PARABLES & STORIES
In the Parable of the Sower, how many types of soil are there?
Four (or six, if counting 30, 60, and 100-fold separately)
What does it mean to be "born again"?
When repentance and faith first touch inside of us
According to Hebrews 11:6, name ONE thing we must believe about God.
That He exists OR that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (either answer acceptable)
What does the word "Pharisee" literally mean?
"Set apart" or "separated"
Who did Jesus teach us to call our Father?
God (Abba Father / Our Heavenly Father)
What happened to the seeds that fell on rocky soil in the Parable of the Sower?
They sprouted quickly but withered because they had no root/depth
What are the TWO things needed to be born again?
Repentance and Faith
What does courage mean according to your class notes?
Strength God gives us to overcome fear and do the right thing even when terribly afraid
According to 1 Timothy 1:5, what is the goal of our instruction? (Name all three things)
Love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith
What is the ONLY place in the entire Bible where God is pictured as running?
Luke 15:20 - when the father runs to meet the prodigal son
What are ALL FOUR things that choke the Word in thorny soil people? (Must name all 4)
Worries of the world, deceitfulness of wealth, desires for other things, pleasures of this life
According to John 17:3, what IS eternal life?
Knowing God and Jesus intimately
According to Hebrews 11:6, what are BOTH things someone must believe about God to please Him?
That He exists AND that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him
What are the three stages of "going down to the pit" according to Proverbs 1:20-22?
1) Simple (easily influenced), 2) Scoffer, 3) Fool (no fear of God)
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus talks about two gates and two roads. Which gate and road lead to life, and what does Jesus say about finding them?
The narrow gate and difficult road - and only a few ever find it
According to James 1:21-25, what must we be careful about when studying the Bible so we don't read it mechanically or rule-based?
We must prove ourselves doers of the Word, not just hearers
What are the two things that happen in your heart when repentance and faith touch inside of you?
1) You want to never sin, 2) You want to stay attached to God like a baby needs its mother
What specific Bible verse did Mary Slessor use to be courageous when facing bullies and opposition?
1 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control"
What are the three specific steps that led Peter down the path to denying Jesus (according to Mark 14)?
1) Didn't watch and pray, 2) Followed Jesus at a distance, 3) Warmed himself at a strange fire
What are the THREE conditions Jesus gave for becoming His disciple in Luke 14:25-33?
1) Love Jesus over all relationships, 2) Carry your own cross daily, 3) Give up all possessions
What does the "good soil" represent in the Parable of the Sower, and what three different yields can it produce?
People who hear, understand, and obey God's Word - producing 30-fold, 60-fold, or 100-fold
In the story of the Pharisee and tax collector (Luke 18), who went home justified? And according to Romans 3:10-18, how many people are actually good and seek after God on their own?
The tax collector went home justified; None are good - not even one
Name TWO courageous things Gladys Aylward did, and according to Isaiah 40:29-31, where does our strength to persevere in hardship come from?
She went into a prison riot alone / led 100 children on a dangerous journey / helped wounded during attacks (any 2); Our strength comes from waiting upon the Lord
According to Philippians 3:5-7, what did the Apostle Paul count as loss for the sake of Christ? (Name at least 4 things)
All his identity and reputation - his circumcision, tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew heritage, Pharisee status, zeal for God, blameless law-keeping
In the "Congregation, Club, and Church" illustration, explain what the vertical beam and horizontal beam represent, and why both are needed to build the church.
Vertical beam (twice as big) = secret devotion to Christ done in private; Horizontal beam = fellowship with believers through love (seen by world - John 13:35); Both are needed to form the complete cross - you can't have a church with only one beam