Friday, April 24, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 2: Trembling at God's Word

The Bible
Lesson 2: Trembling at God's Word


Isaiah 66:2 For all these things has my hand made, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

God the Father, the Almighy, the maker of heaven and earth, is the great and mighty king of kings. He is the one in authority over all, he has power over all, and he is also the great and final judge who judges all men without partiality. The prophets of old called men to fear the Lord. The apostle Peter calls all those who call upon this God as Father to daily walk in the fear of the Lord (1 Peter 1:17).

When this God speaks, we should be quick to hear and slow to speak. We should be silent, listen, and respond appropriately. We should tremble at his word, because he, the great and mighty king and judge, has spoken it. That means that we should show deep respect for God's word that has been written down, both because this written word is what God has spoken in the past, and because he still speaks to men through this same written word today. When God speaks, he means what he says, and he will follow through. He meant it when he first said it, and he means it still today.

If we tremble at God's word, listening, humbling ourselves and obeying, then God will show mercy and grace (Isaiah 66:2). Trembling at his word is something we do at a moment in time. For example, Ahab trembled at God's word that was spoken through Elijah. When Ahab heard God's word, he humbled himself. Much more than that, trembling at God's word should be our daily and lifelong attitude.

Not trembling at God's word. If we choose to ignore God's word, as something of no concern to us; if we in reading and hearing God's word treat it lightly, as though God did nor really mean what he said; if we do not tremble at his word now, then we will tremble later at God's wrath.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we will have a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will talk about trembling at God's word.

Read Isaiah 66:2. Ask the children what they think “trembling at my word” means. What kind of attitude do they think it is?

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 about God calling Samuel. Emphasize how Samuel was quick to hear and respond to Eli each time, and then to God once Eli told him who was calling. Ask the children how Samuel honored Eli and also honored God when God spoke.

Use the stories below about the Egyptians (Exodus 9:13-33), David (2 Samuel 12:1-13), Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-29), Asa (2 Chronicles 16:7-12), Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23), and possibly the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:23-34). Summarize the stories for the children. As you tell them the stories, ask them to decide who trembled at God's word and who did not. Why do they think so? How do you know this one trembled at God's word and that on did not? What happened to those who trembled at God's word? What happened to those who didn't?


As you tell these stories and ask them questions, be sure to connect God's word that he spoke to God's word written down in the Bible.

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

1 Samuel 3:1-10 [1] The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. Yahweh’s word was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision. [2] At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), [3] and the lamp of God hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in Yahweh’s temple, where the ark of God was; [4] Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” [5] He ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call; lie down again.” He went and lay down. [6] Yahweh called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son; lie down again.” [7] Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was Yahweh’s word yet revealed to him. [8] Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”
As Eli taught Samuel, so we should teach our children to be quick to listen to the Lord when the Lord speaks. One thing that means is that we should teach our children to fear God and reverence God's word (the Bible), to be quick to listen when it is read and discussed, and when they read it themselves. As Samuel was ready to listen to God's word, so children should follow his example today, to be quick to listen to God's word (the Bible).


More Stories and Examples:

HERE I AM

Genesis 22:1 After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”

Exodus 3:4 When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses! Moses!” He said, “Here I am.”


THEY TREMBLED AT GOD'S WORD

Exodus 9:13-33 [13] Yahweh said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, that they may serve me. [18] Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now. [19] Now therefore command that all of your livestock and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. Every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn’t brought home, the hail shall come down on them, and they shall die.”’” [20] Those who feared Yahweh’s word among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses. [21] Whoever didn’t respect Yahweh’s word left his servants and his livestock in the field. [22] Yahweh said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.” [25] The hail struck throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and animal; and the hail struck every herb of the field, and broke every tree of the field. [26] Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.
When God spoke to Pharaoh about the coming plague of hail, some Egyptians trembled at God's word and brought their servants and livestock under cover. Some Egyptians did not tremble at God's word, and so left their servants and cattle out in the fields. God means what he says. Those who did not respect God's word, who did not tremble at God's word, did tremble at his wrath.


