Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Leading
Gospel Studies
in New Berea
An illustrative story on
how to lead evangelistic studies in a town
with different religions
but ready to hear the gospel
3
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................5
L1. Do I Need to be Saved?.................................................6
HOW TO PRAY WHEN TEACHING THE LAW....................................6
USING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS TO TUTOR PEOPLE TO
CHRIST................................................................................................6
THE RESULT OF YOUR DISOBEDIENCE........................................10
L2. Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? ........................13
DID JESUS REALLY DIE?.................................................................13
IS SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH JUST AND DESIRED BY GOD?....14
ARE PAUL’S WRITINGS ABOUT RESURRECTION RELIABLE?.....15
‘HOW CAN JESUS BE IN THE HEART OF THE EARTH?’ ..............17
‘HOW DID JESUS LEAD CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE?’ ............................19
WAS JESUS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS DEAD?..............19
AN EYE-WITNESS’ ACCOUNT THAT JESUS DIED.........................21
JESUS’ BURIAL.................................................................................22
HINDRANCES TO STEALING JESUS’ DEAD BODY........................22
JESUS’ APPEARANCE TO MANY....................................................24
A BELIEF-PRODUCING ACCOUNT OF JESUS’ APPEARANCE.....24
L3. Did Jesus Fulfill Messianic Prophecies?......................26
HOW TO PRAY WHEN TEACHING MESSIANIC PROPHECIES
...........................................................................................................26
EXAMPLES OF SCRIPTURES FULFILLED IN JESUS’ LIFE. .........27
L4. How Can Jesus Be Both God & Man?.........................31
IS JESUS THE ‘I AM’?.......................................................................31
HOW CAN JESUS BE CALLED GOD?..............................................32
IS JESUS THE WORD?.....................................................................34
MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRIST’S DEITY................................37
L5. Can I Be Sure I Am Going to Heaven?........................47
IS CHRIST SEEN IN ME?..................................................................47
WHEN I DIE, WILL I IMMEDIATELY GO TO HEAVEN?....................49
WHAT ABOUT GOOD WORKS?.......................................................52
4
AM I FORGIVEN?..............................................................................52
SAVING FAITH..................................................................................53
L6. What are the Other Results of Christ’s Sufferings for
Me?....................................................................................57
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL PEACE.................................................57
BOLDNESS TO COME TO GOD.......................................................61
HEALING OF SICKNESSES AND DISEASES...................................63
CONTINUED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD...........................................65
JESUS SUFFERED FOR YOU!.........................................................67
5
Introduction
In ‘Witnessing in New Berea’, I shared to you how to start evangelizing a
place by finding a son of peace after praying and fasting for it. The
illustrative story ended with an overview of the discipleship process.
On the way to Nel’s house, Pol prayed in Tim’s hearing, ‘Father, during
our study, in the name of Jesus, I forbid sin from 'seizing the opportunity
afforded by the commandment' and producing in Nel and those who will join
our Bible study "every kind of covetous desire" (Romans 7:8).’
‘Tim, when there are new comers, at the end, lead them to receive Christ,
okay?’ asks Pol. ‘Sure’
-- o0o --
'What you valued more than God has become your god. What is it?
Money?…'
'Studies?'
'My sister spends a longer time looking at herself at the mirror than the
time we spent at the church !' Mike gets even.
Nel looks at Linda, holds her hand and acknowledges, 'I guess I made my
family my god sometime in the past!'
'Roman, will you read commandment number two?' asks Pol.
'2. You shall not make for yourself an idol … You shall not bow down to
them or worship them …'
Roman protests, 'But that is not the second commandment!'
Pol asks, 'Do you have a Bible here?'
Nel wipes the Bible in the shelf and discovered that it has the Deutero-
canonical books in it. Pol turned to Exodus 20:4 and asked Roman to read
it.
Pol asks, 'Do you think then that it is the second commandment?' 'Oh
yes, it is!' admits Roman.
Pol tactfully moves to the next command, 'Abe, will you read
commandment number 3?'
'3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD …'
'Mommy does that!' Cathy said it with a smile. 'Just today, she said, 'O
my God!'
8
Linda reads, '4…. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the
seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any
work …."
'You have been quick to read the next command, ha?' smiles Nel.
The group laughs.
'That is what I have been trying tell these my friends--Saturday, the
seventh day, should be time to go to church,' comments Addie.
'I'm glad you are convinced in your own mind as to when is the day to go
to church! The Apostle Paul said, “One man considers one day more sacred
than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be
fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)'
'Oh, thank you!' is Addie's answer to the response he did not expect.
Dear reader: If you think the day of rest should always be the seventh or
the first day, have you studied why is the Sabbath the 1st and 8th days in
Leviticus 23:39? What do you think about Hebrews 4:1,3,5,9-11;
Revelations 14:13?
'Mike, will you read number 5?' 'Honor your father and your mother.'
Mike reads and points to her sister, who reacts, 'You also disobey that
command!'
Pol explains, 'The questions I am about to read are not only for the two of
you, but also for the rest of us here,
"Do you always obey your parents? … honor them? … help them? …"'
Did you get angry with someone?… not forgive him?… speak harsh
words to him?…
'You came just at the right time!,' remarks Manny. 'My wife and I had a
quarrel last night.'
‘What do you intend to do as a result of this study?’ asks Pol. ‘I guess I
need to ask forgiveness from her for speaking harsh words when I was angry
with her last night.’
9
‘I pray that God will draw you closer to each other as you do that!’
'When I was a boy,' Abe remembers, 'my mom used to tell me, "Why are
you not as intelligent as your older brother?” Perhaps that negative word
demotivated me from finishing my studies!'
Pol and Tim looks at him with pity.
‘7. You shall not commit adultery.’
"20 Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife…. 6 (Or with) …
any close relative … 22 … with a man as one lies with a woman… 23 … with an
animal …." (Leviticus 18)
'So the media is wrong about its acceptance of the third sex!'? discovers
Manny. The group nods their heads in agreement.
"... everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed
adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28 NAS).
Have you gazed at one not your spouse to lust for him/her?…Have you
caused others to look with a lustful purpose at you? …
‘I wonder why the candy bars are the most sold goods when my kids are
selling in the store?’ asked Linda.
Have you borrowed something with no intention of returning it? …
‘Oh, I forgot to return the book I borrowed from you!’ confesses Abe to
Nel, ‘I’ll return it tomorrow.’
‘9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.’
Have you lied? … Have you said, "I have no money!" when you just did
not want to lend? … Have you told others, “Tell him I am not here!”
‘… all our righteous acts are like filthy rags … our sins sweep us away.’
(Isaiah 64:6; Job 15:16)
‘Will your righteous acts then make you more acceptable to God?’
‘But your iniquities have SEPARATED you FROM YOUR GOD; your sins
have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.’ (Isaiah 59:2).
“5 … the Lord … destroyed those who did not believe. 7 … and … gave
themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an
example of those who SUFFER the punishment of eternal FIRE.” (Jude
1:5-7)
11
'What is the tense of the word SUFFER?', Pol asks, 'Present ...', Roman
replies. In unison with Abe, Manny exclaims, 'they are now suffering in
fire!'
'Yes, that is what the rich man is now experiencing in Hades (Lucas
16:19-31) which is in the lower parts of the earth (Ezekiel 32:24;
Ephesians 4:9; Numbers 16:32).
The response to the revealed truth will bring him there (v.29-31).
