Why Am I Here?” – The Reason for Being – The Present

WEEK AFTER: “Where Am I Going?” – The Destiny of Man – The Future

THEREAFTER: “What is Sin & Why Do I Sin?” – Denial of God, Loss of Identity & Fall

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NEXT WEEK: We look at “Why Am I Here?” – The Reason for Being – The Present – Part 2 athereafter

“Where Am I Going?” – The Destiny of Man – The Future & “What is Sin & Why Do I Sin?”



What Do You Live For? - People live for many things. Let us consider some of the thingspeople live for:

1) "I live for money and wealth!" How much wealth did you have when you entered thisworld? How much wealth will you take with you when you leave this world (1 Timothy 6:7; Psalm49:17)?

2) "I live for fame and popularity!" Even the most famous people are not really as famous aswe think, and as time rolls along, people forget even the greatest of men and women. Let usillustrate this:

3) "I live for success!" But what is success? Is a person successful when he becomes amillionaire? Then why have so many millionaires been unhappy and lonely, and why have someeven taken their own lives?

4) "I live for pleasure! Games, Food, Chicks!" Hebrews 11:25 says that the pleasures of sinare only for a season

6) "I live for TV/computer. They give meaning to life" What about the people who livedbefore TV/Computer?

5) "I live for “myself”!" People who live for “self” as an unconnected persons - end up inmisery - (Esther 5:9-13).

7) "I live for love. Having a boyfriend (or girlfriend) is all I am concerned about. "(Jeremiah 29:13)

8) "I live for sports. Life has no meaning apart from playing baseball, football,basketball or some other sport!"

9) "I live for happiness!" What will really make me happy? Will fame or success or money orhealth?

10) "I live for nothing! Life is meaningless, and I have no reason to live. I should end itall." Philippians 1:21.

Are you able to say "I live for Christ alone. God has created me so that I might know Him (andknow myself) and glorify Him and enjoy Him forever!" Man Was Made to Reflect God. When youlook into a mirror in the morning, whose IMAGE do you see? What kind of a reflection is seen inyour life? As people look at your life (the way you live, walk and talk), are they getting a pictureof God “THE REAL YOU” or are they getting a picture OTHERS CREATED? Is your mirror so fuzzythat God (you) cannot be seen?

SERIES 5: WHERE AM I GOING?

The Destiny of Man – THE FUTUREScripture Reading: Genesis 1; 2:7-17; 3; Revelations 22; Mark 12:18-27; Joshua 23:14;

Ecclesiastes 3:20;

Psalm 90:9-10; 1 Kings 2:2; Matthew 7:13-15; John 14:6; Mark 9:42-48; John 3:16

Question: WHERE ARE YOU GOING? WHAT HAPPENS AFTER “LIFE” OR “DEATH? Thinkoutside the BOX

After considering the origins of man and the purpose of man, we are now ready to examine athird key question which involves man’s destiny - "Where am I going?" When we speak of aperson’s destiny, we are speaking of what happens to a person in the end. The followingquestions spring to mind: Where am I headed? What is going to happen to me at the end of “this” journey of life?” The dictionary definition of destiny is as such:

des·ti·ny (d s t -n ) n. pl. des·ti·nies1. The inevitable or necessary fate to which a particular person or thing is destined; one's lot.

2. A predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control.


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NEXT WEEK: We look at “Where Am I Going?” – The Destinyof Man – The Future and thereafter

“What is Sin & Why Do I Sin?” – Denial of God, Loss of Identity & Fall of Man



3. The power or agency thought to predetermine events

"Destination" is a similar word. A destination is the place to which a person is going. Everyperson is on a journey “through” or “of” life but not everyone is sure, willing to understand oropen to embrace their destination. This is easy to understand if we imagine, a) Drivers on amotorway, without a destination in mind; b) A Pilot just flying to where he has no clue about andc) A Footballer just kicking the ball without a clear plan during a match! Do you laugh at them?Did you know that many people drive, fly and play through life in the same way? Unsure wherethey will end up, they only know that a day will come when “this life's journey” will come to an

end and they will go through what is referred to as “death”, but beyond the grave they do notknow what will happen top them. The two questions which seem similar in this respect but maylead to different conclusions are: "Where am I going to end up?" "Where will life’s journey bringme or take me?"

