BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINES
I.
Introduction
"Follow the pattern of the
sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ
Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who
dwells in within us." (2 Tim 1:13- 14)
"All scripture is inspired by
God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good
work." (2 Tim 3:16-17)
These
are the words of exhortation and encouragement from Paul to young Timothy
concerning the Holy Scriptures. It is important for a young Christian to seek
the understanding of the scripture so that he may follow it in his daily life.
Also through the diligent study of the doctrines in the Bible, he may prepare
himself ready to serve God in every good work. We will spend two quarter to
study the basic Bible doctrines. It is our hope that after all the lessons we
may obtain the better understanding of what we have believed.
A. Content
1.
Lesson One
The Essence of God.
2.
Lesson Two
The Almightiness of God.
3.
Lesson Three
The Attributes of God (1).
4.
Lesson Four
The Attributes of God (2).
5.
Lesson Five
The Incarnation of Jesus.
6.
Lesson Six
The Ministry of Jesus.
7.
Lesson Seven
The Death of Jesus.
8.
Lesson Eight
The Resurrection of Jesus and His
Ascension.
9.
Lesson Nine
The work of the Holy Spirit in the
Old Testament.
10.
Lesson Ten
The Promised Holy Spirit (1).
11.
Lesson Eleven
The Promised Holy Spirit (2).
12.
Lesson Twelve
The Promised Holy Spirit (3).
II.
LESSON
ONE
THE ESSENCE OF GOD.
A. OBJECTIVE:
To understand that God is spirit,
He has no beginning and is eternal, He is the only one God.
B. SCRIPTURE:
Jn 4:21-24, Ex 3:13-22.
C. RECITATION:
Jn 4:24
"God is spirit, and those
who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
D. LESSON:
1.
God Is Spirit
a.
The Spirit is omnipresent.
(a)
God is called the Father of all spirits (Heb
12:9). Moses called Him God of the spirits of all flesh (Num 16:22, 27:16).
(b)
The Spirit of God is neither flesh, nor
material. God is omnipresent (Ps 139:7, 8, Jer 23: 23, 24, Eph 1:23, 4:6).
b.
The Spirit is invisible.
(a)
"Lo, he passes by me, and I see him not; he
moves on, but I do not perceive him" (Job 9:11; 23:3, 9, 9).
(b)
"Whom no man has ever seen, or can
see"(1 Tim 6:16, cf. Jn 1:18, Heb 11:27).
(c)
The beloved Son Jesus is the image of the
invisible God (Col 1:15).
c.
The Spirit is self-manifesting.
(a)
The Spirit is invisible. The Bible says that
what man could see of God is only His manifestations (Ex 24:9, 10, 33:18-23,
Gen 18:1-3).
(b)
God is Spirit, and man should worship Him in
spirit and truth (Jn 4:24). Man must not make idols and worship them (Ex 20:4,
5,23, Ac 17:24-25).
2.
God
is I AM THAT I AM
a.
I AM --Self-existence.
(a)
All creatures have their origin, and the origin
of all origins is God (Heb 2:10). He is the First Cause, a living Spirit that
does not have origin (Ex 3:14).
(b)
God is that I AM THAT I AM, so He has no
beginning of days (Heb 7:3). He is the First (Is 44:6, Rev 1:8).
b.
Eternal-existence.
(a)
Eternal existence means no end of life (Heb
7:3). The Bible says, "God only has immortality" (1 Tim 6:16).
(b)
God is everlasting (Gen 21:33, Is 40:28),
eternal (Deut 33:27), "the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity"
Is 57:15), the uncorruptible God (Rom 1:23), whose years are through out all
generations (Ps 102:24-28), and the Kg eternal, immortal, invisible ( 1 Tim
1:17).
(c)
He is eternal, so He can give the believers
everlasting consolation (2 Th 2:16), eternal life (1 Tim 6:12), eternal glory
(1 Cor 4:17, 5:1). All glory and praise be to God for ever (Rom 1:25, 11:36,
Gal 1:5, Eph 3:21d).
3.
God Is The Only One God
a.
The Bible reveals that God is the Only One.
(a)
The Lord God is one Lord (Deut 6:4, Mk 12:29).
(b)
There is one God (1 Tim 2:5, 1 Cor 8:6, Jas
2:19); God is one (Gal 3:20, Rom 3:30), the only true God (Jn 17:3), the only
wise God (Jude 25). There is one Father which is in heaven (Mt 23:9, Mal 2:10).
b.
There is no other god but the Lord.
(a)
The Ten Commandments show that we should not
have other gods before the Lord God (Ex 20: 3, cf. Deut 5:7, Is 45:5).
(b)
God says, "I, even I, am he, and there is
no god with me" (Deut 32:39, 1 Kg 8:60).
E. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
Since God is spirit which is omnipresent, with
what kind of attitude should we worship him?
2.
What does "the eternity of God" mean to
a believer in term of his hope in God?
III.
LESSON TWO:
THE ALMIGHTINESS OF GOD.
A. OBJECTIVE:
To understand the power of God
and His mightiness so that one may have godliness toward Him.
B. SCRIPTURE:
Ps 139:1-16; 135:1-21.
