To Forgive Sin
Define sin.
Anything you do, say, or think that breaks God's law.
Paul says that Faith comes from h___ing and h___ ing by the w_ _ _ of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
hearing; Word
Jesus promised that after He ascends to heaven, we will receive someone who will guide/lead us into all truth. Now then, who might that be? (John 16:13)
Holy Spirit
In John 10:27, Jesus said that we hear His voice and follow Him if we are His s _ _ _ _.
Sheep
Give one example from the Bible/other source, where God protected someone from harm, for His glory. Give another example where God permitted the individual to suffer and/or become a martyr, also for His glory!
Daniel in the Lion's Den; Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego; Peter Freed From Prison; John the Baptist Beheaded; Stephen Stoned to Death; Paul's many sufferings/eventual death; 10 of 11 apostles; JESUS
The Seriousness of Sin - Find Romans 6:23
(19 seconds)
The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
It is so important to know that we don't generate our own faith. Saving faith comes from God. Scripture says that Jesus is the a th r and p rf tor of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2)
author; perfector
Jesus said, "I am the _____, the _____ and the _____. (John 14:6)
Way; Truth; Life (John 14:6)
In hearing from God, we have to wait p_________y for Him to speak.
Patiently
Paul instructs us to "put on the armour God" to defend ourselves from the schemes of the devil. Name the pieces/purpose. (Ephesians 6:10-17)
1)belt of truth buckled around your waist; 2) breastplate of righteousness in place; 3)feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace; 4) shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one; 5)helmet of salvation; 6)sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We read in Scripture that God removes our sin "as far as the east is from the west" and also that He "casts our sin into the depths of the sea". Explain
God does not suffer from 'memory loss'. Instead, He chooses not to bring it back up against us.
One piece of the Armour of God that Paul tells us to take up is the "Shield of Faith". What does is protect us from?
Ephesians 6:16 - taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
In John 8:44, Jesus says that the devil "...does not hold to the truth, for there is no truth in him.....for he is a ___ and the f_____ of ____.
John 8:44 ....."When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
Why does having a Speaking God matter?
We have a personal relationship with the Living God; to hear love and affirmation from Him; to get direction, guidance, wisdom for different life situations / purpose & plan for our lives; for comfort; for correction etc.
Recite Psalm 23, the part where David says that God is with us, in the dark and dangerous times of our lives.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for You are with me Lord, Your rod and staff they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
What is God’s ultimate desire in forgiving us of our sins?
He loves us and desires us to be united with Him (a personal relationship) here on earth and in heaven, in His presence, for eternity. The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Explain the connection between trials/tests in life and Faith.
To produce endurance; strengthen & build faith; to show the genuiness of your faith; your trust in God brings Him glory(James 1:3; Peter 1:7)
Explain the connection between Truth & Love
"Speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) communicating honest, accurate, or challenging information with compassion, kindness, and the recipient's best interest in mind, rather than for personal ego or harm; building the person up instead of tearing them down
When guiding us to listen to God, Pastor Bill often quotes a prayer of the prophet Samuel when he was a boy. "Speak, _____d, for your s________ is l______." (1 Samuel 3:10)
"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10)
God promises to defend/protect us. Yet we know that sometimes His followers, today and in the past, suffer harm. Explain
Suffering for the sake of Christ brings God glory. Onlookers question WHY? WHAT MAKES THEM TICK? HE or SHE IS DOING THIS FOR JESUS? CAN'T EVEN SEE HIM! We are in this world but not of this world. Seekers begin to search for Truth. Jesus did not "Tap out". At the crucificion, the Roman centurion remarked: This man is truly the Son of God.
God is Faithfull to Forgive if... Find 1 John 1:9
(13 seconds)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Importance of FAITH - Find Hebrews 11:6
(13 seconds)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Imprtance of TRUTH - Find John 8:31,32
(13 seconds)
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
With Mrs. Donna, you learned about 4 ways God speaks to us. What are they? H____ S______, J_______, St_______ss, D____ & V_____
Through: 1. His Spirit (John 16:13) 2. Jesus (Hebrews 1:12) 3. Stillness (Psalm 37:7) 4. Dreams & Visions (Joel 2:28)
God is faithful to PROTECT - Find 2 Thessalonians 3:3
(13 seconds)
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)