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF OUR PHYSICAL EARTHLY EXISTENCE?

To truly understand this, let us consider the following questions:

- What is LIFE? (John 14:6; Luke 12:23; Psalm 90:9-10; 1 John 5:10-13)

- What is DEATH? (Matthew 9:24; Mark 5:39; John 11:11)

- Can LIFE end? (Mark 12:18-27)

- What DIES?

- What happens after DEATH? (Mark 12:18-27)

- Are all men MARCHING TO THE GRAVE? (Gen 5:24; 2 Kings 2:1-13)- What lies beyond the GRAVE?

- How can I know what happens beyond the grave?

- Will I die? (Psalm 118:17)

- Can man come back again in the physical after death (Matthew 9:24; 17:1-10;Acts 1:1-10; Hebrews 9:27; Revelations 11:1-12)

- Is there a Heaven and Hell (Matthew 7:13-15; 8:6-13; 25:1-46; Mark 9:42-48)and if so Where are they?

- What is the “New Jerusalem” and the “Lake of Fire” (Revelation 21:2; 20:14-15; 21:8)?

- Does man live forever? (Mark 12:18-27)

- Does man have a choice where he lives forever (or “spends eternity”)?- WHERE DO I SPEND ETERNITY?

SERIES 6: WHAT IS SIN & WHY DO I SIN?

Denial of God, Loss of Identity & Fall of Man

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-31; 2:9,15-17; 3:1-24; Luke 4:1-8; Matthew:16:20-23; James1:1-27; 1 John 1:1-10; 3:1-10

Question: WHAT IS SIN & WHY DO I SIN? WHY AM I UNABLE TO DO THE RIGHT THING? Think outside the BOX

We live in a culture where the concept of sin has become confused with good or evil, right andwrong. When many of us consider "What is sin?" we think of violations of the TenCommandments. Even then, we tend to think of murder and fornication as "major" sinscompared with lying, cursing, or idolatry or even in terms of cardinal sins, deadly sins, mortal sinand moral sin. The truth is that sin, as defined in the original translations of the Bible, means "to

miss the mark." The mark, in this case, is the standard of “being” established by God in Genesis

Sin is thinking, believing, speaking, living, actinmaking decisions on the basis that we are separateGod – just like Adam & Eve did eventually – Genes24. The action we take is not the sin. The action wis the RESULT of the sin (the result of thibelieving, speaking, living, acting and making decon the basis that we are separate from God) James16. DO YOU THINK, BELIEVE, SPEAK, LIVE, ACTMAKE DECISION AS IF YOU ARE SEPARATE FROM

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“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD”(Psalm 118:17)

NEXT TIME: We look at

“What is Sin & Why Do I Sin?” – Denial of God, Loss of Identity & Fall of Man

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1:26-31 and evidenced by Jesus, the Christ in John 10:10. We were made in His image and afterHis likeness - to be like him. Where did it all start? In Genesis 3:1-24 – Adam & Eve started tothink, believe, speak, live, act and make decisions on the basis that they was separate from God– and started to see another image - an image of their own creation. They believed that aftereating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil their “eyes shall be opened, and yeshall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).

They forgot (were ignorant) that they were already as Gods and their actions meant that theytook on a new image, rooted in the knowledge of good and evil and not in LIFE (God, Love,

Wisdom, Power, Understanding, Christ). Their real (“God”) nature was overshadowed (“died”)and made subject to a new nature. After ignoring the truth and taking on a new nature and with“eyes open”, man fell into the error of seeing a power that is evil or a power that is greater thanhimself (ceasing to see the only power that is, Life itself and like himself – which is God) and hebegins to fear nature, hiding himself. He imagines a power that is good and one that is evil, andso he eats of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and dies in his sin, his sin beinghis ignorance. This ignorance (refusal to notice and recognise the Truth of his Being - his divinenature and oneness with God) led to man taking on another nature which has its root inopposites and separateness from God - “and ye shall be as gods”. “Ignorance is not theabsence of learning but the confusion and conflict of values.” Sin (ignoring our trueidentity (Life) by thinking, believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basisthat they we separate from God) leads us to seek a new identity (which is focused on theknowledge of good and evil) and carry out acts which many call sinful - like fears, hates, anger,

lying, envy and jealousy. Note that there were other trees in the Garden “…every tree that ispleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden ,and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” - There still are!