Manny asks, 'But aren't they still to be punished in the future? 'That is
also true,' affirms Pol, 'read on.' 'They will be punished with
everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord
… (2Thessalonians 1:9). '
‘John saw the future. He narrated it in the past tense: 5 (The rest of the
dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the
first resurrection 6—Blessed and H—HOLY are those who have part in the
first resurrection. The second death has I—NO power over them…. 7
When the thousand years are over…. 12 And I saw the dead, great and
small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book
was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to
what they had done as recorded in the books.13 The sea gave up the
dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were J—
IN them, and each person was judged according to what he had K—
DONE. (Revelation 20)
12
'Note that the dead who were not part in the first resurrection will have
remained in Hades until it will give them up. Then they will be judged
according to what they had done. Since they have all sinned and all their
righteousness is as filthy garments (Isaiah 64:6), their works could not
save them (Ephesians 2:8-9). Their only hope is for their names to be
written in the Lamb’s book of life. However, their names will not be found
there since they have not been holy and blameless and the second death,
the lake of fire has power over them. Since their names are not found
written in the book of life, they will be thrown Into the lake of fire.
'.... The lake of FIRE is the second death. If anyone's name was not found
written in the book of LIFE [belonging to the lamb that was slain], he was
thrown into the lake of fire….' (Revelations 20:14,15; 13:8).
D. If you continue being separated from God, dead in sins, what kind of
punishment can you expect?
‘When I die, I will join those who now suffer the punishment of eternal fire
and will be punished more in the lake of fire.
E. ‘Where should your name be written so that you will not be thrown there?’
‘In the book of Life of the lamb.’
… John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "Look, the LAMB of
God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)
An angel told Joseph, "… you are to give Him the name H JESUS,
because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
F. ‘Who is that LAMB who can save you from your sins? ‘Jesus!’ was the
answer of the group.
‘To make sure, Tim will explain to us the inside cover article, ‘Do You
Want to Always be with God who Reigns?’ …
Tim explains it. The group listened while Nel observes that Tim just
repeated what Pol explained to him the day before …
… ‘Does this prayer expresses the desire of your heart?’ Tim asks.
Mike and Cathy prayed the prayer, while the others says they were not
yet ready.
13
‘Next week, we’ll continue our study at the same day and time here!
Okay?’ Everyone nods in agreement.
‘You may also invite others!’ 'We will,' says Abe and Manny.
14
“So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the
stone and posting the guard.” (Matthew 27:66).
3. ‘On the seal was the face of Caesar: Breaking the seal then would mean
fighting the Roman Empire.
‘Let us see how these “hindrances” helped make the evidence for the
resurrection stronger (Acts 1:3):
24
THE VERY LARGE STONE AND THE SEAL
‘When Mary Magdalene arrived, she “saw that the stone had been
removed from the entrance” (John 20:1) since an angel rolled it back from
the entrance (Matthew 28:2). The Greek word translated “had been
removed” comes from the same root as the word “picked up” in John 8:59:
“At this, they picked up stones to stone him….” Thus:
The very large stone was rolled back in a level higher than where it was
that the stone was described as if picked up from the entrance!
‘Why do you think the angel removed it from the entrance?’
‘God wants to make known that Jesus’ body is no longer there. The
disciples cannot know this if the stone was still covering the place where
Jesus was laid. Since the disciples are not to fight the Roman empire (John
18:36), none of them would dare remove the stone and the seal. So God
sent angel to remove it. With the opened tomb, the angel can say, “You are
looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not
here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6)’
How did you respond when others spoke evil about you? … Did you strike
back with your lips? … Follow in Jesus’ steps (1Peter 2:18-23).
14…— his appearance Then they spat in his face and struck him with
was so DISFIGURED their fists. Others slapped him (Matthew
beyond that of any man 26:67) … he had Jesus flogged …. and then
and his form marred twisted together a crown of thorns and set it
beyond human likeness on his head. …. They spat on him, and took
29
— (Isaiah 52:14). the staff and struck him on the head again
and again. (27:26,29,30; Mark 15:15)
3. ‘He will be disfigured beyond human likeness.’ was another group
member’s reading...
‘We will look back at this in the 6th meeting.’
But he was E—PIERCED … (Isaiah 53:5) “… When they came to … the
evil men … have pierced my hands and my Skull, there they crucified
feet.” (Psalms 22:16; Zechariah 12;10). him …. (Luke 23:33)
4. ‘His hands and feet will be pierced.’
Have you stepped on a nail? How did it feel? That could have been more
painful if it pierced through your wrist bone or ankle as it did with Jesus!
… he … was numbered with the … they crucified him, along with the
TRANSGRESSORS. (Isaiah 53:12) criminals—one on his right, the other
on his left. (Luke 23:33)
5. ‘He will be identified with the transgressors.’
They divide my GARMENTS When they had crucified him, they
among them and cast lots for my divided up his clothes by casting
clothing. (Psalms 22:18) lots. (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24;
John 19:23,24)
6. ‘They will divide his garments.’
…. he … made INTERCESSION Jesus said, "Father, forgive
for the transgressors.” (Isaiah them, for they do not know what
53:12) they are doing." …. (Luke 23:34)
7. ‘He will make intercession for transgressors.’
Has anyone done you wrong? … Have you prayed that God will forgive him
(Acts 7:60)?
All who see me MOCK The people stood watching, and the rulers even
me; they hurl insults, sneered at him.… (Luke 23:35) Those who
shaking their heads: passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their
(Psalms 22:7) heads (Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29).
8. ‘He will be mocked and insulted.’
“1 My God, my God, why have you J Jesus cried out in a loud voice, …
—FORSAKEN me? …. 3—Yet you "My God, my God, why have you
are enthroned as the Holy One …. forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46;
(Psalms 22:1,3) Mark 15:34).
9. ‘The Holy God will forsake him.’
14 I am poured out like K—WATER …. My heart has turned … Jesus said,
30
to wax; it has melted away within me. 15 My strength is "I am thirsty."
dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the (John 19:28)
roof of my mouth …. (Psalms 22:14,15)
10. ‘He will be very thirsty from lack of water.’
He keeps all his —But when they came to Jesus and found that he
33
bones; not one of was already dead, they did not break his legs. 36
them is BROKEN. —These things happened so that the scripture
(Psalms 34:20) would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be
broken, (John 19:33,36)
11. ‘None of his bones will be broken.’
… the Anointed One will be cut Jesus called out with a loud voice,
off…. (Daniel 9:26) …. For he was "Father, into your hands I commit my
cut off from the land of the living spirit." When he had said this, he
…. (Isaiah 53:8) breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
12. ‘As the Anointed One (Messiah or Christ), He will die physically.’
His grave was assigned “57 … there came a rich man from Arimathea,
with wicked men, Yet He named Joseph, who had himself become a
was with a RICH man in disciple of Jesus. … 59 Joseph took the body,
His death … (Isaiah 53:9 wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed
NAS) it in his own new tomb ….” (Matthew 27:57-60)
13. ‘His burial place will be assigned with a rich man.’
Because you will not 29"… David … spoke of the resurrection of the
abandon me to the grave, Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised
One see decay. (Psalms this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of
16:10) the fact.” (Acts 2:29-32)
14. ‘He will raised from the dead.’
If there is 1 out of 2 chances for one of these prophecies to be fulfilled in
one person, then the probability of these 14 to happen in the life of one
person is 1/214 = 1/16384 = 0.006%!
‘Please explain further! I cheated just to pass my mathematics subjects!’
complained Linda.
Tim explains, ‘It is like this. For you, you may decide to attend the Bible
study or be absent. So we can say that there is 1 out 2 chances for you to
be here.
‘For you and Emy: There are four possibilities—1. Both of you are
present; 2. You are present but she is not; 3. She is present and you are not;
4. Both of you are absent. So there is 1 out of 4 chances that both of you
are present
‘For you and Emy and Mary, there are eight possibilities—1. Three of you
31
are present; 2. Only you are present; 3. Only Emy is present; 4. Only Mary is
present; 5. You and Emy are present; 6. You and Mary are present; 7. Mary
and Emy are present; 8. All of your are absent. So there is 1 out of 8
chances for three of you to be present.
