Why Is This Happening?

Why Is This Happening?

 

Theme: When God doesn't make sense.

 

Scripture: Job 19:1-27

 

A1 Outline--Job's reply to Bildad

• B1 Questions why his friends hate him so. Job 19:1-7


• B2 Questions why God has does this to him. Job 19:8-22


• B3 States that someday God will come and help him, even raise him from the dead. Job 19:23-29

 

A2 Notes and Questions

• B1 Job 19 is Job's response to Bildad's words in Job 18 (Summary given below)
  
  
  
  • C1 Why are you so angry with us? Do you think we are stupid?
  
  
  • C2 You are wicked. Wicked people are eventually caught, just like wild animals are.
  
  
  • C3 God punishes these very wicked people with death, and people want to forget about them.
  
  
  
  


• B2 Job 19 summary
  
  
  
  • C1 Why are you insulting me?
  
  
  • C2 You think you are better than me.
  
  
  • C3 Can't you see that God has done this?
  
  
  • C4 God has taken everything from me, even hope.
    
    
    
    • D1 My family hates me.
    
    
    • D2 My friends and relatives have deserted me.
    
    
    • D3 My servants treat me like a stranger.
    
    
    • D4 My wife thinks I stink.
    
    
    • D5 Children despise and laugh at me.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

D6 My closest friends have turned against me.

D7 My skin just hangs on my body.

C5 Why don't you have pity on me? You are my closest friends.

C6 God is in heaven and will come to my defense.

C7 Even if I die, God will raise me up some day.

C8 God is judge, not you miserable people.

B3 Did Job understand why these things were happening?

B4 Do we understand why everything happens to us?

B5 What are we to do in times like that?

B6 Can cheering up someone be wrong?

B7 What do we say to someone who is going through suffering?

C1 Listen to them.

C2 Don't make a rash judgment.

C3 Stay silent.

C4 Try to understand the situation.

C5 If we don't know the cause, don't assume one.

C6 A number of Psalms express the pain of a situation.

C7 Consider this list from Nave's Topical Bible

AFFLICTIONS

Psalm 3; 4; 5; 7; 11; 13; 16; 17; 22; 26; 27; 28; 31; 35; 41; 42; 43; 44; 54; 55; 56; 57; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 69; 70; 71; 74; 77; 79; 80; 83; 84; 86; 88; 89; 94; 102; 109; 120; 123; 129; 137; 140; 141; 142; 143

DIDACTIC

Psalm 1; 5; 7; 9; 10; 11; 12; 14; 15; 17; 24; 25; 32; 34; 36; 37; 39; 49; 50; 52; 53; 58; 73; 75; 82; 84; 90; 91; 92; 94; 101; 112; 119; 121; 125; 127; 128; 131; 133

HISTORICAL

Psalm 78; 105; 106

IMPRECATORY

Psalm 5:10; Psalm 6:10; Psalm 9:20; Psalm 10:2; Psalm 10:15; Psalm 25:3; Psalm 28:4; Psalm 31:17; Psalm 31:18; Psalm 35:4; Psalm 35:8; Psalm 35:26; Psalm 40:14; Psalm 40:15; Psalm 54:5; Psalm 55:9; Psalm 55:15; Psalm 56:7; Psalm 58:7; Psalm 59:5; Psalm 59:11; Psalm 59:15; Psalm 68:1; Psalm 68:2; Psalm 69:23; Psalm 69:24; Psalm 69:27; Psalm 69:28; Psalm 70:2; Psalm 70:3; Psalm 71:13; Psalm 79:10; Psalm 79:12; Psalm 83:13-17; Psalm 94:2; Psalm 109:7; Psalm 109:9-20; Psalm 109:28; Psalm 109:29; Psalm 119:78; Psalm 119:84; Psalm 129:5; Psalm 140:9; Psalm 140:10; Psalm 143:12; Psalm 144:6

INTERCESSIONAL

Psalm 20; 67; 122; 132; 144

MESSIANIC

Psalm 2:1-12; Psalm 16:7-11; Psalm 67:1-7; Psalm 68:28-35; Psalm 69:1-36; Psalm 72:1-19; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 96:1-13; Psalm 97:1-12; Psalm 98:1-9; Psalm 99:1-9; Psalm 110:1-7; Psalm 118:19-29