WHY DO I SIN? - James 1:1-27

Sin therefore, is a creation and concept of man, made in the mind of man (James 1:14). In God,Sin does not exist (1 John 3:9). Sin is not found in God - “In him is light and there is no darknessat all” (1 John 1:4-7). Sin is however found in man (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). Why do we sin? Isit because we do not read the bible enough, or that we do not pray enough or because we arenot filled with the spirit enough? We sin because we think, believe, speak, live, act and makedecisions on the basis that we are separate from God being deceived by our minds (James 1:13-15) - which wants to be in charge and ignore the truth and reality of our being – made in theimage and likeness of God). As long as we retain the concept of separateness from God, conflictbetween good and evil will continue. We are constantly striving to become virtuous, and we arecaught up in the process which denies understanding. Controlling our mind is an unnecessaryeffort, which brings fear and limitation, because our mind is dominated by the idea of an escapefrom our current state which we fear. Since we do not understand what is happening in themind, we struggle, we condemn, we blame, and then you try to force our attention upon aparticular idea in opposition to our current state, thereby creating further conflict (all the timeignoring the cause). Why then do we focus on sin? Because we believe we are separate fromGod the source of Life - who cannot Sin (1 John 1:9)

SERIES 7: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MYSELF?

Redemption, Salvation & Restoration

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-3,26-31; 3:9-24; John 3:1-21; Romans 8:1-31; 2 Corinthians5:17; Ephesians 4:20-24

Question: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MYSELF? IS THERE A WAY OUT OF THIS MESS? Thinkoutside the BOX

An identical question was asked by the Jail Keeper of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-31. The same

question was asked in a totally different way by a Lawyer (Luke 10:25-39) and Ruler (Luke


NEXT TIME: We look at {“What Can I Do to Help Myself?” – Redemption, Salvation &Restoration} and thereafter

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18:18-25). When Nicodemus came to Jesus in John 3:1-21 talking about his miraculous deedsand proclaiming that he is “…a teacher come from God”, Jesus referred him to the mostimportant matter at hand, “….except a man be born again (from above), he cannot see thekingdom of God. Please notice the emphasis on BE. Is it all about “what we do” or about “whowe are” or “BE’”

In our last lesson, we spoke about Sin and Its Cause. We discussed that sin arises when weforget (are ignorant) that we are made in the image and likeness of God, that we are already asGod and that our ignorance (ignoring or forgetting the truth) has enabled us to take on a new

image, rooted in the knowledge of good and evil and not in LIFE (God, Love, Wisdom, Power,Understanding, Christ). That our real (“God”) nature is overshadowed (“died”) and made subjectto a new nature. That after ignoring the truth and taking on a new nature and with “eyes open”,fallen into the error of seeing a power that is evil or a power that is greater than ourselves,(ceasing to see the only power that is (Life itself and like himself – which is God), we have beganto fear nature, hiding ourselves. The “sin” or “our ignoring” or “the ignorance” of our divinenature has brought us this far. This ignorance is our refusal to notice and recognise the Truth of our Being – That we are born of Water (word) and Spirit (Gen:1:1-3); That we have a divinenature; That we are one with God and That we are inseparable from God. It has made us identifywith a false nature which has its root in opposites (good and evil) and separateness from God.Since ignorance is the confusion and conflict of values (and not the absence of learning), oursinful acts (like fearing, hating, anger, lying, envy and jealousy) increase when ignore our trueidentity (Life) by thinking, believing, speaking, living, acting and making decisions on the basis

that they we separate from God, and we have become accustomed to it!