C. RECITATION:
Ps 135:6
"Whatever the LORD pleases
he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps."
D. LESSON:
1.
God is Omniscient
The Bible reveals that God has
the complete knowledge of all things. (1 Jn 3:20, Rom 16:27)
a.
God knows man's ways (Ps 139:3).
(a)
Man's ways can not be hid from His face (Jer
16:17, Prov 15:3)
(b)
He saw that Achan stole the accursed things from
the enemy. (Jos 7:10-12, 16-26)
(c)
He detected David's sin committed in secret. (2
Sam 12:12, cf. 11:2-21)
(d)
He remembered the good works of Cornelius. (Ac
10:1-4)
(e)
He cared for Jacob who was illtreated by Laban. (Gen
31:38-42, 23, 24)
b.
God knows man's words (Ps 139:4).
(a)
He will rake the word that man speaks into
account on the day of Judgment (Mt 12:36, 37).
(b)
He heard what the Kg of Syria spoke in the
bedchamber about the secret plan (2 Kg 6:8-12).
(c)
We should bridle our tongue. (Jas 1:26, 3:2,
Prov 10:19)
(d)
Words of guile, falsehood and judgment should be
taken away from us (Rev 14:5, 1 Cor 6:10, Mt 7:1, Rom 2:1, 2).
c.
God
knows man's thoughts (Ps 139:2).
(a)
God searches all hearts, and understands all the
imaginations of the thoughts (1Chr 28:9, Acts 15:8).
(b)
God knew that Sarah laughed within herself at
the promise of giving birth to a son (Gen 18:10-15).
(c)
God knew the integrity of Abimelech's heart. (Gen
20:6)
(d)
It is a sin when one's heart runs away from
righteousness. (1 Jn 3:15, Mt 5:28, Acts 8:21)
(e)
Keep your heart with all diligence, because God
detects it. (Prov 4:23, 1 Sam 16:7)
d.
God is omniscient.
(a)
He counts the number of the stars and calls them
all by their names (Ps 147;4, Is 40:26).
(b)
All creatures are naked and opened to His sight.
(Heb 4:13)
(c)
God declares the end from the beginning. (Is
46:9, 10)
(d)
His understanding is infinite and the depth and
riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God are beyond our description. (Ps 147:
5, Rom 11:33)
(e)
God is great in counsel and mighty in work, for
He is omniscient. (Jer 32:19, Rom 2:16)
2.
God Is Omnipotent
The Lord Jesus said, "with
men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26).
"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" (Gen 18:14, Jer 32:17, 27). God
is the Almighty (Job 37:23, Rev 11:17).
a.
In regard to the creatures.
(a)
In the past God created the worlds and all
things. (Heb 11:3, Gen 1:1).
(b)
At present the heavens and the earth are
sustained by God. (2 Pet 3:7, Ps 119:91)
(c)
God made the sun and the moon stand still in the
valley of Ajalon for about a whole day (Jos 10:12-14).
(d)
God made full all the time the barrel of meal
and cruse of oil which belonged to the widow of Zarephath (1 Kg 17:14-16).
(e)
God
fed one hundred men with twenty loaves of barley. (2 Kg 4:42-44)
b.
In regard to humanity.
(a)
God acts according to his will among the
inhabitants of the earth (Dan 4:35).
(b)
God cleansed the leprosy of Naaman, captain of
the host of Syria. (2 Kg 5:14)
(c)
God smote the army of Syria with blindness. (2
Kg 6:18-20)
(d)
God made Abraham beget a son at the age of one
hundred. (Gen 21:25, 18:10-15)
(e)
God raised the dead. (1 Kg 17:17-23, 2 Kg
4:32-37)
(f)
God took up Enoch and Elijah without letting
them pass through death (2 Kg 2:11, Gen 5:24).
c.
In other aspects.
(a)
Angels are obedient and observant to God. (Ps 103:20)
(b)
God has power to bind Satan. (Rev 20:1-3)
3.
God Is Omnipresent
"Am I a God at hand, "
says the Lord, "and not a God afar off?" (Jer 23:23, 24).
David said, "Whither shall I
go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" (Ps
139:7,8).
a.
God is above all (Eph 4:6).
(a)
The Lord sets His throne in the heavens (Ps
103:19).
(b)
The Lord God says, "I dwell in the high and
holy place." (Is 57:15, 66:1)
(c)
The Lord our God dwells on high, beholding the
things that are in heaven, and in the earth (Ps 113:5, 6).
(d)
God dwells in the light which no man can
approach. (1 Tim 6:16)
b.
God is through all (Eph 4:6).
(a)
God is before you. (Is 52:12, Mic 2:13)
(b)
God is round about His people. (Ps 125:2)
(c)
God says, "I will dwell in them, and walk
in them" (2 Cor 6:16)
(d)
God fills all in all. (Eph 1:23).
c.
God is in all (Eph 4:6).
(a)
God says, "I will put my spirit within
you." (Eze 36:27)
(b)
The Lord Jesus promised to abide with the
disciples for ever. (Jn 14:15-17)
(c)
We know that he abides in us by the Spirit which
He has given us (1 Jn 3:24, 4:13).
E. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
What shall be our response to God's omniscience?
2.