PENITENTIAL

Psalm 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143

PRAISE

For God's attributes

Psalm 8; 19; 24; 29; 33; 47; 50; 65; 66; 76; 77; 93; 95; 96; 97; 99; 104; 111; 113; 114; 115; 134; 139; 147; 148; 150

PROPHETIC

Psalm 2; 16; 22; 40; 45; 68; 69; 72; 87; 97; 110; 118

THANKSGIVING

Psalm 21; 46; 48; 65; 66; 68; 76; 81; 85; 98; 105; 124; 126; 129; 135; 136; 149

For God's goodness to good men

Psalm 23; 34; 36; 91; 100; 103; 107; 117; 121; 145; 146

For God's Mercies to Individuals

Psalm 9; 18; 30; 34; 40; 75; 103; 108; 116; 118; 138; 144

Source: Study Light

B8 Job 19:1-5

C1 What is Job's main complaint against Bildad?

C2 Can words torment?

C3 Is this a form of verbal abuse?

C4 What do we do when we face this?

D1 The Lord Jesus--Luke 13:32, Luke 23:6-9, John 19:9-11, 1 Peter 2:23

D2 Counsel from the Apostles--1 Peter 4:9, 1 Peter 4:12-16, 1 Peter 3:17,

B9 Job 19:6-12

C1 Is it wrong to complain to God? See Psalm 73 and Jonah 4

C2 Why are Job's friends in essence falsely accusing Job?

B10 Job 19:13-20

C1 How do we help others when everyone has forsaken them? Read Psalm 22 and Mark 15:34 (Matthew 27:46).

C2 Do bad things happen to "good" people?

C3 Why do people blame God when everything becomes tragic?

C4 What is some of the things we can do to help others when this happens?

D1 Pray

D2 Listen to that person. Stay quiet. Let them talk.

D3 Do not say harmful things that we often think help but only makes matters worse.

E1 "Things could be worse."

E2 "You'll get over it."

E3 "Stop pitying yourself."

E4 "Get over it."

E5 "You already have 3 children."

E6 "You know you could have avoided this."

D4 Say and do some things that are helpful.

E1 "How are you doing. I really mean that." Now stop and listen intently.

E2 "I really don't know what to say, but I can see your grief. Is there something I can do for you?"

E3 Stop by in a few weeks. Bring something nice with you. Stay to chat.

E4 "I sure do appreciate you loved one. I remember how she/he helped me with..."

D5 What are some other things to say and do and things not to say or do?

B11 Job 19:21-22

C1 How did Job's friends fail him?

C2 What is Job asking his friends to do?

B12 Job 19:23-27

C1 Was Job's request in verses 23 and 24 answered?

C2 What is Job's hope? (Job 19:25-27)

C3 Our resurrection

D1 Here, Daniel 12:2-3, Daniel 12:13, Matthew 22:29-33, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, etc.

D2 The resurrection is important see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.

D3 For explanations of the resurrection's importance see here and here

B13 Job 19:28-29, what is Job saying to his friends?

B14 Have you ever struggled with the feeling that God has abandoned you? What did you do? How can you use this experience to help others?

Sunday School Lesson--Why Is This Happening?

Why Is This Happening?



 

Theme: When God doesn't make sense.

 

Scripture: Job 19:1-27

 

A1 Outline--Job's reply to Bildad

• B1 Questions why his friends hate him so. Job 19:1-7


• B2 Questions why God has does this to him. Job 19:8-22


• B3 States that someday God will come and help him, even raise him from the dead. Job 19:23-29

 

A2 Notes and Questions

• B1 Job 19 is Job's response to Bildad's words in Job 18 (Summary given below)
  
  
  
  • C1 Why are you so angry with us? Do you think we are stupid?
  
  
  • C2 You are wicked. Wicked people are eventually caught, just like wild animals are.
  
  
  • C3 God punishes these very wicked people with death, and people want to forget about them.
  
  
  
  


• B2 Job 19 summary
  
  
  
  • C1 Why are you insulting me?
  
  
  • C2 You think you are better than me.
  
  
  • C3 Can't you see that God has done this?
  
  
  • C4 God has taken everything from me, even hope.
    
    
    
    • D1 My family hates me.
    