What Jesus told Nicodemus is a simple truth – Be who you truly and really are! A Spirit (not flesh,not self) like God. Come alive to your true identity (to which you were previously dead). Pleasenotice that he did not ask him to become born again (John 3:3-8; Romans 8:1-11). TheMessage Bible puts it like this in John 3:5-8

“Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's notpossible to enter God's kingdom”...”the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can'tsee and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit”..."So don't be so surprised when I tell you that youhave to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak….”

Man is the image and Likeness of his Creator, he cannot be otherwise, because God is all thereis and we cannot exist apart from Him. Man Was Made to Reflect God. Unfortunately, in Genesis

3:1-24 – Adam & Eve started to think, believe, speak, live, act and make decisions on the basis that they

was separate from God – and started to see another image. An image of their own creation. Those whoare IN ADAM reflect their father Adam. He had given up his true identity and reflect theknowledge of good and evil with its sinful (ignorance), selfish and carnal existence. Those whoare IN CHRIST are able to reflect Life embodied in Jesus Christ. However most people dancebetween these existence. Someday those who accept their true identity (“that they are likeGod” as demonstrated by Jesus Christ) will perfectly reflect the Christ (see 1 John 3:2 andRomans 8:29). Today, as the believer grows, he learns to reflect Jesus more and more, and toreflect Adam less and less. When you look into a mirror in the morning, whose IMAGE do yousee? (2 Corinthians 5:17). Have you accepted your true identity (put on) "the new man, which isrenewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10; see alsoEphesians 4:24-the new creation!).

SERIES 8: WHAT NEXT?

Baptism, Fellowship & Surrender

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-26; 4:1,2; 6:25-29; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16; Acts1:1-5





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NEXT TIME: We look at {““What Next?” – Baptism, Fellowship &Surrender} and thereafter

{“How do I Grow?” – From Childhood to Adulthood} & {“Why do I still sin?” – Cry for Help! –

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Question: WHAT NEXT? IF I AM BORN AGAIN, WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO DO? Think outsidethe BOX

An identical question was asked by the people around Jesus. “Then said they unto him, What shall we do,that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that yebelieve on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:28-29. In truth “being who God says we are” = “Like Him” issufficient to usher us into the experience of God’s Kingdom and allows us to fellowship with those withwhom we are one (in an act of unconditional surrender.) Baptism is however seen as a physicaldemonstration of this fellowship with Christ/others and surrender to Christ in a new life (after death to theold life)

During our last lesson we learnt that “Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a personsubmits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving thevisible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom”...”the person who takesshape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a livingspirit”..."So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world,so to speak….” John 3:5-8 (The Message Bible)

However, christian denominations differ widely on their teachings about baptism. Many insist it is a symbolof what was done at the point of salvation, Some believe baptism accomplishes the washing away of sin.Others consider baptism a form of exorcism from evil spirits. Others teach that baptism is an importantstep of obedience in the believer’s life, yet only an acknowledgment of the salvation experience alreadyaccomplished - baptism itself has no power to cleanse or save from sin. However, a general definition forthe word baptism is “a rite of washing with water as a sign of religious purification and consecration.” Thisrite was practiced frequently in the Old Testament. It signified purity or cleansing from sin and

devotion to God. Since baptism was first instituted in the Old Testament many have practiced it as atradition yet have not fully understood its significance and meaning. In the New Testament, the importanceof baptism is more clearly demonstrated through John the Baptist who was sent by God to spread the newsof the coming Messiah—Jesus, the Christ. John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptise those whoaccepted his message. John’s baptising is called “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark1:4 (NIV). Those baptised by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through thecoming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism then is significant in that it represents the forgivenessand cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

So what is the Purpose of Baptism?:

Water Baptism identifies the believer with the Godhead – Father, Son & Holy Spirit. (Matthew28:19)

Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (Colossians2:11-12; Romans 6:4)

Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by repentance,which simply means “change.” It is turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It meansplacing our pride, our past and all of our possessions before the Lord. It is giving the control of ourlives over to Him. (Acts 2:38, 41)

Water Baptism is a public testimony - the outward confession of an inward experience. Inbaptism, we stand before witnesses confessing our identification (fellowship) with the Lord.