2 Samuel 12:1-13 [13] David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against Yahweh.” Nathan said to David, “Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die.
David committed great sin when he committed adultery with the wife of Uriah and then had Uriah killed. God spoke to David through the prophet Nathan. David was rebuked for his sin, and told of coming judgment. David trembled at God's word. He humbled himself and confessed his sin, and so found mercy with God.

1 Kings 21:17-29 [17] Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [18] “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwells in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone down to take possession of it. [19] You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick your blood, even yours.”’” [20] Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh. [21] Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will utterly sweep you away and will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel. [22] I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah for the provocation with which you have provoked me to anger, and have made Israel to sin.” [23] Yahweh also spoke of Jezebel, saying, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel. [24] The dogs will eat he who dies of Ahab in the city; and the birds of the sky will eat he who dies in the field.” [25] But there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. [26] He did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel. [27] When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. [28] Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [29] “See how Ahab humbles himself before me? Because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son’s days will I bring the evil on his house.”
King Ahab was a wicked king of Israel. Naboth was killed so that Ahab could take his vineyard. God sent a message of doom to Ahab through Elijah the prophet. Ahab not only heard with his ears, but trembled at God's word and humbled himself. Because he trembled at God's word, because he humbled himself when God spoke, even this most wicked king was shown some measure of mercy.

Acts 16:23-34 [29] He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,
The Philippian jailer fell down trembling. He had not been reading the Bible. Yet God has spoken clearly to the jailer through the prayer and singing of Paul and Silas, through the earthquake, through the chains falling off, and even through no one escaping. The jailer understood through this “word” of God that he was very near the judgment seat of almighty God, and that his judgment would not go well. Therefore, he fell down trembling, asking, what must I do to be saved. He found mercy. Truly God does look upon the one who is poor and contrite of spirit and who trembles at his word.


THEY DID NOT TREMBLE AT GOD'S WORD

2 Chronicles 16:7-12 [7] At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on Yahweh your God, therefore is the army of the king of Syria escaped out of your hand. [8] Weren’t the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge army, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? Yet, because you relied on Yahweh, he delivered them into your hand. [9] For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars.” [10] Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in the prison; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. [11] Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. [12] In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but to the physicians.
King Asa was known as a good king on Judah. He had trusted in God in the past. Later in his life, when faced with another enemy army, he chose to trust in man rather than God. Hanani the seer brought to Asa a rebuke from the Lord. Though Asa heard with his ears, he did not tremble at God's word. He did not humble himself by repenting and seeking forgiveness for his sin. Instead, he removed the seer who brought to him God's word.

God's word is many things. While at times it is pleasant and comforting, at other times it is convicting and a rebuke. Will we tremble at God's word, humbling ourselves before the God who spoke and still speaks through what was written so long ago? Will we plug the ears of our hearts and put away God's word (and so put away the God who spoke it), no being willing to humble ourselves in repentance and simple obedience? May God grant us hearts that tremble at his word.

2 Chronicles 26:16-23 [16] But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against Yahweh his God; for he went into Yahweh’s temple to burn incense on the altar of incense. [17] Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him eighty priests of Yahweh, who were valiant men: [18] and they resisted Uzziah the king, and said to him, “It isn’t for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh, but for the priests the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary; for you have trespassed; neither shall it be for your honor from Yahweh God.” [19] Then Uzziah was angry; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense; and while he was angry with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in Yahweh’s house, beside the altar of incense. [20] Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked on him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from there; yes, himself hurried also to go out, because Yahweh had struck him. [21] Uzziah the king was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house, being a leper; for he was cut off from Yahweh’s house: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land. [22] Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, wrote. [23] So Uzziah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, “He is a leper.” Jotham his son reigned in his place.
King Uzziah (Azariah) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 15:3). However, when he grew strong, he became proud. In his pride he decided to do what God said only the priests should do. He was rebuked by the priests, who reminded him of God's word about this matter. If Uzziah had trembled, if he had humbled himself, perhaps his life would have ended differently. Instead, he became angry. He did not listen and obey. He did not humble himself. God then struck him leprosy. Then Uzziah trembled (2 Chronicles 26:20). Then he feared, but it was too late. He was a leper to the day of his death.