‘If each one of you represent a fulfillment of a prophecy, we can say that
there 1 chance in 8 for 3 prophecies to be fulfilled in the life of Jesus … and
there is 1 chance in 16384 for 14 prophecies to be fulfilled in His life!’
‘Ahh! Now I get it!’ sighs Linda.
‘Now,’ continues Pol, ‘Do you know of a religious leader like Jesus?…
‘The religious leader I know is said to have fulfilled only one Old
Testament prophecy! But there is one from another country who claims to
fulfill the same prophecy!’ says Manny.
‘The one I know is said to have fulfilled 8! But others would debate those
fulfillments!’ adds Abe.
‘Have you trusted in Christ?’ asks Pol.
‘Since I know of anyone else that reliable, I want to do that!’
says Linda.
‘I want to, but still I have some questions,’ explains Abe. ‘So
do I,’ Manny adds. ‘I also!’ Aris states.
‘Now what we can do is this,’ Tim proposes, ‘Precy will explain further to
Linda so she can trust in Christ; Pol and I will try to answer some questions
you may have. Is that okay?’
‘I think that is a good idea,’ affirms Pol. ‘Precy, when you and Linda are
finished, you can join back the discussion! Okay?’
The group agrees …
Linda received Christ in tears as Precy reviews the tract, ‘Do You Want to
Always Be with God?’ while Pol and Tim tries to answer their questions.
When Linda and Precy went back to the group, there is peace in Linda’s
face that Abe says, ‘That look in your face convinces me more than the
explanations I received from Pol and Tim!’
‘Next meeting,’ says Pol, ‘we shall discuss more if Jesus were really God!’
‘I am excited to be there during that meeting!’ says Manny. ‘So am I,’ Abe
and Aris agrees.
‘For the meantime, do not forget your assignment--Read John 9-12
before our meeting and invite your friends!’
‘I will,’ says Linda with firm conviction.
32
Do you know any of the languages in which the Bible was originally
written (Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic)? ... If so, study it in that language and
let others know what you are discovering! If not, remember that God can
make Himself known to you through a literal translation you understand the
most. Just let it richly dwell in you (Colossians 3:16).
Pol asks ‘Does this claim that Jesus is the “I AM” mean that He is the God
with whom Moses talked?…'
‘No,’ reasons Abe, ‘ “I am” means that He is the Messiah who was sent
from above (Williams). In John 8:23, Jesus said, “I am from above...” ‘
33
Yes,’ affirms Aris, ‘Jesus also states in verse 28, “When you lift up the
Son of Man, then you will know that I am He ...” The title Son of Man is the
Messiah in Daniel 7:13.’
‘But the word translated “the LORD” or Yahweh is the 3rd person form of
Ehyeh translated “I am”, argues Apol. ‘The LORD who is full of glory, whom
Isaiah saw in Isaiah 6:3,5, whose way is to be prepared (40:3) and who as
the Messiah was pierced is clearly Jesus in John 12:41, Matthew 3:3 and
Revelation 1:7,8.’ Apol was about to say the following “Jesus can be called
the LORD or Yahweh of the Old Testament since He has the same name
with the One with whom Moses talked (Exodus 3:14; John 8:24; Isaiah 6:3,5
& John 12:41; Isaiah 40:3 & Matthew 3:3; Zechariah 12:10 & Revelation
1:7,8).” However, Pol, who was conscious of the time gently cut him short by
asking...
‘‘There are many things we can discuss today about the topic. Let me just
say now that our destiny depends on our understanding of WHO JESUS
IS (John 3:36). For this reason, let us look at some verses which will help us
understand better the issues. Abe, will you read John 10:27-38?’ Abe read
it...
3. ‘If so, in what sense is Jesus and the Father one?’ ‘In being greater than
all.’
“31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to
them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which
of these do you stone me?" 33 "We are not stoning you for any of these,"
replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to
be D GOD."” (John 10:31-33)
4. ‘What did Jesus’ listeners understand Him when He said that He is and
His Father are one in being greater than all?’ ‘He was claiming to be God.
‘If Jesus were not God but just a prophet, He could have corrected
their wrong understanding of what He was claiming. But He did not.
34
Instead...
“34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you
are gods’? 35 If he called them ‘E GODS’, to whom the word of God came—
and the Scripture cannot be broken— 36 what about the one whom the
Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you
accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 Do not
believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38 But if I do it, even though
you do not believe me, believe the MIRACLES, that you may know and
understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."” (John 10:34-38)
5. ‘How did God call those to whom the word of God came thereby represent
Him?’ ‘Gods.’
‘The Bible at times call any person who can represent God as Elohim
(translated as ‘God’, ‘god’ or ‘gods’). Thus, human beings who can
represent His word before others because to them the word came are
called ‘gods’ in this verse. Many Bibles translated coming near before
Elohim as coming near to judges (Exodus 22:8-9) since they represent
God in making decisions. God made Moses as God to pharaoh (Exodus
7:1). Psalm 8:5 NASB95 says, “Yet You have made him a little lower than
God...” is quoted in the Hebrews 2:7 as “YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A
LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS....”’
6. What is an evidence that God set Jesus apart and sent Him (v.36-38) and
thus represent Him? Jesus does the ____________ the Father does.
Indeed, as the image of the invisible God (Co 1:15), He is “the exact
representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3). “in Christ all the fullness of
the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). Therefore, is it blasphemy
to call Him the Son of God and God? ____.
“... about the Son he [God] says, "... O F GOD ....” (Hebrews 1:8)
In calling His Son ‘God’, the Father gives His name to Jesus (Jn
17:11,12) that He now has the Father’s name (Mt 28:19). He is called
“God and Savior” by Paul and Peter (Tit 2:13; 2Pe 1:1)’
‘If Jesus’ claim that He is God is not true, the Father would not support
it. But He supported it that all will honor Jesus as they honor Him (5:23).
He showed Jesus all things He was doing that Jesus can do them (5:19-
20). He also gave to Jesus to have life in Himself and the authority over
all flesh (17:2) to execute judgment (5:26-27,22) and to forgive sins.
Thus, the works Jesus did —raising the dead, healing the paralytic,
driving out demons etc.—are from the Father and with what John the
Baptist, the Father and the Scriptures said, testify to the truth of Jesus'
35
claims (5:36,21,29; 10:33-39; Mark 2:10-11; Luke 11:20) that He is God,
equal with the Father (John 5:18).’
“...there is but one God, the Father....” In the beginning (Micah 5:2), the
Word, His Son whom He called ‘God’ was already with Him. The Word
came from Him (John 8:42) but was not created by Him. Instead, through
the Word, He created all things. (1Corinthians 8:6). The Word was made
flesh and did miracles and came to be known as Jesus, the Messiah.
Dear reader, based on the above discussion, is it now clear to you that
Jesus is the Son of God who has the qualities of God and has declared
God the Father? If so, tell Him, ‘Lord Jesus, let me know You more as I
read this article.” Otherwise, pray this prayer later when this truth becomes
clear.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he
gave the right to become children of God—children ... born of God.” (John
1:12-13)
‘12. What then do we need to do to have a personal relationship with God—
to become His children (v.12).’ ‘Receive Jesus as the Son of God, God,
the eternal life-giving Creator.’
‘Yes, you have been born again (3:3). God has accepted you as a child!
Jesus said about Him’
‘Some of you may now want to be sure you are his child. You can
express your faith through the following prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe in
my heart that the Father raised You from the dead. I now receive You as
my God and Savior.”
Aris and Manny prays this prayer and became sure that they were born
again into God’s family (John 1:12-13; 3:3).