Water Baptism is a picture representing profound spiritual truth:

Death – Galatians 2:20

Resurrection –Romans 6:4-5; Romans 6:10-13

Cleansing – 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Corinthians 6:11

Of course there are other types of baptisms which come not by rite but by experience andencounter:

Baptism of the Holy Ghost (what is this? have I had this experience?)

Baptism of Fire (what is this? have I had this experience?)

Are these important for me?






NEXT TIME: We look at {“How do I Grow?” – From Childhood to Adulthood} and thereafter

{“Why do I still sin?” – Cry for Help! – Away with the Flesh”} & {“How can I live like Christ?” ––


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SERIES 9: HOW CAN I GROW?

From Childhood to Adulthood

Scripture Reading: John 3:5-8; Proverbs 4:1-27; Ephesians 3 & 4; Genesis 1:1-3,26-31; John 3:1-21; 1 John 5; Romans 12:1-21; Matthew 5; 1 Timothy 6:1-12

Question: HOW CAN I “GROW”? HOW CAN I BECOME USED TO MY TRUE NATURE? Thinkoutside the BOX

Growth into the stature and image of Christ is the natural path for everyone! However, toexperience this growth, we must realise who we really are (made in the image and likeness of God (Christ) – our original nature) and submit to that original nature – we must be born again. In

John 3:5-6 (Message Bible) Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a personsubmits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisiblemoving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. Whenyou look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takesshape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a livingspirit.”

Unfortunately, most people have been unable to grow into this true nature because they havenot submitted to that true nature. Confusion and ignorance (or sin) about our true nature is thecause. Remove these two impostors, and the Divine man will appear in all his glory as he wasmade, in the likeness of his Creator. This confusion and ignorance is in the mind, the agentthrough which most people including Christians, learn and acquire understanding. We grow (weare transformed) by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). Why does our mind need to betransformed for us to grow?

So how do we currently grow? From external sources - by what we hear, see, read or think.We learn from those who know and those who do not know. Even when we learn from those whoknow, they merely give us an idea of what they know, but that is relative and we end up

imitating what they know – including their ignorance. Unfortunately, all ideas (good, bad andugly) are the result of something else (a reaction to another), and we should see them for whatthey are. Ideas are not original, no matter how good they are. Unfortunately, our mind acceptswhatever it is exposed to. It can take in anything, the good, the bad and the ugly. It NEVERdiscriminates. Thankfully, the mind is not evil in itself, it is the means of man’s growth. However,man attaches evil ideas to it, with the result that he begins to submit to and fear what he doesnot know. But what does he fear? He fears his own ideas and is caught up in his own upbringing(the ideas of others, the community and the family), experiences and conditioning. Only whenhe begins to realise that it is his own ideas that he really fears does he free himself from his owncreations, accepts his true nature, becomes consciously free, and then think purely. Then theSpirit which is Divine can transform his mind and body by Its own Eternal Presence.

How should we grow? When we realise this (and realise the falseness of this way of learning),

we will allow the Christ (our true nature), to express itself (God) and be revealed. That truenature is within us, but never external to us (Collosians 1:27). Others can give us only an idea of our true nature but this does not bring us close to expressing this nature. This nature (acting inits original and creative glory) reveals itself in us EVEN WHEN what we are hearing, seeing,reading or thinking is not the same as what is being revealed to us. When this happens and weallow this internal revelation to have its way, there is no struggle, no fear, no limitation, noconfusion – to whatever is happening externally. Note that our mind is of true value only whenthere is no conflict, no strain, no struggle; when these cease to be, there is peace, and this is themind of Christ. When an idea or thought or desire tries to rule our mind, we should know what itis and not struggle with it. When we struggle, we give that idea power. We are called to fight orwar (not struggle) “..the good fight of faith (belief in God revealed truth)..” (1 Timothy 6:12);what we pull down are ideas, imaginations, thoughts that exalt themselves against theknowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:3-5); by simply allowing the revealed truth to have its way


NEXT TIME: We look at {“Why do I still sin?” – Cry for Help! – Away with the Flesh”} andthereafter

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over other ideas and maintained through the truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, God’sword and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-20 )

SERIES 10: WHY DO I STILL SIN?