    
    • D2 My friends and relatives have deserted me.
    
    
    • D3 My servants treat me like a stranger.
    
    
    • D4 My wife thinks I stink.
    
    
    • D5 Children despise and laugh at me.
    
    
    • D6 My closest friends have turned against me.
    
    
    • D7 My skin just hangs on my body.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 Why don't you have pity on me? You are my closest friends.
  
  
  • C6 God is in heaven and will come to my defense.
  
  
  • C7 Even if I die, God will raise me up some day.
  
  
  • C8 God is judge, not you miserable people.
  
  
  
  


• B3 Did Job understand why these things were happening?


• B4 Do we understand why everything happens to us?


• B5 What are we to do in times like that?


• B6 Can cheering up someone be wrong?


• B7 What do we say to someone who is going through suffering?
  
  
  
  • C1 Listen to them.
  
  
  • C2 Don't make a rash judgment.
  
  
  • C3 Stay silent.
  
  
  • C4 Try to understand the situation.
  
  
  • C5 If we don't know the cause, don't assume one.
  
  
  • C6 A number of Psalms express the pain of a situation.
  
  
  • C7 Consider this list from Nave's Topical Bible
  
  
  
  


• AFFLICTIONS


• Psalm 3; 4; 5; 7; 11; 13; 16; 17; 22; 26; 27; 28; 31; 35; 41; 42; 43; 44; 54; 55; 56; 57; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 69; 70; 71; 74; 77; 79; 80; 83; 84; 86; 88; 89; 94; 102; 109; 120; 123; 129; 137; 140; 141; 142; 143




• DIDACTIC


• Psalm 1; 5; 7; 9; 10; 11; 12; 14; 15; 17; 24; 25; 32; 34; 36; 37; 39; 49; 50; 52; 53; 58; 73; 75; 82; 84; 90; 91; 92; 94; 101; 112; 119; 121; 125; 127; 128; 131; 133




• HISTORICAL


• Psalm 78; 105; 106




• IMPRECATORY




• Psalm 5:10; Psalm 6:10; Psalm 9:20; Psalm 10:2; Psalm 10:15; Psalm 25:3; Psalm 28:4; Psalm 31:17; Psalm 31:18; Psalm 35:4; Psalm 35:8; Psalm 35:26; Psalm 40:14; Psalm 40:15; Psalm 54:5; Psalm 55:9; Psalm 55:15; Psalm 56:7; Psalm 58:7; Psalm 59:5; Psalm 59:11; Psalm 59:15; Psalm 68:1; Psalm 68:2; Psalm 69:23; Psalm 69:24; Psalm 69:27; Psalm 69:28; Psalm 70:2; Psalm 70:3; Psalm 71:13; Psalm 79:10; Psalm 79:12; Psalm 83:13-17; Psalm 94:2; Psalm 109:7; Psalm 109:9-20; Psalm 109:28; Psalm 109:29; Psalm 119:78; Psalm 119:84; Psalm 129:5; Psalm 140:9; Psalm 140:10; Psalm 143:12; Psalm 144:6

 

• INTERCESSIONAL


• Psalm 20; 67; 122; 132; 144




• MESSIANIC




• Psalm 2:1-12; Psalm 16:7-11; Psalm 67:1-7; Psalm 68:28-35; Psalm 69:1-36; Psalm 72:1-19; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 96:1-13; Psalm 97:1-12; Psalm 98:1-9; Psalm 99:1-9; Psalm 110:1-7; Psalm 118:19-29




• PENITENTIAL


• Psalm 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143




• PRAISE

 

• For God's attributes


• Psalm 8; 19; 24; 29; 33; 47; 50; 65; 66; 76; 77; 93; 95; 96; 97; 99; 104; 111; 113; 114; 115; 134; 139; 147; 148; 150


• PROPHETIC


• Psalm 2; 16; 22; 40; 45; 68; 69; 72; 87; 97; 110; 118


• THANKSGIVING


• Psalm 21; 46; 48; 65; 66; 68; 76; 81; 85; 98; 105; 124; 126; 129; 135; 136; 149


• For God's goodness to good men


• Psalm 23; 34; 36; 91; 100; 103; 107; 117; 121; 145; 146


• For God's Mercies to Individuals


• Psalm 9; 18; 30; 34; 40; 75; 103; 108; 116; 118; 138; 144


• Source: Study Light


• B8 Job 19:1-5
  
  
  
  • C1 What is Job's main complaint against Bildad?
  