‘Pol continues to read the notes, assuring Aris and Manny and the rest:
”God has accepted you as a child! Talk to Him always—ask Him with
thanksgiving and joy (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)”
‘For our next meeting, please Read John 13-16; Memorize John 17:21.’
How about you? Do you live in a way that even your enemies cannot
speak evil against you? ... If your character is attacked by others, will those
who know you most be able to defend you? ...
“... make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
‘That is one way by which they are one—the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit have one NAME,’ Pol continues to explain. ‘The Father gave
Jesus His name that they have the same name. Jesus prayed: “….Holy
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that
they may be one, even as We are.” (John 17:11)’
‘The name of the Father is the name of Son and of the Spirit (Mt
28:19). There is “One LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4). But that does not imply
that only one person can be called LORD. The sender and the one sent are
called LORD in Zechariah 2:8-9 NKJV. “For thus says the LORD of hosts:
'...the LORD of hosts has sent Me.” Finis Dakes comments concerning Ps
110:1, “One manuscript correctly reads, ‘Jehovah said unto my Jehovah.’
The original Hebrew of Ps. 110:5 reads, ‘Jehovah at thy (Jehovah's) right
hand.’ But out of extreme reverence for the name Jehovah (Yahweh),
ancient scribes substituted 'Adonay for Jehovah in 134 passages, including
Ps.110:5. Jehovah should have been retained in all 134 places. If it had
been, then Ps. 110:5 would have clearly revealed two divine persons called
Jehovah. All three persons of the Trinity are equally God, 'Adonay, Jehovah,
and everything else that God is (see note (c), Gen. 19:24). The quotations of
Ps. 110:1 in Mt. 22:41-45 and Acts 2:34-35 use the same Greek word Kurios
of both the Father and the Son, proving them to be two Lord's or Jehovah's.”
In the same way, “… there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ...” (1 Co 8:6b)
does not mean only one person can be called Lord, for Jesus called the
Father “Lord of heaven and earth” (Mt 11:25).
‘But having the name of God does not imply that Jesus is God,’
complains Aris. ‘In Jeremiah 23:6 and 33:16, both the Messiah and
Jerusalem have the name “The LORD our righteousness”. Jerusalem
cannot be God, right?’
‘Jeremiah 33:16 may be rendered thus: "This is the name wherewith he
shall be called by her, the LORD our righteousness" (Gill’s translation, cf.
Douay, Tyndale). Thus, the church will call the Messiah LORD or Yahweh!’
‘Moreover, names describe some characteristics of the person. In each of
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the attributes of the only true
God (Jeremiah 10:10).’
42
For example, each one of them is an eternal Creator. In the beginning,
coming from the Father but not created by Him, two eternal and separate
persons were with Him already — His Spirit (Jn 15:26; He 9:14) and His
Word (16:27,28) who is also His only begotten Son (1:18). Through them,
He created all things (Ps 33:6; Job 33:4; 26:13 Duoay) for Himself (1Co
8:6).
Another way by which the Bible says the Father and the Son are one is by
saying that Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Jesus (Jn 10:30,38).
Jesus prayed “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me
and I am in you....” (John 17:21)
‘What does it mean that the Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in the Father?’
asks Tim.
‘Will you read John 14:9-11,24?’ ‘9 Jesus answered: "Don’t you know me,
Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has
seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?
The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in
me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father
and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles
themselves. ... 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These
words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”
(John 14:9-11,24).’
Pol asks the whole group, ‘From this passage, how do you understand
what Jesus meant when He said that the Father is in Him?’ Everyone stares
at their Bibles. After some silence, Pete said, ‘Ahh …’
Everyone looks at Pete and asks, ‘What did you see?’
Not answering, Pete rushes to the toilet! Again, people laughs!
‘I think that was tonight’s most important revelation to Pete—the location
of the toilet!’ The group laughs the more!
Pete came back with a smile and said, ‘I just cast out a spirit that is
hindering me from concentrating on our study!’ The group has gone wild
laughing. Jon even had tears while laughing.
When everyone has gone back to their senses, Pete said, ‘Seriously, I
think “the Father in the Son” means that the Father can be known, heard and
seen in the Son that to know Jesus is to know the Father. The words that
Jesus spoke which resulted in miracles (especially changed lives) were the
result of God’s work in Him.’
‘Yes, they are one in words and in works!’ Exclaims Jon. ‘Whatever
Jesus would say in any situation, the Father would also say in the same
situation!’ ‘… and whatever Jesus would do in a given situation,’ Jem adds,
‘the Father would also do in the same situation!’
43
‘Did you three look at my teacher’s guide? …’ Pol smiles. ‘I know you
didn’t! You are very correct. In fact, Jesus prays that we will be like Him and
the Father in being one. He wants each one of you to be seen in me and I
be seen in each one of you!’
‘I hope that that includes our height!’ answers Zac. The group stooping
down on him laughs!
‘As Jon said,’ Pol brought the group back to discussion, ‘Whatever Jesus
would say in any situation, the Father would also say in the same situation.
They are united in doctrine too—even in what we may say as minor ones. In
giving the church leaders, His purpose was that “we all attain to the unity of
the faith, and [that is] of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man,
to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”’
(Ephesians 4:13 NAS). He wants us to become united in knowing and
becoming mature like Christ.
Thus, we see that Jesus and the Father are one in character, word
and works.
What do you think God wants you to do to help true believers become
like Christ united in doctrine, character and works? ... Do you take time to
listen to their doctrine? ... If not, why? Do you think you already have all the
true doctrines? ...
Aris argues, ‘But Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know
you, the only true God....” (John 17:3). Therefore, the Father is the only true
God! How can Jesus be the only true God also?
‘Read 1John 1:1-3’. “1That which was from the beginning, which we have
heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our
hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life
appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the
eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We
proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have
fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son,
Jesus Christ.”
44
‘According to John in this passage, who is the eternal life?’ ‘that which
was from the beginning ... with the Father -- the Word ... the Father’s Son,
Jesus Christ. ... But how does that relate to the true God we are talking
about?’
‘Now read 1John 5:20’. ‘We know also that the Son of God has come and
has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we
are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and
eternal life.’
‘Now, according to this verse, who is the true God and eternal life?’ ‘Jesus
Christ’ was Aris’ admission.
Do you have a need? ... Can God who created the universe meet that
need? ... If so, ask Him!
Are you finding it difficult to make a decision because you do not know
what will happen? ... He knows the best thing you can do! So call upon
God for wisdom (James 1:5).
‘The true God is also ETERNAL. “But the LORD is the true God; He is
the living God and the everlasting King. ....” (Jeremiah 10:10 NKJV).
‘John was born ahead of Jesus: When it was time for Elizabeth to have
her baby, she gave birth to a son’ (Luke 1:57). After some time, the angel of
the LORD told the shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been
born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (2:11)
‘Although John the Baptist was born earlier, He said concerning Jesus,
‘He was before me.’ (John 1:30). Though Abraham died many years before
Jesus was born, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was born, I AM!” (8:57-59).
‘Yes,’ Aris affirms, ‘Jesus came into existence before Abraham did!’
‘If Jesus wanted to communicate only that He was existing before
Abraham did,’ Pol asks the group, ‘why do you think Jesus said, ‘I am”
instead of “I was”?’
After some silence, Roman says, ‘Because He was not trying to
communicate that He was born before Abraham was. Instead, He was
saying, “What I was before Abraham was born, I am still right now.” He was
already existing before Abraham was born in the same state as He was
presently existing when He was talking to the Jews.’
Tim adds, ‘The Jews understood that He was claiming the eternity and
immutability (unchangeable nature) of God. So they again took up stones to
stone him as they had before done when they saw that He made Himself
equal with God (John 8:59, 5:18).’
‘Scripture also testify about Him,’ Pol continues, ‘“For unto us a child is
born... His name shall be called...The Eternal Father...” (Isaiah 9:6 JB2000)
“...Bethlehem ... from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His
goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity." (Micah 5:2 NAS)’.
