Sunday School Lesson—no easy road

No Easy Road




Theme: The Church Perseveres


Scripture: Acts 4:1-31


A1 Outline

B1 Peter and John arrested Acts 4:1-4

B2 Peter and John questioned Acts 4:5-7

B3 Peter preaches to the Sanhedrin Acts 4:8-12

B4 The Sanhedrin's discussion and decision Acts 4:13-18

B5 Peter and John rebuke the evil Sanhedrin Acts 4:19-20

B6 The Sanhedrin threaten Peter and John Acts 4:21-22

B7 Peter and John give their report to the church and pray Acts 4:23-30

B8 God answers their prayer Acts 4:31

B9 The changed life of the believers Acts 4:32-37

A2 Notes and Questions

B1 Setting: Peter had finished his message to the crowd at the Temple, where the Lord Jesus had healed, through the ministry of Peter and John, the lame beggar (Acts 3:1-26).

B2 The beggar sat at the Beautiful Gate.

B3 After being healed by the Lord Jesus, Peter and John moved to Solomon's Portico, which was on the east side of the Temple. The modern named "Western Wall" is on the other side.

B4 Peter had finished preaching the Gospel.

B5 Acts 4:1 finds the Apostles in trouble with the religious authorities.

B6 Acts 4:1-4

C1 Who came upon the Peter and John? (Officer of the Temple guard, some priests, and some Sadducees).

C2 What were these annoyed at? (The preaching that Jesus had risen from the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in angels, spirits, or in any form of resurrection from the dead. See Matthew 22:23 and Acts 23:8).

C3 When preaching, is doctrine important? (Yes, the Apostles preached the resurrection of Jesus).

C4 These are religious police, for Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Was it against the law to preach Jesus and His resurrection, or an inconvenience to the Sadducees?

C5 Some people say that if we would see miracles like this, then people would believe the Gospel. Is this true or false? (False, consider…

D1 All the miracles that Jesus had done, but they still did not believe. John 4:48, John 12:37, Luke 16:29-31

D2 Preaching is mentioned on the method of getting the Gospel out to people, not miracles. Romans 10:14, Luke 24:47

B7 Note all the details of this incident. It is as if someone or more was there and telling Luke what had happened.

B8 Acts 4:5-7

C1 The powerhouses of the Sanhedrin were present. This was no small affair. All these were of the High Priest's relatives and were Sadducees.

C2 How would you answer the two questions put forth by the questioners in Acts 4:7?

C3

B9 Acts 4:8-12

C1 Peter was "filled with the Spirit." Does this mean he spoke in tongues, had jerking motions, hissed, smacked his lips, maybe even fell to the floor jerking?

C2 What does "filled with the Spirit" mean?

D1 Scripture

E1 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.(Luke 1:15 NRSV)

E2 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41 NRSV). Elizabeth said something in her native language. There was no other activity or action. Luke 1:41-45

E3 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: (Luke 1:67 NRSV). What did Zechariah do, running around the room speaking in tongues that no one could understand? No, he said something in his native language. Luke 1:67-79

E4 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. (Luke 4:14 NRSV). What did Jesus show and do jerking and hissing and speaking in unknown languages? No, He started teaching. Luke 4:14-15

E5 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4 NRSV) What happened when all the Christians were filled? Did they start jerking, falling to the ground, speaking in unknown languages? No, they started speaking the wonderful acts of God. Acts 2:4-11

E6 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, (Acts 4:8 NRSV) Peter started preaching in their native language. Acts 4:8-13

E7 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NRSV). They spoke with boldness.

E8 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55 NRSV). He starting preaching. He had a vision of Jesus at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

E9 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17 NRSV). After Ananias prayed for Paul, what did Paul do? And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, (Acts 9:18-19 NRSV)

E10 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (Acts 13:9 NRSV). What did Paul do? He pronounced judgment on this evil man who was trying to not have the proconsul trust in Jesus. Acts 13:9-12

E11 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52 NRSV) What did they have? Joy that the Holy Spirit gave.

E12 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:18 NRSV) What we the people to do? Pray, praise and thank God, and sing. Ephesians 5:18-20

D2 Did any of these believers ask for this? No

D3 The Holy Spirit lives in each believer.

E1 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. (Romans 8:9 NRSV)

E2 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6 NRSV)

E3 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 NRSV)

E4 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may abide with you forever, (John 14:16 EMTV)

D4 What is filled with the Spirit as in Ephesians 5:18?

E1 The word "spirit" is nearly if not always interpreted to be the Holy Spirit.

E2 There is a contrast between wine and Spirit.

E3 What is the effect of each?