  
  • C2 Can words torment?
  
  
  • C3 Is this a form of verbal abuse?
  
  
  • C4 What do we do when we face this?
    
    
    
    • D1 The Lord Jesus--Luke 13:32, Luke 23:6-9, John 19:9-11, 1 Peter 2:23
    
    
    • D2 Counsel from the Apostles--1 Peter 4:9, 1 Peter 4:12-16, 1 Peter 3:17,
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B9 Job 19:6-12
  
  
  
  • C1 Is it wrong to complain to God? See Psalm 73 and Jonah 4
  
  
  • C2 Why are Job's friends in essence falsely accusing Job?
  
  
  
  


• B10 Job 19:13-20
  
  
  
  • C1 How do we help others when everyone has forsaken them? Read Psalm 22 and Mark 15:34 (Matthew 27:46).
  
  
  • C2 Do bad things happen to "good" people?
  
  
  • C3 Why do people blame God when everything becomes tragic?
  
  
  • C4 What is some of the things we can do to help others when this happens?
    
    
    
    • D1 Pray
    
    
    • D2 Listen to that person. Stay quiet. Let them talk.
    
    
    • D3 Do not say harmful things that we often think help but only makes matters worse.
      
      
      
      • E1 "Things could be worse."
      
      
      • E2 "You'll get over it."
      
      
      • E3 "Stop pitying yourself."
      
      
      • E4 "Get over it."
      
      
      • E5 "You already have 3 children."
      
      
      • E6 "You know you could have avoided this."
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D4 Say and do some things that are helpful.
      
      
      
      • E1 "How are you doing. I really mean that." Now stop and listen intently.
      
      
      • E2 "I really don't know what to say, but I can see your grief. Is there something I can do for you?"
      
      
      • E3 Stop by in a few weeks. Bring something nice with you. Stay to chat.
      
      
      • E4 "I sure do appreciate you loved one. I remember how she/he helped me with..."
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D5 What are some other things to say and do and things not to say or do?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B11 Job 19:21-22
  
  
  
  • C1 How did Job's friends fail him?
  
  
  • C2 What is Job asking his friends to do?
  
  
  
  


• B12 Job 19:23-27
  
  
  
  • C1 Was Job's request in verses 23 and 24 answered?
  
  
  • C2 What is Job's hope? (Job 19:25-27)
  
  
  • C3 Our resurrection
    
    
    
    • D1 Here, Daniel 12:2-3, Daniel 12:13, Matthew 22:29-33, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, etc.
    
    
    • D2 The resurrection is important see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
    
    
    • D3 For explanations of the resurrection's importance see here and here
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B13 Job 19:28-29, what is Job saying to his friends?


• B14 Have you ever struggled with the feeling that God has abandoned you? What did you do? How can you use this experience to help others?

 

Sunday School Lesson--The truth, and nothing but the truth

The truth, and nothing but the truth

Theme: Confronting worldly wisdom.

 

Scripture: Job 13:1-28

 

A1 Outline

• B1 Job tells his friends (?) to shut up Job 13:1-5


• B2 Job tells his friends (?) their speeches are stupid Job 13:6-13


• B3 Job tells God to stop hurting me Job 13:14-28

 

A2 Notes and questions

• B1 Is Job angry?
  
  
  
  • C1 In general how does a person's anger differ from God's anger?
    
    
    
    • D1 Person's anger
      
      
      
      • E1 With passion
      
      
      • E2 Seeks punishment and revenge
      
      
      • E3 Often based on perceptions rather than truth
      
      
      • E4 Based on personal offenses whether right or wrong
      
      
      • E5 we are to set aside our anger (1 Timothy 2:8, Ephesians 4:26)
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 God's anger
      
      
      
      • E1 With passion (Revelation 19:15)
      
      
      • E2 Seeks repentance and reconciliation until repeatedly rejected then seeks punishment and revenge (Romans 1:18, Romans 2:5, Romans 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:9)
      
      
      • E3 Based on truth (Colossians 3:6)
      
      
      • E4 Based on a standard--God's standard (Romans 2:8)
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Would we be angry? Consider all that has happened. Job doesn't know all the background of why these things happened. Job's friends keep assuming that Job has committed horrible, vile sins and needs to repent.
  
