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 constantly watches over you and sends his angels to protect you. God causes all plants to grow and provides food for every living creature, demonstrating his ongoing care for his creation.

1. Our God - From Beginning to End The Father - Creator and Provider

2. 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.

3. STUDYING GOD’S WORD Where did all things come from?

4.  Genesis 1:1 In 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7.  Genesis 1:27- 28 27 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.”

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE Evaluate. 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.

11. Agree or disagree and why? A person cannot be a Christian if he believes in evolution.

12. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What does creation tell us about our Creator?

13.  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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Creation proclaims to all the power and glory of God and leaves all men who doubt it without an excuse.

18. 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.

19. STUDYING GOD’S WORD How does God continue to provide for His creation?

20.  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.

21. 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.

22. God provides for his creation by making all things grow and supplying food for every living thing.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. STUDYING GOD’S WORD How does God protect you?

27. 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;

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. Psalm 91:10-11 10 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.

31. God constantly watches over you and sends his angels to protect you.

32. 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)

33. CLOSING PRAYER Dear 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.

35. Our God - From Beginning to End The Son - True God and True Man

36. 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

37. STUDYING GOD’S WORD W ho is Jesus Christ ?

38.  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 worl d that we might live through him.

39. According to the bolded portions of those passages, what does the Bible call Jesus Christ?

40.  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.

41. 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.

42. Do these passages support the fact that Jesus is true God? If so, how?

43. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What else does the Bible call Jesus?

44. 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!

45.  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?

46.  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."

47.  John 4:6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was f rom 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?

48. 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.

49. Jesus Christ our substitute is true God and true man in one person.

50. STUDYING GOD’S WORD When did Jesus become both God and man in one person?

51.  Matthew 1:20, 23 20 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.”

52. 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.”

53. 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.

54. 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)

55. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What is the first reason Jesus became both God and man in one person?

56. Galatians 4:4 But 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.

57. 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.

58. 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.

59. Jesus became the God / man so that he could be subject to God’s law and keep it for us.

60.  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.

61.  John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

62. 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.

63. 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

64. 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.

65. 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.

66. 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.

67. 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!”

68. 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.

69. 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.

70. 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.

71. 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.

72. CLOSING PRAYER Dear 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.

74. Our God - From Beginning to End The Son - Prophet, Priest and King

75. 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.

76. 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.

77. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What were the three roles that Jesus had while here on earth?

78. 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.

79. JESUS IS A PROPHET Describe the roles of the OT Prophet. (Shared the message of God wherever God told them to go.)

80. Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, 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.)

81. 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.)

82. Jesus came to this earth as our prophet, priest and king.

83. 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.

84. STUDYING GOD’S WORD How does Jesus carry out these roles today?

85. 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,

86. 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.

87. 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.

88. 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.

89. 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.

90. Jesus is in heaven and ruling over everything as our Prophet, Priest and King.

92. HYMNOLOGY Read through Hymn 359 vs. 1,3 (Priest) & sing Hymn 558 (Prophet & King)

93. 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.

94. STUDYING GOD’S WORD Why did Jesus return to heaven instead of remaining here as Prophet, Priest and King?

95. Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”

96. 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.

97. 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.

98. 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.

99. Jesus is in heaven to prove that he was victorious for us and to prepare a place for us.

100. 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.

101. 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.

102. CLOSING PRAYER Dear 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 .

104. Our God - From Beginning to End The Holy Spirit - Power Source

105. 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”.

106. STUDYING GOD’S WORD Why is the Holy Spirit’s work called sanctification?

107. 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.

108. 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.

109. 1 Corinthians 1:2 To 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:

110. 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.

111. 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.

112. Unable to copy all of picture refer to teacher’s guide to get rest

113. What “means” does the Holy Spirit use to bring us to faith and to sanctify us?

114. Romans 10:17 Consequently, 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.

115. 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.

116.  2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 13 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.

117. 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.

118.  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.

119.  Matthew 26:26-28 26 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.

120. 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.

121. 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).

122. HOW SANCTIFICATION WORKS

123. GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE How do you know if you have saving faith or not? Ask yourself these three questions: Does it bother me that I have sinned against the Lord? 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?

124. 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)

125. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What change in attitude did the Holy Spirit work in us as he sanctified us?

126.  Psalm 119:104 I 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.

127.  Titus 2:11-14 11 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.

128. 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.

129. 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

130. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What motivates us to do what is good according to God’s will?

131. 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.

132. 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.

133. Colossians 3:17 And 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.

134. What motivates us is the fact that Christ loves us first and leads us to show our thanks to him by following His will.

135. 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.

136. CLOSING PRAYER Dear 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 you r 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 li f e of service to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

138. Our God - From Beginning to End The End - Be Prepared

139. 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.

140. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What does the Bible tell us about Jesus’ return?

141.  Matthew 25:31-32 31 “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.

142. 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.

143.  Matthew 24: 36,42, 44 36 “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.

144. 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.

145.  Mark 16:15-16 15 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 .

146. 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.

147. Jesus’ return reminds me to study God’s Word regularly so that I am a believer who is ready when he does come.

148. 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.

149. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What is different for unbelievers and believers who die before Jesus’ return?

150. 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.

151. 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.

152. 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.

153. 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 )

154. STUDYING GOD’S WORD How is the resurrection different for the believer and the unbeliever?

155. 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

156. 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.

157. 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.

158. 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.

159. 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.

160. 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.

161. STUDYING GOD’S WORD What does the Bible say about the experience of heaven and hell?

162.  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.”

163. 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.

164.  Revelation 21:3-4 3 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.”

165. 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.

166. 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.

167. GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE I 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.

168. 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

169. STUDYING GOD’S WORD How do we as believers view death?

170. Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

171. 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.

172. Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

173. 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!”

174. 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.

175. 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

176. CLOSING PRAYER Dear 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.