Module #1

January 16 2021

7. Making a Total Commitment

Making a Total Commitment Lesson 7

A total commitment to God causes us to focus on His eternal kingdom and avoid the trap of becoming captivated by the glitter and empty promises of this world. It is not that God needs anything that we have to oﬀer, but that we need to develop trust in Him as the Supplier of all our needs. As we give God our complete allegiance, we will no longer live for ourselves, but for Him (1 Peter 4:2).

Baptism is total commitment to Christ. Commitment means following Jesus, and Jesus wasted no time getting to the heart of commitment: either the disciples would be committed to Him and deny their own desires, or they would be determined to go their own ways and deny Him. The choice to commit is the same for all believers. Either deny ourselves or deny Him; either walk in His way or pursue our own way.

As we respond to the call of God to be His disciples, we become part of the network God uses to enlist others for His kingdom. It is the work of the body of Christ (the Church) to share the good news of salvation with the world and invite others to become part of His last day Remnant people.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. How is the Church to reach the world and invite people into God’s kingdom? Matthew 24:14
2. Who is God asking to perform this task? 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
3. Besides faith, what response is required to be part of God’s kingdom? Mark 16:16
4. How necessary is it to be baptized? John 3:5

The Bible answer is: Cannot enter heaven without it

Jesus makes it clear that the new birth and baptism are indeed necessary for entrance into His kingdom. But it should be noted that if a person dies before they have the opportunity to be baptized, they are still accepted by Christ as though they had been baptized. The thief on the cross was unable to be baptized but will be in God’s kingdom.
5. How is the rite of baptism to be performed? Mark 1:9-11

The Bible answer is: By going down into the water

John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus, had been called by God from birth to prepare the way for the Messiah’s coming by calling the nation to repentance and baptizing those who responded. Baptism was practiced in Judaism to initiate those who joined the Jewish faith. John baptized in the Jordan River because he needed a depth of water to fully immerse people (John 3:23). In the Greek the word “baptize” means to “immerse”, and John baptized Jesus by putting Him under the water.
6. What is the purpose of being totally immersed in water? Romans 6:3-6

The Bible answer is: To be buried with Christ

Only full immersion properly symbolizes the death and burial of the old sinful self which has been cruciﬁed with Christ when a person receives Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Coming up out of the water symbolizes resurrection to a new life in Christ, just as Jesus came out of the grave.
7. How will we live after we have been baptized into Christ? Ephesians 4:20-24
8. Is it ever proper to be baptized more than once? Acts 19:1-5

The Bible answer is: Yes – when one learns new truth

When a person learns new truths, they often desire to be re-baptized, signifying a new commitment to Christ and His Word. If a person leaves Christ after having been a Christian and returns to follow Him again, rebaptism demonstrates a new commitment. Since baptism is a public event, it can be a powerful testimony to others.
9. When should a person be baptized? Acts 22:16
10. What must a person do to prepare for baptism? Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19
The Bible answer is: Be taught; Repent; Be converted

Baptism has a lot in common with marriage. Just as a bride publicly announces the taking of her husband’s name at the time of the wedding, the person who is baptized publicly acknowledges the taking of Christ’s name (Christian) at baptism. And in baptism, as with marriage, several rules apply:
1. It should never be entered into unless true love rules supreme.
2. It should never be entered into unless the candidate has determined to be faithful through good times and bad times.
3. It should be approached with full understanding.
4. It should not be unduly delayed.
Before marriage there is a time of engagement, which gives the couple time to get to know one another. Before baptism one should take the time to get to know Jesus and His Word. The studies that follow will help one get to know Him better.

Response questions:

Has God impressed you that what you have been studying in these Bible Guides is His truth?

Would you like to make a full commitment to Jesus Christ right now?

January 16 2021

6. How to Remain a Christian

Alicia Burson Module #1

How to Remain a Christian Lesson 6

The most important decision we face in this life is who we allow to control our lives, Christ or Satan. The right decision is, of course, to choose Christ as Lord and Saviour for salvation from sin and its destructive power. To receive Jesus in our lives is to renounce the sinful ways of the world and choose the way of righteousness. When we receive Jesus, all our past sins are forgiven, and we are justiﬁed, or acquitted, and covered with His righteousness. But many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own eﬀorts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Our growth in grace depends on our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly – by abiding in Him – that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ ﬁrst and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. David says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand and I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8).

