bible study for beginners - gary troyer

7/28/2019 Bible Study for Beginners - Gary Troyer

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Bible Study for Beginners

Gary Troyer


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Copyright 2006 by Gary Troyer

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic,mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherexcept for brief quotation inprinted reviews, without the prior permission of the author/publisher

Published by Gary Troyer with the assistance of lulu.com.


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Authors Note

This course was developed over a period of ten years in which Isought the mind of God to develop an effective home Bible Studycourse which non-believers would find interesting and inspirational.

This series of six lessons was designed for usage with non-Christians.It assumes the student knows little about the Bible. The first lessonmay be omitted when using with those who come with someknowledge of the Bible, however, we can't assume that because aperson is some type of professional with a college degree that he hasa healthful understanding of the Bible or indeed, that he is anythingmore than a Biblical illiterate. I have used this course with dozensand dozens of people, some with only a 2nd grade education andbarely able to read while others were school administrators, teachers,and lawyers.

This course assumes that the student already has some degree of

faith in God. It will help the skeptic and faithless to begin to putspiritual things into an orderly realm. This study does not intend toanswer all the questions of the unbeliever. After this course there areother courses that I use to disciple the new convert. More often thannot the questions asked will be answered in some future study. Satanwill do all in his power to distract you off and away from the basicfoundational Christian teachings of these lessons. While freedom toask questions should be apparent in your meetings, if the questiondoesn't relate to the material at hand, a very brief answer should begiven and the teaching resumed.

These lessons will lead the unbeliever into a face-to-face encounterwith God. When arranging a meeting time with the person(s), be sureto emphasize the importance of them to commit themselves to sixmeetings in a row, making all efforts to avoid any cancellations. Adisrupted schedule becomes an inefficient schedule. Experience hastaught me that if I patiently teach the non-Christian how to become aChristian in a way that he can understand, that he will invariablebecome a Christian. Of all those whom I've taken through this course,only two have not committed their lives to him by the last lesson. Iuse this course several times a week with differing sized groups. Onemonth, I was able to lead 12 people to the Lord through these studies.


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These lessons have been a blessing to me and I trust that they will bea blessing to you.

For more information about home evangelism, discipling, or churchplanting, feel free to contact me at:

Gary Troyer

198 N Main St.

Due West, SC 29639

Phone: 864-379-3200


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Lesson One:

Introduction To The Bible

Aim: To bring the students to have complete faith in God's word and

in His Word alone.

What Great Men Have Said About The Bible:

George Washington - It is impossible to rightly govern theworld without God and the Bible.

Woodrow Wilson - A man has deprived himself of the best

there is in the world who has deprived himself of this[knowledge of the Bible.]

Ulysses S. Grant - To the influence of this book we areindebted for the progress made in civilization, and to this wemust look as our guide in the future.

Daniel Webster- The Bible is the book of faith, and a book ofdoctrine, and a book of morals, and a book of religion, of

Tip: Get to know your students. Spend some timegetting acquainted before each class, but limit you time tono more than 10 minutes.

Tip: Read this section as a means of stimulating theinterest of the students as well as a way of confirming themas to the importance of this decision they have made tostudy the Bible with you for these six weeks.


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Definition:Testament - Testament means covenant,constitution, agreement or contract. Just as we makeout a contract to buy a house, we have a contractbetween us and God. The Old Contract is no longerbinding. We live by the New Contract, the NewTestament

special revelation from God; but it is also a Book whichteaches man his responsibility, his dignity, and his equalitywith his fellow man.

False Teachers:

Say, "There are many out there going from house to houseunder the pretext of wanting to study the Bible with you. TheBible itself warns us of such people in I John 4:1-3. Theseverses tell us how to test the person who comes wanting toteach you. If the person does not believe Jesus was God'sonly son come in human form, he is not to be listened to. Ifanyone comes teaching you anything that is not in God'sWord, don't listen to him. Expect the teacher to give you Bibleproof for everything he says. If he says, 'The Bible says', thenask him where the Bible says this."

Introduction to the Bible:

1. Turn to the index.

2. Point out that there are two major divisions in the Bible - theOld Testament and the New Testament. (Be sure they seethis in the index.)


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3. Have the class find where the Old Testament begins intheir Bible and then have them find where the NewTestament begins.