‘The same Greek word for “eternity” in the translation of Micah 5:2,’ Apol
sharing his discovery says, ‘is translated “ever” when it says in Hebrews 13:8
KJ, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Thus,
Jesus is the same ... for eternity!
46
‘This study proves that we are right in believing the apostles’ creed,’
boasts Roman with his research. He continues, ‘In its Traditional English
Version, the apostle’s creed states:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from
the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the
Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the
dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of
saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life
everlasting. AMEN.
... the Father is omnipotent, the Son is omnipotent, the Holy Spirit is
omnipotent. ...
Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. ... The
Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is Lord. ...
The Father was not made, nor created, nor generated by anyone. The Son
is not made, nor created, but begotten by the Father alone. The Holy Spirit
is not made, nor created, nor generated, but proceeds from the Father and
the Son. ...
Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one Christ. ...
He died for our salvation, descended into hell, and rose from the dead on
the third day. He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the
Father almighty. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
At His coming, all men are to arise with their own bodies;
and they are to give an account of their own
deeds. Those who have done good deeds will go
into eternal life; those who have done evil will go
into the everlasting fire.
‘So see you next time! It is late almost 12 midnight already!’ The group
was surprised to see that they need not notice that time flew fast! They
however dismissed happily.
48
‘Father, among those we are helping,’ Pol prays while he and Tim were
walking toward Nel’s house, ‘those whose lives have been changed
(2Corinthians 5:17), as we teach today, let them be sure that they have been
forgiven of all their sins (1John 2:12).’ ‘Amen,’ Tim agrees.
After they drank, Pol asked Nel, ‘How did you know that you are going to
heaven?’
‘If that is the case then, let us start with our lesson. … But will you first
introduce us to these new people?’
‘Pol and Tim, these are our neighbors, ‘Tom and his wife Faith.’
‘Hi!' Tom greets Pol and Tim and proceeds, 'We have known Nel for a
long time, but only recently did we notice that he seems to be very happy!
We do not hear him fighting with his wife for a month now! We would like to
check what is happening with him!’
While Tim distributes the lesson notes, Pol says, ‘Well, this lesson would
explain why. As we go through it, at the beginning, please assume first that
you have invited Christ into your heart. If later, you feel that you understand
the benefits of doing so, I will help you do so. Is that okay?’ ‘Fair enough!’
answers Tom
With Pol’s signal, Tim leads the group in prayer, ‘Father, thank You that
You have given us Your word that we can be sure we are going to heaven!’
‘Amen!’ agrees Nel.
Looking at those who are present, Pol says, ‘Yes, you can be sure! First,
you must believe that Jesus is the Christ. 1John 5:1 says
49
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God….”
You must also believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 4:15 says:
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in
him and he in God.” (NIV)
Believing in these things, you may now consider what Jesus promises:
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice
and opens the door, I will COME in and eat with him, and he with me”
(Revelation 3:20).
‘Linda,
1. ‘According to this verse, what did Christ do when you opened the door of
your heart?’ ‘He will come in,’ answers Linda.
Pol clarifies, ‘After you have done the condition He set—that you hear His
voice and open the door—do you think He will still come in after an indefinite
time, or He already came in?’ ‘I guess He came in!’ ‘You guess or you
know?’ ‘Yeah, He came in!’
“…. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1John 2:6)
‘I request that each one of us check the appropriate boxes for his life:
In what way is Jesus seen in your life now? I do not continue in sin
(3:6-9); I obey Him (2:3-11; 3:19-22); I love other believers (3:14-16;
4:12,16).
‘Linda, in what way is Jesus seen more in Nel’s life?’ asks Pol.
Linda looks at Nel straight in the eye, smiles and says, ‘He is no longer
quick to get angry … and He loves me and our kids more now!’
‘That is good, Nel!’ remarks Pol. ‘I know why my wife said that…’, Nel
replies, ‘…because it is true!’ Some laugh; others thought he was serious.
‘Now the following verses are only for those in whose lives Jesus is seen.
If you are not yet sure that Jesus is in you, we will give you a chance to be
sure at the end…
‘Being God (Hebrews 1:1-13),He promises each one who received Him,
“NEVER will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
‘So Linda,
50
2. ‘Will Christ ever leave you?’ ‘No, never!’
‘If so, do you need to invite him again into your life?’ ‘Yes.’
‘Because He came into you and will not leave you, He won’t go out, will
He?’ ‘Yes, He won’t!’
‘Will you then invite again someone who is always there?’ ‘Of course
not!’
Paul knew that what Jesus told the disciples is also for him, “…. surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). He also
personally gave him the promise. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a
vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I AM
WITH YOU, and no-one is going to attack and harm you, because I have
many people in this city" (Acts 18:9-10).
3. On the basis of these passages, WHEN YOU DIE, WHERE WILL YOU
GO (5:1)?’ ‘To heaven,’ is Linda’s response. ‘Yes!’ cheers Nel.
‘But it does not say that Paul immediately goes to heaven!’ complains
Abe.
“22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.
Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I
desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is
more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I
know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your
progress and joy in the faith,”
51
‘If Paul died and he did not go immediately with Christ,’ Pol explains, ‘how
can dying be “better by far” than remaining in the body and continuing with
all of the Philippian believers for their “progress and joy in the faith”
(Philippians 1:20-25)?’
‘Let us continue with the question in our guide: Who will be there with you
(Philippians 1:23)?’ ‘Christ.’ ‘What will you do there?’ ‘I will be at home with
the Lord.’ ‘Do you know this?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘How do you know?’ ‘Paul says in
2Corinthians 5:1, “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is
destroyed, we have a building … in heaven.”
‘We can also know from this study that the following beliefs are wrong:
‘That is Jesus! You can’t use him as an example!’ ‘He is the most reliable
witness—he never sinned!’
‘Paul also says that there is another one!’ Pol joins the discussion,
‘2Corinthians 12:2 says, “I know a man in Christ who … was caught up to the
third heaven….”’ ‘Uhmm, okay!’ is Aris final agreement.
‘Isn’t it that only after we are raised from the dead can we be sure we are
going to heaven?’ asks Manny. Pol replies, “That is a good question. We
will answer that in one in one of the lessons we’ll study.”
If you have tried the above series of explanation and the one you are
helping still would not accept it, it is possible that he does not want to obey
God. Jesus said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out
whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
(John 7:17). Ask wisdom from God, “Father, is there someone who has
offended him or is there something that has happened in his life that has
made it hard for him to obey God?” When led by God, you may ask that
52
question to him directly.
‘You will no longer experience separation from God (Isaiah 59:2) or death
(Romans 6:23). Instead,
“… God has given us ETERNAL life, and this life is in His Son. He
who has the Son has life; He who does not have the Son of God does not
have life. These things I have written to you… that you may G—KNOW
that you HAVE eternal life” (1John 5:11-13)
4. Because Christ will not leave you, what kind of life do you have?
‘Eternal.’ Do you know you have this kind of life? ‘Yes.’ ‘That is true if
you are one of Jesus’ sheep,’ Pol explains. Jesus said,
“My sheep LISTEN to my voice; I know them, and they FOLLOW me. I
give them eternal life, and they shall NEVER perish; NO-ONE can snatch
them out of my hand. My Father ... is greater than all; K—NO-ONE can
snatch them out of my Father’s hand...” (John 10:27-28).
Jesus “is ABLE to save completely those who come to God through
Him….” (Hebrews 7:25)
5. What do you do that shows that you have eternal life? ‘I listen to Jesus’
voice and follow Him.’
‘Will you ever perish in eternal fire as did the rich man and Sodom and
Gomorrah (Jude 1:7; Luke 16:19-31)?’ ‘No!’