How do we remain strong and committed to Christ? This lesson should help us understand this ever-present question.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. Is it possible for the new-born Christian to fall back and lose salvation? 2 Peter 3:17

The Bible answer is: Yes – led away with error

The Bible cautions us to be on guard, because Satan is still not ﬁnished in his eﬀort to cause our eternal loss. He works diligently through his agencies on earth to lead us back to the old habits of sin and rebellion against God. We are encouraged to hold on to what we have gained. In Revelation 3:11 Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”
2. How can we avoid turning back into the pathway of sin? 2 Peter 3:18

The Bible answer is: By growing in grace and knowledge

A simple principle is given to us by the Apostle Peter: If we fail to move forward, we will inevitably move backward. It is through our growth in grace and the knowledge of God that we remain strong in the Lord. To remain an infant means we are an easy prey for Satan to deceive and lead astray. To grow up means to become mature in Christ, and thus able to develop into a strong Christian (Ephesians 4:14-15).
3. When is this growth to be accomplished? Titus 2:11-13
4. How does a person grow in grace? Colossians 2:6

The Bible answer is: The same way we received Christ

To maintain and develop a good marriage, a couple must continue the activities that began with courtship: the little attentions, the special outings, the communication. If the Christian is to maintain and develop his relationship with Christ, he must continue the activities that brought him to Christ: serious Bible study; earnest prayer; and ministry to others.
5. What evidence will there be that the Holy Spirit is working in us? John 15:5
6. What is this fruit that is seen in us? Galatians 5:22-23

The Bible answer is: The fruit of the Spirit

The fruits listed in our text are: love, joy, peace, longsuﬀering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits do not appear all at once, but slowly, imperceptibly, just like fruit appears on a tree that receives nourishment from its roots.
7. Is our initial salvation dependent on our producing good fruit? Ephesians 2:8-10

The Bible answer is: No – it is a gift from God

It is just the opposite! Salvation is necessary to have a fruit producing life. Salvation cannot be earned, it is a gift (Romans 6:23). Our own righteousness is worthless now, and it always will be. It is the righteousness from God, apart from our good works, that saves us through trusting Christ (Romans 3:21-22).
8. What is the final result of this growth process? Romans 6:22
9. Can we know if we have eternal life now? 1 John 5:13

The Bible answer is: Yes – we CAN know

God wants us to have the assurance that we are secure in His love. As we give our lives to Jesus each day, behold Him through His Word, communicate with Him through prayer and ministry to others, we will grow to be more and more like Him. At each stage of growth we are complete in Christ because His perfect life of righteousness covers us so that our mistakes and failures do not appear. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit will complete His work so that we will be ready for Jesus’ return to take His people home.

Response questions:

Can you see that spiritual growth is necessary to keep from slipping back into old sinful habits?

Is it your desire to be transformed into Christ’s likeness by the power of the Holy Spirit?

January 16 2021

5. How to become a Christian

Alicia Burson Module #1

How to become a Christian Lesson 5

The devastating effects of sin on the human race has made it impossible for man, in his own strength, to escape the power of evil. But Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, came to earth to break the chains of sin and restore us to the family of God. Becoming a member of the human race, He sacriﬁced His life as a clear demonstration of God’s love and justice, tasting death for all mankind and providing restoration from sin for all who will accept Him.

Many people do not know how to approach God. Some think they must make changes in their lives before they try to come to Him. Others ﬁnd it hard to understand how Jesus could love them when other people don’t seem to. But the Bible has great news for you! God DOES love you! More than you can ever imagine! And there’s nothing you can do to make Him stop loving you! Yes, your sins demand punishment, and cause you to be separated from God. But, because of His great love, God sent His only Son Jesus to die for your sins. And that is the Good News of the Gospel!

How can God take a rebellious sinner and restore that person to an obedient son or daughter of God? This lesson will help you settle that question in your mind.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. What changes are necessary to enter God’s new world? John 3:3-7

The Bible answer is: We must be born again

Jesus was emphatic that no one could enter His kingdom unless he/she was born again. Even a brilliant teacher like Nicodemus, who was so knowledgeable in the Scriptures, had to experience the new birth. The sinful nature has been passed down from generation to generation. A new birth, the creation of a new nature, is necessary to experience a restored relationship with God.
2. Why is the new birth essential to live in God’s kingdom? Romans 8:5-8
3. What miracle occurs in man’s nature at the new birth? Ephesians 4:22-24

The Bible answer is: We become a new person in Christ

A new self or nature is introduced into our lives. It is often called a new heart or mind (Ezekiel 36:26-27). It is not a modiﬁcation of the old, sinful nature, or simply a renovation of the old life, but rather a brand-new nature or creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is called a new birth because growth must take place for it to become mature. It is a new start in a different direction.
4. What is different about the new nature or mind God gives us? Jeremiah 24:7
5. How is the new birth accomplished in our lives? Titus 3:3-7