What shall be our response to God's omnipotence?
3.
What shall be our response to God's
omnipresence?
IV.
LESSON
THREE:
THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD (1)
A. OBJECTIVE:
To understand the divine
character of God so that we may pursue to be perfect as He is perfect.
B. RECITATION:
Ps 89:14
“Righteousness and justice are
the foundation of thy throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before
thee."
C. LESSON:
1.
God Is Holy
a.
Holiness is one of God's attributes,
(a)
"For I am the Lord your God; you shall
therefore be holy; for I am holy" (Lev 11:44).
(b)
Joshua said, "For he is an holy God; he is
a jealous God." (Jos 24:19)
(c)
"Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his
footstool! Holy is He." (Ps 99:5)
(d)
"God is light, and in him is no darkness at
all." (1 Jn 1:5)
(e)
The place whereon God appears is a holy place. (Ex
3:5, Josh 5:15)
b.
God Wants His children to be sanctified.
(a)
God said, "You shall be to me a kingdom of
priests, and an holy nation" (Ex 19:6).
(b)
"For God has not called us for
uncleanliness, but in holiness." (1Th 4:7)
(c)
"As He who called you is holy, so be holy
yourselves in all your conducts" (1 Pet 1:15, 16).
(d)
"Keep your whole spirit and soul and body
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus" (1 Thes 5:23).
c.
God discards sinners who will not repent.
(a)
Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. (Heb
12:1'4, cf. Mt 5:8, Ps 24:3, 4)
(b)
God does not hear the prayers of sinners. (Is
59:1.2)
(c)
God does not dwell in an unclean place. (cf.
Deut 23: 9-14, Mt 21:12, 13)
(d)
God
will not be with the congregation if one commits sin. (Jos 7:11, 12, 25)
(e)
The ungodly cannot stand in the Judgment, nor
sinners in the congregation of the righteous (Ps 1:5).
2.
God Is Just.
a.
The Scripture reveals that God is just.
(a)
God says that He is a just God. (Is 45:21, Jn
17:25)
(b)
Righteousness and justice are foundation of
God's throne. (Ps 89:14, 97:2)
(c)
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy
in all his works. (Ps 145:17, Rev 15:4)
b.
God commands His children to be just.
(a)
God wants the chosen to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with God (Mic 6:8, Mt 23:23).
(b)
We should follow up righteousness, godliness,
faith, and temperance (1 Tim 6:11, 2 Tim 2:22, Is 56:1).
(c)
God commands the judges to be just in judging. (Deut
1:16, 17, 16:18-20, Lev 19:15)
(d)
Never discriminate the poor from the rich. (Jas
2: 1-4)
(e)
Righteousness will deliver man from death. (Prov
10:2, 12:28)
c.
The judgment of God is just.
(a)
God will judge the world righteously. (Ps 96:10,
98:9, 9:4,8)
(b)
God will by no means count the guilty as
guiltless. (Ex 34:7)
(c)
God's judgments are right. (Ps 119:75)
(d)
God will render the righteous judgment to
everyone according to his deeds (Rom 2:6, Rev 22:12, Gen 18:25).
D. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
In which aspect should we pursue the holiness?
2.
What are the characteristics of a just person?
V.
LESSON FOUR:
THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD (2)
A. OBJECTIVE:
To understand the divine
character of God so that we may pursue to be perfect as He is perfect.
B. RECITATION:
Ps 103: 8
"The LORD is merciful and
gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."
C. LESSON:
1.
God Is Merciful
a.
The Bible reveals that God is merciful
(a)
God is love. (1 Jn 4:8, 16)
(b)
God is full of compassion, graciousness,
long-suffering, and plentiful in mercy and truth (Ps 86:15, Ex 34:6).
(c)
The Lord is gracious, and of great mercy. His
tender mercies are over all his works (Ps 145:8,9).
(d)
God's mercy lasts for ever. (Ps 118:1-4, Jer
31:3)
b.
The love of God is explicitly manifest to man.
(a)
God extends His loving care to His children.
(i)
The Lord feeds His people. (Ps 23:1, Gen 48:15, Ex 16:1-4)
(ii)
God keeps His people as the pupil of His eye. (Deut
32:10)
(iii)
He delivered Jacob from the hand of Laban. (Gen
48:16, 31:24, 42)
(iv)
He delivered Israel from the Egyptians. (Ex
14:19,20)
(v)
The Lord shelters His people day in and day out.
(Deut 33:12)
(vi)
In all the affliction of His people He was
afflicted, in His love and in His pity He redeemed them (Is 63:9).
(b)
God
chastises His children.
(i)
"For the Lord disciplines him whom he
loves, and chastises every son whom he receives" (Heb 12:6).
(ii)
God grieved for the misery of Israel. (Judg
10:10-16)
(iii)
God does not willingly afflict nor grieve the
children of men. (Lam 3:32,33, Job 37:23, Jer 29:11)
(iv)
The chastened will have the peaceful fruit of
righteousness. (Heb 12:9-13, Deut 8:2-7)
(c)
God sacrificed His Only Begotten Son.
(i)
Greater love has no man than this, that a man
lays down his love for his friends (Jn 15:13).