‘Who can snatch you out of the hands of Jesus and the Father?’ ‘No-one!’
‘Is Jesus able to save you completely if you come to God through Him?’
‘Yes!’
‘If so, when you die, where will your soul go (Revelation 6:9)?’ ‘To—
heaven!’
“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not
from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 NOT by works, so that no-one
53
can boast. 10—For we are … created in Christ Jesus to do GOOD works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10)’
‘Then why were you created?’ ‘So that I can do good works!’
‘So, good works is not a means to be saved, but a result of being saved!’
remarks Roman.
‘Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds
because of your evil behavior. (Colossians 1:21).
AM I FORGIVEN?
Being Your enemy, Jesus could not eat with you. But since you asked
Him to come into your life and you believe in Him (Acts 10:43), Jesus can
now eat with you because
‘If so, WHEN YOU DIE, WILL YOU STILL GO TO HELL?’ ‘Of course not!’
But you might ask, “If all my sins have been forgiven, does that mean that
I can sin all the time and still be assured I am going to heaven?” … No! Here
is what God says …
“... This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the
Lord. I will put my laws in their HEARTS, and I will write them on their
MINDS.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no
more.” ... (Hebrews 10:10,12,14,16-18)
7. ‘If you are truly forgiven (if God will remember your sins no more), where
has God placed his laws?’ ‘In my heart and mind.’
‘Yes, His laws will remain in your mind. Will you still enjoy sin as you did
in the past?’ ‘No more.’
‘Linda, do you now know that you are going to heaven?’ ‘Yes!’ affirms
Linda. ‘How do you know?’ ‘During one of our Bible study, I invited Christ to
come into my life. I know He came in because of two things. First is His
promise, He does not lie. Secondly, He also confirmed it through His life that
I began to see in my life. I have become more patient.’
54
‘I testify to that too!’ affirms Nel. So did their children Mike and Cathy.
‘Tom and Faith, Do you also want to have the same assurance that your
friends Nel and Linda has?’ asks Pol. ‘Sorry, but there are still doubts in my
heart about some of the things that we discussed,’ replies Tom. ‘But I am
now ready!’ says Faith.
‘Linda, would you like to help Faith receive Christ by reading to her “Do
You Want to Always Be With God?”?’, asks Tom. ‘Sure!’
Linda reads the gospel tract while the rest prayerfully listened as she
shares.
After they finished reading through the tract, Pol asks Faith, ‘Now do you
know you are going to heaven too?’ ‘Yes!’
Do you want to thank God for what He has done for you?’ All those who
have received Christ nods their heads in agreement.
... this priest had offered for B ALL time one sacrifice for sins ... (v.12)
A.For which sins did Jesus offer Himself? ‘For all time (v.10,12) That is
why, that there is no longer any sacrifice for sin (v.18).
... we have been made A HOLY through the sacrifice of the body of
Jesus ... (v.10) … by one sacrifice he has made C PERFECT for ever
those who are being made holy. ….(v.14)
2. God has made me perfect for ever (v.14). There is nothing that I
need to add to what Christ did (John 19: 30)!
‘Father, you are the God of love,’ begins Pol, ‘I pray that
our group members’ hearts will be knit together in love
(Colossians 2:2) as each one shares deep pains in the past.’
‘Yes, Lord,’ Tim agrees. ‘Let their hearts be burning as we study the
results of Christ’s sufferings for them (Luke 24:32).’
Pol adds, ‘Let the love of Christ overwhelm all their pains and compel
them to live no longer for themselves but for Him (2Corinthians 5:14-15).’
‘We pray too that both of us will be quick to hear what they are sharing.’
‘We pray too that any sickness present will be healed (3John 1:2) today.’
--o0o-
When Pol and Tim arrives at Nel’s house, they noticed that it was filled
with people. So Pol asked, ‘Is there a birthday party here?’
Nel replied with a smile, ‘No, our group members just invited many to
come. And they did!’
‘That’s great!’
After some time of introduction to each new comer, Pol begins, ‘You have
been privileged to join a study today which has helped transform lives of
many! We shall see the results of Christ’s sufferings for our lives. First is
the potential for…
1. Check what happened to you or someone you love that caused mental
and emotional pains for you? o Death of a loved one (Matthew 17:23;
1Thessalonians 4:13 d); o being terrified by a traumatic experience
59
(Daniel 7:7 ); o being betrayed (Matthew 26:21 ); o being unfairly
c d
Pol went around trying to hear what is being shared. … Some were even
sharing with tears in their eyes. …
‘Now, we will have a chance for a few to share briefly, say in three
minutes, to the group what you experienced. Who lost a loved one?’
Emy, who is a new comer, raised her hand together with two others. She
said, ‘My mom just died last month.’ ‘Oh …’ is the group’s response. She
continues with tears in her eyes, ‘I still feel the pain.’ The group was silent
as she wipes her tears with a tissue paper which her friend Rick gives to her.
‘My best friend took my boyfriend away from me!’ shares Emy.
‘But Emy, I did not know she was your boyfriend!’ answers Mary. ‘In fact, I
broke up with him when I heard about it!’ … (Not knowing how to handle the
situation, Pol and Tim just prayed silently.)
‘Don’t worry, ladies, I’m still available!’ comments their common friend,
Pete. The group laughs.
‘If that is the case,’ Emy proposes, ‘I will just be reconciled with Mary!’
More laughter. …
‘Looking with empathy for what he suffered, Pol continues, ‘We have had
two presidents who had a similar experience to that king deposed by his
subjects as referred to by Polyaenus, an ancient Greek writer . Related to
what you shared is not getting what one wants. Now who has that
experience?’
‘I was third only in the sprint tournament,’ murmurs Mike. ‘It’s okay,’
affirms her mother, Linda.
‘But Mom,’ complains Mike, ‘we were only three contestants!’ Group
laughs. …
‘Now who among you has made a wrong decision?’ asked Pol. Most
raised their hands. ‘Anybody who wants to share the wrong decision he
made?’
‘I required my son to take the course which only I like for him,’ remarks
Roman. ‘As a result, he was not able to finish it!’ The parents looked with
sympathy for him.
‘Thanks for your trust that what we heard will not leave this place,’ affirms
Pol. ‘It is our desire for this group to help each others on issues like this. …
‘Now who got sad when you learned that you failed the expectation of
someone important to you?’ Most raise their hands.
‘I was very lonely when worked abroad and had to separate from my
family,’ narrates Manny, ‘especially when I got sick, and my wife is not there
to care for me. Even worse, she learned about it from a friend but she had
no phone with which I can contact her!’
‘Let me ask the mothers, “Tell me, what negative emotions have you felt
in giving birth?”
“It feels like having one of your feet in the grave. The expectation of
greater pain makes the suffering worse!” says Linda.
61
‘I understand that to a certain degree,’ claims Nel.
Roman narrates, ‘I once was giving some allowance for a man in our club
who had no work. But it became painful to give when I learned that he was
just using the money I was giving him to watch movies! (Proverbs 10:26).’
‘Who of you pampered a child and you had grief later as a result of it?’
asks Pol. About 2 raise their hands.
‘Now please bow down your heads and close your eyes. Answer this
question silently… by raising your hand if your answer is ‘Yes’ so I can pray
for you.
Have you trusted Christ for your salvation but has committed a sin and is
now suffering its consequences? … If so, remember that it will be sorrowful
now, but it will make you holy and righteous (Hebrews 12:1-29)!
‘Father, thank you for making those who raised their hands and the rest of
us more like Jesus. Amen.