Cry for Help – Away with the Flesh

Scripture Reading: Romans 7:1-25, 8:1-; James 1:12-25; 1 Corinthians 15:45-55; Galatians 2:20; James 4:12-17; 1 Peter 2:21-23; I John 1:6-8, 2:1-3, 3:1-10;

5:15-18

Question: WHY DO I STILL SIN? WHY DO I FEEL GUILTY? HOW CAN I STOP SINNING? Thinkoutside the BOX

These questions usually come from hearts desperate to “live” a “life” free from Sin. Even Paul,the Apostle asked these questions when he wrote,”So I find this law at work: Although I want todo good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I seeanother law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner

of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from thisbody that is subject to death?” Romans 8:21-24 (NIV). At this point, it is important to remindourselves that Sin is the result of the activity of the “mind-made-self “(the self that your mind has agreed to be and which everybody sees)” which has taken over (usurped) the position of thereal-self “(the self that that God made and sees - which is made in the image and the likeness of God )”. Sin starts (as James 1:14-18 explains) with lust – in the mind – with us thinking, and thenbelieving, and then speaking, and then living, and then acting and then making decisionson the basis that we are (living) separate(ly) “independent” from God. So it is not the actthat is the sin! Actually the act is as a result of the sin. Therefore anytime we sin, it is the finalresult of our thinking we are the one living and not God living in us. Of course the truth is thatwe are not the one living, but Christ that lives in us (Galatians 2:20). As we continue to thinkthat we are independent (not one) with God. We think we are separate from God!!! The thinkingmakes us act as if God is not involved with us (or as is He is separate from us)

Why Do I Feel Guilty?

We feel guilty because of the way we think. Instead of simply being who God says we are, webelieve more in the mind-made-self. “THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (noadjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after thedictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is]in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.(Romans 8:1-2) AMP. The Spirit says I am one with God, that it is no longer I that lives but Christwho lives in me. As I realize this to be true, guilt disappears! Yes, it is this simple “With thearrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ'sbeing-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new poweris in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air,freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

(MSG) OR Put another way “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are inChrist Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a]free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 (AMP). Sin no longer has a sting and death novictory!

How Can I Stop Sinning?

Unfortunately many of us try to solve this SIN problem by putting physical obstacles in our ownway to stop ourselves from performing a sinful act. We want to stop DOING this sinful thing.Whilst these physical constraints may stop one from performing the act, the mind is still a slaveto sin. So for those of us who derive our self esteem from our actions, deeds, words, wheneverwe feel we have sinned, it is especially hard to forgive ourselves, because we feel we have failedGod. Many also try to use our will or mind to stop doing the things we consider to be sinful.

However as Paul said, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I






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do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” (Romans7:20). Like God does with all his children, I have to separate my behavior from who I am inChrist. And who am I? A new creation, as righteous as God Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17,21). OnceI know/agree that I am one with Christ, sin loses its grip over me!

SERIES 11: HOW CAN I LIVE LIKE CHRIST?Fruit of Spirit

Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:16- 21, 3:1-29, 5:1-26; Ephesians 5:1-21; James 2:12-25; 1 John 4:17-21

Question: HOW CAN I LIVE LIKE CHRIST? HOW CAN CHRIST LIVE IN ME? Think outside theBOX

This question has been asked by many a believer over the ages past. Everyone who has a desireto live a pure, holy, pious or virtuous life would have thought about this at some point or even,

curiously asked this question of their friends, family, mentors or elders in the local assembly.Unfortunately however the question itself has several fundamental errors in it – it assumes thatlife itself has something wrong with is, that we are separate from God or Christ and that we arenot as Christ is. It is therefore important to remind ourselves with Galatians 2:20 that, we are nolonger the ones living but that it is Christ who lives in us. In fact our life is GOD’S KIND OF LIFE(in Greek – Zoë). Not only do we a) have God’s kind of life, b) have Christ living in us, we havealso c) PUT ON CHRIST and d) we are all one in Christ. Galatians 3:27-28, confirms this, “For asmany of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew norGreek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one inChrist Jesus”. Finally in 1 John 4:17 the bible says “….as he is, so are we in this world” - just as itwas meant to be in Genesis 1. So why would we want to live like who we already are? It isbecause we are unconscious (not aware or forgotten about) this TRUTH (Christ). How can thatchange? All that is left, is for us to “BE” who we really are. This does not require any effort,