4. Point out that when the Bible was first written, the OldTestament was written in the Hebrew language while theNew Testament was the written in the Greek language.The Bible was written over a period of 2,000 years by over

40 different authors, none of which contradicts the other.

5. Have the class find where the book of Matthew begins.

6. Point out how each book is divided into chapters and thateach chapter is identified by a large number at itsbeginning.

7. Show how each chapter is divided into verses and that theverses are indicated by small numbers printed within thechapter text.

8. Explain how references work. For example: Matthew3:16. The name refers to the book you are to turn to. Thethree indicates the chapter and the sixteen indicates theverse.

Practical Exercises:

1. Say: We are going to memorize the first four New Testamentbooks in order.


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2. Show the class the folder with the four books printed on theinside.

Explain: These four books are called Gospels. Gospel meansgood news. In these four books we shall find some reallygood news. The gospels explain about Jesus, who he was,what he did, where he walked, where he was born, where hedied, what he taught and many more things. The gospels are

actually biographies of the life of Jesus.

3. The books carry the names of the persons who wrote them.Matthew wrote the book ofMatthew, Markwrote the book ofMark and so on. Who do you suppose wrote the book ofLuke? (Luke)

4. Practice finding the following references. Matthew 6:9-13;Mark 14:22-24; Luke 2:4-7; and John 3:16.

Tip: Before class, prepare a folder with the name HolyBible printed on the outside cover. On the inside on onepage write Old Testament in large letters across the topand write New Testament across the top of the oppositepage. Under New Testament write in a column"Matthew, Mark, Luke, John".

Tip: Ask the class questions like, Did you know that was inthe Bible? or, Did you know where that was in the Bible?


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Bible Study:

The Preaching Of Repentance

Say: Now we want to discover what the first and foremostmessage was that John the Baptist, Jesus and the early churchpreached. Turn to the following scriptures one by one and have a

person read them who feels comfortable doing so.

Matthew 3:1 - John the Baptist's Message

Matthew 4:17 - Jesus' Message

Acts 2:37, 38 - Peter's Message

Definition: Repent - A person is driving out of town goingWest thinking he is headed East. Well on his way he sees a

sign that seems to indicate he is headed in the wrongdirection. He begins to analyze what he just saw. His mindargues with his eyes. That sign really didn't say he isheading the wrong direction, did it?

The longer he thinks about it the less sure he is that he isgoing in the right direction. After checking the map hedecides for sure that he is going wrong and needs to turnaround. He slows, drives the car across the median, andheads back towards the direction he should have beengoing all the time.

This is a picture of what it means to repent. Repentance isturning around.


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Say: The question that naturally follows a study of the mainmessage of the Bible (repent) is, Repent from what? We shallnow proceed to grasp an idea for an answer to that question.Turn with me in your Bible to Romans 3:10-20. Have someoneread the verses.

1. How many times do we find in this passage words like: "thereis no one", "no one", "not even one"?

2. Why do you suppose the author would use these same wordsso often?

(To emphasize a point.)

3. What point do you feel he is trying to emphasize?(That man naturally follows his inclinations to do only evilcontinually. Genesis 6:5)

4. Whom do you think is being talked about in these verses?

(Romans 3:23, all people)

Tip: If time allows, continue with this Bible Study. Otherwisewait until next week to use it. The Bible Study shouldprobably not last longer than one hour!

Definition: Kingdom of Heaven - In the Bible we learn oftwo Kingdoms; the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom ofthis world. In every Kingdom there is a King. Who do yousuppose is the King of the Kingdom of Heaven? (God)Who do you suppose is the king of the Kingdom of thisWorld? Satan self


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5. What does this passage teach us about good, moral,respectable people?

(They don't exist.)

Next Weeks Assignment:

Read I John 1 before next weeks Bible Study. Underline orhighlight the verses that have special meaning for you.

Schedule Next Meeting:

End the Meeting:

Thank God for this great time to have studied the Bible together.

Tip: It's probably best to have the first couple meetings in thehome(s) of the student(s). They won't be so quick to cancel the

study nor to forget about it this way.


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Lesson Two:

The Consequences of Sin

Aim: To show what the result of sin is.

Spend a few minutes getting reacquainted by asking about theevents of the past week in the lives of the students. Then beginwith prayer; asking God to guide the meeting. Ask if anyonemight have a need they would like to have prayed for.

Review:

1. Say, "Last time we noted what great men have said about theBible."

2. We learned that the Bible is divided into two main parts. Whocan name them?

(Old Testament & New Testament)

3. We learned how to find references. Who can tell me what the3 means in John 3:16?

(The chapter)

4. We looked at the principal message of John the Baptist, Jesus& Peter. Who can tell me what that message was?

(Repent)

5. We memorized the names of the 1st four books of the NewTestament. Who remembers what they were called in theirproper order?

(Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)


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Practical:

1. Who did last weeks assignment? (Read John 1) Do you haveany questions or comments about what you read?

2. This week we'll add two more books to our memory.

(Write Acts & Romans in the folder you started last week oneunder the other. Have everyone repeat the books in unison.Then have each person say the books individually.

Say: The book ofActs is a history about the beginning of the

church. It is written by the same person who wrote Luke.

3. Who wrote the book of Luke?

(Luke)

4. What was Luke's profession?

(He was a doctor.)

5. Paul went all over the Roman Empire starting churches. Later

he wrote them letters that we have preserved for us in theBible. One is called Romans. In what city do you think theRomans Lived?

(Rome)

Bible Study:

1. Turn to Romans 3:23 in your Bible. According to this verse,what happens when we sin? (We fall short of God's glory.)

Tip: You as a teacher should have read the assignment aswellmarking appropriate verses you'd like to comment on

in class that would be appropriate for the students.


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Definition: Sin - The word "sin" comes from the Greekword "hamartia". This work is a picture of an archershooting an arrow at the bull's eye. When the archershot the arrow and it landed anywhere other than in thebull's eye it was said that he "hamartia". That is, hemissed the mark. Sin causes us to miss the mark Godhas established for us.

2. Now turn to Romans 6:23. (Have someone read it.)

What does this verse say we receive in exchange for sinning?

(Death)

3. Turn to Genesis 2:15-17 and have someone read it.

a. What did God tell Adam would happen if he ate of theforbidden fruit?

(He would die)

b. Did Adam die when he ate the fruit?

(Physically he didn't die until over 900 years later.Genesis 5:5)

Did Adam die or didn't he? is the question whose answerSatan continues to distort. Romans 6:23 says that we die asa consequence of our sin. We shall need to define death anddifferent lives of mankind.

4. Man is composed of three parts. Can you name them?

Spirit That invisible part of us which communicates withother spirits.


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Soul The emotions that you feel but don't see.

Body This flesh that you see.

When we think in terms of death and birth we have to think ofthis happening at three different times, each onecorresponding to each part of our makeup. As the body isborn, so it dies. The soul is born and can also die. The spiritcan be born and it can die.

a. When we sin, which of the three parts of us do you thinkdies?

(The Spirit)

b. When Satan told Adam he wouldn't die, he was speakingof a physical death. God was speaking of a spiritual andmaybe even an emotional death.

5. Now, we must find a Biblical meaning of death.

a. Turn to James 2:26a and someone read it aloud. (26arefers to the a part or first part of verse 26. If we wantedonly the last part read we would say 26b.)

b. According to this verse, when or how does the body die?

(When the spirit separates from the body there is physicaldeath.)

Definition: Death - is not cessation of existence(ceasing to exist) but rather the correct meaning ofdeath is "separation". The spirit separates from thephysical body and the result is death


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The person in the casket does not cease to exist. He stillexists somewherein the place where his spirit went to. Thereason the body is dead is that the spirit has left it to gosomewhere else.

Genesis 2:7 says, "The Lord God formed the man from thedust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath oflife, and the man became a living being." The word "breath" in

this verse is synonymous with the word "spirit" back in James2:26. The man had no life in him until God placed a spiritwithin him. It is the spirit that gives "life" to this body of dust.

6. Now we know what physical death is. To clarify what spiritualdeath is let's turn to Isaiah 59:2.

According to Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death",we understand that sin causes immediate spiritual death and

not immediate physical death. According to this verse inIsaiah, what is the consequence of our sin?

(Separation from God. Iniquities in this verse has the samemeaning as sin.)

This verse gives us the understanding that when we sin, webecome separated from God. Separation is called death inRomans 6:23.

7. Return to Romans 6:23.

a. What part do we do in this verse?

(We sin.)

b. What happens automatically?

(We die.)


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c. What part does God do?

(He gives a gift of eternal life.)

Next Week:

We will learn about the different types of birth.


Read I John 2 and mark the verses that have special meaning foryou.


It works best to continue meeting in the students home. If youdecide to meet at your own home, make sure to give the studentsgood directions and call them during the week as a reminder.

End the Meeting:



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Lesson Three:

Spirit Birth

Aim: To explain the idea of being born a second time and why it's

necessary to be born spiritually.

Prayer:

Ask for prayer requests. Pray for special understanding oftonight's lesson.

Review:

1. Two weeks ago we briefly observed what the principalmessage John the Baptist, Jesus, and the early church was.What was it?

(Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.)

2. Last week we went into depth about the consequences of sin.How does sin harm us?

(Causes separation - death - from God.)

3. In what language was the New Testament written?

(Greek)

4. In what three ways is it possible to die?

(Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually)


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6. Who can repeat the books of the New Testament we havememorized so far?

(Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans)

Practical Exercise:

1. This week we will add three more books to our list, I & IICorinthians & Galatians.

Have everyone repeat all the books together in unison than goaround the circle and have each one say them by memorystarting with the persons you feel know them best.

I & II Corinthians are letters that the apostle Paul wrote to thechurch in the city of Corinth. Corinth was a very busy seaport.The average citizen was very rich and most households hadslaves. It has been estimated that in Paul's day, Corinth had apopulation of about 250,000 free persons plus as many as400,000 slaves. The city contained at least 12 templeshonoring Greek gods. The city was so immoral that the Greekverb "to Corinthianize" came to mean "to practice sexualimmorality".

Galatians is a letter Paul wrote to the churches in theprovince of Galatia. All three letters were written to believerswho were falling away from faith in Jesus.

Tip: Be sure to add these to your list in the folder. Youshould say the names of the new books so the studentwill know how to correctly pronounce them.


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2. Are there any questions or comments from your reading of IJohn 2?

Bible Study:

1. Say: Last week we studied that every person passes throughdifferent types of death. This week we want to look at differenttypes of birth we all need to pass through as well.

2. Please turn in you Bible to John 3:1-21. (Have a good reader

read the whole passage.)

a. According to v. 2, who did Nicodemus believe Jesus tobe?

(One from God)

b. Jesus apparently discerned that Nicodemus was lookingfor an entrance into the kingdom of God. What did Jesussay had to happen for a person to enter God's Kingdomaccording to verse three?

(He must be born again.)

c. Nicodemus misunderstood what Jesus meant to say bybeing born again. What type of birth did he understandJesus to be talking about?

(Physical birth)

Tip: Point out the locations of these places on a Biblemap.


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d. In verse six Jesus talked about two types of birth. Can youname them?

(Physical birth and Spiritual birth)

e. According to verse five, two elements are involved in thespiritual birth. What are they?

(Water and spirit)

f. In the Bible, water symbolizes cleansing. (Titus 3:5) TheHoly Spirit symbolizes the power of God. (Acts 1:8)Therefore, what two things must happen for us to enterHeaven?

(We must be cleansed and filled with God's power.)

g. Next week we will discuss how cleansing takes place.

h. According to verses seven and eight, can the spiritual birthbe explained in a logical fashion? (NO) How do youknow?

(Just as we can't explain where the wind comes from orgoes to, so we can't explain being born spiritually.)

i. Nicodemus desired to understand these things with hismind but Jesus taught in verses 10-15 that a person willhave to feel the new birth, much as he feels the wind, inorder to understand spiritual birth.

j. Verse sixteen tells us why God sent Jesus into the world.Can you find two reasons?

(Because of his love and so we could have eternal life.)

k. Read verse 18.

--What two kinds of people are described here?

(The condemned and not condemned.)


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--What must a person do to not be condemned?

(Believe in Jesus.)

The story is told of a tight rope walker who one day wasgoing to appear at the Niagara Falls to walk across acertain section of the ferocious waters below. On theappointed day a large crowd was awaiting the once-in-a-lifetime event. When the tight rope walker appeared heattempted to excite the crowd. "How many of you believe Ican walk across this rope without falling off?" he askedthem. A number of people expressed their confidence in

his ability but most didn't really want to think about thepossibility that he might fall off. He climbed onto the ropeand step by step inched his way across. . .

Upon reaching his destination the distant crowd cheered injubilee. He then returned to them, and taking awheelbarrow in hand, he proceeded to ask a furtherquestion. "How many of you believe I can push thiswheelbarrow across this rope?" Many more peoplecheered their confidence in his ability. Slowly he began tomove across the rope. Step by step he nervously madehis way across the roaring waters below.

As he approached the distant shore, once again the crowdroared with ecstasy. Never before had they ever seensuch ability.

Upon returning to the aghast crowd he asked them, "Howmany of you believe I can push a man across this tightrope in this wheelbarrow." The crowd roared their belief inhim. Calming the roar he advised them that his stunt manwasnt able to come today so he wouldnt be able to

Definition: Believe implies two things:Acknowledging with the mind and Entrusting orrelying on.


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perform the task unless someone volunteered to take themans place. He asked them, "Who will volunteer?" Thecrowd became deathly quiet. No one volunteered. Noone believed in this man so much that they dared committheir life into this carnal man's hands. They acknowledgedwith their minds but when it came to entrustingthemselves, their belief stalled.

Belief then has two elements; Acknowledging that Jesus cangive me a spiritual birth, and entrusting myself into his handsto take me through that birth and the life beyond.

l. What is the only reason given in verse 18 why a person iscondemned?

(Because he doesn't believe.)

m. Read verses 19-21 again. One who doesn't believe iscompared to one who lives in light or lives in darkness?

(Darkness)

n. According to verse 19, why do people prefer to walk in thedark?

(Because of their evil deeds.)

o. What answer does verse 20 give us?

(People prefer to walk in the dark for fear their evil deeds

will be exposed.)

p. Why do you think it is that the lights are turned down sothat it's almost dark in night clubs, dances, bars, and suchlike?

(Those who do evil feel more comfortable doing it in thedark.)


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q. On the same token, why does a robber cover his facewhen he commits a crime?

(He wants to keep his evil deeds covered up.)

r. According to verse 21, who lives in the light?

(He that lives by the truth.)

3. As we conclude this study I'd like you to ask yourself: Am Icondemned or not condemned? Do I live in the light or in thedarkness?


Read I John 3 for next week and mark versed that have special

significance for you.


Decide where the next meeting will be held.

Plan a special activity with the members of your class thisweekend.

End the Meeting:



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Lesson Four:

The Need for the Death of Jesus

Aim: To show why Jesus had to die in order that we could receive

forgiveness of our sin.

Prayer:

Ask for prayer requests. By now all should feel the freedom toshare prayer needs. It may be necessary to ask each oneindividually what they would like to have you pray about.

Review:

1. Name two types of death we have studied.

(Physical, Emotional, Spiritual)

2. Name two types of birth we have studied.

(Physical, Spiritual)

3. Name the two types of people that exist in the world accordingto John 3.

(Condemned, Uncondemned)

4. What does repent mean?

(To turn around.)


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5. Give a Biblical definition of spiritual death.

(Separation of spirit from the body.)

6. Give a Biblical definition of spiritual death.

(Separation of man from God.)

7. Who can say the books of the New Testament we havememorized so far.

(Matthew through Galatians)

8. Tonight we are going to add three more books.

(Be sure to add Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians to yourlist in the folder before class.)

Show you folder and say the names of the new books so thestudent will know how to correctly pronounce the names.

9. The Ephesians lived in a town called Ephesus. ThePhilippians lived in Philippi and the Colossians lived in

Colossi, a city close to Laodicea.

10. Ask if there are any questions from I John 3, last weeksassignment. Point out some highlights you found there that

Tip:Be sure to point out the location of each city on aBible map.)

Tip: Students seem to have great difficulty memorizingthe order of these books. Point out that a way ofhelping to remember the order of these books is byusing the first letters of General Electric PowerCompany G E P C.


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are either pertinent to the students situation or somehow tie into tonight's study or some past study.

Bible Study:

1. Introduction: Up to this point we have studied about differing

types of death and differing types of birth. We've studied howspiritual death and spiritual birth happen. Tonight we want tolearn about what makes spiritual birth possible. God hasestablished certain moral laws in Heaven which cannot berescinded. The law we shall study has to do with blood.

2. Say: Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 9:22b.

(Appoint someone to read the verse.)

Here we have recorded one of God's "forever" laws. What isthe law?

(There is no forgiveness of sin without spilling blood.)

3. Let's see how this law was applied throughout scripture. FindGenesis 3:6-7 and someone read it aloud.

When Adam & Eve sinned and realized they were naked, whatdid they make for themselves?

(Coverings of fig leaves.)

4. Now turn to Genesis 3:21 and discover what God made forthem to wear.

(Garments of skin.)


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5. For there to be garments of skin there had to have first beenan animal. What had to happen to the animal for its skin to beused as clothing?

(It had to die.)

6. Thus we have our first example of blood having to be spilt tocover for sin. Soon we see Abel shedding the blood of hisflocks as an acceptable offering to the Lord. Abel's offeringwas accepted because he offered blood. Cain's offering wasunacceptable because it lacked blood. Genesis 4:2b-7.

7. Now let's observe what the law was regarding sin as given tothe Jews in the Old Testament.

(Turn toLeviticus 4:1-7and appoint someone who reads wellto read the passage aloud.)

Explain in as few words as possible what the main procedurewas in the Old Testament to obtain forgiveness.

(A certain animal had to be brought to the priest, killed and itsblood collected and used for a prescribed ceremony.)

8. According to Leviticus 5:5-6 what two things were necessaryfor forgiveness?

(Confession of the sin and the shedding of blood.)

9. What did John the Baptist call Jesus in John 1:29?

(The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.)

Jesus was the symbolic lamb prescribed in the Old Testamentfor the forgiveness of sin.

10. Here are several verses that bring us to an understanding ofwhy Jesus died on the cross.


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I Peter 3:l8a - Isaiah 59:2 said that our sin separated us fromour God. What does this verse teach us that Jesus' deathaccomplished for us?

(Brings us to God.)

Hebrews 9:27-28 - Why was Jesus sacrificed for us?

(To take away our sins.)

11. Hebrews 9:14 - Of what benefit is the blood of Christ to ustoday?

(It cleanses our consciences - relieves us of guilt; I John 1:7 -purifies us from sin.)

12. Hebrews 9:15 - According to this verse, are we still obligatedto offer the blood of animals for cleansing of our sin?

(No, we have a new covenant - contract - now.)

13. Luke 22:20 - What part of Christian tradition reminds us of thisnew covenant of blood?

(The drinking of the cup in communion.)

Definition: Crucifixion - a common type of corporalpunishment during the days of Jesus. However, Godhad Jesus' crucifixion be different from all the rest. Thecriminal was normally tied to the cross with ropes.Jesus was nailed to the cross - thus blood would streamfrom his body in fulfillment of the law of God that statedthat blood must be shed for there to be forgiveness.


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14. Acts 15:29 - Why do you suppose it is prohibited to eatblood?

(Blood is a sacred symbol of our contract with God or somesuch answer.)

15. We conclude with this question: What must I do so that Jesus'blood applies to my sin? That question will be answered overthe next two weeks.


Read I John 4 for next week.


Decide where the next meeting will be held.

End the Meeting:



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Lesson Five:

Decision, Decisions, Decisions

Aim: To show the need that every person has to make a decision

either to follow God's way or the world's way.

Prayer:

Be sure to ask for any requests the group may have.

Review:

1. The principal message given throughout the Bible and asexpressed in the sermons of John the Baptist and Jesus iswhat?

(Repent)

2. What part of us dies when we sin?

(Spirit)

3. Give a Biblical definition of death.

(Separation)

4. Name two types of birth.

(Physical birth and spiritual birth.)

5. Give a definition of believe.

(To acknowledge with the mind and to entrust and rely on.)


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6. What law did God establish in Heaven for there to beforgiveness of sin?

(Blood must be shed.)

7. What special thing did Jesus do for us to have forgiveness ofsin?

(He shed His blood on the cross.)

8. Who can say the books of the New Testament by memorythrough the book of Colossians.?

9. Tonight we are going to add five more books that all beginwith the letter T. They are I & II Thessalonians, I & IITimothy, and Titus.

10. Ask if there are any questions from the reading ofI John 4 orif they especially like certain verses from this passage. You

might point out a few teachings from this passage that ispertinent to your students.

Bible Study:

1. Introduction: Over the past four weeks we have been studyingabout man's position before God because of his sin. We havestudied about life. During the next two classes we shalldiscover what God expects us to do so that we might have

fellowship with him.

2. We want to first look at an idea taught in the Bible called"saved". I Timothy 2:3-4 tells us God's story about saving.

a. The word save means to deliver, to protect. What wouldyou say we all need to be delivered from?

(From spiritual death caused by our sin, fromcondemnation.)


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b. Who or what do we need to be protected from?

(From evil, Satan, enemies, etc.)

c. According to John 3:17, why did God send Jesus into theworld?

(To save us - he's the only one who is able to deliver usand to protect us.)

d. The question we want to ask next is found in Acts 16:30.What must we do to be delivered from spiritual death andcondemnation? Jesus gave His blood so we could haveforgiveness of our sin. Does that mean God has forgiveneveryone's sin in the world or do we have to do somethingto get that forgiveness?

What is the answer to our question according to verse 31.)

(Believe in Jesus.)

e. What does believe mean?

(To acknowledge with our mind. To entrust oneself, to relyon.)

f. Acts 10:43 tells us basically the same thing.

g. Acts 2:21 gives us another idea of what we must do to bedelivered from condemnation. What is it?

(Call on the name of the Lord.)

h. What do you think it means to call on the name of theLord?

(To cry out to.)

Tip: Remind students of tight rope walker


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i. Acts 2:38 tells us what we must do to have forgiveness ofour sin. What is it?

(Repent and be baptized.)

3. We want to go to one more passage to get a picture of whatwe need to be saved from. Turn to Matthew 7:13-14.

a. These verses describe two roads. What are they called?

(Broad road and narrow road.)

b. How are the entrance gates to these road described?

(One as being wide and the other as being narrow.)

c. Where does the broad road lead to?

(Destruction - a term synonymous to condemnation.)

d. Where does the narrow road lead to?

(To life.)

e. Would you say this is referring to physical life or spirituallife?

(Spiritual life.)

f. What road do most people choose to follow?

(The broad one.)

Tip: Before the meeting, you should get access to adrawing on the two roads. You may also use thedrawing included on the next page.


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g. Note some points about the drawing:

1. We all have sinned which leaves us burdened down.

2. There comes a point in our lives when we must makea decision which road we are going to follow.

3. We should look at the end result of the road we arefollowing rather than the temporary pleasures of thehere and now.

4. Jesus offers to relieve us of such burdens as guiltyconsciences, spiritual and moral filthiness, spiritualdeath and condemnation.

5. God expects us to take certain steps so that our

fellowship with Him might be restored.

1st We must acknowledge that we have sinned.

Do you accept the fact that you have sinnedand have fallen short of God's glory andtherefore stand condemned before God?

So everyone can see with greater detail, I suggest thatyou draw the illustration of the two roads on posterboard. Take out the poster illustration of the two roads.Allow a minute or two for the students to examine thedrawing. As you hold the poster in front of you, observethe eye movements of the students. This will tell yousomething of their availability to later accepting Christ.Ask them what they see. Later, ask them where they

would place themselves on the drawing. This will alsotell you about their readiness to accept Christ.


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2nd We must believe that Jesus paid for thepenalty of our sin with His blood.

Do you accept the blood of Jesus as paymentfor you sin?

3rd We must decide which road we are going to

follow.

You've already told me where you find yourselfat this point in your life.

4th We must call on the name of the Lord.

6. Next week we will look at several verses which willteach us how to call on the name of the Lord.


Read I John 5 and mark the verses that have special meaning foryou.


If it seems appropriate, urge your class to go with you to church tobe involved in further Bible Study with others who are studying the

same materials they are.

End the Meeting:



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Lesson Six:

Receiving Jesus

Aim: To lead all your class members to receive Jesus into their

lives.

Prayer:

Ask God for special wisdom for each one of the students. Ask forclarity of minds and freedom from distractions. Also, don't forgetto ask for prayer requests.

Review:

1. Have the class ask each other some review questions.

2. According to our lesson last week, from what do we need tobe saved?

(Death, destruction, condemnation)

Before the class: This is a very special lesson. Beassured that Satan is going to do all in his power tokeep this meeting from happening. Pray for God'spower to be manifested. Pray God's protection aroundeach of the class members. Ask God for the return ofall the students to this class.


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3. List some steps we must take to receive spiritual life.

(Acknowledge I have sinned. Believe that Jesus paid thepenalty for my sin. Decide which road I'm going to follow.Call on the name of the Lord.)

4. Who can say the New Testament books through Titus bymemory?

(Take time for a couple of people to do this.)

5. Let's add several more books to our list. (Philemon,Hebrews, James)

6. Say all the books in unison and then have each one repeatthem by themselves.

Bible Study:

1. The purpose of our lesson tonight is to learn how to call on the

name of the Lord so we can be saved.

3. Turn to I John 1:9. What must we do for our sins to beforgiven?

(Confess our sin.)

Tip: Add these books to your folder. Be sure topronounce the names first. Explain that Philemon &James were the names of a couple of Christian men.The Jews were also called Hebrews. Due to this, weknow this book was written especially for the Jews.


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3. If we confess our sin, what does God promise to do?

(Forgive us, purify us.)

4. Confession is something that normally happens between youand God alone. The old covenant demanded that a personconfess his sins to a priest but the new covenant makes itpossible to go directly to God through Jesus.

5. Confession of our sin is part of calling on the name of the

Lord. Now turn to John 1:12-13 for further understanding ofcalling on Jesus.

6. Several lessons back, we talked about a spiritual birth. Theseverses tell us how spiritual birth is possible. According toverse 12, what two things are necessary for one to become achild of God?

(He must receive Jesus and believe in His name.)

7. We have already discussed several times what believing is.

Now let's turn to Revelation 3:20 for further understanding ofwhat receiving is.

8. Here we have a picture of a person standing outside a door.What is he doing?

(Knocking)

Definition:Confess means to "say the same thing asanother - to agree with God". When God brings to yourattention the fact that something you have done is sin,you are to confess - agree with God - say the samething that God says about it. Look at it from Hisviewpoint. Then determine that you will put it out of yourlife and will not do it again


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9. What is expected of the person inside the house?

(He must hear the voice and open the door)

10. This is a picture of how to receive Jesus. He knocks on thedoor of our life and asks to come in. Some lock the door orstack furniture up against it for fear he will force his way in.Others turn up the stereo so they can't hear the persistentknock. Others ignore that there is any knocking at all.

In this example the person not only heard Jesus knocking butwent and opened the door for him to enter. When Jesus isinvited into our lives what happens according to this verse?

(He comes in and we eat together.)

11. In the Bible eating is figurative of a festive, happy occasion.What do you think this means that when invited into our liveshe comes in and eats with us?

(If we invite him into our lives we will have the happiest time ofour life.)

12. Now we have a clear picture of what it means to pass throughthe last step of salvation - calling on the name of the Lord.

a. We must confess our sin.

b. We must receive him (invite Him) into our life.

Tip: Exit through an exterior door and knock. Don't returninside until someone comes to the door to let you in. Ask ifyou may come in. When invited in, go inside. Then talkabout what happened.


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13. The four steps of salvation that we have studied are:

1. Acknowledge that you are a sinner.

2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin with His blood.

3. Decide which road you are going to follow.

4. Call on the name of the Lord through confessing andreceiving.

Say: Now, I'd like to ask each of you to answer threequestions. I'll ask each of you individually and would like eachof you to respond individually.

14. Have you decided which road you are going to follow?

15. Are you ready to ask God for forgiveness for your sin?

16. Are you ready to invite him into you life?

17. Either have each person pray a prayer asking for forgivenessif the group is small or lead the whole group to pray a prayerafter you.

.

Questions 14-16 must be answered yes by eachperson individually before you proceed to lead themin a prayer to invite Jesus in.

Tip: The prayer should include asking forgiveness,inviting Jesus to come into their life, and the desire toturn away from evil and towards God's way


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18. After the prayer, read Luke 15:10. The angels are rejoicingbecause you have recognized you were headed towardsdestruction and have now turned back to God!

End the Meeting:

This is the last class of our six-week commitment. I would liketo ask your opinion what we should do from here. (Quit,continue, rest a few weeks, or what.)

IMPORTANT: Your work has just begun! It's important to disciplethe new converts through further meeting time. A host of materialis available to help with this process.

bible study for beginners - gary troyer

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