‘Mary, would you like to read the paragraph on after “Jesus felt the
emotions you had in the foregoing verses....” ’
“
‘Before He was crucified, He …began to be in terrible pain a and agony
of mindb,” “horror–stricken c and desperately depressed b” (Matthew
“
26:37; Mark 14:33 Philips) He said, My soul is overwhelmed with
sorrow d to the point of death.” (v.34; Matthew 26:38). And being in
anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of
A
BLOOD falling to the ground (Luke 22:44).” (Superscripts a,b,c,d
correspond to those above.)
‘His sweat became like drops of blood!’ Mary reads with surprise. Tim
reads what follows,
‘There are medical cases where the anguish of the soul became so
extreme that the tiny capillaries in the head burst and the blood mixed
62
with sweat. (Extra-Biblical data were taken from Josh McDowell's books:
The Resurrection Factor, pp. 41-49; and Evidence That Demands a
Verdict, Revised Edition, pp. 196-199)
Pol allowed a time of silence and said, ‘Let me pray for us all …
‘Jesus, thank You that understand all our sorrows. You know how it
feels to lose a love one (John 11:35). … You understand how it is to be
traumatized. … You felt the pain of being betrayed by your friend Judas
(Psalm 41:9; John 13:18). … You were unfairly treated, considered
worse than a criminal. … Though You made the world, but the world,
beginning with Israel did not recognize You as their king (John 1:10-11).
… You did not get what you want with the unbelieving and perverse
generation (Luke 9:41) nor with disciples who were slow of
understanding (Matthew 16:8-12). … You looked with understanding of
Peter’s wrong decision to betray You that caused him to weep bitterly
(Luke 22:60-62). … Your emotional suffering came to the extreme that
you shed blood (Hebrews 12:4). … On this basis, Lord, I ask that You
now heal all emotional wounds of all of us who are in this Bible study.
Amen.
‘That is just one of the benefits of Christ’s death for us. We also can
have
Again Pol went around trying to observe how the members share their
experiences. There were sparks of laughter from some pairs. ... One was
sharing her story in a soft voice, not wanting the rest to hear.
‘Who have been falsely accused?’ asked Pol. Two of them raised their
63
hands!
‘If that person were here,’ asserts Jem, ‘he would be sharing that as the
most shameful experience!’
‘Why are you sporting on Pete?’ Emy rebukes Jon and Jem. ‘For me, he
looks like an idol!’ Others teases her. She continues, ‘… an idol for the
mountain tribes!’ A louder laugh.
Seeing Pete becoming reddish already, Jon says, ‘Pete is my friend. And
he is not ugly … he is uglier!’ Now, Jem was rolling on the floor laughing.
When everyone felt refreshed by the laughter, Pol returns to the topic,
‘Now who of you was truly accused?’
‘So what did you learn from that experience?’ asks Nel gently.
‘Jesus had that too,’ Pol reads the notes. ‘He was falsely accused as
worse than a thief and a murderer who was clamored by the crowd to be
released instead of Him (Mark 15:6-15; John 18:40).’
Who among you have been mocked for a condition you cannot
repair?…
‘In my high school days, I was second for the chess tournament,’ boasts
Aris. ‘A professor friend of mine was assigned to call the winners. When he
called me, the whole high school students who were present clapped their
hands and I proudly went up the stage and shook his hand with my right
hand and reached out for the trophy on his left hand. But the trophy was
only for the first place winner! When I noticed he was not giving it, I dropped
his hand, turned around, walked … and hit the stage’s post!’ Again, there is
laughter in the group.
‘At least, time heals that mistake!’ affirms Pol, ‘What are some things
which are beyond the control of children for which they have been mocked?’
‘When I went down from the mountains to study,’ Manny sadly shares,
64
‘the lowlanders among my classmates despised me.’
‘Who among you have seen a worm in a corpse’s body?’ Some raised
their hands. ‘What was your reaction when you saw it?
‘When I saw a worm in a dead cat on the road, I despised it!’ Emy says. ‘I
almost even vomited!’ exclaims Mary.
‘Jesus was treated that way. He was mocked and despised by the
people as if he was a worm in a corpse’s body. He said, “But I am a
worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who
see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:” (Psalms 22:6-7)
Who among you has been forsaken by his friends? Mary and Emy
raises their hands.
Not wanting another potential fight, Pol just continued, ‘So was Jesus! “…
all the disciples deserted Him and fled.” (Matthew 26:56)’
“23 … the soldiers … took His [outer] garments and made four parts, to
each soldier a part…. Now the tunic [undergarment] was without seam….
24 They said therefore among themselves, "Let us … cast lots for it…"
(John 19:23-24 NKJV).
‘If they got Jesus’ outer garments and undergarment,’ asks Pol, ‘what
remained in His body?’ ‘I guess nothing!’ says Mike ‘… So no crucifix I have
seen adequately represents what happened on the cross!’
‘Now,’ asks Pol, “4. What is the WORST PHYSICAL PAIN you have ever
experienced?’
‘Giving birth to a my children has been the worst pain to me!’ says Linda.
‘I had stone in the kidney,’ tells Roman, ‘I rolled around in pain before it
was removed!’
65
‘Compare it with Christ’s experience…’ Pol exhorts, ‘His appearance
was so DISFIGURED beyond that of any man and His form marred
beyond human likeness … (Isaiah 52:14).
‘You must have been badly beaten at that time,’ says Pete, ‘I can still see
it in your face now!’ The group laughs.
‘Israel’s condition is described this way, “From the sole of your foot to the
top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and bruises and open
sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil.” (Isaiah 1:4,6). Then
Isaiah 52:14 of NASB says, “Just as many were astonished at you, My
people, So His appearance was marred more than any man, And His form
more than the sons of men.” Thus, from the sole of the foot to the top of His
head, Jesus had wounds, bruises and open sores! Therefore, when “the
whole company of soldiers” which is about 400-600 (Barnes on Matthew
27:27) spat on Him, He contracted all the diseases he could get from the
saliva of those soldiers! This leads us to the next question:
6.What did Jesus carry on the cross (Matthew 8:17)?’ ‘Our diseases,’ is
the group’s quick answer.
‘Because of this, what can happen to you when you are sick?’ ‘I can be
healed!’
‘Who among you here are sick?’ Linda and Mary raised their hands. …
Pol continues, ‘Now, I request the rest to come to the one with whom you
interact more—to Mary or to Linda. Otherwise, just come to one of them.’
Emy and Pete went to Mary and the rest went to Linda. …
‘Now if anyone of you need to forgive them, do so, that they may be
66
healed as you pray for them (James 5:14-18).’ … Emy and Mary asked
forgiveness from each other and hugged each other while crying. Pete
jokingly offered a hug also that they laughed. Nel held Linda’s hands and
asked forgiveness for times when he was not considerate and treating her
with respect (1Peter 3:7).
‘Now I want those of you who are sure you are already saved to lay your
hands on them and follow this prayer,
“Father, thank you that Jesus already took this person’s sickness on
the cross (Isaiah 53:4,5). As we lay hands on her in Jesus’ name, she will
recover (Mark 16:16-20) and you will be glorified. Therefore we ask this
sickness to depart from her body now, in Jesus’ name (John 14:12-13).”
‘Mary and Linda, pray the prayer in the notes audibly now, uttering the
sickness you had.'
Some nodded their heads. ‘Anyone who wants to share what happened?’
asks Pol.
Mary shares, ‘There was a time in my life when my first boyfriend left me
for another. I was studying in another place, so my family was not there to
comfort me. The money they sent got delayed. My grades went down. I
was so lonely in my room and even shouted, “God, where are you?”. So I
attempted suicide.’
‘Yes, it was at that time, that out of the blue, Emy called me and treated
me for dinner!’
‘Before Emy came to the rescue,’ Pol comments, ‘you felt you were
abandoned. If others left you, so was Jesus. When they seized Him, “…all
the disciples deserted him and fled.” (Matthew 26:56).
‘Even His God had forsaken him!’ answers Mary with relief!