ritual, stimulation, process or ceremony of any type. Just BE. Paul called the Galatians foolish inGalatians 3:1-5 for similar reasons, they wanted to live like Christ by DOING not by BEING.

Thankfully, “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” – not by do’s and don’ts (Galatians 3:11) andour faith is demonstrated when we agree with or are “being” who God says we are. We are likeChrist and we are one with Christ. Do you believe that? You do not have to say, do, think, feelor perform any ritual to live like Christ. You are already like Christ, so let the Christ in you do theliving rather than the mind-made-self. Of course, living like Christ is not about doing what Christwill do as an act. It is about believing that we are ONE with Him and inseparable from HIM. Thisis the seed of the Spirit. By this, we will think, believe, speak, live, do and make decisions asChrist. It is from this that the result (fruit) grows. The fruit of the spirit (a Christ-like lifestyle,come out of the seed of Christ). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against suchthere is no law” (Galatians 5:21-23) and “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness andrighteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9). Without effort, ritual, stimulation, process orceremony of any type.

The Confusion of Faith and Works

There is sometimes confusion about the way works and faith operate together. From our lessonsin the past year you will already know that everything we do is driven by what rules our mind(who rules - Christ-mind or Self-mind) and what we believe, either consciously, subconsciously orsuperconsciously. The question is, whether what we believe comes from the Christ within (i.e.the Spirit or a fruit of the Spirit) or from the mind-made-self with all its external influences andconditioning. When what we do derives from the Spirit, then it is Faith with Works (orfaith made perfect). When what we do derives from the mind-made-self, although it



“ ” “ ”


NEXT TIME: We look at {“How can I live like Christ?” – Fruits of the Spirit} and thereafter

{“How can I tell other about Christ?” – Sharing the Love of Christ}

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produces a result, it is dead. WHY? It has no Life. “For as the body without the spirit is dead,so faith without works is dead also” James 2:26

Although we have a better understanding of the real issue, we will still attempt to answer thequestion so that we can deal with the reason why there is a clear difference between the waywe live and the way Christ (lived) LIVES!

Why do we not Live Like Christ?

This is simply because we are not conscious (unaware or forgotten) that we have puton Christ, we are like Christ, we are one with Christ, we are all one in Christ, we haveGod’s kind of life and we have Christ living in us.

SERIES 12: HOW CAN I TELL OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST?

Sharing the Love of (Christ) God

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:14-16; Acts 4:1-14, 11:25-27

Question: HOW CAN I TELL OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST? HOW CAN I SHARE CHRIST’S LOVE? Thinkoutside the BOX

Over the past few months, (and especially when we examined the two questions in the Series:Why am I here? – The Reason for Being Parts 1 and 2 - namely, Why am I here & What do I livefor?), we concluded amongst other things that “We are here to show forth, live out or BE:The grandest version of the greatest vision that God has of us and that we have of ourselves.” We also concluded that we have been given “an opportunity to KNOW(remember) and to SHOW amongst other things that we are, God’s love, God’s truth,God’s goodness, God’s righteousness, God’s holiness, God’s faithfulness, God’sPurity, God’s truth, God’s wisdom, God’s power and God’s all”. We also agreed that weare the expression of all things that God is “..because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John4:17). Finally we agreed that we are a reflection of who God is - the image and likeness of God.

Since we are an expression and a reflection of Christ, and as long as we are on earth, we wouldnot necessarily need to speak before anyone sees or hears us or has a privilege of meeting withus they would immediately recognise that we are one with Christ and that we have been withHim. Furthermore, our every word, deed and thought would reflect Christ and be a powerfulwitness of Jesus to all those around us (Acts 1:8) as indeed was the case in Acts 4:1-14, Acts11:25-27.