  
  
  


• B2 What is truth?
  
  
  
  • C1 Philosophically there are many theories. Consider this chart.
  
  
  • C2 Basically truth is reality.
    
    
    
    • D1 Examples
      
      
      
      • E1 Financial issues. When people deal with money issues whether taxes or buying and selling, they want exactness.
      
      
      • E2 Pain management. When people are in pain as after surgery or in an accident, they are facing reality and want pain control. Reality wins.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 People often put faith in something or someone so strongly that when their chosen does something evil or stupid, they still believe what he/she says. Often they also become defenders and will harangue others, bullying them into correctness (as they see it). Most often this is seen in politics and to a little lesser way in "spiritual" leaders.
    
    
    • D3 Reality. What is reality?
      
      
      
      • E1 Groups and people make presentations promoting their view(s).
      
      
      • E2 They present this as reality.
      
      
      • E3 Often it is selective.
      
      
      • E4 It is usually called fraud.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D4 Everyone should be a little skeptical.
    
    
    • D5 No one should have blind faith.
    
    
    • D6 Christians need to have and practice a reasonable faith. Instead of just believing because someone makes claims, we need to find evidence that is most reasonable. Sources: Cold Case Christianity, Who moved the stone?,
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C3 Give some examples of truth.
  
  
  
  


• B3 What is wisdom?
  
  
  
  • C1 Some definitions
    
    
    
    • D1 Knowledge--knowing facts as in 1+1=2
    
    
    • D2 Understand--knowing why 1+1=2. ☺+☺=☺☺
    
    
    • D3 Wisdom--knowing facts, understanding why, then how to apply it.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Worldly wisdom (wisdom, James 3:15)
    
    
    
    • D1 If we adopt the definition that wisdom is knowledge plus understanding, then using this according to a person's own standard.
    
    
    • D2 Example--Today's politicians
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C3 Godly wisdom (wisdom from above, James 3:17)
    
    
    
    • D1 If we adopt the definition that wisdom is knowledge plus understanding, then using this according to God's standard.
    
    
    • D2 Example--The Lord Jesus (John 7:46, Luke 20:27-40).
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C4 Give some examples of worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
  
  
  
  


• B4 Job's 3 friends gave Job reasons for his calamity. The main idea they had was, "You have sinned. God is punishing you. You need to confess your sin and ask God for forgiveness." Was this an example of worldly or godly wisdom? Support your answer.


• B5 Because of the difficulties with his 3 friends, Job then wishes to take his case to God. Is this wise?


• B6 Job's friends spoke many words. Were these words inspired by God? Does inspiration mean all words in the Bible are the words of God? (No, it does guarantee that the words recorded are 100% accurate).


• B7 What kind of wisdom is best for all? (Godly wisdom).


• B8 How do we apply godly wisdom for...
  
  
  
  • C1 Being falsely accused?
  
  
  • C2 Slandered?
  
  
  • C3 Libeled?
  
  
  • C4 Insulted and reviled?
  
  
  • C5 Screaming in our face?
  
  
  • C6 Threats of violence if we continue to believe, teach, and preach as we do?
  
  
  • C7 Loss of family due to sickness or accident?
  
  
  • C8 Financial loss?
  
  
  • C9 Threats of divorce for ourselves or others?
  
  
  • C10 Church members who drift into doctrinal or lifestyle errors?
  
  
  
  


• B9 Where do we find wisdom? (In prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, godly counsel, and faith in God).


• B10 How do we know God's wisdom in circumstances? We can know God's will by...
  
  
  
  • C1 The Scriptures that tell us we MUST do something.
  
  
  • C2 The Scriptures that tell us we MUST NOT do something.
  
  
  • C3 Principles to do or not to do.
  
  
  • C4 Examples/illustrations of those who did or did not so something and what happened.
  
  
  • C5 What examples might we give on
    
    
    
    • D1 Who should I marry?
    
    
    • D2 Should I buy this house?
    
    
    • D3 Should I take this job?
    
    
    • D4 Should I quit this job?
    
    
    • D5 Should I retire?
    