The Bible answer is: By the Holy Spirit

The new birth is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, and is symbolized by the washing away of sin through water baptism (Acts 22:16). A person cannot bring about the new birth by his own efforts any more than he can change his life through his own efforts.
6. Is it possible to really experience this change? 2 Peter 1:3-4
7. How can we experience the new birth? John 1:12
8. How do these changes take place? Philippians 2:13

The Bible answer is: Through God working in us

With our permission, God works in us “to will” (make the right decisions) and “to do” according to “His good purpose” (to do what is right). It is important each day to ask Him to work in us to accomplish His will, since He alone can change us.
9. What motivates us to receive Jesus as our Saviour? 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
10. When is Jesus willing to give us this new birth? Revelation 3:20

The Bible answer is: When we invite Him in

Jesus is always waiting just outside the door of our heart, gently knocking, hoping we will hear and open the door for Him to come in and stay with us. When we receive Jesus, we immediately experience the new birth and all that it signiﬁes. There is no required waiting period.

Response questions:

Have you seen the love of God in this lesson?

Would you like to give your heart to Jesus, and be born again?

January 16 2021

4. God’s Remedy for Sin

Alicia Burson Module #1

God’s Remedy for Sin Lesson 4

There is no doubt that the virus of sin has adversely infected our world. The tragedy of sin began to unfold in God’s perfect universe as Lucifer, a brilliant and powerful angel, challenged God’s rulership and led a third of the angels to rebellion against Him. A war broke out in heaven which resulted in Satan being driven out, along with his defecting angels, and the establishment of his insurrection on earth through Adam and Eve. And the tragic consequences of their disobedience, shame and guilt expressed through their nakedness (Genesis 3:7), running and hiding from God’s presence because of fear (Genesis 3:8-10), continues to plague the human race.

After several thousand years of conﬂict, it appears that Satan has control of the majority of people in our world. Yet in spite of his apparent success, God’s plan to counteract evil and rescue the human race from sure destruction is in place and will ultimately accomplish its mission. Just how deep is the infection of sin and what is God’s remedy? Let’s begin by tracing the sin problem from its inception in the Garden of Eden.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. How did Satan involve this planet in his rebellion against God? Genesis 2:16-17, 3:4-6

The Bible answer is: He caused Adam and Eve to sin

When Satan was ejected from heaven, he continued his campaign against God by seeking to gain control over His newest creation. Adam and Eve were untested and inexperienced, and Satan considered them an easy prey for his deceptions. The tree of knowledge became the testing ground as to who they would trust, God or Satan. They failed the test and plunged this planet into sin.
2. How does the Bible define sin? 1 John 3:4

The Bible answer is: Breaking God’s Law

The King James Version of 1 John 3:4 reads, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.” The Bible describes sin as lawlessness, or breaking God’s Law. It is an attitude of rebellion against God, following our own ways, and trusting in ourselves, or others, instead of God.
3. What effect has sin had on the human race? Isaiah 59:2
4. What is the consequence for sin? Romans 6:23
5. Is there any hope of rescue from sin? Matthew 1:21
6. Why did Jesus become a human being? Hebrews 2:9
7. What else would be accomplished by Christ’s death? Hebrews 2:14

The Bible answer is: Satan will be destroyed

Christ’s death is a demonstration to the universe that the wages of sin is death, just as God said to Adam and Eve. Satan’s lie to Eve that she would not really die but be elevated to some higher state of god-like existence is exposed. The charges leveled at God by Satan are refuted. In Christ’s death on the cross, His love and justice have been established once and for all time.
8. Why didn’t Adam and Eve die when they first sinned? 2 Peter 3:9
9. Is the natural sinful heart capable of changing?

The Bible answer is: No

The Bible is very clear as to the true condition of sinful human beings. Try as we might, we cannot permanently change our lives. We cannot pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. Humanistic philosophers tell us to simply develop the good that is in us, but the Bible says there is only One who is good and that is God (Matthew 19:17).
10. How are we changed? 2 Corinthians 3:18
11. How universal is the opportunity for salvation? John 3:16

The Bible answer is: Whoever believes in Him

Through the grace of God, all mankind can be rescued from the tragedy caused by sin. Christ, through His life and death, has provided the perfect answer to Satan’s charges and cleared God’s name throughout the universe. This is our only hope to be freed from the enslavement and eventual destruction of sin.

Response questions:

Do you now understand why Jesus became one of us?