Other Verses:

GOD IS A GREAT GOD AND KING

God is a great king. He is a great king over all the earth. He is a great king over all gods. He is the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity. At his wrath the earth trembles. We are called to walk in the fear of the Lord, in the fear of this God.

Malachi 1:14 “But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a defective thing; for I am a great King,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and my name is awesome among the nations.”

Psalm 47:2 For Yahweh Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth.

Psalm 95:3 For Yahweh is a great God, a great King above all gods.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Jeremiah 10:10 But Yahweh is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembles, and the nations are not able to withstand his indignation.

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:


GODS' WORD IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS GOD'S WORD

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4 [1] God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. [3] His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; [4] having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have. [2:1] Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. [2] For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; [3] how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; [4] God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?


TREMBLE AT GOD'S WORD

Ezra 9:1-4 [1] Now when these things were done, the princes drew near to me, saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, following their abominations, even those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. [2] For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy seed have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.” [3] When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded. [4] Then were assembled to me everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of their trespass of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening offering.

Ezra 10:1-4 [1] Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before God’s house, there was gathered together to him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very bitterly. [2] Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land. Yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. [3] Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God. Let it be done according to the law. [4] Arise; for the matter belongs to you, and we are with you. Be courageous, and do it.”

Psalm 119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Proverbs 1:7-9 [7] The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching: [9] for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.
The fear of the Lord and receiving his wisdom and instruction, his word, to obey, are tied together.

Proverbs 13:13 [ASV] Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.


Isaiah 66:1-5 [1] Thus says Yahweh, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what kind of house will you build to me? and what place shall be my rest? [2] For all these things has my hand made, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word. [3] He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog’s neck; he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood; he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations: [4] I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn’t listen; but they did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn’t delight.” [5] Hear Yahweh’s word, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you, who cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, ‘Let Yahweh be glorified, that we may see your joy;’ but it is those who shall be disappointed.

Jeremiah 36:15-16 [15] They said to him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears. [16] Now when they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one toward another, and said to Baruch, “We will surely tell the king of all these words.”


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 1: Contents and Origin of the Bible

The Bible
Lesson 1: Contents and Origin of the Bible


Matthew 7:24-27 [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

Contents of the Bible. The Bible has two main parts: The Old Testament (OT) books are from the time before Jesus. The New Testament (NT) contains books about the life of Jesus and about and from the years after Jesus. Though some receive more, all Christians receive 39 books as making up the OT. All Christians agree that the NT contains 27 books.

The central figure in the Bible is Jesus Christ. The scriptures testify about him (John 5:39), that he is the way, the truth and the life. The OT tells of his coming. The NT tells that he has come, and that he will one day return.

Origin of the Bible. The Bible is God's word. It is what God has spoken and revealed to mankind. God spoke through prophets, through his son Jesus Christ, and through the apostles. While on some occasions, God spoke directly to men, more often, holy men were moved, or led, by the Holy Spirit as they spoke and/or wrote to men on behalf of God (2 Peter 1:21).

The word or message that God spoke through men has been written down. Though it came through men, it came from God, and so we rightly call the Bible God's word. In some cases, the message was first spoken and then written down at a later time, such as the prophets', apostles' or Jesus' preaching. In other cases, the message was first written, such as the epistles of the NT written by the apostles.

On rare occasions, God himself spoke to men and even wrote down the word he spoke. At Mount Sinai, God spoke the Ten Commandments in an audible voice to the people, and then wrote them himself on the stone tablets. At Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17), and again at his transfiguration on the mount (Matthew 17:5), God spoke in an audible voice from heaven so that men could hear. When the apostles wrote down the Gospel story, they included these words spoken directly by God.