    
    • D6 Should I go to college or not, and where should I go?
    
    
    • D7 Should I be a pastor, missionary, etc.?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B11 How do we know someone's advice, beliefs, or anything someone tells us is true?


• B12 Was it right for Job to take his complaint and judicial case to God?


• B13 Job 13:1-5, what was Job's main argument against his friends? (He knew as much as they did. He was not stupid).


• B14 Job 13:6-13, what was Job's accusing his friends of? (lying about the reason for his suffering and his character).


• B15 Job 13:14-28
  
  
  
  • C1 Job 13:14-18, what is Job saying? ("I've lost all hope, so I'm going to make my appeal directly to God").
  
  
  • C2 Job 13:19-21, what is Job saying to God? ("Are you going to come and accuse me? Secondly, please stop hurting me).
  
  
  • C3 Job 13:22-23, what is Job saying to God here? ("What have I done wrong? What is my sin)?
  
  
  • C4 Job 13:24-25, what is Job saying to God? ("I'm don't understand why you are treating me like an enemy)?
  
  
  • C5 Job 13:26-28, now what is Job saying? ("I know that I'm a sinner. I sinned in my youth. Now, I am rotting away).
  
  
  
  


• B16 Do we believe that God is the source of truth?


• B17 Why do people turn to worldly wisdom instead of godly wisdom?

 

Essential Truths

Essential Truths

 

The truth is that anyone who claims to be a Christian, i.e., to be a follower of Jesus Christ, needs to follow His teachings! As obvious as that should be, and as much as it is professed, fewer and fewer Christians (a group that includes many who call themselves Bible-believing Christians) truly adhere to the necessity of going by the teachings and instructions of the Word of God. Although the Bible is wonderfully profound, its fundamental truths can be readily understood by every believer who is born of the Spirit of God. God, who is no respecter of persons, does not play favorites regarding one's intellect (Acts 10:34; 1 Corinthians 1:27). He makes very clear the revelation of Himself, His characteristics, His plan for His creation, His solution for the problem of sin, the reconciliation of the lost to Himself, and other essential issues.

From 1 May 16 The Berean Call

 

http://www.thebereancall.org/content/new-age-mysticism-d-ja-vu-part-three

 

Sunday School Lesson--When It All Comes Crashing Down

When It All Comes Crashing Down



Theme: When life falls apart

Scripture: Job 1:1-2:3

A1 Outline

• B1 The background--Job, his character, his family Job 1:1-1:5


• B2 The accuser attacks Job--satan, job, Yahweh Job 1:6-12


• B3 The first attack--Job loses family and all belongings Job 1:13-22


• B4 The second attack--Job loses his health Job 2:1-10 (for our study specifically looking at Yahweh's response to satan about Job).

A2 Notes and Questions

• B1 The background
  
  
  
  • C1 Uz--the general area is western Saudi Arabia. It is east of Israel.
  
  
  • C2 Job--husband, father, business, rancher, farmer, etc.
  
  
  
  


• B2 What do the Scriptures say about Job's character?
  
  
  
  • C1 Blameless
    
    
    
    • D1 This is not sinless. Blameless would be one who strives follow God's laws. Blameless would be who asks forgiveness from God, ask for wisdom, strength, and success in doing God's will. See 2 Peter 3:14. For examples see Joshua 2:17 and Matthew 12:5.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Upright--Being an upright person would be someone who strives to do things according to God's way of life. See Psalm 119:128
  
  
  • C3 Fears God--Fear as in afraid. Why fear? God is judge, and someday we have to give an account of ourselves (as Christians. Romans 14:12) or face the wrath of God (as non-Christian, Revelation 20:11-15)
  
  
  • C4 Shuns evil--evil is thinking and/or doing opposite of what God would do and act.
  
  
  
  


• B3 What was Job's concern for his children?


• B4 What is satan doing? (Job 1:6-7)


• B5 What is God's question to satan? What is satan's answer? Why does satan answer this way?


• B6 Was it God's decree and will for Job's children to be murdered and all possessions lost? (No) Why did God allow this?


• B7 Job 1:16, was the witness correct when he stated, "The fire of God...?"


• B8 Job 1:21-22, what was Job's response to his loss? How would we handle this?