Would you like to invite Him to be your Saviour right now?

God’s remedy for sin involves the cross, and Christ’s substitutionary death for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

January 16 2021

3. The Tragedy of Sin

Alicia Burson Module #1

The Tragedy of Sin Lesson 3

The Bible gives us just a glimpse of what it will be like to live in God’s new world, but it mostly tells us what it will not be like and what will be missing. When all of the experiences of life that shatter our hopes and dreams are gone, the joys of eternal happiness will stretch out before us in unending panorama. What a privilege it will be to see Jesus face-to-face and personally thank Him for providing salvation and an opportunity to see the beauties of the new world.

But we must remember that there is an evil force bent on our destruction. We see this supernatural power revealed in the increasing violence, hatred, and rebellion of our day. The Bible unmasks this evil power, revealing his tactics of deception and harassment. This evil power is also responsible for the greatest tragedy in the universe. Satan caused this tragedy by rebelling against God, and introducing sin into our world.

In this lesson, we will examine the origin of evil, who is responsible, and where it all began. We will also consider how it has adversely affected everything, not just this planet we call home, but also the people and relationships that are signiﬁcant to us.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. With whom did sin originate? 1 John 3:8
2. Who is the devil and where did he come from? Ezekiel 28:14-16
3. What happened to this mighty angel? Revelation 12:7-9

The Bible answer is: He was cast out of heaven

Lucifer, with the support of one-third of the angels, had caused an insurrection in heaven. God had no choice but to cast him and his followers out (Revelation 12:4). This was the greatest battle ever fought. After his expulsion from heaven, Lucifer was called Satan and the Devil, and his angels were called Demons (Mark 3:22-23).
4. Why was there war in heaven? Isaiah 14:12-14

The Bible answer is: Lucifer wanted to be like God

Ezekiel 28:17 says, “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground; I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.”

Lucifer, got so caught up in his own beauty that he lost sight of his Creator, and desired to be like God.
5. Why didn’t God just destroy Lucifer when he sinned? Psalm 89:14

The Bible answer is: Because God is just

1 John 4:8 says, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

God’s very nature of justice and mercy would not allow Him to destroy Satan without an opportunity for his charges to be heard. Even criminals caught in the act are given a chance to prove their innocence here in our sinful world. To destroy Satan would make him a martyr and his charges would appear true. In order for God to end evil once and for all, it was important for the universe to see Satan’s principles fully developed, in contrast with His.
6. After Satan was cast down to the earth, what form did he take in the Garden to mislead Eve? Genesis 3:1-3
7. Satan’s rebellion in heaven originated in his desire to be God. Did he sow the same seed of rebellion in Eve’s heart? Genesis 3:4-6

The Bible answer is: Yes

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were manifesting the same spirit of rebellion toward God that Lucifer did in heaven. This is why 1 John 3:4 describes sin as lawlessness, because lawlessness is rebellion against the lawgiver, God.
8. What resulted from Adam and Eve not obeying God? Genesis 3:7-10

The Bible answer is: Verse 7 – They knew that they were naked. Verse 8 – They hid from God

The result of sin always leads to shame and guilt, indicated by Adam and Eve covering themselves. Before sin they were not ashamed of their nakedness (Genesis 2:25). Instead of bringing their nakedness, shame and guilt to God, they hid from Him and tried to cover their nakedness with ﬁg leaves.
9. What was God’s response to Adam and Eve discovering their nakedness? Genesis 3:21
10. Where did God get the skins to clothe Adam and Eve?

Response questions:

Can you see God’s reason for allowing the devil to continue his work until all the issues are clear?

Do you choose to be on God’s side in the battle between good and evil?

January 15 2021

2. Is There Anyone We Can Trust?

Alicia Burson Module #1

Is There Anyone We Can Trust? Lesson 2

In our previous lesson, we discovered that the Bible was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. The theme of the Bible is God’s redemptive activity to save man from sin and its consequences, as well as practical counsel on how to live as followers of Christ.

In this lesson, we will consider the Bible as God’s revelation of Himself. The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets to reveal God’s heart and character to mankind. Job 22:21 states, “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.” It is by becoming acquainted with God that we discover who He is, experiencing all that He has revealed Himself to be. To know Him is to love Him.

This lesson will explore God’s revelations of Himself in the Bible, bringing to light all the beautiful attributes that He desires to disclose to us. What will this personal knowledge do for us as we acquaint ourselves with Him, and learn to trust Him as He is revealed? And how will that benefit us?