(ii)
God so loved the world that He gave us His only
begotten Son. (Jn 3:16, Mt 20:28)
(iii)
That Christ died for us is the manifestation of
God's Love. (Rom 5:8, Gal 2:20, Jn 3:16)
(d)
God forgives iniquities of man.
(i)
God will forgive all men's iniquities. (Ps
103:3,4, Mic 7:18-20)
(ii)
God set forth Jesus Christ to be an expiation
through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of
sins (Rom 3:21-26).
(iii)
God blesses us with all spiritual blessings in
Christ. (Eph 1:3, 1 Pet 1:3,4)
(e)
God's love is boundless.
(i)
Like a hen gathering her chickens under her
wings. (Mt 23:37)
(ii)
Like a shepherd tending his sheep. (Ps 23:1-6,
Jn 10:11, Is 40:11)
(iii)
Like a father pitying his children. (Ps 27:10)
(iv)
The love of God is beyond our knowledge. (Eph
3:18,19)
2.
God Is Truthful
a.
The Bible reveals that God is God of truth.
(a)
God is God of truth and without iniquity. (Deut
32:4)
(b)
God
is faithful. (1 Cor 1:9, 10:13)
(c)
All God's works are done in truth. (Ps 33:4)
(d)
God keeps truth for ever. (Ps 146:6, 117:2)
b.
God's word is truthful.
(a)
God cannot lie. (Tit 1:2, Heb 6:18)
(b)
God does not alter the thing that has gone out
of His lips. (Ps 89:34)
(c)
The judgments of God are true and righteous. (Ps
19:9, 119:142, 151, 160)
(d)
The words of the Lord are pure words like silver
in a furnace that has been purified seven times (Ps 12:6, 119: 140).
c.
God keeps His covenant.
(a)
God keeps
covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep his commandments to a
thousand generations (Deut 7:9).
(b)
God delivered Israel out of Egypt to fulfill the
Abrahamic covenant ((Ex 2:24, 25, Lev 26:42).
(c)
The covenant that the seed of David would become
the highest king is fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is the son of David in
genealogy (Ps 89:27-37, Heb 1:8, Mt 1:1, Gal 3:15,16).
(d)
For all the promises of God are positive. (2 Cor
1:20)
(e)
So let us hold fast the profession of our faith
without wavering. (Heb 10:23, 1 Cor 10:23, 2 Thes 3:3)
d.
God is reliable.
(a)
God is faithful who will make a way for you to
escape when you are tempted (1 Cor 10:23, 2 Thes 3:3).
(b)
God in faithfulness afflicts and tries man. (Ps
119:75)
(c)
Cast all your care upon God. (1 Pet 5:7, Ps
55:22, 37:5)
(d)
Those who believe in God shall not be ashamed.
(Rom 9:33, Prov 30:5)
D. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
What shall be our response to God's love?
2.
What are the characteristics of a truthful
Christian?
VI.
LESSON
FIVE:
THE INCARNATION OF JESUS
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the birth of Jesus so we
may understand that he is Christ, the son of God.
B. SCRIPTURE:
Lk 1:26-38, 2:1-40; Mt 1:18-2:23
C. RECITATION:
Mt 1:21
"She will bear a son, and
you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their
sins."
D. LESSON:
"Jesus" (Greek), named
by God (Lk 1:31), is "Joshua" in Hebrew, and both mean the Saviour
(cf. Mt 1:21). "Christ", in
Hebrew "messiah", means the Anointed One.
1.
The Prophecy concerning the Incarnation of Jesus
Christ
a.
Christ is born by a virgin (Is 7:14); He is the
"Seed of the Woman" (Gen 3:15).
(a)
Fulfilled: Virgin Mary had the divine conception
by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus Christ the Saviour (Mt 1:18-25).
b.
Christ comes from the direct line of David. (Jer
23:5, Is 11:1, Mt 22:41,42)
(a)
Fulfilled: In His genealogy Jesus Christ was the
seed of David. (Mt 1:1,20, cf. Mt 15:22, 9:27)
c.
Christ would be born in Bethlehem. (Mic 5:2, Mt
2:4-6)
(a)
Fulfilled: God made Mary return from Nazareth in
Galilee to Bethlehem for the registration edicted by Caesar Augustus, because
they were of the lineage of David (Lk 2:1-7).
2.
God's Instruction in the Time of Jesus' Birth
a.
God sent an angel to instruct Mary, "you
will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall call his name
JESUS." (Lk 1:31, 26-38).
b.
The
angel of the Lord told Joseph, "Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for
that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." (Mt 1:20, 18-25)
c.
On the Eve of Jesus' birth, the angel of the
Lord appeared to the shepherds, giving this great tiding "For to you is
born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." (Lk
2:8-20)
3.
After Jesus' Birth
a.
Prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna announced to
all in the Temple that Jesus was the expected Saviour, the consolation of
Israel. (Lk 2:22-39)
b.
The Magi came to worship the Lord from the east
on seeing the star. (Mt 2:1-12)
c.
By the instruction of God the infant Jesus,
Joseph and Mary escaped from Herod's persecution to Egypt, and after the death
of Herod, they returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew up. (Mt 2:3,13-23)
E. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
What is the difference between the birth of
Jesus and that of the ordinary people?