The purpose. The Bible is God's word. It is God's word to us. He did not give it for our ears and eyes alone. Nor was it given only for our minds to think on and understand. Though eyes and ears and understanding are important and even necessary (Isaiah 6:9-10), God gave his word that we may hear and do it (Matthew 7:24-27).

Do we fear, honor and love God? Then we will listen to and obey his word. In that hearing and obeying, we will find his word to be spirit and life, we will find our feet on a solid foundation. On the other hand, if we do not obey God's word, whether we ignore it or search through it daily, we will have no solid foundation here and will find God's word to be our judge at the last day (John 12:48). What we do with God's word reflects what we think of God.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we will have a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will give a very brief introduction to the Bible and tell where it came from.

Begin by telling about the two parts of the Bible (the OT and NT). Ask them if they know the two parts. What is the difference between the two parts?

Ask them who is the main person in the Bible? Explain simply to the children that the OT points forward to Jesus, that he will come, and the NT tells us that he has come and will come again.

Explain that the Bible is God's word. Ask the children if they know how we got the Bible. Where did it come from? Perhaps make a list on the board as they give correct answers. (Prophets, apostles, people wrote it down.)

Pick one of the stories below about God calling the prophets to speak for him to the people. Tell it to the children. This is one person through whom God spoke, and through whom we received the Bible.

Finally, read Matthew 7:24-27. What did Jesus say we should do with his word? (Hear and do.)

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

How three prophets were called to speak God's word to the people:

Isaiah 6:1-13 [1] In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. [2] Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. [3] One called to another, and said, “Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!” [4] The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. [5] Then I said, “Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of Armies!” [6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. [7] He touched my mouth with it, and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven.” [8] I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am. Send me!” [9] He said, “Go, and tell this people, ‘You hear indeed, but don’t understand; and you see indeed, but don’t perceive.’ [10] Make the heart of this people fat. Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed.” [11] Then I said, “Lord, how long?” He answered, “Until cities are waste without inhabitant, and houses without man, and the land becomes utterly waste, [12] And Yahweh has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. [13] If there is a tenth left in it, that also will in turn be consumed: as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stock remains when they are felled; so the holy seed is its stock.”

Jeremiah 1:4-10 [4] Now Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, [5] “Before I formed you in the belly, I knew you. Before you came out of the womb, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” [6] Then I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.” [7] But Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak. [8] Don’t be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you,” says Yahweh. [9] Then Yahweh stretched out his hand, and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. [10] Behold, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Ezekiel 2:8-10 [8] But you, son of man, hear what I tell you; don’t be rebellious like that rebellious house: open your mouth, and eat that which I give you. [9] When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was therein; [10] He spread it before me: and it was written within and without; and there were written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
Ezekiel 3:1-4 [1] He said to me, Son of man, eat that which you find. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. [2] So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat the scroll. [3] He said to me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this scroll that I give you. Then I ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. [4] He said to me, Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.


More Stories and Examples:


Other Verses:

BUILT ON APOSTLES AND PROPHETS

Ephesians 2:19-22 [19] So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, [20] being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; [21] in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [22] in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

2 Peter 3:1-2 [1] This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; [2] that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:

1 John 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Jude 1:17 But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.


WRITTEN BY PROPHETS AND APOSTLES, BY HOLY MEN OF GOD

Moses
Deuteronomy 31:24-29 [24] When Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, [25] Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, saying, [26] “Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, that it may be there for a witness against you. [27] For I know your rebellion, and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, you have been rebellious against Yahweh. How much more after my death? [28] Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them. [29] For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days; because you will do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”
[see also Exodus 24:4; Numbers 33:2; Deuteronomy 31:9; Joshua 8:32; Mark 12:19; Luke 20:28; John 1:45; 5:46]

Moses, the man of God
Deuteronomy 33:1; Joshua 14:6; 1 Chronicles 23:14; 2 Chronicles 30:16; Ezra 3:2;

1 Chronicles 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Samuel the seer, and in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the history of Gad the seer,
[see also 2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 20:34; (24:27); 33:19]

2 Chronicles 26:22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, wrote.

2 Chronicles 32:32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Jeremiah
Jeremiah 36:4,18,27,32; 45:1; 51:60

Daniel
Daniel 7:1

The Prophets (Major and Minor)
Most of the books begin by stating in some way that the word of the Lord came to or through the prophet.