Brennan Morning wrote, “Religion is not a matter of learning how to think about God, but of actually encountering Him… It does us little good to memorize chapter and verse if we have no experiential knowledge of God in our lives.”

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. Who is God? Genesis 1:1
2. Whom did God create? Genesis 1:27
3. How long has God existed? Psalm 90:2
4. How does God describe Himself? Isaiah 46:9

The Bible answer is: As the only God

God declares Himself to be the only true God worthy of our exclusive affection and loyalty. As our Creator He is most qualified to know what is best for us.

In Exodus 34:6 God describes Himself as being merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands and forgiving sin.
5. How often does God change? James 1:17
6. Does God want to make Himself known to us? Jeremiah 29:13
7. What are God’s thoughts concerning mankind? Jeremiah 29:11

The Bible answer is: Thoughts of peace and hope

The Hebrew word for “peace” means “good and well being.” God always thinks and plans for our good, and always has our best interest in mind. This is an important factor in enabling people to trust God and experience a healthy relationship with Him.
8. How has God made Himself known to man? John 1:18
9. Who is Jesus? Luke 1:26-35
10. Who did God say Jesus is? Hebrews 1:8
11. What is the role of faith in knowing God? Hebrews 11:6

The Bible answer is: Without faith we cannot please Him

Faith is more than the acknowledgement of God’s personal existence. It is being persuaded that God is love, resulting in a willingness to follow Him.

Romans 4:20-21 says of Abraham, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
12. What is God’s ultimate plan for each of us? John 14:1-3

Response questions:

Does the God of the Bible sound trustworthy to you?

Do you believe that God has your best interest at heart?

January 15 2021

1. Is There Anything We Can Trust?

Alicia Burson Module #1

Is There Anything We Can Trust? Lesson 1

We live in an age of continual change and uncertainty. Never in the history of the world have so many people been so completely confused and disillusioned as they are today. There doesn’t seem to be anyone or anything we can trust.

But there is good news for everyone. There is something you can believe in, and there is someone you can trust! These are not just idle claims. There is abundant evidence to support them.

There is a book that you can trust, which is the Bible. The term, Bible, simply means, The Book. It contains 66 different books, or sections, written by 40 authors over a period of 1,500 years (1400 BC to AD 100). The men who wrote the books of the Bible differed widely in education, occupation, cultural and intellectual perception. They wrote under differing circumstances on three different continents and one island. Yet in theme and purpose, the Bible is a single book. It speaks of one God; it reveals one Saviour; it uplifts one standard of righteousness.

There is one central message in both the Old and New Testaments. This is because one Author inspired all of the men who contributed to the writing of the Bible. That Author is the One who can be trusted, for He is God!

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

Exodus 33:11 says the Lord spoke with Moses face to face.

1. How did God originally speak to people, as implied in Genesis 2:15-17?
2. But when God came to visit with Adam and Eve after they sinned, what did they do? Genesis 3:8
3. What changed God’s original communication with man? Isaiah 59:2
4. After sin came to our world, how did God communicate with people? Hebrews 1:1

The Bible answer is: Through the prophets

2 Peter 1:20, 21 says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Despite the darkness of sin, God still speaks to us through His word. God spoke through the Holy Spirit and inspired the prophets to write down His messages and thoughts in their own words. This accounts for the variety of ways in which the same thing is said in the Bible. Divine thought in human words makes up the Bible.
5. Is all of the Bible a message from God? 2 Timothy 3:16
6. What will the study of the Bible do for us? 2 Timothy 3:15-17
7. What evidence is God providing to enable us to trust His Word? Isaiah 46:9-10

The Bible answer is: Declaring the end from the beginning

In other words, God says He knows what will happen in the future and He will tell us before it happens. Many of the prophecies or predictions made by God in the Bible have been fulfilled with amazing accuracy centuries after they were recorded, and at the very time God said they would come to pass.
8. Whom did Jesus say that the Scriptures reveal? John 5:39
9. Why were many of the experiences of Christ’s life recorded in the Bible? John 20:30-31
10. Why were the experiences of the Bible characters recorded? 1 Corinthians 10:11
11. Who has God sent to help us understand the Bible? John 14:26

Response questions:

Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God?

Would you like to set aside some time each day for the study of the Bible?

“That this Book is divinely inspired is the foundation of our faith. Allow no one to make you doubt concerning this matter; for you must give up Christianity itself if you give up on the inspiration of this Book. You have nothing else to fall back upon but this Book and your own personal verification of it by the work of the Holy Ghost in your own soul. To tamper with inspiration is to tamper with the heart of true religion. The least doubt upon that matter is fatal.” – Charles Spurgeon