So how can we tell other about Christ? How can we share God’s love? All there is required is …BE who God says you are, just like Him. God is love, so are you. Speak, act and live like Godevery moment. When we do so, we are AGREEING with (or being a witness to Him). Rememberthis does not require effort on our part, just allow God to do the speaking, acting and living.

What are we to do then?

Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the worldfor a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”. We are to preach the gospel of the Kingdom to all nations. This is what Jesus preached, the gospel of the Kingdom!

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM?

SERIES END



“ ” “ ”

AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD

NEXT TIME: We look at {“How can I tell others about Christ?” – Sharing the Love of Christ


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SERIES: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS!!!

Who, Why, When & How?

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-3, John 1:1-8; Mark 1:9-39

Question: WHO IS JESUS, WHY DID HE COME, WHEN DID HE COME & HOW DID HE COME? Thinkoutside the BOX

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! But is Christmas only about the merriment or about Jesus, theChrist (who came in the form of man as Jesus to show us how to be Christ)? Who is Jesus, Who isChrist and why all the fuss?

WHO IS JESUS?

- He is the Creator – Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1; Hebrews 11:3; Colossians 1:16

- He is the Soon Coming King – Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-12;

- He is ALL He says He is – I am the bread of life (John 6:35, 41); I am the light of the world(John 8:12; 9:5); I am the door of the sheep (John 10:7, 9); I am the good shepherd (John10:11, 14); I am the Son of God (John 10:36); I am the resurrection, and the life (John 11:25); Iam the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6); I am the true vine (John 15:1, 5)

- He is God – John1:1; John 14:9; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15, 19; Hebrew 1:2;

- He is 100% God and 100% Man – John 1:1-3; 14

- He is One with God – Jesus claimed, "I and the Father are One" (John 10:30), "He who hasseen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), and "I am the way, and the truth, and the life….."(John 14:6).

- He is the Reigning King – 1Corinthians 15:22-15; Philippians 2:9-11;

- Who do you Say He is? – Matthew 16:13-19

WHY DID HE COME? Mark 1:9-39

- He came to fulfill prophecy – Matthew 5:17; Romans 15:8

- He came to abolish the letter of the law and fulfill the spirit of the law – Ephesians 2:13-15;Matthew 5:17-18

- He came to seek the lost – Luke 19:10

- He came to save the lost –Matthew 18:11

- He came to serve – Mark 10:45

- He came to give His life as a ransom – Matthew 20:28

- He came that men might have life more abundantly – John 10:10

- He came to reveal the Father – Matthew 11:27; John 14:9

- He came to do the will of God – John 6:38; Hebrews 10:7-10; 1 John 4:14

- He came to preach – Luke 4:43

- He came to bring fire – Luke 12:49; Matthew 3:11-12

- He came to bring judgment – John 9:39 and (note Luke 12:14, John 3:17, and John 8:15 - “I judge no man.”)

- He came to be king - John 18:37

- He came to bear witness to the truth – John 18:37

- He came to put away sin – Hebrews 9:26; I John 3:5; John 1:29 – compare with (John 1:35,Leviticus 16:20-22, Isaiah 53:6, II Corinthians 5:21)

- He came to save sinners – I Timothy 1:15

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- He came into the world to be a faithful high priest – Hebrews 2:17

- He came to destroy the works of the devil – I John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14; John 12:31; John 14:30

- He came to send a sword – Matthew 10:34-36

- He came to bear our sins – I Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:28

- He came to take away the power of sin and death – 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

- He came to provide a pattern of holy living for ALL- I Peter 2:21; Matthew 11:29

WHEN DID HE COME?

Did he ever exist? Is Jesus a myth? If not, When did Jesus come? Does it matter if he came ornot?






NEXT TIME: We look at {““What Next?” – Baptism, Fellowship &Surrender} and thereafter

{“How do I Grow?” – From Childhood to Adulthood} & {“Why do I still sin?” – Cry for Help! –


Here

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Y Change - Youth Foundation Series - Final

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