• B9 Job 1:21, did God give? Did God take away? Who did the taking away?


• B10 Can satan kill? John 8:44


• B11 Ever have a bad day? How do we respond?


• B12 What are some of the most horrible things that happened in your life?


• B13 How do we handle false witness, bullying, slander, libel, etc.?


• B14 Do we only serve God because things are good, only to have our best life now, only to see our "seed" faith make us rich?


• B15 Why is there evil and bad things in the world? Isn't God a god of love? Isn't He strong enough to prevent it?
  
  
  
  • C1 Considerations
    
    
    
    • D1 Challenges
      
      
      
      • E1 Epicurus:
        
        
        
        • F1 Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
        
        
        • F2 Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent?
        
        
        • F3 Is he both able and willing? Then whence comes evil?
        
        
        • F4 Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
        
        
        
        
      
      
      • E2 Atheist (one version)
        
        
        
        • F1 A good God would destroy evil.
        
        
        • F2 An all-powerful God could destroy evil.
        
        
        • F3 Evil is not destroyed.
        
        
        • F4 Therefore, there cannot possibly be such a good and powerful God.
        
        
        
        
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 What is good?
    
    
    • D3 What is bad/evil?
      
      
      
      • E1 Absence of good? But pain helps medical personnel make a diagnosis.
      
      
      • E2 Frustration of human values (source)?
      
      
      • E3 Breaking God's law?
      
      
      • E4 Punishment for breaking the law?
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 We've covered this before, but the basics are
    
    
    
    • D1 God created everything good. There was no evil on earth.
    
    
    • D2 Adam disobeyed God, that is, Adam sinned.
    
    
    • D3 God punishes sin and curses the world and everything in/on it. This is the evil we face today. It is because of sin. Adam sinned, and so do all of us.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B16 When our world falls apart, does that mean that God is against us? (Maybe, compare Job and King David (2 Samuel 12:1-13 Psalms 51.) Both had "evil" things happen. One was righteous; the other an adulterer and murderer).


• B17 For the believer as Job, what is to be our response to evil?


• B18 For the believer as King David, what is to be our response to evil?


• B19 Why would God allow satan into heaven and accuse Job?


• B20 Why would God allow satan to bring evil on Job?


• B21 Is all evil caused by the devil?


• B22 Who did Job think was his accuser? Was he correct? (He thought it was God, when it reality (truth) it was satan).
  
  
  
  • C1 Jesus was falsely accused, Matthew 27:12
  
  
  • C2 The Apostle Paul, Acts 24.
  
  
  • C3 The end of the accuser, Revelation 12:10.
  
  
  
  


• B23 What do we learn about accusers? How do we handle, respond to, false accusers?
  
  
  
  • C1 Do not blame God, for this is what the false accuser wants.
  
  
  • C2 Do not lose your composure, for this will make the false accuser happy.
  
  
  • C3 Pray.
  
  
  • C4 Tell them, "Have a good day," then leave. Most, if not all, false accusers do not want to discuss or hear the truth.
  
  
  • C5 How did Jesus handle the false accusers in Matthew 27:12?
  
  
  • C6 What did Job do? Job 1:20-22.
  
  
  
  


• B24 According to the lesson, satan often accuses someone of their motives? How do you feel about this?


• B25 Have you ever lost it all? How did you respond? How are we to respond?


• B26 How much power does satan have? Is there a limit to his power?


• B27 What is the ultimate aim of the accuser (satan)?


• B28 Why do people blame God for their problems?


• B29 What and who causes the injustices we see and experience in the world?


• B30 Has God ever experience injustice, suffering, and "evil?" (Jesus died. He was sinless and innocent).


• B31 What attitudes and actions have you and I displayed in trials?


• B32 How do we help each other in these evil things?

 

Hard Questions--Is Christianity a less intelligent worldview than atheism?

Is Christianity a less intelligent worldview than atheism? Why or why not?



A1 Problem (according to the atheist)

• B1 Atheism is based on reason and logic.


• B2 Christianity is based on blind faith in imaginary beings.


• B3 Many modern day scholars have questioned the reliability of the Gospels and the real intentions of Jesus and what He wanted to do. Many have stated that Jesus did not intend to establish a new religion and himself as Messiah. These scholars offer suggestions of reforming Judaism to over throwing the Romans. (For a discussion of this from a Roman Catholic view see here).

A2 Answers

• B1 Christianity is a reasonable faith, not blind faith.


• B2 Jesus is a real, historical being.
  
  
  
  • C1 First century Christians (the Bible and early church fathers) and non-Christians write about a historical Jesus. See here and here
  
  
  • C2 The Gospels in particular and the whole of the New Testament was written when witnesses pro and con were still alive and could refute these writings.
  
  
  
  


• B3 The scholars mentioned above accept some sayings and teachings of Jesus and reject others. They accept those sayings and teachings that lend credence to their views. It is best to take it all as real history or simply reject it as fiction.


• B4 J. Warner Wallace offers the view of the chain of evidence from his book (Cold Case Christianity) and regarding the reliability of the New Testament here.

A3 Sources

• B1 Can Reason Lead Us To A Relationship With God


• B2 Why Science Is Not the Only Path to Knowledge


• B3 Historical Jesus

 

Daily Bible Study--1 John 2:18-23

1 John 2:18-23

 

"Little children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out in order that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I did not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father either. " (1 John 2:18-23, EMTV)



A1 Outline

• B1 Antichrist is coming


• B2 Antichrist description


• B3 Antichrist defeated by truth in the believers


• B4 Antichrist theology

A2 Notes

• B1 Antichrist and antichrists
  
  
  
  • C1 The Greek word is ἀντίχριστος antichristos. The "anti" means both instead of and against.
  
  
  • C2 The person, Antichrist, is not yet ruling his kingdom.
  
  
  • C3 The persons, antichrists, are working in the world.
  
  
  
  


• B2 Antichrist description
  
  
  
  • C1 Is coming, so it is a future event
  
  
  • C2 Were in the church
  
  
  • C3 Left the church. The reason they left is that they were not of us.
  
  
  • C4 Most likely a very likeable person. Consider Judas Iscariot, an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was so trusted that he was the treasurer of the group.
  
  
  • C5 Other things
    
    
    
    • D1 The same individual is described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.
      
      
      
      • E1 Man of sin--a person who plans to sin and carries it out. This is the opposite of the true Messiah, Jesus, who was sinless in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
      
      
      • E2 Son of perdition--a person who is so evil that he is compared to satan himself. This person is evil, thinks evil, and does evil.
      
      
      • E3 Opposes God
      
      
      • E4 Exalts himself to even sit in God's Temple as god.
      
      
      • E5 Lawless--he does not obey any of God's laws in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
      
      
      • E6 Will be destroyed by the true Messiah, Jesus by a word and the brightness of His coming.
      
      
      • E7 Empowered by satan so that he can
        
        
        
        • F1 Do acts of power
        
        
        • F2 Do signs (miracles)
        
        
        • F3 Do lying wonders
        
        
        • F4 Do everything and anything in order to deceive people to rebel against God and follow him.
        
        
        
        
      
      
      • E8 A master of deception who will be followed because people do NOT love truth. For if they would love truth and receive it, they might be saved. Since they do not love truth, want truth, or hear truth, God will send strong delusion as punishment. Then they will believe Antichrist's lie and will be judged.
      
      
      • E9 An encourager of unrighteousness
      
      
      • E10 Does not teach that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, that is, had flesh as his body. (2 John 1:7). This is the so-called "christ spirit" that can come on someone.
      
      
      • E11 Other passages referring to him are Daniel 7:25, Daniel 9, Mark 13:14 (Daniel 9:27), Revelation 13, and his final end in Revelation 19:20 and Revelation 20:10.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B3 Antichrist defeated
  
  
  
  • C1 The real Messiah will defeat the fake messiah at the end of the Tribulation. Read Revelation 19 especially Revelation 19:19-21.
  
  
  • C2 These others, the antichrists, are defeated by knowing truth. We need to know true doctrine and know the true Messiah.
  
  
  
  

A3 Questions

• B1 How did these antichrists get into the church? (A misunderstanding of the Gospel, deception, emotional reasons, etc.).


• B2 Were these antichrists ever believers in the first place? (It appears that they were not).


• B3 What was the proof that they were not of us? (They left).


• B4 What will prevent people from following the Antichrist?


• B6 Who is the one who defeats the Antichrist?