‘Manny, will you read Romans 12:1-2?’ asks Pol. “Therefore, I urge you,
brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your BODIES as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans
12:1-2).
So Pol and Tim reads the article given on the next pages...
68
This is the truth that can have the greatest positive impact in your life. I
say this because it is true to the lives of millions—including mine:
Though I was quite religious before I trusted Christ alone for my salvation,
I was a sinner, a slave of sin and of Satan, my former father. For each sin I
have done and will be doing, I deserve God’s wrath, eternal separation
from Him and torment in a place of fire and deep darkness. Yet Christ
loved me so much that He left all the glories of heaven, took the form of a
poor carpenter and SUFFERED FOR ME IN ALL AREAS: mental,
emotional, social, physical and spiritual.
MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY, as seen in His prayer before He was
crucified. He said, “Father... remove this cup from Me; yet not My will...”
“And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became
like drops of blood, falling upon the ground”.
SOCIALLY, He suffered too. His own people gave Him to the godless
Roman soldiers. Friends forsook him. He was shamed publicly.
PHYSICALLY, He suffered also in many stages: He was not given a
chance to sleep. He was forced to travel from Gethsemane to Annas, to
Caiphas, to the council elders, to Pilate, to Herod, back to Pilate, and finally
to Golgotha. Some spat on His face. Others blindfolded Him and beat Him
with their fists. Still others slapped Him. They also scourged His shoulders,
back and legs with flagellum (which had sharp, jagged pieces of bone lead
woven to long leather thongs of various lengths). They did this until the skin
of His back was hanging in long ribbons; His veins were laid bare, trickling
with blood and His muscles, sinews and bowels exposed. Roman soldiers
wove a crown of thorns around His head and gave blows on His face and
kept beating His head (on which the crown was placed!) with a reed. Four
to six hundred soldiers spat on him. The sputum was so dirty that His
whole body got more infections. He bore a 110-pound crossbar for
sometime but was so weak that another man was forced to carry it for Him.
He refused to drink anesthetic wine mixed with myrrh and gall that He may
fully experience what I deserve for my sins. Seven-inch iron spikes were
driven through His forearms and heel bones . . .
On the cross, He experienced arms’ fatigue, with great waves of cramps
sweeping over the muscles, knotting them down in deep, relentless,
throbbing pain. There He was also dizzy, thirsty, starving, and had traumatic
fever and tetanus. The unnatural position made His every movement
painful. The lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant
anguish. The wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened. The
arteries, especially at the head and stomach, became swollen and
oppressed with surcharged blood. While each variety of misery went on
69
gradually increasing, there was added to them the intolerable pang of
burning and raging thirst. He had a shock and constriction of the heart that
He finally, in rupture of the heart, gave up His physical life. That’s why when
He was pierced at the side, blood and water came out.
Worst of all, He suffered SPIRITUALLY: Before He died physically, on
the cross, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., He bore my sins. As a Christian, I have a
new nature that hates sin. This gives me an idea, though partial, on how
much suffering He received, Him who knew no sin, when He carried all of
my sins, including the guilt associated with each! And it was not just my sins
that He took, but also those of the whole world at all times !! The Father
and the Holy Spirit had no choice but to forsake Him and place God's entire
wrath upon Him!!!
He endured all of these in view of the joy of seeing THE GOOD THINGS
I WOULD RECEIVE WHEN I ACCEPT HIM. Now I have received every
spiritual blessing in the heavenly places! There is forgiveness for all my
sins! I am freed from sin and Satan! God considers me as having the
righteousness Christ has! I am now God’s child! I am co-seated with
Jesus Christ far above the angels, Satan and all his demons! Being a new
creation, I have access to the power to live a full and meaningful life! In
fact, I am becoming more like Christ in my character and I will be sinless
like Him in heaven!! There I will no longer experience sorrow, pain and
death but eternal joy with Him and others who trusted Him alone for their
salvation!!!
These are just some of the riches of God’s grace that made me what I am
and caused me to do what I am doing. Yes, because of what He has done
and will be doing to me, I presented my body to Him as a living sacrifice
once and for all and am now seeking to give Him the greatest glory in my
life.
HOW ABOUT YOU? What Christ did for me on the cross, He did also for
you. Have you trusted Him for you salvation? If you haven’t done it yet, trust
Him now… Have you given your body to serve Him and others? If you have
not, tell Him something like this:
“Lord Jesus, because of what You have done for me, I want You to
be the Master of my life. My body, possessions, desires and dreams
are now Yours. I will seek to know, by prayer, Your will in every
situation. That You can use me for others’ well being, I shall remain in
a house of prayer for all the nations. I will also seek someone to be my
companion who will hold me accountable in my walk with You. I will
not be judgmental. I will accept them just as you have accepted me. I
will remember that God causes all things that all of us may be more
like you. Since that group will help strengthen Christians and save
souls, I will give to helping that group one of my highest priorities. As
you enable me, I will allow You to use me to save, heal, free and restore
others to You.”
70
When the article is being read by Tim at some portions, Pol tries to
observe evidences of God touching the hearts of people. He observes some
are teary eyed. ...
When they came to the question, 'Have you trusted Him alone for your
salvation? If you haven't done it yet, trust Him now...', Pol assigned old
timers to share to the new comers using the tract 'Do You Want to Be with
God Always?' giving the instruction, 'After about 10 minutes, all of us will
pray the closing prayer. Then an announcement will be given'. Most of the
new comers gladly received Christ!
When everyone has finished, Pol continues, 'Have you given your body to
serve Him and others?' Some nods their heads in agreement; others were
just silent.
'If you have not, tell Him something like the prayer Tim will read?' Tim
reads it.
'As you can see,’ Pol explains, ‘that prayer is an expression of your
commitment to the Lordship of Christ in every are of your life. It is also a
commitment to this group and to its goal of helping others also. So if you
want to pray this prayer, stand up with me and follow in prayer after me as I
read it a phrase at a time' Then he led them in a prayer. ...
‘May I bring a friend with me?’ asks Emy. ‘Sure!’ was Pol’s reply.
‘So, we’ll see each other then here by 7:00 p.m. on Saturday?’ ‘We’ll
surely do that!’ was Pete’s response for the group
71
The author has been preaching the gospel in buses, vans, trains,
streets, market places since 1980. This book illustrates a better approach
to evangelism than that ministry. It is reaching out to the neighbors of a
son or sons of peace through Spirit-empowered, evangelistic Bible studies
in a house or houses of prayer. It is a combination of what he learned in
the past 27 years as an evangelist. This book will equip you (Ephesians
4:11-16) to do the work of an evangelist (2Timothy 4:5) of helping preach
the gospel to all men in the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:15-18; Acts
1:8) with all wisdom (Colossians 1:28-29) so that you can help save as
many as possible (1Corinthians 9:19-23), to the glory of God!
As you read this booklet, you will be equipped as those whom Pol and
Tim will seek to reach out come from different religious backgrounds. You
will learn how to answer tough questions even as you enjoy reading it as
the story unfolds. Humor is added so that you will occasionally smile as
you learn new things …
WORKING FOR THE KINGDOM 2 One of the joys of helping others know
Toward God is seeing them walk in truth (3John 1:4).
Transformation The sequel to the booklet Leading Gospel
Studies in New Berea—Toward
Transformation—will help you teach your
disciples in a way that will help them obey all
of Christ’s commandments (Matthew 28:19)
A Study of the Ten which are also God’s (John 12:49). When
Commandments
Toward an they do this, Jesus makes Himself known to
Abundant, Free and Holy Life them (14:21) and they are able to know the
Father more as well (14:7).
If you want to teach the topics in this booklet (through its study guide, Be
Sure You are Saved!), to have a clear copy of the materials or to ask any
question, contact His Equippers for Life Purposes through: