David Morgan

Youthworks BiBle studY series

to P i CA l

keep the faith

keep the faithAs new Christians begin their spiritual journey, it’s important that their faith is built on a solid foundation—one that will help them hold firm for the rest of their lives.

In eight studies designed for group use, Keep the Faith takes readers through a practical journey into fully grasping Christianity with God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Participants are encouraged to think more deeply about key ideas presented in the Bible and the Nicene Creed, their own personal beliefs, and Christian faith’s response to particular world views.

With each lesson, young Christians will grow in their understanding of God’s plan of salvation and dependence on him to continue to run the race and keep the faith until the very end.

ideal for youth and young adults preparing for Confirmation or Baptism.

aBOUt the aUthORDavid Morgan grew up in Sydney’s south and began leading youth group when he was in his late teens. Whether it’s been high school lunch time groups, teaching Scripture at schools, or leading youth groups or young adult Bible studies, he has remained in youth ministry ever since.

While studying at Youthworks College, Dave developed an interest in Catechesis which has spurred him to see young Christians know and keep their faith.

He is currently the youth minister at Merrylands Anglican Church in western Sydney.

9 781922 000989

ISBN 978-1-922000-98-9

Contents Welcome to Keep the Faith ................................iv

The Nicene Creed ..............................................vi

1. God Almighty is our Father ........................... 1

2. God our Father made it all ............................ 5

3. Your Lord is Jesus Christ ............................ 10

4. Jesus Christ: God with us ........................... 15

5. Jesus Christ: God for us .............................. 21

6. Jesus Christ: He’ll be back ......................... 26

7. Your helper is the Holy Spirit ...................... 30

8. Connected: In Jesus, by the Spirit .............. 34

Keep the Faith reading plan ............................ 38

YOUTHWORKS Bible Study series26

Group chatAfter his resurrection, Jesus’ disciples were anticipating a great change to come to fruition. Was what unfolded what they expected? Let’s start today’s study by reading Acts 1:4–11.

1. What were the disciples hoping Jesus was going to do after his resurrection?

2. What did Jesus do instead? And what were his disciples to get on with after this?

3. Why is it so important that Jesus is coming back?

the future of Jesus

the Bible tells us that Jesus is currently ruling the universe at God the Father’s right hand (ephesians 1:20–22) and saving anyone who comes to God through trusting him (hebrews 7:25).

As Christians, we can look forward to his return (revelation 22:20) and the great hope it brings for those who trust him. however, his second coming will also bring terrible judgement on those who don’t. why not pray before moving on?

Work soloOn your own, read Matthew 25:31–46. In this story, Jesus describes all people who will ever live as either goats or sheep. Referring to the passage we just read, answer the questions at the top of the next page about these two different kinds of people.

jesus christ: he’ll be bAck6:

Keep the Faith 27

GoAts sheeP

what will they get

from Jesus?

how have they treated

Jesus?

where are they headed?

Group chat1. Is this passage promising heaven to people who do enough good things?

Why/Why not?

2. So how will Jesus decide whether someone is a sheep or a goat?

3. In verses 40 and 45 Jesus talks about his brothers—who are they and why does how we treat them matter?

the horror of hell

in pairsRead the Fervr article on hell: www.fervr.net/questions/how-can-god-send-people-to-hell

YOUTHWORKS Bible Study series28

Do you believe in hell? Why/Why not?

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Do John 5:25–29; 2 Peter 3:10–13; and Revelation 20:11—21:8 convince you of the reality of hell? Why?

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Why is it so important that Jesus will judge the living and the dead?

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the wonder of the new creation (heaven)

Group chatComing back together as a whole group, let’s read Revelation 21:1–7.

1. What excites you the most about Jesus’ coming kingdom?

2. What things in this life distract you from the amazing life to come?

Keep the Faith 29

personal reflection Today has been a bit heavy going. If you could ask God one question about all this, what would it be?

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Could you join the writer of Revelation in praying ‘Come Lord Jesus, come’? Why/Why not?

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How does the reality of heaven and hell change your life today?

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prayerAsk God to help you take his word to heart and that he will

save many more people for his kingdom.