2.
Why do we not celebrate Christmas?
VII.
LESSON SIX:
THE MINISTRY OF JESUS
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the ministry of Jesus,
i.e. to preach the gospel and to help the people, so we may follow his steps to
fulfill the calling from God for us.
B. RECITATION:
Mt 4:23 "And he (Jesus) went
about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the
kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people."
C. LESSON:
1.
He Proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom of
Heaven (Mt 4:23. 9:35)
a.
Jesus began his ministry at about thirty years
of age. (Lk 2:23)
b.
The message he proclaimed is "Repent, for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 4:17, Mk 1:14,15). Because he
proclaimed the good tiding of the heavenly kingdom, his message is thus called
"the Gospel". He was sent to the world for this good message of
salvation (Lk 4:43).
c.
The Lord Jesus has revealed the existence of the
heavenly kingdom and He has taught how to enter it:
(a)
The existence of the kingdom of heaven. He said,
"In my Father's house are many mansions." (Jn 14:1-3, cf. Mt 25:34)
(b)
The glory of the heavenly kingdom: It is far
better to be with Christ in heaven (Php 1:23). The inheritance in heaven is
"imperishable, undefiled and unfading" (1 Pet 1:4). It is a kingdom
that moves not (Heb 12:28), and an enduring substance (Heb 10:34) in which
there shall be no more tears, death, sorrow, pain (Rev 21:4).
d.
The
way to the Kingdom of God.
The Lord Jesus said, "I am the
way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me"
(Jn 14:6); "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the Kingdom of God" (Jn 3:5).
e.
The law of the kingdom of God.
The Lord Jesus said, "A new
commandment I give you, that you love one another" (Jn 13:34). He
summarized the law of God into loving God to the uttermost and loving your
neighbors as yourself (Mt 22:36-40). If in Christ one loves other men, he loves
God. So, if one can love brethren with the love of the Lord, he fulfills the
law of the kingdom of God.
f.
The reward of the kingdom of God.
The Lord Jesus said, "And
everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or
children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit
eternal life" (Mt 19:29). From this statement we know that it is exceedingly
valuable for one to work for the ministry of the kingdom of God (cf. Mt
26:19-23).
2.
Jesus Christ Performed Various Miracles. Skins.
and Wonders
Jesus performed many miracles and
healings in order to relieve people from pain and sorrow, and solve their
problems. These signs, wonders and miracles testified that He is the Saviour,
leading many people to believe Him (cf. Jn 15:24, 11:41,42, 45, 3:1,2).
a.
17 bodily cures
(a)
Nobleman's son healed (Jn 4:46-54), Capernaum.
(b)
Infirm man healed (Jn 5:1-9), Jerusalem.
(c)
Peter's mother-in-law (Mt 8:14-17, Mk 1:29-31,
Lk 4:38,39).
(d)
A leper (Mt 8:2-4, Mk 1:10-45, Lk 5:12-15).
(e)
A paralytic (Mt 9:2-8, Mk 2:3-12, Lk 5:17-26).
(f)
Man with withered hand (Mt 12:9-14, Mk 3:1-6, Lk
6:6-11).
(g)
Centurion's servant (Mt 8:5-13, Lk 7:1-10).
(h)
Two blind men (Mt 9:27-31).
(i)
Deaf and dumb man healed (Mk 7:31-37).
(j)
Blind man at Bethsaida (Mk 8:22-26).
(k)
Blind man in Jerusalem (Jn 9).
(l)
Woman
with 18-year infirmity (Lk 13:10-17).
(m)
Woman with Hemorrhage (Mt 9:20-22, Mk 5:25-34,
Lk 8:43-48).
(n)
Man with dropsy (lk 14:1-6).
(o)
Ten lepers (lk 17:11-19).
(p)
Blind Bartmaeus (Mt 20:29-34, Mk 10:46-52, Lk
18:35-43).
(q)
Malchus' ear (Lk 22:50-51).
b.
6 cures of demoniacs
(a)
A demoniac in the synagogue, Capernaum. (Mk
1:21-28, Lk 4:31-37)
(b)
A blind and dumb demoniac. (Mt 12:22, Lk 11:14)
(c)
Gerasene demoniacs. (Mt 8:28-34, Mk 5:1-20, Lk
8:26-39)
(d)
A dumb demoniac. (Mt 9:32-34)
(e)
The Syro-phoenician's daughter. (Mt 15:21-28, Mk
7:24-30)
(f)
The epileptic boy. (Mt 17:14-21, Mk 9:14-29, Lk
9:37-43)
c.
3 raised from the dead,
(a)
Jairus' daughter. (Mt 9:18-26, Mk 5:22-43, Lk
8:41-56)
(b)
Widow's son, at Nain. (Lk 7:11-15)
(c)
Lazarus, at Bethany. (Jn 11:1-44)
d.
9 miracles over the nature
(a)
Water turned to wine, Cana. (Jn 2:1-11)
(b)
Draught of fishes, near Capernaum. (Lk 5:1-11)
(c)
Another draught of fishes. (Jn 21:6)
(d)
Tempest stilled. (Mt 8:23-27, Mk 5:35-41, Lk
8:22-25)
(e)
5000 fed with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. (Mt
14:13-21, Mk 6:34-44, Lk 9:11-17, Jn 16:1-14)
(f)
Jesus walked on the water. (Mt 14:22-33, Mk
6:45-52, Jn 6:19)
(g)
4000
fed. (Mt 15:32-39, Mk 8:1-9)
(h)
Tax money taken from the mouth of a fish. (Mt
17:24-27)
(i)
Fig tree withered. (Mt 21:18-22, Mk 11:12-14,
20-26)
D. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations" (mt 28:19 ff).This is the great mission which Jesus gave to his
disciples. What does it mean to us today?
2.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes
in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he
do, because I will go to the Father" (Jn 14:12). What does this promise
mean to us today?
VIII.
LESSON SEVEN:
THE DEATH OF JESUS
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the death of Jesus so we
may understand that he is the paschal Iamb sacrificed for the redemption of our
sins.
B. SCRIPTURE:
Mt 27; Mk 15; Lk 23; Jn 19.
C. RECITATION:
Rom 5:8
"But God shows his love for
us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
D. LESSON:
1.
The Prophecies and the typology concerning
Jesus' death
a.
In Prophecies.
(a)
He was to be betrayed for thirty pieces of
silver. (Zech 11:12, 13. Fulfilled in Mt 26:14-16, 27:3-10)
(b)
The vicarious sufferings prophesized by Isaiah.
(Is 53:1-12. Fulfilled in Mt 27:12-14)
(c)
He would be numbered with the transgressors. (Is
53:12. Fulfilled in Lk 23:33)
(d)
Sufferings on the cross prophesized by David.
(Ps 22:13-18. Fulfilled in Jn 19:17-24)
2.
The Lord Jesus predicted his own death
a.
Jesus foretold his disciples that he must go to
Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and be raised again the third day. (Mt 16:21, cf. Mt 17:22,23)
b.
"Even the Son of man came not to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt 20:28)
3.
The typology of Jesus' death in the Old
Testament.
a.
Coats of skin. (Gen 3:21)
b.
Abel's lamb. (Gen
4:4 )
c.
Offering of Isaac. (Gen 22 )
d.
Passover Lamb. (Ex 12 )
e.
The Levitical sacrificial system. (Lev 1:1-
7:16)
f.
The Brazen serpent. (Num 21, Jn 3:14, 15)
g.
The Slain Lamb. (Is 53:6,7, Jn 1:29)
Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes
away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). Therefore, we must be baptized in his
precious blood to have the eternal condemnation taken away.
4.
The Purpose of the Death of Jesus Christ
a.
For the remission of the sins of the world.
The Lord died not for his own sins
(Jn 19:6), but to bear the sins of many (Rom 8:3, Mt 20:28, Heb 9:28, 1 Cor
15:3).
b.
For the fulfillment of the law.
According to the law all things are
purged by the blood; and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of
sin; if the Lord did not shed his blood on the Cross, the sins of the world
could not be cleansed. (Heb 9:22, Lev 17:11).
That Jesus died on Calvary is to fulfill the law of God. (Mt 5:17, Heb
10:1-10)
c.
The results of the death of Jesus Christ
(a)
General effects.,
(i)
Providing an attraction to lead men to the
Father. (Jn 12:32, 33)
(ii)
Providing an expiation for the sins of the whole
world. (1 Jn 2:2, Rom 3:25)
(b)
In relation to the believers.
(i)
Redemption from the curse of the law. (Gal 3:13,
Rom 7:1-6)
(ii)
Forgiveness of sin. (Heb 9:13, 14, 10:10, Eph
1:7)
(iii)
Liberation from the power of death. (Heb 2:14,
15, Lk 1:74, 75)
(iv)
Reconciliation with God. (Eph 2:13, Rom 5:10)
(v)
Justification. (Rom 5:9, 2 Cor 5:21)
(vi)
Admission to the heavenly kingdom. (Col 1: 13,
14, Eph 2:19)
(c)
In regard to Satan.
(i)
Nullify and destroy the Devil. (Heb 2:14, 1 Cor
15:55-57)
(ii)
Dethrone the Devil. (Jn 12:31, 32)
(iii)
Annul principalities and powers, and triumph
over them. (Col 2:14, 15)
E. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
What is the essence of Jesus' love?
2.
How should a Christian respond to Jesus' death?
IX.
LESSON EIGHT:
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND HIS
ASCENSION
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the resurrection and the
ascension of Jesus so we may realize the true hope of a Christian.
B. SCRIPTURE:
Mt 28:1-20, Mk 16:1-20, Lk
24:1-53, Jn 20-21.
C. RECITATION:
1 Cor 15:14
"If Christ has not been
raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain."
D. LESSON:
1.
A. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
a.
The prophecies and typology of resurrection
(a)
In the Old Testament.
"For thou wilt not leave my
soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." (Ps 16:10, cf. Ac 2:31)
(b)
The Lord foretold it.
The Lord predicted to the disciples
several times about His death and resurrection. (Mt 16:21, 17:23, 20:19, 26:32)
(c)
The Type in Jonah.
Jonah was in the belly of a great
fish for three days and three nights, and after that he was vomited out of the
belly of the fish. It typifies the death, burial, and the resurrection of the
Lord Jesus. (Jn 1:17, Mt 12:40)
b.
The Testimony of the Resurrection
(a)
The testimony of Mary Magdalene. (Mt 28:1-10,
Jn. 20:1,2)
(b)
The testimony of Simon. Peter. (Jn 20:3-8, Ac
2:24-32)
(c)
The testimony of the Angel. (Mt 28:5,7, Lk
24:5-8)
(d)
The testimony of the soldiers guarding the tomb.
(Mt 28:4, 11-15, cf. Mt 27:62-66)
(e)
The testimony of Paul. (2 Tim 2:8, I Cor 16:3-8,
cf. Ac 9:3-8)
c.
The Results of the Resurrection
(a)
It was a declaration of His being the Son of
God. (Rom 1:4)
(b)
It was the demonstration of His victory over
Death and the Devil, and an illustration of eternal life. (1 Cor 15:54, 55, 2
Tim 1:10, 1 Cor 15:22)
(c)
It gives the evidence of the coming Great
Judgment. (Ac 17d:31, cf. Jn 5:22, 27-29)
(d)
It gives the precursory evidence of our
resurrection. (1 Cor 15:13, 14, 1 Pet 1:3,4, 1 Thes 4:14)
2.
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CRHIST
a.
Facts of the Ascension.
(a)
When the Lord Jesus raised His hands to bless
the disciples, he ascended (Lk 24:50, 51).
(b)
When the disciples were looking up towards
heaven, two angels appeared to affirm that Jesus had gone into heaven. (Ac
1:9-11)
(c)
Jesus has gone into heaven; the angels and
authorities and powers are subjected to him.
(d)
(1 Pet 3:22, Heb 4:14)
b.
The Results of the Ascension
(a)
Let man understand the mighty power of God. (Eph
1d:18-21)
(b)
All power in heaven and on earth is given to the
Lord Jesus.(Mt 28:18, Php 2:9, 10)
(c)
God gave the promised Holy Spirit after the
Ascension. The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost for the first time.(Ac
2:33, Jn 7:39, 16:7, Ac 1:5, Jn 14:16,17)
E. QUESTIONS/
DISCUSSION:
1.
What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection
in our salvation?
2.
What is the relation between Jesus' ascension
and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit? Why?
X.
LESSON NINE:
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE
OLD TESTAMENT.
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the works of the Holy
Spirit in the Old Testament so we may distinguish the general function of God's
Spirit from the salvational function of the promised Holy Spirit in the New
Testament.
B. RECITATION:
Gen 1:2
"The earth was without form
and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was
moving over the face of the waters."
C. LESSON:
1.
Creation
a.
In the Creation the Spirit of God moved upon the
face of the waters. (Gen 1:2)
b.
"Thou sendeth forth they spirit, and they
are created." (Ps 104:30)
c.
"By his spirit the heavens were made
fair." (Job 26:13)
d.
"The Spirit of God has made me, and the
breath of the Almighty gives me life." (Job 33:4)
2.
Giving Man the Power
a.
He made Joseph the ability to rule. (Gen
41:38-41)
b.
He gave Joshua the ability of leadership. (Num
27:18-20, Deut 34:9, cf. Jos 4:14)
c.
He enabled the seventy elders to rule over
Israel. (Num 11:16, 17)
d.
He gave crafts and cunning workmanship to
Bezaleel and others. (Ex 31:2-6, 35:30,31)
e.
He gave Samson gigantic strength. (Judg 14:6,
19, 15:14, 16:28-30)
f.
He gave Daniel the ability to interpret the
dreams. (Dan 4d:8,9, 10, 5:14, cf. Dan 1:17-20)
3.
Instructing, Warning and Prophecying by Means of
the Prophets (Neh 9:30, Heb 1:1, Zech 7:12, 2 Pet 1:21)
a.
The Spirit of the Lord made David speak for Him.
(1 Sam 16:13, 2 Sam 23:2, 1 Ch 28:12)
b.
He made Azariah exhort King Asa. (2 Ch 15: 1-7)
c.
He made Jahaziel foretell the victory of Judah
to King Jehoshaphat. (2 Ch 20:14-17)
d.
He moved Zechariah to warn Joash. (2 Ch)
D. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1. What
is God's purpose for sending His Spirit to a person at the Old Testament
period? Was it related to a person's spirituality or his salvation?
XI.
LESSON TEN:
THE PROMISED HOLY SPIRIT (1)
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the prophecies
concerning the promised Holy Spirit so one may realize the importance of the
Holy Spirit in God's salvation plan.
B. RECITATION:
Jn 14:16
"And I will pray the Father,
and he will give you another counselor, to be with you forever."
C. LESSON:
1.
The Promises of Giving the Holy Spirit
a.
In the Old Testament.
(a)
God would pour His Spirit upon the descendants
of Israel. (Is 44:3, 32:15)
(b)
God would pour His Spirit upon all ,the flesh. (Joel
2:28, 29, cf. Eze 11:4, 20, 36:26-27)
b.
Jesus Christ's Promise
(a)
Those who believe in Him would have the flow of
living water from their innermost being. (Jn 7:37-39)
(b)
Jesus would ask the Heavenly Father to give the
Comforter (Counselor) to the disciples. (Jn 14:16d-18)
(c)
Before His Ascension Jesus promised to enpower
the disciples with the Holy Spirit from the heavenly Father. (Luke 24:49)
(i)
"But before many days you will receive the
baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Ac 1:4,5,8).
2.
The Promises Fulfilled
a.
The Holy Spirit was not given while Jesus Christ
was still in this world (Jn 7:37-39).
b.
At Jesus' Ascension the Holy Spirit has yet to
come. (Ac 1:4-5, 12-14)
c.
The Holy Spirit came for the first time in
history on the day of the Pentecost (Ac 2:1-4, 16-18, 3)
d.
In the Apostles' times, those who believed in
Jesus and prayed for the Holy Spirit received the baptism of the Holy
Spirit.(Cf. Luke 11:13)
(a)
The Samaritan believers. (Ac 8:14-20)
(b)
The households of Cornelius. (Ac 10:44-46,
11:15-17)
(c)
The believers at Ephesus. (Ac 19:1-7)
3.
The Holy Spirit Ceased to Come,
The Prophecies concerning how the
Early Church came to degeneration and the Holy Spirit was discontinued:
a.
The spring rain would stop on account of the
evils done by Israel. (Jer 3:2,3)
b.
Wild grapes abounded in the vineyard of God, so
God commanded the cloud not to give rain. (Is 5:3-7)
c.
God refrained from giving rain to the wicked age
of King Ahab and his people. This event typifies how God would not give the
Holy Spirit to an apostate church. (1 King 16:29-17:7)
d.
History reveals that toward the end of the
Apostolic era the Church was declining spiritually. The Holy Spirit completely
severed Himself from the churches around the third century. (cf Rev 2, 3; Gal
1:6-9, and Church History)
4.
Prophecies and Fulfillment of the "Latter
Rain"
"Rain" symbolizes the
Holy Spirit. The two periods of rain in Palestine represent how the Holy Spirit
would be given in two historical periods. The Holy Spirit in the Early Church
is called "the early (autumn) rain" whereas the Holy Spirit given in
the end-time is "the latter (spring) rain." (Jer 6:24, Dt 11:14)
a.
Prophecies and Promises
(a)
God would give the autumn and spring rain like
in the former days (Joel 2:23).
(b)
God would give the timely rain: the autumn and
spring rain. (Jer 5:24)
(c)
Peasants would harvest the precious crops if
they wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains. (Jas 5:7)
b.
Fulfillment of the Prophecies
(a)
After a drought which lasted for three and half
years, rain resumed in the time of Elijah. This event typifies how the Holy
Spirit would come again. (I Kings 18)
(b)
According to His promises and prophecies the
"latter rain" Holy Spirit has already come in the end-time. Those who
believed the name and salvation of Jesus Christ and asked for the Holy Spirit
will receive the Spirit baptism. By these who are filled with the Holy Spirit,
God is reviving and expanding His Church to the likeness of the Early Church
(Is 58:12, Amos 9:s11, Zech 10:1). This Church in the end-time is the True
Church, the body of Christ.
(c)
The splendor and glory of the True Church in the
end-time will be greater than those of the former Temple.(Hag 2:9, Eze 47:1-7)
(d)
The Church which comes from the east is sealed
with the Holy Spirit and will spread the true Gospel throughout the world. (Rev
7:2-4, 14:1-5, Mat 24:14)
D. QUESTION/
DISCUSSION:
1.
Why did the Holy Spirit cease to come at the end
of Apostolic Era? What can we learn from this event?
2.
It is the fulfillment of the scripture that the
Holy Spirit will be poured down at the end time. We have received this promised
Holy Spirit today. What shall be our understanding and attitude toward this
event?
XII.
LESSON ELEVEN:
THE PROMISED HOLY SPIRIT (2)
A. OBJECTIVE:
To study the relationship of the
promised Holy Spirit to our salvation and how will the Holy Spirit help us in a
Christian life.
B. RECITATION:
Jn 3:5
"Jesus answered, 'Truly,
truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God."
C. LESSON:
1.
A. The Relationship of Receiving the Holy Spirit
to Salvation
a.
To enter the kingdom of God one must be reborn
from the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:5, Tit 3:5).
b.
The Holy Spirit gives us eternal life. (Rev
22:17, Jn 4:14, Eze 37:14)
c.
One does not belong to Christ if he has not
received the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:9)
d.
The Holy Spirit confirms that we are the
children of God. (Rom 8:15, 16, Gal 4:6,7)
e.
The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of the heavenly
kingdom. (Eph 1:13, 14, II Cor 1:20-22)
2.
B. The Works of the Holy Spirit in a Christian's
Life
a.
He inspires a person to know the Lord Jesus. (I
Cor 12:3, Ac 16:14, Mat 16:16,17)
b.
He convicts a person of sins. (Jn 16:7,8, Ac
2:37)
c.
He reveals the truth. (Jn 16:12, 13, I Cor 2:11)
d.
He prays for the saints. (Rom 8:25, 27, I Cor
14:2, 14-15)