Luke
Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1

John
John 21:24

Paul, James, Peter, John, Jude
All wrote letters, and most included their name at the beginning or end or both.

Peter
2 Peter 3:1


FROM GOD

2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 1:1-2 [1] God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.

2 Peter 1:16-21 [16] For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [18] We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. [19] We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: [20] knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. [21] For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.


GOD SPOKE AND/OR WROTE

Exodus 20:1-3 [1] God spoke all these words, saying, [2] “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me.
God spoke the Ten Commandments in the hearing of all the children of Israel at Mount Sinai. Not only did he speak them, but he also wrote them down on two tablets of stone.

Exodus 31:18 He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God’s finger.
[Exodus 24:12]

Also, God spoke to Moses, who wrote down what God said.


HEAR AND DO

Matthew 7:24-27 [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Romans 2:13 For it isn’t the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified

John 5:37-40 [37] The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. [38] You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. [39] “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. [40] Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.



Friday, April 10, 2015

Apostles' Creed - Lesson 15: Amen.

Apostles' Creed
Lesson 15: Amen.


I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead and buried.
He descended into hell,
And on the third day he rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,
Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy, catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting.

Amen.


John 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess the essential teachings of the Christian faith. We confess them as what we believe. Hence, it begins with “I believe,” and ends with “amen.” Faith, or believing, has two important parts: 1) agreement or assent; 2) surrender of our will. Both parts are necessary to the faith that pleases God. The Christian life not merely statements and facts that we can recite well. It is believing things that change our life and change how we live in this world and what we live for. We begin the Apostles' Creed by saying that we agree and surrender our will to these things (“I believe”), and conclude by saying truly, so be it, I agree (“amen”). We must be careful that our belief goes beyond our mouth, that we believe these things with our very life each day in how we live. God rewards those who have such faith.

The essential teachings of the Christian faith are life-changing for those who believe them. Yet, too often, we may think and talk about such things as the resurrection, the judgment, the Holy Spirit, the life everlasting, etc., and not see a connection between the things we are discussing and the changed life such things call for. For this reason, I have tried to connect in these lessons what we believe with what it means for us in our living to believe this.

If we believe in God the Father, we will not be anxious but trust our almighty Father – that he has cared for us, is caring for us, and will care for us. We will walk in the fear of God. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we will call him lord and obey what he says. Believing in Jesus, we will follow him to eternal life through the path of death, death to myself and to sin, and live to God. We are saved by the washing of regeneration and the renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). If we believe in the Holy Spirit, we will be sure to receive the Holy Spirit, and having him, not quench the Spirit. Thus we will repent, be baptized and obey the commands of our Lord, for such receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32).

We will live according to what we believe. If we really believe these things we will live according to them. If we believe the lies of this world, we will live according to them, no matter what we say we believe with our mouth.

One goal of this series of lessons has been to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith. Much more than that, I desire that all who read this can with their mouth and with their lives and living say “I believe” and “amen” to these things.


Suggestions:

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that we have talked about all twelve parts, and today we will talk about the end: amen.

Cover up the Apostles' Creed on the wall. Ask the children if they can tell you what the creed begins with? (I believe.) What does the creed end with? (Amen.) Remind them that the purpose of the creed is not to simply recite a list of facts, but to say what we believe.

Ask the children if they can tell you what it means to believe? Help them to understand the two parts of agreeing with something and surrendering your will to that. If your parents tell you not to do something, or they will discipline you in some way, you can agree that such is true. Will you obey or disobey? Obeying would be surrendering your will to this.

Ask the children what amen means? Explain to them that it means truly, or so be it, or I agree. So at the end of the creed we are again saying that we agree with it. We should agree with our mouth, and also with how we live.