F1 Wine--the effects of drunkenness. For other effects of living according to the flesh see Galatians 5:19-21

F2 Spirit--the effects of the Holy Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The context refers to singing and giving thanks to God (Ephesians 5:19-20).

E4 Note we are the vessel and the Holy Spirit is the one who fills.

E5 We have a choice--flesh or spirit, ourselves or the Holy Spirit.

C3 Note that Peter and John did not hesitate to reveal the one who healed this man. They did not take the credit. We must never be ashamed of Jesus. May God help us.

C4 Acts 4:10--was Peter being too harsh in saying, "...whom you crucified"?

C5 Acts 4:12--what do you think the Sanhedrin was thinking after Peter told them this?

C6 Acts 4:12--is their salvation in any other?

B10 Acts 4:13-18

C1 Where did this boldness come from? Was this something new in their lives or was it always there? Compare Mark 14:50

C2 What does Acts 4:14 tell us about the Sanhedrin?

C3 How does John 11:47 relate to Acts 4:16?

C4 Did the Sanhedrin really think that their threat in Acts 4:17 would make any difference?

C5 Who is the highest authority? What can we learn from that? Compare Daniel 3:28 and Revelation 20:4.

C6 Have you ever faced opposition from someone in authority?

C7 How are we to respond to those who oppose the Gospel? (with respect and calmness)

C8 Do we need a theological degree before we can preach the Gospel of Jesus?

C9 How are we going to handle serious government or religious authorities opposing us?

B11 Acts 4:19-20--how do the Apostles respond to the threats?

B12 Acts 4:21-22--the crowd and the Sanhedrin had two different reactions to this healing. Name them.

B13 Acts 4:23-30

C1 After hearing what had happened, how did the believers respond? (They prayed for boldness).

C2 ...to do all that Your hand and Your counsel foreordained to come to pass. (Acts 4:28, EMTV). This does not mean Calvinism is correct. God foreordained the plan for Jesus to die being the propitiation for our sins, and this came about just as foreordained. God did not foreordain the sinful actions of Jews and Gentiles. Isaiah 53 and Acts 3:18 for example. Clarke adds in his commentary on Acts 4:27-28--It is evident that what God's hand and counsel determined before to be done was not that which Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, (Romans,) and the people of Israel had done and were doing; for, then, their rage and vain counsel would be such as God himself had determined should take place, which is both impious and absurd; but these gathered together to hinder what God had before determined that his Christ or Anointed should perform; and thus the passage is undoubtedly to be understood.

C3 Acts 4:29--signs, wonders, and miracles. Does this happen today? (God heals is not in doubt, but a miraculous healing would be someone who lays hands on a sick person, prays for them, and they instantly rise fully healed and well. This doesn't happen today despite many claims. There is no proof, only claims. This shows that the so called faith healer of today is a false prophet/prophetess and can be safely ignored).

B14 Acts 4:31 God answers their prayer. Being filled with the Spirit equals boldness to speak the Gospel. Why pray? Why have prayer together?

B15 Acts 4:32-37

C1 All things in common

C2 Is this action necessary for Christians today? Many politicians preach income equality. Should we practice this? (No, it is not commanded anywhere in the New Testament. If some do (as Hutterites), it is not sin, but it is not required. It is OK see Matthew 20:12 and Proverbs 10:22. There are problems with money and love of money as in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Matthew 6:19 and elsewhere.

B15 Ready to share money or faith

C1 Money--with wisdom

D1 Attitude--So having food and clothing we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:8, WPNT)

D2 Acknowledgment--Further, God is able to make all 'grace' abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may abound to every good work; as it is written: "He has distributed around, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." (2 Corinthians 9:8-9, WPNT)

D3 Educate--I am not saying this because of lack, since I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11, WPNT)

D4 Freedom--Your way of life should be free from the love of money, being content with what you have, because He Himself has said: "I absolutely will not desert you; I most certainly will not abandon you." (Hebrews 13:5, WPNT)

C2 Faith--with answers and calm patience

D1 Ready (so we have to study)--Rather, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready with an answer for everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with meekness and respect; (1 Peter 3:15, WPNT)

D2 Remembering--For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18, EMTV)

D3 Responsibility--holding fast to the faithful word as he was taught, that he may be able to exhort by sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9, EMTV)

D4 Resource (first and foremost)--All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be proficient, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, EMTV)

Sunday School Lesson—filled with power

Filled with power




Theme: The Church is born


Scripture: Acts 2:1-47


A1 Outline

B1 Pentecost and the filling by the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-13

C1 The filling by the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-4

C2 The response of the populace Acts 2:5-13

B2 Peter's sermon Acts 2:14-36

C1 Peter explains what the speaking in languages is about Acts 2:14-21

C2 Peter tells them about Jesus's death and resurrection Acts 2:22-28

C3 Peter explains the prophetic verses of Scripture that he quoted. Acts 2:29-35

C4 Peter's summary Acts 2:36

B3 People's response to his sermon Acts 2:37-41

B4 Fellowship of first Christians Acts 2:42-47

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Acts 2:1

C1 What is Pentecost?

D1 Dictionary

E1 PENTECOST, n. [Gr. fiftieth.]

1. A solemn festival of the Jews, so called because celebrated on the fiftieth day after the sixteenth of Nisan, which was the second day of the passover. It was called the feast of weeks, because it was celebrated seven weeks after the passover. It was instituted to oblige the people to repair to the temple of the Lord, there to acknowledge his absolute dominion over the country, and offer him the first fruits of their harvest; also that they might call to mind and give thanks to God for the law which he had given them at Sinai on the fiftieth day from their departure from Egypt.

2. Whitsuntide, a solemn feast of the church, held in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Acts 2.

Webster Dictionary 1828

E2 For further and more complete information see PENTECOST.

E3 Three purposes

F1 The giving of the Law (50 days after leaving Egypt).

F2 Celebrate God's blessings of the harvest.

F3 All Hebrew men were to appear before the Lord.

D2 Encyclopedia--here is the article in ISBE on Pentecost.

C2 What is the significance of this?

D1 In the Old Testament. When the Holy Spirit came upon someone, it was for a particular service, deed, duty, responsibility, etc.

E1 King as in Saul in 1 Samuel 11:6 and David 1 Samuel 16:3

E2 Priest as in Aaron in Leviticus 8:12

E3 Artisan as in Exodus 28:3

E4 Judge as in Othniel in Judges 3:10

E5 Leaders as in Joshua Deuteronomy 34:9

E6 Messiah as in the only one who was, is, and always will be Messiah Jesus Isaiah 11:2 and John 1:32-33 and John 3:34

D2 In the New Testament. The Holy Spirit comes upon/into every true believer in Jesus Christ. Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 1:13, etc.

E1 For service Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Peter 2:5

E2 For obedience as in 1 Peter 1:2

E3 For worship as in Philippians 3:3

E4 For encouragement as in Romans 14:17

E5 For conviction as in John 16:7-8

E6 For wisdom as in Ephesians 1:17

E7 For comfort as in Acts 9:31

E8 For witness as in John 15:26

E9 To teach us as in 1 John 2:27

B2 Acts 2:1-13

C1 How many believers were gathered together? (All and according to Acts 1:15, there were 120 people).

C2 What was unusual about this sound? (It came into the room).

C3 Why wind? (It was a sound like wind, probably not wind). See Ezekiel 37:9-14, Acts 17:25, and John 3:5-8. Barnes notes in his commentary on this verse: "It may be remarked here, that this miracle was really far more striking than the common supposition makes it to have been. A tempest might have been terrific. A mighty wind might have alarmed them. But there would have been nothing unusual or remarkable in it. Such things often occurred; and the thoughts would have been directed of course to the storm as an ordinary, though perhaps alarming occurrence. But when all was still--when there was no storm, no wind, no rain, no thunder, such a rushing sound must have arrested their attention; and directed all minds to so unusual and unaccountable an occurrence."

C4 What was seen after the sound of the wind? (Tongues of fire; possibly came down from heaven as one shaft of pulsating, glowing light then divided to be on each believer. The light would be similar to a softly, flickering candle flame).

C5 The King James Version has the word "tongues" in Acts 2:4. This word is for the physical tongue (Mark 7:33) or languages (Acts 2:11, Acts 10:46 (they heard as in understand)), not unknown languages.

C6 How does Isaiah 28:11 apply to Acts 2:4 (quoted in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 14:21)?

C7 Why were all these "devout" men in Jerusalem? (Pentecost was one of three feasts that Yahweh required all men to come).

C8 What were some of the description of the crowd who heard them speak in their own languages? (confused, Acts 2:6; amazed and marveled, Acts 2:7; and perplexed, Acts 2:12).

C9 How many languages would have been heard--Acts 2:9-11? (at least 15).

C10 Why would some mock them with the words, "They are full of new wine?"

C11 Is the church a building, an organization, or believers? (Believers, which would include all from Acts 2 up to today and beyond to the Rapture).

C12 What was the effect on the church (believers)? (Boldness to preach Jesus, His Gospel, and His resurrection).

B3 Acts 2:14-36

C1 What is different about the preaching and message of Peter compared to the typical preacher of today? (He told them they were sinners, Acts 2:23. Peter preached to them the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus).

C2 How does God give us strength to tell the Gospel today?

C3 In Peter's quote from Joel (Joel 2:28-32) were all the prophecies fulfilled on that day? (No, some and the full completeness of fulfillment are for Israel in the future).

C4 What are the two elements of prophecy? (One is predictive, that is, speaks of future events, and the other is present and speaks of rebuke of sins, command to repent and believe God).

C5 In Acts 2:21 what does it mean to "call of the name of the Lord?" (It means to ask for forgiveness of sins and to place ourselves under His authority. Compare baptism in 1 Corinthians 10:2 "into Moses." They were under his authority and under the authority of Yahweh.

D1 Clarke in his commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:2--And were all baptized unto Moses] Rather INTO Moses-into the covenant of which Moses was the mediator; and by this typical baptism they were brought under the obligation of acting according to the Mosaic precepts, as Christians receiving Christian baptism are said to be baptized INTO Christ, and are thereby brought under obligation to keep the precepts of the Gospel.

D2 In the Believer's Bible Commentary a similar thought is expressed--Not only that, but all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. To be baptized into Moses means to be identified with him and to acknowledge his leadership. As Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt toward the Promised Land, all the nation of Israel pledged allegiance to Moses at first and recognized him as the divinely appointed savior. It has been suggested that the expression "under the cloud" refers to that which identified them with God, and the expression "through the sea" describes that which separated them from Egypt.

C6 Acts 2:21--Who is this Lord that they must call on? (Peter explains that next).

C7 Acts 2:22--How was Jesus shown to be the promised Messiah? (In fulfilled prophecy, miracles, and teaching).

C8 Acts 2:23--Explain this verse especially "determined purpose and foreknowledge of God?"

D1 The plan for Jesus, the Son of God, to die as the Passover Lamb, a propitiation, a substitute for humanity was decided upon before creation. This plan is the determined purpose. John 3:16, Isaiah 53:1-12, Luke 22:22. Compare determined as used in Acts 11:29 and Acts 17:26. It was the intention, plan, for the Son of God. This was unconditional and could not by any means be thwarted. Jesus did this willingly, not from weakness or accident. Jesus did not fail, for to die was the plan! The proof of His sinlessness was in His resurrection. His resurrection also was a witness that He is the only, begotten Son of God. Romans 1:1-4. See John 19:10-11, John 10:18, and Matthew 16:53.

D2 It is foreknowledge because God knew who would do this and when. God did not cause them to do this. For a discussion on this see here and here

D3 The words "have taken' are missing from most modern translations using the excuse of the best, oldest, etc. manuscripts. Wilbur Pickering addresses this in his comment on this verse--"You took with lawless hands"—'take' and 'lawless' clearly give the idea that they were responsible for their actions. "Being delivered up by the established purpose and foreknowledge of God" is a clear statement of God's sovereignty in action. So here we have divine sovereignty and human responsibility side by side; they are both true, whether we understand it or not. (Less than 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit 'took').

D4 John Wesley comments on this verse--"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God - The apostle here anticipates an objection, Why did God suffer such a person to be so treated? Did he not know what wicked men intended to do? And had he not power to prevent it? Yea. He knew all that those wicked men intended to do. And he had power to blast all their designs in a moment. But he did not exert that power, because he so loved the world! Because it was the determined counsel of his love, to redeem mankind from eternal death, by the death of his only - begotten Son."

C9 Acts 2:24

D1 Why couldn't Jesus be held by death? (He is sinless. See Romans 1:1-4. The word for "pain" is referring to labor pain, birthing pain).

D2 What is the importance of the resurrection for us?

E1 A living Savior

E2 Our physical resurrection Romans 8:11, 2 Corinthians 4:14

E3 A doctrine/teaching to be believed in order to be saved and sins forgiven Romans 10:9

E4 A promise of heaven. Ephesians 2:6

E5 The coming deliverer to deliver us from the coming wrath of God 1 Thessalonians 1:10

E6 A new and living body unlike our old and dying body Romans 6:5 and 1 Corinthians 15:42

C10 Acts 2:25-28

D1 Prophecy of Jesus's resurrection

D2 A quote from Psalms 16:8-11

D3 The Jews considered that passage to refer to David's resurrection, but Peter corrects that thought next.

C11 Acts 2:29-31

D1 King David is still buried.

D2 King David was a prophet.

D3 What is the significance of the words "of his flesh?" King David contributed DNA to Messiah, Jesus's body but contributed nothing to Messiah's spirit and soul.

D4 Textual note--the words "...according to flesh, He would raise up Messiah" are omitted by most translations. Wilbur Pickering notes "The Text, being Greek, has 'Christ', but king David spoke Hebrew and to him it was 'Messiah' (and Peter was presumably speaking in Hebrew). Peter makes the overt connection to Jesus in verse 32. Two percent of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit "according to flesh, He would raise up the Messiah" (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.").

D5 The word "foreseeing" in Greek means foreseeing, not decreeing. God does know the future.

D6 What are some of the great doctrines taught in Acts 22:31? (Resurrection, Jesus's soul did not remain in Hades (Paradise side), and His flesh did not rot).

C12 Acts 2:32-36

D1 Is there any proof with eye-witnesses? (Yes, a jury and/or judge can find someone guilty, and the judge can sentence them to death. All of this from eye-witnesses. Legally eye-witness testimony is questionable as a person may be suggestible or reforming of the memory. You can search online for these problems. For example the report by the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Here is a link to cold case detective J. Warner Wallace's site that has a number of video's and articles regarding the reliability of New Testament eyewitnesses.

D2 Where is Jesus now? (At the right hand of the Father in heaven).

D3 Did King David ascend into heaven? (No. See Psalms 110:1 and Matthew 22:41-46. Jesus used this passage Himself to prove His deity).

D4 Why does Peter use both Lord and Christ? (No excuses for those hearing Peter).

D5 Peter preached but who brings conviction? (The Holy Spirit. See John 16:8).

C13 Acts 2:37-41--How did the people respond?

C14 Acts 2:42-47

D1 Does this passage teach communism or income equality?

D2 What is different about these people after believing in Jesus, repenting of their sins, and trusting Jesus?

Hard Questions—All religions are the same?

Do all religions ultimately point to the same God? Why or why not?




A1 Problem

B1 The claim is that all god/s are the same. Universalism--basic tenets

C1 Bible verses

D1 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22, EMTV)

D2 So then, as through one man's transgression judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For through the disobedience of the one man the many were constituted sinners, so also through the obedience of the One many shall be constituted righteous. (Romans 5:18-19, EMTV)

D3 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He might show mercy to all. (Romans 11:32, EMTV)

D4 See also 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-6, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:14

C2 Basics points

D1 Seven principles

E1 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

E2 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

E3 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

D2 Six sources

E1 Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

E2 Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

E3 Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;

E4 Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

E5 Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;

E6 Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

C3 Universalism--errors

D1 Contradict the basics of orthodoxy. See the 5 basics doctrines

D2 Contradict the common creeds. See here.

B2 All ways lead to heaven. This is very common.

A2 Answers

B1 All god/s are the same. Obviously they are not. One can search online to find more basic tenants as here for example.

C1 Allah

D1 Trinity= Islam has NO trinity. Allah has no son.

D2 Salvation= submitting to the will of Allah to enter Paradise.

C2 Yahweh

D1 Trinity= Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit

D2 Salvation= all humans are sinners (except Jesus). Salvation is through Jesus alone. Works do not save but confirm.

C3 Hindu

D1 Trinity=Brahma (creator), Vishnu (protector), and Shiva (destroyer). See here and elsewhere.

D2 Salvation= all humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, hope for a better reincarnation.

B2 All ways lead to heaven. Obviously not. See above.

B3 Why Christianity is alone true. I've discussed this before and so will include some links that add to that.

C1 Do All Religions Lead to God?

C2 Many ways to God? Aren't all religions basically the same?

C3 Did Christianity Borrow From Pagan Religions?

Bible prepositions and differences between "in" and "into."

 Mark 1:4

in compared with into

Into is something going from the outside into the inside.

In is something innate inside us, as my stomach is in me.

Now food goes into my stomach. We might say, "The food is going in my stomach" by convention, but in reality it is going into my stomach.

I jump INTO the lake. Once that happens, then I am IN  the lake. There is a difference.

The baptism of repentance into the forgiveness of sins (). This is what the Greek says. The English has it as "preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." It is a baptism of repentance, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins. It is not a baptism for the forgiveness of sins. This is a baptism of repentance, that is, the people have repented, are showing they already have repented, and so are baptized by John. So then, ...repentance into the remission of sins. This means that the remission of sins is not something innate in us but rather goes into us by our repentance. The baptism is a testimony that we have repented.

Hard Questions—personal experiences

How can Christians think their personal religious experiences with God are any more "true" than those of adherents to other belief systems?




A1 Definitions

B1 Experience

C1 Something physical as a burning in your bosom, tingling in your leg, pain,or some other physical sensation.

C2 Something mental including hallucinations, delusions, physical sensations that accompany it.

C3 Something spiritual as visions, dreams, trance, occultic experiences as out of body, automatic writing, messages from the other side, etc.

B2 True--reality

B3 More true--my subjective experience is real, yours is either deception or fake. This is subjective, not objective.

B4 Faith

C1 In the Christian sense would be believing what Yahweh said. If Jesus says He will return, He will. That is faith. Abraham believed God (Genesis 15.6). That is faith.

C2 In a general sense would be believing what was read, said, or seen.

A2 Answer

B1 A Christian should not place faith or trust "just because" or based on some experience.

B2 Faith

C1 If this famous person...

...walked up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Richard Dawkins." I would think it most reasonable to have faith. I would believe him, because it would be most reasonable. Faith is belief.

C2 If I were to see a motorcade with a number of official cars and saw President Obama's face, it would be most reasonable to believe that I saw the president.

B3 Trust

C1 Faith can lead to trust or mistrust depending on the circumstances.

D1 Would you trust this person?

D2 Or this one?

D3 Would this help make the decision?

D4 This one?

D5 Why or why not?

D6 Faith or trust in these people and those we meet and know every day is based on most reasonable facts.

B3 The Christian faith is based on what is most reasonable.

C1 A man named Jesus did exist. Tacitus (Annals XV, 44), Suetonius (Lives of the Caesars 26.2), Pliny the Younger (Epistles X, 96) and many others.

C2 If so, what type of man was he? The New Testament had many witnesses. There were over 500 who saw the resurrected Jesus. After that He was seen by over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, while some have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15.6, WPNT)

C3 The Chain of Evidence as outlined by J. Warner Wallace in his book "Cold Case Christianity."

C4 If this Jesus is what the Gospels say He is, then we must accept that as the most reasonable evidence. See among many books "The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell

C5 Other references and books can be found on this page.

B4 The experiences of other faith/religious systems would on the surface of it be equal. The question is which is most reasonable? Jesus, as is taught in traditional theology, would be the most reasonable option. An experience may be interesting, but it is not a proof or most reasonable.

Sunday School Lesson—Extreme Faith

Extreme faith




Theme: God provided a sacrifice


Scriptures: (see )


A1 Outline--Abraham told to sacrifice Isaac

B1 Yahweh's call

B2 Yahweh's command

B3 Abraham's response

B4 Isaac's question

B5 Abraham's answer

B6 Abraham's altar

B7 Angel of the Lord's message

B8 The substitute sacrifice

B9 Angel of the Lord's blessing

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Faith

C1 Is not

D1 Blind

D2 Unreasonable

D3 Wish

C2 Is

D1 Based on facts

D2 Reasonable

C3 Is faith really faith until it is tested?

C4 Have you been tested?

C5 Does Yahweh test so He knows what we will do or does the test show US what we are?

B2 Sacrifice

C1 What is a sacrifice? (A giving of something precious).

C2 Have we ever sacrificed anything?

C3 Abraham had waited 25 years for Yahweh's promise to give an heir.

C4 Does Yahweh want human sacrifice? (No)

D1 Condemned

E1 ...to say to the people of Israel, "Any of you or any foreigner living among you who gives any children to be used in the worship of the god Molech shall be stoned to death by the whole community. If any of you give one of your children to Molech and make my sacred Tent unclean and disgrace my holy name, I will turn against you and will no longer consider you my people. But if the community ignores what you have done and does not put you to death, I myself will turn against you and your whole family and against all who join you in being unfaithful to me and worshiping Molech. I will no longer consider any of you my people. (, GNB92)

E2 You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD. (, ESV2011)

E3 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded. Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. (, ESV2011)

E4 And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. (, ESV2011)

D2 Yahweh stopped the sacrifice. The sacrifice did NOT happen.

C5 What is Yahweh asking of Abraham? (Obedience)

B3 What is the difference between a test and a temptation?

C1 Test--to see if someone will be faithful and believe God.

C2 Temptation--to see if someone will be unfaithful and disbelieve God by disobeying.

B4 How does Yahweh test our faith today? Have you ever been tested?

B5 --How long did Abraham wait until he obeyed? (The next morning).

B6 Students of the Scripture vary on what age Isaac was between 15 and 36.

B7 Would you let you dad take you on a journey like this?

B8 --Why did Abraham tell his servants that "we" will return?

B9 How far will we go to obey the rules that the Lord Jesus gave us?

B10 Why did Isaac let his father tie him up and be placed on the altar? Would you let your dad do this?

B11 --What if Abraham stopped obeying God at this point?

B12 Why did Yahweh do this test instead of something else?

B13 What would be the greatest test to you? What if all our money was gone and there was no promise of more coming?

B14

C1 Scripture says, "...now I know..." Here Yahweh is speaking. Did God have to learn something? Was He ignorant of what Abraham would do?

C2 Does Yahweh know the future?

D1 Seems like a silly question but there is a theology idea called Open Theism. It is wrong.

D2 Open Theism teaches

E1 God has an openness to the future, especially as it relates to pray, the problem of evil, and personal relationships.

E2 So do our prayers make a difference?

E3 We "collaborate with God towards the achievement of his goals."

E4 God has decided to wait until prayer happens before making a decision. This would be future that is not known beforehand.

E5 God has flexible strategies for dealing with individuals and all of humanity. For example, "If the Hebrew midwives had feared Pharaoh rather than God and killed the baby boys, then God would have responded accordingly and a different story would have emerged."

E6 God has decided for humanity to have libertarian freedom.

E7 God knows all that can be known, but He does not known what is unknowable--the future. He does have foresight and would know what can be known. They give the example of a meteor hitting the earth in the future.

E8 Also--"Open Theism is the thesis that, because God loves us and desires that we freely choose to reciprocate His love, He has made His knowledge of, and plans for, the future conditional upon our actions. Though omniscient, God does not know what we will freely do in the future. Though omnipotent, He has chosen to invite us to freely collaborate with Him in governing and developing His creation, thereby also allowing us the freedom to thwart His hopes for us. God desires that each of us freely enter into a loving and dynamic personal relationship with Him, and He has therefore left it open to us to choose for or against His will." Quoted from "Open Theism" entry in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

E9 Some Bible passages they quote in support

F1 So the LORD changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people. (, NASB77)

F2 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. ​What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry! (, ESV2011) God is surprised.

F3 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." (, ESV2011) Now God knows.

D3 The issue

E1 Omniscience

E2 Does God know all things or just things that are knowable?

E3 Is the future knowable?

E4 Some future are knowable as predicting where a planet or other heavenly body will be in 50,000 years, but what about people's decisions?

D4 The problem It is wrong because

E1 Based on philosophy and then proof-texted.

E2 What does the Bible say?

F1 Because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things. (, EMTV) God knows everything, not just referring to motives, circumstances, etc.

F2 LORD, you have examined me and you know me. You know everything I do; from far away you understand
all my thoughts. You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. (, GNB92)

F3 All His works are known to God from eternity. (, WPNT) Wilbur Pickering notes, "God hadn't changed; it was always His purpose to include the Gentiles. Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit 'all His works . . . to God from eternity' (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.)."

F4 Remember what happened long ago; acknowledge that I alone am God and that there is no one else like me. From the beginning I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans would never fail, that I would do everything I intended to do. (, GNB92)

E3 Others

F1 William Lane Craig points out that the Lord Jesus knew perfectly and completely what would happen during Passion Week.

F2 He notes in another YouTube video clip that time doesn't affect God like us. He is the eternal now where everything that we call time is equally present and exists. Part 1 and Part 2.

G1 Calvinism sees God decreeing and predestining everything.

G2 Open Theism where God does not know the future perfectly, but when things happen, as in the case of Jesus predicting Peter's denial, then God has decreed that.

G3 Simple foreknowledge. God does not know the event because He decrees it but that the event is known. "God's knowledge chronologically prior to the event is logically posterior to the event. God's knowledge doesn't determine the event. It's the event that determines what God foreknows. And our decisions to not cause something, but it's our choices that determine how certain propositions are true or false. God being omniscient knows only all true propositions." God knows our choices infallibly. If it would have been a different decision, God would have known that. God would not have any way of planning the future (according to some).

G4 Middle knowledge. This is similar to the simple foreknowledge but adds how God could have this perfect knowledge and "providential control over human history without abridging human freedom." "Prior to God's decision to create the world, God knows how any free creature would freely choose in any circumstances God might place him in. So by choosing to create certain circumstances and put certain creatures in them, God's foreknowledge comes as a result. He knows exactly how that creature will behave, because He knew what that creature would do, if he were in those circumstances. So this gives God foreknowledge of the future on the basis of His knowledge of how persons would freely choose in any circumstances that he might be placed in." This view shows that God can have a plan, since He knows how any person will choose in these circumstances. This would explain not just that God knows but how is it that He can know. In a sense God chooses the circumstances and knows how one will choose. This is different from compatibilism where God decrees the highest and greatest desire, so a person will choose that desire freely over any other desire present.

E4 Consider

F1 Did Jesus foreknow Peter's denial? compared with

F2 Did Jesus foreknow Judas' betrayal? compared with and

F3 Did Jesus foreknow His rejection by Israel? compared with , , and .

F4 The problem would is, are future decisions known or are they decreed. Many open theists would come to the conclusion that some things have been decreed by God. So how can we tell? You can't have it both ways. Does God know, does not know (He gives a good guess based on someone's character and thoughts), or decrees it?

E5 The bottom line is that God does know all things known and unknown (future), past, present, and future.

B15 The substitute

C1 What is the substitute in this verse?

C2 Who provided the ram?

C3 What is the significance of the words "...instead of his son?"

C4 Read "...but God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! (, WPNT). How does this apply to and us? See also "Because Christ also suffered on account of sins, once for all, the righteous on behalf of the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God; having been put to death, to be sure, in flesh but having been made alive in spirit; (, WPNT)

C5 Was God under any obligation to provide the sacrifice? What does this show about God's character?

B16

C1 What is the significance of God's words in verses 15-18?

C2 After Abraham and Isaac returned, what a story they had to tell? Is there any application for us in some way today?

C3 How would his father's faith affect Isaac?

C4 How can we show our faith to our children?

C5 If our future looks dark and foreboding, what will we do? Will we see obey God's rules?

C6 How does our faith grow? Is your faith and mine growing?

C7 This must have been very troubling to Abraham. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone to do God's will?

Hard Questions—about eternal hell

Isn't hell an unreasonable punishment for not believing in a specific set of truth claims?




A1 Definitions

B1 Hell

C1 Hebrew

D1 H7585 שְׁאוֹל sh'owl (sheh-ole'), which grave or world of the dead. It is described as down to the grave as Genesis 42:38, to the world of beings below the surface of the earth as Psalms 55:15, a place of punishment for the wicked Deuteronomy 32:22, a place to avoid that has sorrow and punishment. There is hope, however, as in Job 19:26, Psalms 16:10, and Psalms 19:45.

D2 H6900 קְבוּרָה qbuwrah (keɓ-oo-raw') is the grave. This is a place for the body. It is just like our grave of today. It is not hell.

C2 Greek

D1 G1067 γέεννα geenna (ge'-en-na) was a valley near Jerusalem. Since it was the garbage pit of the area, there were fires continuously burning, thus a picture of the future hell.

D2 G86 ᾅδης hades (ha'-d̮ees) is the same as Sheol in Hebrew.

D3 G5020 ταρταρόω tartaroo (tar-ta-ro'-ō) which is a special holding area for especially wicked, rebellious fallen angels.

D4 Lake of Fire is the final, true hell. God created this for the rebellious, wicked angels. The rebellious, wicked humans will also go there at the final judgment.

C3 For further study see

D1 https://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/hell-sheol-hades-paradise-and-the-grave/ \

D2 http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/hades.htm

B2 Punishment

Law Dictionary--What is PUNISHMENT?

In criminal law, Any pain, penalty, suffering, or confinement inflicted upon a person by the authority of the law and the judgment and sentence of a court, for some crime or offense committed by him, or for his omission of a duty enjoined by law. See Cummings v. Missouri, 4 Wall. 320, 18 L. Ed. 356; Featherstone v. People, 194 N. E. 084; Ex parte Howe, 20 Or. 181, 37 Pac. 530; State v. Grant, 79 Mo. 129, 49 Am. Rep. 218.

 

A2 Answer

B1 People don't go to hell because of their doctrine (truth claims) or if "they asked Jesus in their heart."

B2 People go to hell because they are blasphemers, murderers, adulterers, liars, thieves, etc. Every person (except the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 4:15)) has done these things at least in their thoughts but many times in actions, too.

C1 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, EMTV)

C2 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all the things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." (Galatians 3:10, EMTV)

B3 Nevertheless why would these sins result in eternal damnation?

C1 God's holiness is eternal.

D1 Holiness is a state of not ever breaking a law in thoughts, desires, words, or deeds. If holiness is nothing more than "being separate," then God would be an introverted loner. There has to be some standard of what is sacred and profane. This standard is perfect adherence to the Law of God.

D2 God is holy.

E1 The very definition of "god" would have to have this.

E2 If the definition of "god" could include the idea of not being holy, then what laws would he/she be breaking. Would it be their own laws? Then he/she would be a hypocrite. If it was someone's law, who would that be? Would there then be a higher being than "god?"

D3 "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Exodus 15:11, ESV)

D4 Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the LORD our God is holy. (Psalms 99:9, NKJV)

C2 God's warning that punishment never ends.

D1 "because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:31, NKJV)

D2 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NKJV)

D3 "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8, NKJV)

D4 And these shall go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46, EMTV)

C3 God's forgiveness is based on faith, not sight.

D1 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (John 5:24, NKJV)

D2 What the Law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful nature, to do away with sin. (Romans 8:3, GNB92)

D3 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NKJV)

C4 Humanity's refusal/resistance to God's plea.

D1 "How stubborn you are!" Stephen went on to say. "How heathen your hearts, how deaf you are to God's message! You are just like your ancestors: you too have always resisted the Holy Spirit! (Acts 7:51, GNB92)

D2 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37, EMTV)