Tell the story (brief summary) of the ten virgins. Use this story to show that all ten knew the bridegroom was coming. Asked them who also surrendered their will to this?

Tell the story (brief summary) of the master who gave money to three servants. Use this story to show that all three knew what the master was like. Asked them who also surrendered their will to this?

Read the story of the two blind men in Matthew 9:27-31. Did the blind men believe? How do you know? Ask the children what would happen if Jesus said to us, according to your faith be it done to you? What would happen at the judgment day if Jesus said that? What door would open? Do we believe with both our mouth and with our lives by obeying?

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

Matthew 25:1-13 – The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins.
All ten virgins knew the bridegroom was coming. All ten could agree to this statement. Only five surrendered their will in relation to this. In surrendering their will, they lived in such a way that when the bridegroom did come they were ready, and were received into his presence. The five who could agree, yet did not surrender their will, surrendering their will to other goals, were not ready for the coming of the bridegroom, and were rejected and kept from his presence at his coming.

Matthew 25:14-30 – The master gives talents to three servants.
All three servants knew the master. They could all describe what their master was like. Two servants, along with mental agreement, surrendered their will according to their knowledge (vv16-17). They made choices and acted such that the master was pleased with them at his return, and they were praised, rewarded and received into the joy of their master. The third servant, while knowing what his master was like, did not surrender his will in accordance with what he knew of his master (v18). Upon his return, the master rebuked this servant and cast him out to outer darkness.

Matthew 9:27-31 [27] As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!” [28] When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They told him, “Yes, Lord.” [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” [30] Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.” [31] But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.
We must confess with our mouth, yet that is not the completion or end of faith. We must believe with our heart. We must believe with our very lives and with how we live each day. These two blind men could confess with their mouth that Jesus was able to heal them, to give them sight. Their faith was more than the words of their mouth, for when Jesus said, “According to your faith be it done to you,” their eyes were opened.
If Jesus were to say to us, according to your faith be it done to you, what would be done to us? If on the judgment day, the great Judge were to say “according to your faith be it done to you,” which door would open to us? Would the door of heaven, or the door to hell swing open to receive us?
Is our believing like that of the five wise virgins and the two good servants, or is our believing like that of the five foolish virgins and like the third servant who knew the master and his will, but didn't do it?


More Stories and Examples:

1 Kings 11:1-13 [1] Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites; [2] of the nations concerning which Yahweh said to the children of Israel, “You shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon joined to these in love. [3] He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. [4] When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as was the heart of David his father. [5] For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. [6] Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and didn’t go fully after Yahweh, as did David his father. [7] Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the mountain that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon. [8] So he did for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed to their gods. [9] Yahweh was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from Yahweh, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, [10] and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he didn’t keep that which Yahweh commanded. [11] Therefore Yahweh said to Solomon, “Because this is done by you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. [12] Notwithstanding I will not do it in your days, for David your father’s sake; but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. [13] However I will not tear away all the kingdom; but I will give one tribe to your son, for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.”
The Lord was angry with Solomon. Solomon knew but did not live. He could agree with the truth in his mind, but did not surrender his will to obey.

Hebrews 11:8-9 [8] By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. [9] By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.

Mark 9:23-24 [23] Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” [24] Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!


YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL

Matthew 9:20-22 [20] Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; [21] for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.” [22] But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
Mark 5:21-43 [34] He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.” [36] But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
[Luke 8:40-56]

Mark 10:46-52 – Bartimaeus
Your faith has made you well.

Matthew 8:5-13 [5] When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him, [6] and saying, “Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.” [7] Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” [8] The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” [10] When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a faith, not even in Israel. [11] I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, [12] but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [13] Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that hour.

Matthew 15:21-28 [21] Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!” [23] But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.” [24] But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” [25] But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.” [26] But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” [27] But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” [28] Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.


Other Verses:

Luke 6:46-49 [46] “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? [47] Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. [49] But he who hears, and doesn’t do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Luke 11:27-28 [27] It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!” [28] But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear: